Well, for $190-$230 this tablet might not be the best at one particular thing, but thanks to some common-sense decisions and Amazon's resources and commitment, it's competent enough at everything, all at once.
Media consumption, retro games, word processing, digital art, battery life, you name it.
For media consumers, it has an obscenely long battery life and a pretty nice screen. Contrast is surprisingly good for an IPS display (the black areas look black), colors are very poppy, and the 5:3 aspect ratio means you're not losing much space on either 16:9 or 4:3 content.
For retro games, let's talk about the processor. It has a Mali G57 MC2, 2 Cortex A78 cores, and 6 Cortex A55 cores. Anyone who keeps up with Android hardware will know this is a bizarre setup. The Mali G57 MC2 and Cortex A55s are all modest, cheap, power-sipping technology. While the Cortex A78s are freakishly fast for this price point.
But I'm certain Amazon did this on purpose, and it's responsible for the great battery life, which is essential for what is basically a media consumption tablet. The modest GPU and high number of "little" cores keep battery drain minimal (this is a 5w chip, in a tablet, where 7-10w chips are the norm) while 2 A78s give it some serious oomph for the right sorts of tasks.
This accidentally makes this little tablet a retro gaming powerhouse, as that relies heavily on single-core performance, with the GPU and secondary cores being an afterthought.
So, it's a tablet that just excels at anything where you'll be using the screen a lot. Reading, movies, old games, etc. It may struggle with native Android games due to the weaker GPU, but compared to retro games there aren't a lot of worthwhile Android games anyway IMO.
The keyboard and stylus are also very well executed.
I'm typing this review on the keyboard case, and the keys are a nice size thanks to the TKL form factor, with short travel and a nice tactile, springy feel. The trackpad is small, but accurate and doesn't "lose" my finger.
The stylus itself uses a user-replaceable AAAA battery. I like this decision, because small Li-po batteries wear out fast, and the AAAA means that the stylus has a super long life without worrying about whether you'll be able to find a replacement in a few years. The stylus is also magnetic and clips to the side of the tablet.
The stylus is pretty accurate. I don't notice much parallax or judder. My Galaxy Tab S8 actually had slightly more parallax. However, there is more input lag than you'll get with something like a Galaxy Tab S8 or iPad with Apple Pencil. It's a quite noticeable amount of input lag compared to those two. I will mention, this tablet is about 1/3 the price of those devices and actually has a longer battery life. So it's still better than you expect for the price. But will definitely be more of an "entry level" art tablet instead of something outstanding.
All in all, I still think you're getting a lot more for your money with this tablet than the others available. Amazon's reach with e-readers, with keyboards, with stylus peripherals, with tablets, and their resources and supply chain (ie, being able to order unusual tablet SoCs) has definitely given the Kindle Fire 11 a wider spread of abilities and better quality than your ordinary budget tablet. I can't really name anything I'd expect to be better for the price.
The only real flaw is software; since Google Play is not preloaded and Amazon is not putting a lot of effort into their own App store, be prepared to sideload some apps if you want to use the broader spectrum of abilities this tablet has.
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See why the Fire Max 11 is the best Fire Tablet yet
BIGGEST SCREEN: Vivid 11” screen with 2.4 million pixels is perfect for videos and reading
FASTEST PROCESSOR AND WIFI: Powerful octa-core processor and Wi-Fi 6 for streaming, gaming, and multitasking
BEAUTIFUL DESIGN: Sleek aluminum design is thin, light, and durable
LONGEST BATTERY LIFE: 14 hours of battery for all-day entertainment on the go
VERSATILE: Optional Stylus Pen and Keyboard Case are perfect for taking notes, writing emails, and getting work done
This bundle contains 3 items (may ship separately)
| Bundle List Price: |
$354.97
|
| Bundle Price: | $329.99 |
| You Save: |
$24.98 ($24.98 less than buying separately)
|
(8,302)
$213.80
- BIGGER, BRILLIANT, BEAUTIFUL — Vivid 11“ screen with 2.4 million pixels (2000 x 1200 resolution) lets you see every detail of your favorite movies, TV shows, and games. Certified for low blue light.
- MAX PERFORMANCE — Built with a powerful octa-core processor, 4 GB memory, and Wi-Fi 6 for fast streaming, responsive gaming, and quick multitasking.
