The budget tablet market is booming, and two contenders stand out: the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Fire HD 10 (2021) edges out the Tab A7 Lite thanks to its slightly faster processor and larger display. However, the Tab A7 Lite's access to the Google Play Store and Samsung's brand recognition are significant advantages. It's a close call, depending on your priorities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 | 2021, May 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame, plastic ends |
| Dimensions | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) | 212.5 x 124.7 x 8 mm (8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 465 g (1.03 lb) | 366 g (Wi-Fi), 371 g (LTE) (12.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Aluminosilicate glass | - |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.1% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| 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, compass |
| | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Denim, Olive, Lavender | Gray, Silver |
| Models | T76N2B, KFTRWI, KFTRPWI | SM-T225, SM-T220, SM-T225N, SM-T227U |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.68 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)
- Larger Display
- Faster Processor
- Good Value for Money
- Alexa Integration
- Limited App Selection (Amazon Appstore)
- Basic Camera
- Slower Charging
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
- Access to Google Play Store
- Samsung Brand Reputation
- Compact and Portable
- 15W Charging
- Smaller Display
- Slower Processor
- Lower Resolution Display
- Basic Camera
Display Comparison
The Fire HD 10 (2021) boasts a 10.1-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, offering a slightly sharper image than the Tab A7 Lite's 8.7-inch, 1333 x 800 display. While both are LCD panels, the Fire HD 10's larger size provides a more immersive viewing experience for videos and games.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. The Fire HD 10 (2021) has a 5MP front and rear camera, while the Tab A7 Lite features an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera. Image quality is adequate for video calls but not impressive for photography.
Performance
The Fire HD 10 (2021) utilizes a Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T, which generally provides a noticeable performance boost over the Tab A7 Lite's MT8768T Helio P22T. Expect smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times on the Fire HD 10. However, both tablets are best suited for casual use and may struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
The Tab A7 Lite offers a slightly larger battery capacity (5100 mAh) compared to the Fire HD 10 (2021) (6380 mAh). However, real-world battery life is comparable, with both devices providing around 8-10 hours of moderate use. The Tab A7 Lite's 15W wired charging is a slight advantage over the Fire HD 10's slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
The Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) is ideal for media consumption, reading, and light gaming, especially if you're already invested in the Amazon ecosystem. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a better choice for users who want access to the full Google Play Store and a more versatile Android experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I install Google Play Store on the Fire HD 10?
While possible, installing the Google Play Store on the Fire HD 10 is a complex process and not officially supported by Amazon. It may void your warranty and introduce stability issues.
❓ Which tablet is better for kids?
Both tablets offer parental control features. The Tab A7 Lite's access to the Google Play Store provides a wider range of kid-friendly apps, but the Fire HD 10's Amazon Kids+ subscription offers a curated and safe environment for children.
