Introduction
In 2017, Amazon released two budget-friendly tablets that gained popularity due to their affordability and usability within the Fire OS ecosystem. The Amazon Fire HD 10 (2017) and Fire 7 (2017) may now be considered outdated, but they still offer value to users looking for a low-cost tablet for basic tasks like reading, media consumption, and light browsing.
In this post, we’ll dive into the specifications of these tablets, their use cases in today’s world, and how they compare to more modern devices. If you’re considering a secondary tablet for kids, or a budget-friendly device for casual use, read on to find out if the Fire HD 10 (2017) or Fire 7 (2017) is still worth considering in 2024.
Historical Context and Evolution
The Amazon Fire series was designed to bring tablet functionality to the masses at an incredibly low price point. While the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2017), priced at $149.99, offered a larger display with more powerful specs, the Fire 7 (2017) came in at an astonishingly low price of $49.99, making it one of the most affordable tablets on the market.
At the time, these tablets were perfect for users who needed access to Amazon’s ecosystem, including Kindle eBooks, Prime Video, Amazon Alexa, and more. However, their modest specifications meant that they were better suited for basic tasks rather than heavy multitasking or gaming.
Detailed Specifications (Summary Table)
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the key specifications for the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2017) and Fire 7 (2017) models:
| Specification | Amazon Fire HD 10 (2017) | Amazon Fire 7 (2017) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Price | $149.99 | $49.99 |
| Release Date | October 11, 2017 | June 7, 2017 |
| Operating System | Fire OS 5 | Fire OS 5 |
| Chipset | MediaTek MT8173 | MediaTek MT8127 |
| CPU | Quad-core (2×1.5 GHz & 2×1.2 GHz) | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| CPU Benchmark Score | 2000 | 1000 |
| GPU | PowerVR GX6250 | Mali-450MP4 |
| GPU Benchmark Score | 650 | 350 |
| RAM | 2 GB | 1 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage Expandable | Up to 256 GB | Up to 256 GB |
| Display Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Screen Size | 10.1 inches | 7 inches |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels | 1024 x 600 pixels |
| Main Camera | 5 MP, None | 2 MP, None |
| Selfie Camera | 2 MP, Fixed Focus | 2 MP, Fixed Focus |
| Battery Capacity | 6300 mAh | 2980 mAh |
| Charging | 9W | 5W |
| Weight | 500g | 295g |
| Dimensions | 262 x 159 x 9.8 mm | 192 x 115 x 9.6 mm |
| Colors Available | Black | Black |
| Body Material | Plastic | Plastic |
| Water Resistance | None | None |
| Audio Jack | No | No |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Charging Port | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 3.1 |
| Additional Features | Kids Mode, Alexa Integration | Kids Mode, Alexa Integration |
Use Cases in 2024
Despite their age, both the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2017) and Fire 7 (2017) can still be useful today, especially for specific user needs.
- Media Consumption:
- The Fire HD 10’s larger screen and better resolution make it ideal for streaming content from Prime Video or Netflix. Its support for Alexa allows for easy voice commands and hands-free control.
- The Fire 7, though limited by its lower resolution, remains a solid choice for eBooks, podcasts, or browsing the web. Its lightweight design is perfect for kids or on-the-go usage.
- Kids Mode:
- Both tablets feature Kids Mode, which makes them safe for children’s use by limiting access to appropriate content. Parents can set screen time limits and control which apps are accessible.
- With the addition of a Keyboard Cover, the Fire HD 10 becomes a basic productivity device for students.
- Alexa Integration:
- These devices work well as Amazon Alexa hubs. Use them for voice commands to control your smart home, check the weather, or play music.
- Travel Companion:
- The Fire 7’s lightweight design and affordable price make it a good choice as a secondary device for travel, where you don’t want to risk your primary tablet or smartphone.
Common Problems and Limitations
While these tablets provide excellent value, there are some notable drawbacks:
- Performance: With only 1 GB of RAM on the Fire 7 and 2 GB on the Fire HD 10, these tablets struggle with multitasking and more demanding apps.
- Limited App Ecosystem: Since these tablets run Fire OS, you’re limited to apps available in the Amazon Appstore unless you sideload the Google Play Store (a workaround that may not be ideal for every user).
- No Fast Charging: The 9W charging on the Fire HD 10 and 5W on the Fire 7 result in slower charge times, especially compared to more modern tablets with fast charging support.
- No Headphone Jack: Neither tablet offers a headphone jack, which may be inconvenient for users who prefer wired audio.
Comparison to More Modern Devices
While the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2017) and Fire 7 (2017) served as great budget devices in their time, how do they compare to more modern tablets, particularly those from the same family?
- Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021): The newer model of the Fire HD 10 features an upgraded Octa-core processor, 3 GB RAM, and faster USB-C charging. It offers a smoother experience, especially for multitasking and handling more modern apps.
- Amazon Fire 7 (2022): The latest Fire 7 offers improved performance, with 2 GB RAM and slightly better battery life. It’s still a basic, budget-friendly option but offers a marginal improvement over the 2017 version.
Accessory Support and Ecosystem Integration
The Amazon Fire HD 10 (2017) and Fire 7 (2017) both support accessories that enhance their functionality:
- Keyboard Cover: Adding this transforms the Fire HD 10 into a basic productivity tool, ideal for students or light work tasks.
- Amazon Alexa: The integration of Alexa makes both devices handy for smart home control, voice commands, and media playback.
While newer models have more powerful hardware, the Fire HD 10 (2017) can still hold its own with the right accessories.
Conclusion
The Amazon Fire HD 10 (2017) and Fire 7 (2017) are definitely dated, but they still offer value for users looking for a simple and affordable device. If you’re seeking a secondary tablet for kids, media consumption, or even a basic Alexa-enabled hub, these devices are still worth considering—especially at today’s even lower resale prices.
By focusing on specific use cases, you can squeeze a lot of functionality out of these older tablets, proving that even budget tech from 2017 can still have a place in 2024.