- THIN AND LIGHT — Sleek aluminum design is also durable. It has strengthened glass and is 3 times as durable as the iPad 10.9-inch (10th generation) as measured in tumble tests.
- ALL-DAY ENTERTAINMENT — With 14-hour battery life, maximize your downtime for reading, browsing the web, watching videos, and listening to music at home and on-the-go. Save your favorites with 64 or 128 GB storage, and expand to up to 1 TB with micro-SD card (sold separately).
- VERSATILE FOR WORK AND PLAY — Optional Fire Max 11 Keyboard Case and/or Made for Amazon Stylus Pen (sold separately). Try Microsoft 365 Personal for 3 months (auto renews for $6.99/month after free trial, eligibility and terms apply).
- CLEAR COMMUNICATION — The 8 MP camera makes for clear calls to friends and family on Zoom.
- GREAT FOR FAMILIES — Amazon Kids offers easy-to-use parental controls on Fire tablets. Subscribe to Amazon Kids+ for access to thousands of books, popular apps and games, videos, songs, Audible books, and more (subscription rates apply).
- SMART-HOME READY — Ask Alexa for help with anything from recipes to jokes, or use the smart home dashboard to control your connected devices at a touch.
(1,353)
$83.66
- COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE - Exclusively compatible with Fire Max 11, Keyboard Case delivers a lightweight and comfortable typing experience. With a spacious key layout, 15 shortcut keys, and 2 customizable shortcuts, typing is faster and easier.
- TRACKPAD BUILT IN - Integrated trackpad with adjustable pointer speed and trackpad disable/enable feature (Fn+Tab) provides responsive performance for navigation of documents, webpages, and email.
- ZERO SETUP - Keyboard installs in seconds via magnetic attach. Lightweight and portable keyboard cover is perfect while on-the-go and automatically wakes screen when opened.
- NEVER REQUIRES CHARGING - Pogo pin connection powers keyboard from Fire Max 11, eliminating need to charge keyboard independently.
- TRACKPAD GESTURES - Trackpad gestures like pinch to zoom, two finger scrolling, and task switching make navigating apps and documents quick and easy.
- VERSATILE DESIGN - Detachable back cover with integrated stand. Remove keyboard from back cover, and adjust multi-position stand for hands-free enjoyment of video or video calls.
- GET PRODUCTIVE - Use Keyboard with Fire Max 11’s 3 month trial of Microsoft 365 Personal for the ultimate productivity experience to edit documents or develop spreadsheets. Microsoft 365 sign up required (auto renews for $6.99/month after free trial, terms apply).
- DESIGNED FOR SUSTAINABILITY - Keyboard case made with 31% post-consumer recycled plastics. Product packaging is 100% recyclable (shipping packaging not included).
(2,584)
$32.53
- Compatible with Amazon Fire Max 11 (2023 Release) & Amazon Fire HD 10, (13th Gen, 2023 release) Tablets
- Perfect for drawing, sketching, coloring, taking notes, and marking up PDFs.
- No pairing involved, simply insert the provided battery and start using the stylus with your tablet.
- Conveniently attaches magnetically to the side of your tablet.
- USI 2.0 certified stylus. Compatible with USI 2.0 supported devices.
- Enables tilt support +/- 45 degrees
- 4096 pressure sensitivity
- Powered by AAAA battery. Up to 6 months of battery life. Sleep Mode feature helps preserve battery life.
- Included in the box: Stylus with Tip, 1 AAAA Battery, Quick start Guide, Tip Puller, 1 Replacement Tip
Beauty is in the details
This beautiful, sleek, and unbelievably lightweight tablet (as thin as a pencil and weighs about a pound) is designed for on-the-go durability with an aluminum exterior and strengthened alumino-silicate glass. For your privacy and convenience, it comes with a fingerprint sensor to unlock your device, making this your all-day, every day,
can't-live-without tablet.
Engineered with precision, packed with power
With a speedy octa-core processor, 4 GB RAM, and 14-hour battery life, enjoy an incredible tablet at a seriously affordable price. Choose from 64 GB or 128 GB of storage for your movies, games, books, and pictures or check your email, organize notes, or doodle anywhere. With a micro-SD card (sold separately), expand storage by up to 1 TB.
