Amazon Kindle Fire HD 89 Unveiling Specs Prices and Performance

Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9 Overview

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9 is a well-regarded tablet that was announced in September 2012 and released in October 2012. Although it has been discontinued, it remains a favorite for many due to its impressive specifications and solid build. This article delves into various aspects of the device, including its design, display, performance, and more.

Design and Build

The Kindle Fire HD 8.9 sports a sleek design with dimensions measuring 240 x 164 x 8.8 mm (9.45 x 6.46 x 0.35 in) and a weight of 567 g (1.25 lb), making it substantial yet portable. This device was made with user comfort in mind, allowing for prolonged use without significant fatigue. Its black color adds to its elegance, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate minimalist aesthetics.

Display Features

The tablet boasts an impressive 8.9-inch display with a 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution, offering clear and vibrant visuals. The IPS LCD technology used in the screen enhances viewability at various angles, making it ideal for watching movies, reading e-books, or browsing the web. With a pixel density of approximately 254 ppi, users can enjoy sharp and detailed images.

Performance and Hardware

Powered by the TI OMAP 4470 chipset, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 is equipped with a dual-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a PowerVR SGX544 GPU. This combination ensures that the device can handle everyday tasks with ease, providing a smooth user experience whether you're multitasking or running resource-intensive applications. Although fitted with 1GB RAM, it’s sufficient enough for the kind of multitasking expected from a tablet of its era.

Operating System

The device runs on a customized version of Android 4.0, which was widely popular for its user-friendly interface at the time of the tablet's release. This customized OS allows Amazon to provide a tailored user experience with a focus on access to Amazon's ecosystem, including Kindle books, Prime Video, and more.

Storage

The Kindle Fire HD 8.9 comes in two storage variants, 16GB and 32GB with 1GB RAM. Although it lacks a card slot for expandable memory, the internal storage options are ample for storing a decent collection of apps, books, and multimedia files. For those who require more storage capacity, cloud storage options are available through Amazon's services.

Camera

The device is equipped with a single 1.3 MP camera, primarily designed for video calling rather than high-quality photography, as it lacks video recording capabilities. While the camera might not be the strongest feature of the Kindle Fire HD 8.9, it serves its purpose for casual video conferencing.

Audio and Speakers

The tablet houses stereo speakers that provide a satisfactory audio experience for media playback. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack allows users to connect their favorite pair of headphones. This is especially useful for those who prefer a private listening experience or require enhanced sound quality.

Connectivity

The Kindle Fire HD 8.9 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band connectivity, enabling fast internet access. It also has Bluetooth capabilities for seamless pairing with other devices. However, it lacks cellular connectivity, radio, and positioning systems, which might be a downside for users seeking these features in a portable device.

Sensors and Additional Features

The tablet is equipped with an accelerometer and a gyro sensor, adding to its capability to support various applications and interactive content. These sensors contribute to a more responsive user experience, particularly in gaming and media applications.

Battery Life

Featuring a non-removable Li-Ion battery, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 offers a decent battery life suited for extended use. While specific battery capacity wasn't detailed, user reviews at the time highlighted the tablet's ability to handle several hours of continuous media playback.

Pricing and Availability

Upon release, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 was priced at around 200 EUR. Although it is now discontinued, it can still be found on second-hand markets, often at a significantly reduced price. It's an attractive option for those seeking a budget-friendly tablet that balances performance with quality.

Conclusion

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9 remains a commendable device despite its discontinuation. Its balanced combination of a vibrant display, adequate performance, and accessibility to Amazon's media ecosystem made it a sought-after tablet during its prime. Although there are more powerful tablets available today, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 served as a solid option for media consumption and basic tasks during its time.