The early tablet landscape was a battleground for defining the category. Apple’s iPad 2, released in 2011, quickly became the benchmark, but Amazon entered the fray in 2012 with the Kindle Fire HD 8.9, aiming to disrupt with a lower price and content-focused approach. This comparison revisits these devices, analyzing their hardware and assessing which tablet aged more gracefully.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user today, the iPad 2, despite its age, is the better choice. While the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 boasted a faster CPU clock speed, the iPad 2’s more refined ecosystem, video recording capability, and generally better build quality provide a more usable experience in 2024.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA 14.4/2 Mbps | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, March. Released 2011, March | 2012, September. Released 2012, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.2 x 185.7 x 8.8 mm (9.50 x 7.31 x 0.35 in) | 240 x 164 x 8.8 mm (9.45 x 6.46 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | No |
| Weight | 607 g (1.34 lb) | 567 g (1.25 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | - |
| Resolution | 768 x 1024 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~132 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~254 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~65.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.9 inches, 229.7 cm2 (~58.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | Apple A5 (45 nm) | TI OMAP 4470 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543MP2 | PowerVR SGX544 |
| OS | iOS 4, upgradable to iOS 9.3.5 | Android 4.0 (customized) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 512MB RAM, 32GB 512MB RAM, 64GB 512MB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 0.7 MP | 1.3 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | No |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML (Safari) | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro |
| | - | HDMI port
MP4/VP8/H.263 player
MP3/WAV/AAC/OGG/E-AC-3 player
Organizer
Document viewer
Photo viewer/editor
Free cloud storage for all Amazon content
Text-to-Speech english-language content reader
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 720 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | - |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Po 6930 mAh battery (25 Wh) | Non-removable Li-Ion battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black |
| Models | A1396, A1397, iPad2,2 | - |
| Price | About 370 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR EU | 1.19 W/kg (body) | - |
Apple iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G
- More versatile iOS ecosystem
- Video recording capability
- Better build quality and materials
- Smaller screen size
- Slower CPU clock speed
- Limited software support
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9
- Larger 8.9-inch display
- Faster CPU clock speed (1.5 GHz)
- Lower initial price point (at launch)
- Amazon-centric software experience
- No video recording capability
- Likely non-existent software updates
Display Comparison
The iPad 2 features a display with a contrast ratio of 775:1, a respectable figure for its time. However, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9’s 8.9-inch screen size offers a significantly larger viewing area. While neither device boasts the high resolutions or advanced panel technologies of modern tablets, the larger size of the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 makes it more suitable for reading magazines and watching videos, though color accuracy and viewing angles are likely inferior to the iPad 2. The iPad 2’s smaller size makes it more portable, but the screen feels cramped by today’s standards.
Camera Comparison
The iPad 2 includes a video recording capability, a feature absent from the Kindle Fire HD 8.9’s specifications. While the iPad 2’s camera quality is rudimentary by modern standards, the ability to capture video provides a level of functionality the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 simply lacks. Given the context data, it's safe to assume the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 lacks any meaningful camera functionality, focusing instead on content consumption.
Performance
Both tablets utilize dual-core Cortex-A9 processors, but the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9 edges out the iPad 2 with a 1.5 GHz clock speed compared to the iPad 2’s 1.0 GHz. This suggests a theoretical performance advantage for the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 in CPU-intensive tasks. However, the Apple A5 chipset (fabricated on a 45nm process) benefits from Apple’s tight hardware-software integration and optimized iOS. Real-world performance will likely be more nuanced, with the iPad 2 feeling smoother in everyday tasks due to iOS optimizations. The A5’s architecture is also more efficient, potentially leading to better battery life under similar workloads.
Battery Life
Battery life is difficult to assess without specific mAh ratings. However, the Apple A5’s 45nm fabrication process and iOS optimizations likely contribute to better power efficiency compared to the TI OMAP 4470 in the Kindle Fire HD 8.9. The Kindle Fire HD 8.9’s larger screen size will also draw more power. While charging speeds were slow on both devices by today’s standards, the iPad 2’s more efficient chipset likely translates to longer real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G if you need a device with a more versatile app ecosystem, the ability to record video, and a generally more polished user experience, even if it's limited by its age. Buy the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9 if you prioritize a larger screen for media consumption and are comfortable with a more locked-down, Amazon-centric experience, understanding its software support is likely non-existent.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TI OMAP 4470 chip in the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 prone to overheating during extended use?
While the OMAP 4470 is a capable processor, its 45nm fabrication process and the Kindle Fire HD 8.9’s thermal design likely mean it could experience throttling during prolonged, demanding tasks like gaming. The iPad 2’s A5, while slower clocked, benefits from Apple’s thermal management and iOS optimizations, potentially leading to more consistent performance.
❓ Can I still download apps on either the iPad 2 or the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 in 2024?
App support is a major limitation for both devices. The iPad 2 can run older versions of iOS, allowing access to a limited selection of apps from the App Store. However, many apps are no longer compatible. The Kindle Fire HD 8.9 relies on the Amazon Appstore, which has even more limited app availability, and software support has likely ceased entirely.
❓ Does the iPad 2’s 3G connectivity still function on modern cellular networks?
The iPad 2’s 3G modem supports older cellular standards. While it may still connect to a 3G network in some regions, it will not be compatible with 4G or 5G networks. Its 3G functionality is therefore severely limited in areas where 3G networks have been decommissioned.
