The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2019) and Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2022) represent compelling options for users seeking affordable entertainment and productivity. While both tablets aim for accessibility, they diverge significantly in their underlying hardware and software approaches. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which tablet delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2022) is the better choice. Its Unisoc UMS512 T618 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Fire HD 10’s older Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T, translating to smoother multitasking and app responsiveness. The inclusion of 15W charging is also a plus.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/50 Mbps |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, October | 2022, November 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, November 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 262 x 159 x 9.8 mm (10.31 x 6.26 x 0.39 in) | 247.6 x 157.4 x 7 mm (9.75 x 6.20 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 504 g (1.11 lb) | 477 g (1.05 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) | Unisoc UMS512 T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 | Android 12, One UI 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Plum, Twilight Blue, White | Dark Gray, Silver, Gold |
| Models | KFMAWI | SM-T509 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.38 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) | 1.54 W/kg (body) |
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2019)
- Lower price point makes it very accessible.
- Deep integration with Amazon services.
- Suitable for dedicated media consumption.
- Older, less powerful chipset.
- Slower charging speeds.
- Limited app ecosystem (reliance on Amazon Appstore).
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2022)
- More powerful and efficient Unisoc chipset.
- Access to the full Google Play Store.
- Faster 15W charging.
- Larger battery capacity.
- Slightly higher price.
- Samsung’s One UI can feel bloated to some users.
- Camera quality is still basic.
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a cutting-edge display. Both utilize 10.1-inch panels with a 1920x1200 resolution. However, details beyond this are scarce for the Fire HD 10. The Tab A7 10.4 benefits from a more modern panel, though specifics like peak brightness and color gamut coverage aren't readily available. The Fire HD 10's display is known for its relatively narrow viewing angles, while the Tab A7 likely offers a more consistent experience. Bezels are comparable on both devices, contributing to a similar overall footprint.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is not a strength for either tablet. Both devices feature basic camera setups primarily intended for video calls. Detailed specifications are limited, but it's safe to assume image quality will be adequate in well-lit conditions but suffer in low light. Focusing on camera capabilities for either tablet would be a misallocation of expectations.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4’s Unisoc UMS512 T618 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. This architecture is a step up from the Amazon Fire HD 10’s Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T, which uses four Cortex-A73 cores at 2.0 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz. The A75 cores in the Tab A7 offer superior single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launching and smoother UI navigation. While both are built on a 12nm process, the architectural improvements in the Unisoc chip give it an edge. The Tab A7's performance will be more noticeable when multitasking or running demanding apps.
Battery Life
The Amazon Fire HD 10 (2019) has a 6000 mAh battery, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2022) has a 7040 mAh battery. However, battery life isn’t solely determined by capacity. The more efficient Unisoc chipset in the Tab A7, combined with its 15W wired charging support, provides a more convenient and potentially longer-lasting experience. The Fire HD 10’s charging speed is significantly slower, requiring more time to reach a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2019) if your primary use case revolves around consuming Amazon content – books, videos, music – and you’re deeply embedded in the Amazon ecosystem. Its lower price point makes it a suitable option for families needing a dedicated kids’ tablet. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2022) if you prioritize a more versatile Android experience, better performance for general use and light gaming, and the flexibility of the Google Play Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc UMS512 T618 in the Tab A7 powerful enough for light gaming?
Yes, the Unisoc UMS512 T618 is capable of handling light gaming titles at medium settings. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a noticeable improvement over the Fire HD 10's Mediatek MT8183, allowing for smoother gameplay in less demanding games.
❓ How does the Amazon Fire HD 10’s software experience differ from the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7?
The Fire HD 10 runs Fire OS, a heavily customized version of Android that prioritizes Amazon services. This means a strong emphasis on Amazon’s app store and content ecosystem. The Tab A7 runs Samsung’s One UI on top of standard Android, providing access to the Google Play Store and a more open and customizable experience.
❓ Can I easily install Google apps on the Amazon Fire HD 10?
Installing Google apps on the Fire HD 10 is possible, but it requires sideloading, a process that isn't officially supported by Amazon and can be complex for less tech-savvy users. The Tab A7 comes with Google apps pre-installed and offers seamless integration with Google services.
