Amazon frequently refreshes its Fire HD 10 tablet, but the changes aren't always substantial. We're dissecting the 2019 and 2021 models to determine if the newer iteration justifies an upgrade, especially considering the often-aggressive pricing of the older generation. Both tablets target the budget-conscious consumer, but subtle differences in software optimization and potentially component sourcing could impact the user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) is the better choice, primarily due to potential software optimizations and a slightly more modern build. However, the 2019 model remains a compelling option if found at a significantly lower price point, as the core performance remains identical.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | - |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | - |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, October | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 262 x 159 x 9.8 mm (10.31 x 6.26 x 0.39 in) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 504 g (1.11 lb) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Plum, Twilight Blue, White | Black, Denim, Olive, Lavender |
| Models | KFMAWI | T76N2B, KFTRWI, KFTRPWI |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.38 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) | - |
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2019)
- Lower price point (typically)
- Identical core performance to the 2021 model
- Suitable for basic tasks and media consumption
- Potentially fewer software updates
- May feel slightly dated in design
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)
- Potential for software optimizations and smoother performance
- Likely to receive longer software support
- Slightly more modern design
- Higher price than the 2019 model
- Core performance is identical to the 2019 model
Display Comparison
Both the 2019 and 2021 Fire HD 10 models feature a 10.1-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920x1200. Given the identical specifications, display quality – including brightness, color accuracy, and viewing angles – is expected to be virtually indistinguishable. Neither device boasts advanced display features like high refresh rates or HDR support, typical for this price segment. The bezels are similarly sized on both models, contributing to a functional but not particularly modern aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both the 2019 and 2021 Fire HD 10 is not a strong suit. Both feature a 5MP rear-facing camera and a 2MP front-facing camera. These sensors are adequate for basic video calls and occasional snapshots, but image quality will be limited, especially in low-light conditions. The 2MP front camera is primarily for video conferencing and offers minimal detail. Focusing on camera capabilities for either device is not recommended; they are best suited for media consumption, not creation.
Performance
The core of both tablets is the Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) chipset, paired with an octa-core CPU configuration of 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This means raw processing power is identical. However, Amazon's software optimizations in Fire OS could lead to subtle performance differences in real-world usage on the 2021 model. The 2021 model *may* benefit from slightly improved memory management, but this is difficult to quantify without extensive testing. Both devices likely utilize LPDDR4 RAM, as LPDDR5 was not common in this price bracket at the time of their respective releases.
Battery Life
Both tablets pack a 6,000 mAh battery. While the battery capacity is the same, the 2021 model *might* benefit from slight power efficiency improvements due to software optimizations. Charging speeds are also similar, utilizing a proprietary charging port. Expect approximately 4-5 hours of video playback on both devices, depending on brightness levels and usage patterns. Neither tablet supports fast charging technologies.
Buying Guide
Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2019) if you prioritize absolute cost savings and are comfortable with potentially receiving fewer software updates. It's ideal for basic media consumption and light tasks. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) if you value a potentially smoother user experience, the possibility of longer software support, and a slightly more refined design, even if it comes at a small premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) run demanding games smoothly?
While the Helio P60T chipset can handle some casual gaming, don't expect a high-end gaming experience. Demanding titles will likely require low graphics settings and may still exhibit frame rate drops. Both models share the same chipset, so gaming performance will be similar.
❓ How long will Amazon support the Fire HD 10 (2019) with software updates?
Amazon's software update policy for Fire tablets is not always consistent. However, the 2019 model is nearing the end of its support lifecycle. The 2021 model is likely to receive updates for a longer period, offering enhanced security and potentially new features.
❓ Can I use a USB-C charger with either of these tablets?
No, both the 2019 and 2021 Fire HD 10 tablets use a proprietary charging port, not USB-C. You'll need to use the included charger or a compatible Amazon-branded charger.
