The Amazon Fire HD 10 is a popular choice for budget-friendly tablets, offering a blend of affordability and functionality. But with a new model released in 2021, is it worth upgrading from the 2019 version? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you make the right decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Fire HD 10 (2021) offers subtle but noticeable improvements over the 2019 model, primarily in display quality and performance. While the core processor remains the same, the 2021 version's software optimizations and slightly improved RAM make it the better overall choice, especially if you value a sharper screen.
| 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 | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 | 2019, September. Released 2019, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) | 262 x 159 x 9.8 mm (10.31 x 6.26 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 465 g (1.03 lb) | 504 g (1.11 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 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~71.0% 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 2 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, 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, Denim, Olive, Lavender | Black, Plum, Twilight Blue, White |
| Models | T76N2B, KFTRWI, KFTRPWI | KFMAWI |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.38 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)
- Improved Display Brightness & Color Accuracy
- Slightly Better Performance
- Refined Software Experience
- Slimmer Bezels
- Slow Charging
- Limited Camera Quality
- Still Runs Fire OS (Amazon's Custom OS)
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2019)
- Lower Price (Often on Sale)
- Decent Performance for Basic Tasks
- Good Battery Life
- Reliable Amazon Ecosystem Integration
- Less Bright Display
- Slightly Slower Performance
- Older Software
- Slow Charging
Display Comparison
The 2021 Fire HD 10 boasts a 10% improvement in brightness and a slightly sharper display thanks to improved color accuracy. Both have a 10.1-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, but the 2021 model's enhancements make a noticeable difference in viewing photos and videos. The 2019 model is still perfectly adequate, but the 2021 offers a more premium visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is largely unchanged between the two models. Both feature a 5MP front and rear camera, suitable for basic video calls and casual snapshots. Don't expect stellar image quality from either device.
Performance
While both tablets share the same Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T chipset, the 2021 model benefits from software optimizations and potentially slightly improved RAM management. This results in smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience, particularly when running multiple apps or playing less demanding games. The 2019 model can feel a bit sluggish at times.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable between the two, offering around 10-12 hours of mixed usage. Both models support 5W charging, which is relatively slow compared to modern tablets.
Buying Guide
The Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) is ideal for casual users, students, and families who want a reliable tablet for media consumption, browsing, and light productivity. If you're on a tight budget and already own the 2019 model, the upgrade might not be essential. However, the 2019 model remains a solid option for basic tablet needs and is often available at a lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Fire HD 10 (2021) a significant upgrade over the 2019 model?
It's a subtle upgrade. The display and performance are improved, but the core hardware is the same. If you're happy with your 2019 model, the upgrade isn't essential.
❓ What is Fire OS, and is it good?
Fire OS is Amazon's custom operating system based on Android. It's heavily integrated with Amazon services like Prime Video and Kindle, which can be convenient. However, it lacks some of the features and customization options of standard Android.