Made for multitaskers
Stay up to speed and enjoy easy access to email or browse the web. For faster typing, just snap in the lightweight, magnetic attach Fire Max 11 Keyboard Case (included) and start typing away while navigating with a smooth trackpad. No pairing necessary. Shortcut keys let you open split screen, email, or use a web browser with a single touch. Try Microsoft 365 Personal free for 3 months (auto renews at $6.99/month after free trial, terms apply), which includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as 1 TB cloud storage, cross device continuity, and data protection.
Flaunt your creativity
Turn your inner doodler into an all-out pro when you use apps like Picsart to transform your pictures and reels into masterpieces. The Made for Amazon Stylus Pen (included) works without pairing and has a replaceable battery that lasts up to six months. Take notes in OneNote or write directly into text boxes and your handwriting will convert to text.
The best in entertainment
Enjoy the 11” crystal-clear screen with 2.4 million pixel resolution. Download your favorite apps and choose from millions of songs, movies and books to enjoy wherever you are, whenever you want (subscription fees may apply).
Stream
Watch popular shows with apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Max or catch your favorite streams on Twitch.
Read
Can't wait to get into the next bestseller, graphic novel, or podcast? You've got thousands of options with apps like
Kindle and Audible.
Game
Play immersive games like PUBG MOBILE or stream Fortnite and other titles from Luna (subscription fees apply). Or unwind with favorites like Candy Crush and Roblox.
Manage your smart home (and life) with ease
“Alexa, turn off the bedroom lights.”
Go to the Device Dashboard on your tablet to control your smart home, or just ask Alexa for help to play your favorite album, or get the latest sports scores.
Now that's hands-free fun.
Recipes
Podcast
TV
Smart home
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do lockscreen ads work with Fire Max 11 Fingerprint ID feature?
Once you have enrolled in Fingerprint ID on the Fire Max 11 (we recommend enrolling both index fingers), you will be able to unlock your device by touching your finger to the power button. If you have a tablet that is ad-supported, unlocking it will bring up a lockscreen ad. Simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen to get to the home screen. Amazon Fire tablets use lockscreen ads to bring you lower prices. You can remove ads on your tablet by selecting the “without ads” box at the top of this page, or by going to Remove Ads from your Lockscreen page.
2. Do I need the Keyboard Case, Made for Amazon Stylus Pen, or Slim Cover?
No. While these accessories unlock new ways to use and benefit from your Fire Max 11, they are not required for day-to-day use. The Keyboard Case connects magnetically to the Fire Max 11. No setup is necessary and the keyboard does not require separate power or charging. As with all Fire tablets, you can connect Fire Max 11 to compatible accessories, like Bluetooth keyboards, mice, headphones and more. The Made for Amazon Stylus Pen uses the Universal Stylus Interface 2.0 (USI2.0). While any other USI2.0 stylus will work with the Fire Max 11, they may not have the same features available to them on the tablet, such as magnetic attachment or using the stylus button to erase. Like the Fire Max 11 Slim Cover, other covers may also work with magnetic attachment. If those covers have magnets in different places, it may interrupt some functionality of your Fire Max 11.
3. Where can I find out how to use the Keyboard Case shortcut keys, trackpad gestures, or features of the Made for Amazon Stylus Pen?
Tutorials and helpful references for both accessories can be found in the Settings app under Fire Tablet Accessories.
4. Are there eligibility limitations for the 3-month trial to Microsoft 365 Personal?
Yes. The 3-month trial offer is only available to new subscribers. It is not available to current subscribers or to customers who have had a M365 Personal subscription within the last year.
5. How do I sign up for the 3-month trial to Microsoft 365 Personal?
You can sign up for the trial through the Microsoft 365 (Office) app, available on the tablet or in the Amazon Appstore. The trial is also available on the Microsoft 365 (Office) app detail page on your Fire Max 11. You can cancel anytime and your subscription will expire at the end of that month. This is a limited time offer that is subject to change.
6. How does the 1-year limited warranty work?
When you purchase a new or Certified Refurbished Device, we warrant the Device against defects in materials and workmanship under ordinary consumer use for one year from the date of original retail purchase. If there is damage to the device such as a broken or cracked display, we urge you not to continue to use the device. Learn more at this link for full details.
7. Does the Fire Max 11 have a headphone jack?
No. The Fire Max 11 has a USB-C port. You can connect headphones via Bluetooth, a USB-C connector, or a 3.5mm-to-USB-C adapter.
