Amazon Fire 7 2017 Unveiling Specs Features Prices & Reviews

Design and Build Quality

The Amazon Fire 7 (2017) was launched with a simple yet practical design, and its physical dimensions of 192 x 115 x 9.6 mm were comfortable enough to hold. Weighing in at 295 grams, it struck a balance between being lightweight yet sturdy. Available in a range of vibrant colors including Black, Canary Yellow, Marine Blue, and Punch Red, the Fire 7 gave users the freedom to choose a device that matched their personal style.

Its body was crafted out of plastic, a common choice in the budget tablet segment, providing durability and resistance against minor drops and mishaps. The absence of a SIM option indicated its sole dependence on Wi-Fi connectivity, making it a dedicated at-home or Wi-Fi hotspot device. The ergonomically designed tablet featured rounded edges, making it convenient to hold during extended reading or browsing sessions.

Display Quality

The Fire 7 boasted a 7.0-inch IPS LCD screen, which was a significant feature at its price point. With a resolution of 600 x 1024 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:9, the display was suitable for reading, watching videos, or playing games, although the pixel density of approximately 170 ppi meant that images and text weren't as sharp as those on higher-end devices. Nevertheless, the IPS technology provided great viewing angles, rendering it perfect for media consumption where multiple viewers might gather around the tablet.

The screen-to-body ratio of around 62.5% was modest, resulting in noticeable bezels, but it allowed for a secure grip around the edges without accidental screen touches.

Performance

Powered by a Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor and a Mediatek MT8127 chipset, the Amazon Fire 7 was engineered for basic tasks. It was never meant to compete with high-end tablets, rather it served individuals focused on casual browsing, reading, and light gaming. Accompanying the chipset was a Mali-450MP4 GPU which handled basic graphics needs adequately.

The 1GB RAM allowed for limited multitasking; users could comfortably run a couple of applications simultaneously, although switching between too many apps could lead to performance bottlenecks. The device came with two storage options, 8GB and 16GB. Fortunately, the inclusion of a microSDXC slot meant users could expand storage to keep up with their growing content needs.

Software and Features

Running on Amazon's customized version of Android 5.1 (Lollipop), namely Fire OS 5.4, the Fire 7 integrated smoothly with Amazon’s ecosystem. It prominently featured Amazon services like Kindle, Prime Video, and Alexa, positioning itself as an excellent device for Amazon Prime members. The OS was tailored to ensure ease of content consumption, with user-friendly navigation and interface.

The Fire 7 came with a plethora of Amazon applications pre-installed. For those entrenched within the Amazon ecosystem, this device offered delightful integration and convenience, although it ultimately limited the availability of Google services.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a 2 MP rear camera, the Fire 7 was not a device celebrated for its photographic potential. It provided basic photo-taking capabilities, suitable for quick snaps or documenting notes rather than professional photography. The camera could capture 720p videos, which sufficed for elementary recording tasks.

The front-facing VGA camera was there to facilitate video calls, but users shouldn’t expect high-definition video quality. Nonetheless, for a device in this price range, having both front and rear cameras was a welcome feature.

Connectivity Options

The Fire 7 supported Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band capabilities, ensuring decent connectivity and performance when browsing the web or streaming content. While it lacked cellular connectivity, its Bluetooth 4.0 feature enabled connections with a variety of peripherals, such as headphones and speakers.

The absence of GPS or NFC might have been a limitation for some, but these features are less critical in a tablet primarily designed for home use or Wi-Fi environments. The inclusion of a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support allowed users to connect external USB devices, which was a useful feature for accessing documents or multimedia content off external drives.

Battery Life

The Fire 7 sported a non-removable Li-Ion 2980 mAh battery, which Amazon claimed offered up to 8 hours of mixed usage. This duration typically covered reading, web browsing, watching videos, and occasional gaming, making it suitable for day trips or long commutes.

While the battery performance was average, users mindful of their consumption patterns found it sufficient for their daily activities. Charging times were relatively standard, with no fast-charging options available, necessitating some planning for recharging during downtime.

Sound and Multimedia

The Fire 7 included a mono loudspeaker which delivered adequate audio quality for casual use. Paired with the headphone jack, users had the flexibility to enjoy content through earphones or external speakers for a more amplified sound.

Given its positioning as a media device, it was great for streaming music, movies, or audiobooks from Amazon's rich library selection, offering users a robust media experience especially when accompanied by external audio solutions.

Conclusion

The Amazon Fire 7 (2017) offered a compelling package for its price point. It served as an entry point into the tablet market, designed especially for casual users and those entrenched within the Amazon ecosystem. Its practical design, combined with Amazon's tailored features, made it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a device for everyday entertainment.

Though it faced limitations in terms of higher-end performance tasks and multimedia production, the Fire 7 (2017) established itself as a reliable companion for leisurely activities such as reading, browsing, and streaming content. Its low price, coupled with expandable storage and access to Amazon services, made it a solid contender in the entry-level tablet market.