The BlackBerry Playbook HSPA+ represents a bygone era of business-focused tablets, while the Amazon Fire HD 7 embodies the modern budget tablet landscape. This comparison isn't about crowning a single winner, but understanding how drastically tablet priorities have shifted and where each device still holds relevance today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the Amazon Fire HD 7 is the more practical choice. Its quad-core processor offers significantly better performance for media consumption and basic tasks, while the Playbook's aging QNX OS and limited app ecosystem present substantial hurdles. However, the Playbook's unique security features may appeal to niche users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, February | 2014, September. Released 2014, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 194 x 130 x 10 mm (7.64 x 5.12 x 0.39 in) | 191 x 128 x 10.6 mm (7.52 x 5.04 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | No |
| Weight | 425 g (14.99 oz) | 337 g (11.89 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~54.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 142.1 cm2 (~58.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 | Quad-core (2x1.5 GHz & 2x1.2 GHz) |
| Chipset | TI OMAP 4430 | - |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX540 | - |
| OS | BlackBerry Tablet OS | Android 4.4 (KitKat - customized), Fire 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 3 MP | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | - | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort) |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML, Adobe Flash | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Talk time | - | Up to 8 h |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Po 5300 mAh battery | Li-Ion, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White, Cobalt, Magenta, Citron |
| Models | - | KFASWI |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
BlackBerry 4G Playbook HSPA+
- Enhanced security features due to QNX OS.
- Unique gesture-based navigation.
- HSPA+ connectivity for mobile data access.
- Outdated operating system with limited app support.
- Slower processor compared to modern tablets.
- Limited availability of software updates.
Amazon Fire HD 7
- Affordable price point.
- Access to Amazon's vast content ecosystem.
- Quad-core processor for improved performance.
- Amazon's Fire OS is heavily customized and ad-supported.
- Lower build quality compared to premium tablets.
- Limited storage options.
Display Comparison
Display specifications for the Playbook are difficult to ascertain precisely, but it features a 7-inch LCD. The Amazon Fire HD 7 also utilizes a 7-inch LCD, but benefits from advancements in panel technology. While the Playbook's display was adequate for its time, the Fire HD 7 likely offers superior color accuracy and viewing angles. The Fire HD 7's resolution is 1024x600, while the Playbook's is 1024x600, meaning resolution is a wash. However, the Fire HD 7 benefits from a more modern backlight, potentially offering better brightness.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet was designed with photography as a primary focus. The Playbook features front and rear cameras, but their resolution is not readily available. The Amazon Fire HD 7 includes a 2MP rear camera and a VGA front camera. Given the low megapixel counts, image quality on both devices will be limited, particularly in low-light conditions. The Fire HD 7's camera is likely marginally better due to advancements in image processing, but neither is suitable for serious photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The BlackBerry Playbook HSPA+ is equipped with a dual-core 1.0 GHz TI OMAP 4430 Cortex-A9 processor. In contrast, the Amazon Fire HD 7 boasts a quad-core processor clocked at 1.5 GHz and 1.2 GHz, suggesting a heterogeneous architecture designed for both performance and efficiency. This translates to a substantial performance advantage for the Fire HD 7 in almost all tasks, from web browsing to app loading. The Fire HD 7's multi-core design allows for better multitasking, a significant benefit over the Playbook's dual-core setup. The Playbook's OMAP 4430, while capable, is based on older fabrication processes, leading to lower efficiency and potentially more heat generation.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for the Playbook is 4800 mAh. The Amazon Fire HD 7 has a 4000 mAh battery. While the Playbook has a larger capacity, the Fire HD 7's more efficient quad-core processor and optimized software likely result in comparable, or even better, real-world battery life. The Fire HD 7 supports 5W charging, while the Playbook's charging specifications are less clear. The Fire HD 7's modern charging standards offer a more predictable and convenient charging experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the BlackBerry 4G Playbook HSPA+ if you prioritize data security and are comfortable with a limited app selection and potentially needing to sideload applications. Its QNX operating system was designed with security in mind, making it suitable for users handling sensitive information. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 7 if you prefer a modern tablet experience with access to a vast content library, streaming services, and a lower price point. It’s ideal for casual users, media consumers, and families.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I install Android apps on the BlackBerry Playbook?
While the Playbook doesn't natively run Android, it's possible to sideload Android apps using a compatibility layer. However, this process is complex, requires technical expertise, and doesn't guarantee full functionality or stability. The experience is far from seamless.
❓ Is the Amazon Fire HD 7 good for gaming?
The Amazon Fire HD 7 can handle casual gaming, but it's not a powerhouse. The quad-core processor is sufficient for less demanding titles, but graphically intensive games may experience lag or reduced frame rates. It's best suited for 2D games and simpler 3D experiences.
❓ How secure is the BlackBerry Playbook compared to the Fire HD 7?
The BlackBerry Playbook's QNX operating system was designed with security as a core principle, offering a more secure environment than the Amazon Fire HD 7's Fire OS. QNX's microkernel architecture and robust security features make it a better choice for users handling sensitive data, though the lack of updates is a concern.
❓ What is the biggest limitation of using the Playbook in 2024?
The most significant limitation is the app ecosystem. The Playbook's app store is largely defunct, and finding compatible apps is extremely difficult. Users often rely on sideloading, which is unreliable and potentially insecure.