8. Which micro-SD cards are compatible with Fire tablets?
When purchasing SD cards, make sure you are getting UHS, Class 10 or higher to support both internal and portable modes (class 4 or higher supports only portable). Some card formats, such as exFAT, are not supported on Fire tablets. You can re-format exFAT micro-SD cards to work with your Fire tablet, though this action will erase any existing data on the card.
To troubleshoot your card, see this help article.
9. What are lockscreen ads, and are they different from other ads or promotions on Fire tablets?
Fire tablets for adults come with lockscreen ads, also called “Kindle Special Offers,” to provide customers with the option of a lower price. These ads appear when you turn on or wake your tablet. To access your Home screen, just swipe the ad. The lockscreen ads can be removed for $15 at purchase, or at any time after you’ve set up your device. On Home and For You, you may see personalized product offers, recommendations, or sponsored content. In some apps, you may see ads for in-app purchases. Home screen content and app-based ads cannot be removed from Fire tablets.
To remove lockscreen ads, go to Manage Your Content and Devices and select your device. Under Special Offers, select Remove offers, then select End Offers and Pay the Fee. For more information, visit Unsubscribe from Special Offers.
Designed for Sustainability
We make our devices more sustainable—from how we build them to how customers use and retire them. Figures are for Fire Max 11 tablet, not including any other versions (e.g., any kids edition) or any bundled accessories or devices. We update the carbon footprint when we discover new information that changes the estimated carbon footprint of a device by more than 5%
Carbon Footprint
Materials
Made from 13% recycled materials. (power adapter, case, and cable not included)
Packaging
100% recyclable (shipping packaging not included)
Energy
ENERGY STAR certified
Tech Specs
Fire Max 11
|
Display |
2000 x 1200 TÜV Rheinland for low blue light certified (213 PPI). |
|
Size |
10.2” x 6.44” x 0.3” (259.1mm x 163.7mm x 7.5mm) |
|
Weight |
17.28 oz (490g) Actual size and weight may vary by configuration and manufacturing process |
|
CPU & RAM |
Octa-core processor - MTK8188J - 2x Arm Cortex-A78 up to 2.2Ghz and 6xArm Cortex A55 up to 2Ghz. 4 GB RAM |
|
Storage |
64 GB (54.20 GB available to user) or 128 GB (115 GB available to user) of internal storage. Add micro-SD slot for up to 1 TB of additional storage. Some apps may require that they are installed on internal storage. App or feature updates may impact available storage. |
|
Battery Life |
Up to 14 hours of reading, browsing the web, watching videos, and listening to music. Battery life will vary based on device settings, usage, and other factors such as web browsing and downloading content. Certain software features or apps may reduce battery life. |
|
Charge Time |
Fully charge in under 4.2 hours with USB-C cable and 9W power adapter included in the box. Fully charge in under 3.5 hours with 15W adapter and USB type C to C cable (adapter and cable sold separately). |
|
wifi Connectivity |
Dual-band wifi. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 ax) is supported. Supports public and private wifi networks or hotspots that use the dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax standards with support for security standard of WEP, WPA3 OWE, WPA/WPA2/WPA3 Personal and WPA/WPA2/WPA3 Enterprise. |
|
Ports |
USB-C (2.0) connector for charging and audio; micro-SD slot for external storage. |
|
Audio |
USB-C audio, integrated speakers; external volume controls. |
|
Sensors |
Accelerometer, ambient light sensor, hall sensor, fingerprint sensor. |
|
Camera Specs |
8 MP front and back-facing with 1080p HD video recording and rear auto-focus |
|
Printing |
Printing documents to a nearby wifi enabled printer is supported. Learn more here. |
|
Microphone |
2 built-in microphones |
|
Certifications |
Fire Max 11 has received the following certifications:
|
|
Location Services |
Location-based services via wifi. |
|
Available Colors |
Gray |
|
Bluetooth |
Built-in Bluetooth 5.3 with support for A2DP compatible stereo headphones, speakers, microphone, and LE accessories support. |
|
Accessibility features |
To enable features that personalize Alexa to your abilities, go to Settings → Accessibility. |
|
**Alexa Privacy Features
|
Alexa and Fire HD 10 are designed to protect your privacy. For example, you can view and delete your voice recordings or use the Alexa Hands-Free Mode on/off toggle at any time. |
|
Warranty & service |
1-year limited warranty and service included. Optional 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year extended warranty available for U.S. customers sold separately. Use of Fire Max 11 tablet is subject to Amazon's Conditions of Use and these terms. |
|
Included in the Box |
Fire Max 11 tablet, USB-C (2.0) cable, 9W power adapter, SD-card ejection pin, and Quick Start Guide. |
|
Generation |
13th generation - 2023 release. |
|
Software Security Updates |
This device receives guaranteed software security updates until at least four years after the device is last available for purchase as a new unit on our websites. Learn more about these software security updates. If you already own a Fire tablet, visit Manage Your Content and Devices for information specific to your device. |
Videos
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UNBOXING & SET UP of Amazon Fire Max 11 Tablet
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Amazon Fire Max 11 vs Fire HD 10 Tablet COMPARISON
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Should You Buy? Fire Max 11 vs Fire HD 10 Tablet
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Amazon Fire Max 11 Tablet and My Top Reasons To Get It !!
