Released in a different era of tablet development, the Apple iPad 3 and the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9 represent divergent philosophies. The iPad 3 aimed for premium, all-around capability, while the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 focused on content consumption at a disruptive price point. This comparison revisits these devices to determine which holds up better today, considering their core hardware and intended use cases.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a versatile tablet experience, the Apple iPad 3 emerges as the superior choice. While the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 offers a lower entry cost, the iPad 3’s more powerful Apple A5X chipset and broader software ecosystem provide a significantly more capable and future-proof device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 4, 17 - AT&T | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | - |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, March. Released 2012, March 16 | 2012, September. Released 2012, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm (9.50 x 7.31 x 0.37 in) | 240 x 164 x 8.8 mm (9.45 x 6.46 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | No |
| Weight | 662 g (1.46 lb) | 567 g (1.25 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | - |
| Resolution | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 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 A5X (45 nm) | TI OMAP 4470 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543MP4 (quad-core graphics) | PowerVR SGX544 |
| OS | iOS 5.1, upgradable to iOS 9.3.5 | Android 4.0 (customized) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 1.3 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | No |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA, videocalling over Wi-Fi only | - |
| Video | 480p@30fps | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 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, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| 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 11560 mAh battery (42.5 Wh) | Non-removable Li-Ion battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black |
| Models | A1430, A1403, iPad3,2, iPad3,3 | - |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular
- Superior performance thanks to the Apple A5X chip.
- Access to Apple’s extensive app ecosystem.
- Camera for photos and video calls.
- Higher price point compared to the Kindle Fire HD 8.9.
- Older device, limited software updates.
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9
- Significantly more affordable.
- Excellent for media consumption (books, videos).
- Tight integration with Amazon’s services.
- Lower performance compared to the iPad 3.
- No camera for photos or video calls.
- Limited app ecosystem.
Display Comparison
The context data lacks specific display details for both devices. However, given the iPad 3’s positioning, it likely featured an IPS LCD panel with a resolution exceeding the Kindle Fire HD 8.9. The 8.9-inch display of the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 suggests a focus on readability, while the iPad 3, with its Retina Display, prioritized pixel density for sharper images. The iPad 3’s display likely had superior color accuracy and viewing angles due to Apple’s display technology at the time.
Camera Comparison
The iPad 3 includes a camera for both photo and video, a feature absent from detailed specifications for the Kindle Fire HD 8.9. While the iPad 3’s camera quality wouldn’t be considered exceptional by today’s standards, its inclusion provides versatility for capturing quick photos or video calls. The Kindle Fire HD 8.9’s omission of a camera reinforces its focus on media consumption rather than content creation. The iPad 3’s camera, even with its limitations, offers a functionality the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 simply lacks.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9 utilizes a TI OMAP 4470 with a dual-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU, while the iPad 3 boasts Apple’s A5X, a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9. Despite the higher clock speed, the A5X’s architecture and the 45nm manufacturing process give it a significant advantage. The A5X includes a quad-core GPU, vastly outperforming the OMAP 4470’s graphics capabilities. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a better gaming experience on the iPad 3. The A5X’s optimized architecture also contributes to better power efficiency despite the more demanding GPU.
Battery Life
Battery life is difficult to assess without specific mAh ratings. However, the iPad 3’s A5X chip, despite its performance advantage, benefits from a relatively efficient architecture. The Kindle Fire HD 8.9’s OMAP 4470, while clocked higher, is less optimized. Real-world usage would likely show comparable battery life, with the iPad 3 potentially edging out the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 during demanding tasks due to its more efficient power management. Charging speeds are also unknown, but Apple typically prioritized faster charging even in this era.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding tasks, benefit from Apple’s extensive app ecosystem, and require cellular connectivity for on-the-go use. Buy the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9 if you prioritize affordability, primarily consume media (books, videos, music), and are heavily invested in Amazon’s services.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TI OMAP 4470 chipset in the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 prone to overheating during extended use?
The OMAP 4470 is a relatively older chipset. While not inherently prone to *severe* overheating, it will likely experience thermal throttling during prolonged, demanding tasks like gaming. The iPad 3’s A5X, despite its performance, benefits from Apple’s thermal management design, potentially offering more sustained performance.
❓ Does the iPad 3 still receive software updates, and is it secure to use in 2024?
The iPad 3 is no longer officially supported with software updates from Apple. This poses a security risk, as it won’t receive critical patches. Using it for sensitive tasks like online banking is not recommended. However, for basic media consumption and offline use, it remains functional, but with inherent security vulnerabilities.
❓ Can I sideload apps onto the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 to expand its functionality?
Yes, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 allows sideloading apps, but it requires some technical knowledge. While this expands the app selection beyond the Amazon Appstore, compatibility isn’t guaranteed, and the experience may not be as seamless as with native apps. It's a viable option for users comfortable with the process.
