Comprehensive Insight Amazon Fire HD 6 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Amazon Fire HD 6

The Amazon Fire HD 6 is a compact and affordable tablet that was released in October 2014. Aimed at users looking for an economical device with basic functionalities for media consumption and light app usage, the Fire HD 6 comes packed with features designed to enhance the user experience within Amazon's ecosystem. Its discontinuation in subsequent years has left it a relic of early modern tablets, but its characteristics and usability still remain relevant for understanding the progression of tablet technology.

Design and Build Quality

The Fire HD 6 boasts dimensions of 169 x 103 x 10.7 mm and weighs approximately 290 grams, which makes it highly portable and easy to handle with one hand. Its robust build, while somewhat hefty for its category, provides a solid feel offering Corning Gorilla Glass for screen protection. Available in a variety of colors such as Black, White, Cobalt, Magenta, and Citron, the device appeals to users looking for personal aesthetic choices.

Display

Sporting a 6.0-inch IPS LCD screen, the Fire HD 6 provides a modest but vivid display. The 800 x 1280 pixel resolution (with a 16:10 ratio) delivers a pixel density of about 252 ppi, which is adequate for watching videos and reading. Despite its lower screen-to-body ratio of approximately 60%, the display is capable of rendering sharp and clear images and text.

Performance and Hardware

The Amazon Fire HD 6 is powered by a quad-core processor featuring two 1.5 GHz cores and two 1.2 GHz cores, which work adequately for common tasks such as browsing, streaming, and running Amazon apps. The 1GB of RAM, while limited by today’s standards, was relatively competitive at the time for light multitasking. However, the device lacks an expandable memory option, being available in 8GB and 16GB internal storage variants. This might limit its appeal for users needing extensive media storage space.

Operating System

The device runs on a forked version of Android 4.4 KitKat, known as Fire OS 4. This Amazon-customized operating system focuses heavily on promoting Amazon's services and ecosystem, such as Kindle e-books, Amazon Prime Video, and the Amazon Appstore. Users tied into Amazon's ecosystem may find this feature particularly advantageous, while those favoring the traditional Android experience might find it limiting.

Camera Capabilities

The device sports a basic 2 MP rear camera capable of capturing 1080p video at 30fps. Although not designed for advanced photography, it is sufficient for casual snapshots. The front-facing VGA camera provides basic video calling capabilities but lacks the quality needed for detailed selfies. Given its price point, the camera features are aligned with consumer expectations, serving more as a functional add-on rather than a central feature.

Audio and Multimedia

The Fire HD 6 includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, enabling both wireless and wired audio enjoyment. While the audio output caters to average users, enhancements can be achieved through Bluetooth 4.0, which supports A2DP profiles for better sound quality with compatible devices.

Connectivity

Connectivity on the Fire HD 6 is facilitated through Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n support and Bluetooth 4.0. The device does not offer cellular connectivity, NFC, or GPS, which limits its use to wireless internet environments. It employs a microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort) interface for charging and data transfer, aligning with common standards at the time. This set of basic connectivity options covers essential wireless needs, though it foregoes advanced features present in more expensive models.

Battery Life

The device incorporates a non-removable Li-Ion battery that provides a talk time of up to 8 hours, depending largely on usage patterns. This allows for extended media consumption sessions or sustained reading periods, making it suitable for casual daily use or short trips away from power outlets.

Usability and Target Audience

The Amazon Fire HD 6 was designed primarily for users looking to engage with media content and Amazon services without the overhead of more expensive and capable devices. Its appeal lies in the integration with Amazon’s ecosystem and the value-driven price point. Priced at about 90 EUR upon release, the Fire HD 6 offered an entry-level technological experience suitable for those new to tablets or in need of a simple and effective portable media device.

Conclusion

The Amazon Fire HD 6 served as an affordable gateway into the world of tablets. While its specifications may seem modest compared to modern devices, it offered a balanced mix of features aimed at fulfilling basic multimedia needs at a substantially reduced cost. Although discontinued, it remains a testament to Amazon's capability to produce budget-friendly tech products that enrich the user experience within their extensive service ecosystem.