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Amazon Fire Max 11 Tablet OR Fire HD 10 Tablet #thisorthat
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Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet and Keyboard Case Bundle Review
Geekanoids
Reviews with images
Finally, something with performance.
***Notice: on March 6th, 2024 I have updated this review. I would append the original version, but combined with this would be too much text. If you wish to view the original version, I would suggest using the way-back machine found on the internet archive.***Preface:I have been using this tablet on-and-off for about 9 months as of the time of writing. I actually went and bought the (2023) Pixel Tablet, and installed LineageOS on it for a clean android experience, and even though not always mentioned, it is the basis of comparison for a lot of my complaints. Above all else however, it is important to note the price disparity, $230 for the Fire 11, versus $500 for the Pixel Tablet - To some less privileged, that might be enough to make it affordable whilst keeping food on the table.Chassis:Unlike any other Amazon tablet to date, this device is supported by an aluminum body, with only a single plastic insert near the top, where the speaker holes are. My only qualm is the camera bump - the rear facing camera has a bump, despite having the same resolution (8 megapixels) as the selfy camera which is flush under the screen's glass.Display and Sound:It's display is adequate, it's efficient and gets bright enough to do any task in nearly any lighting condition. The resolution however brings mixed feelings; I can notice slight aliasing (where smooth curves and angled lines can look like stairs, with distinct steps/layers) of icons on the homescreen, but not when reading books or viewing content. Since most content is produced in either 4k or 1080, increasing the resolution any higher would make the device more expensive and produce weird aliasing until you scaled the screen to 4k. Even the pixel tablet doesn't reach 4k, with a 2560x1600 screen and providing a smoother homescreen but aliasing for content if you look closely at it.Sound quality is surprisingly good. This isn't something that will rival a dedicated speaker, like an Echo or something from Bose, but I've enjoyed many a night laying in bed, watching YouTube and other content on it, without any concerns for the sound quality.Software:FireOS 8, based on android 11. It seemed palatable at launch, and it's going to be less so as the device ages, considering android 14 launched later in 2023. I'd be more mad about the version, except that there's been no interesting or really major changes in android since android 11, which has the side effect of allowing various apps an easier time maintaining compatibility.I would highly recommend anyone who's interested look up the Android Police's articles on installing the Google Play Store, it will make your experience a lot nicer (although I do note that sometimes the Google Play Store does not like it when you install SD cards, you may wish to get the 128GB model).Make no mistake however, I am thoroughly irritated at Amazon's update policy; They promise software updates and support for 4 years after the device is last available for purchase, which is industry-leading. This however does not include major OS version updates: My Fire HD 10 (2021), is still running FireOS 7, based on android 9, much to my annoyance. For a device this expensive, Amazon should be able to provide the same software support other vendors do, and update it to FireOS 9 whenever that comes out.The UI is simplistic, with a homescreen that an apple user would find familiar, but with the android controls that any lifelong android user would be able to navigate with ease. I wish Amazon would port gesture navigation, to bring the device up to parity with any Android and Apple phone released in the past 5 years, but I'm instead given 3-button navigation, which sometimes leads me to accidentally swipe backwards ineffectively.I did once complain that the Google Play Games login did not work on the device, but Amazon actually seems to have resolved that in an update released shortly after launch. I can now play Homeworld mobile, and have my progress saved across multiple devices.Performance:The processor is fast enough to not only navigate the UI, browse the web using Chrome, but even emulate some DS games (with Drastic), and play some dedicated android games. I still maintain that a device with 4GB of ram shouldn't be expected to run modern Android apps, but that's the price issue.Of slightly more annoyance, is the WiFi adapter: I've tested it and found it tops out at around 50-100 megabits per second, which is enough to stream content (1080p content is less than 5), which is weird since I have devices that adhere to the same WiFi 5 standard, that are able to download much faster. I can only presume that internally the WiFi adapter is either budget, or is connected to the processor via some really slow bus internally, like serial or something.Accessories:Amazon offers a stylus and keyboard folio. The stylus is rather interesting as Amazon includes handwriting to text conversion on the device, allowing you to write in any text box you want. I've used it a few times to take notes quickly before sending them to someone via Discord. It uses the rather rare AAAA battery, which is annoying to source replacements for, but I'd rather replace the battery than be stuck with an internal one like Apple does, since Apple's stylus will become a paperweight once the battery dies.The keyboard however is the star of the show - I love how it's folio is 2-piece, allowing me to remove the keyboard and toss it wherever if I don't need it, yet retain the (very stable) kickstand of it's backing piece. The feel of the keys themselves are meh, and I'm annoyed by the function key where the CRTL key should be, but it's not enough of a problem. It finds frequent use, allowing me to write messages on Discord, or handle other tasks without needing to bring my bulky laptop with me. The trackpad however, is useless - Android doesn't need it, and it feels a bit weird and rough.Features:This is the first tablet Amazon has released with a fingerprint sensor, and I'm honestly surprised by how reliable it is. Amazon's on-device messaging with the fingerprint sensor is also helpful (for example, it will inform you that it's been more than 72 hours since the PIN was last used, and for security reasons, forbid further fingerprint unlocks until you unlock it with the PIN at least once). It's extremely fast and seamless, immediately dropping me to the homescreen with a gentle tap of the sensor - I don't have to actually click the power button down.Desires:I understand wireless charging is an impossibility with the aluminum chassis, but I really wish Amazon released a charging/speaker dock for this thing. There's already pogo pins on the bottom for the keyboard, it wouldn't be hard to repurpose them for a dock, and it would encourage users to use it in the "show mode" that Amazon advertises this thing is capable of.I'd also really want major version updates. When FireOS 9 comes out, I want that on this device, not to be stuck on android 11 forever. This is Amazon's flagship, and it's powerful enough to handle it.Above all else however, I want Amazon to let me unlock the bootloader. I understand these devices are likely sold at a loss, so maybe let me buy an un-refundable unlock code for my device to make up the difference for Amazon, but let me do it.Conclusion:There's a lot of gaps where this device falls short, but it's basically unbeatable at this price range. If $500 seems insurmountable for your situation, or you want a disposable device to give a family member or child, you can't go wrong with this. My complaints whilst numerous, are not enough to drop it's rating from 5 stars in my eyes - it's still found a happy home with me.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2023
Digital Storage Capacity: 128 GBOffer Type: Without Lockscreen AdsColor: GrayStyle: Amazon Fire Max 11Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2023
Digital Storage Capacity: 128 GBOffer Type: Without Lockscreen AdsColor: GrayStyle: Amazon Fire Max 11Verified Purchase
***Notice: on March 6th, 2024 I have updated this review. I would append the original version, but combined with this would be too much text. If you wish to view the original version, I would suggest using the way-back machine found on the internet archive.***
Preface:
I have been using this tablet on-and-off for about 9 months as of the time of writing. I actually went and bought the (2023) Pixel Tablet, and installed LineageOS on it for a clean android experience, and even though not always mentioned, it is the basis of comparison for a lot of my complaints. Above all else however, it is important to note the price disparity, $230 for the Fire 11, versus $500 for the Pixel Tablet - To some less privileged, that might be enough to make it affordable whilst keeping food on the table.
Chassis:
Unlike any other Amazon tablet to date, this device is supported by an aluminum body, with only a single plastic insert near the top, where the speaker holes are. My only qualm is the camera bump - the rear facing camera has a bump, despite having the same resolution (8 megapixels) as the selfy camera which is flush under the screen's glass.
Display and Sound:
It's display is adequate, it's efficient and gets bright enough to do any task in nearly any lighting condition. The resolution however brings mixed feelings; I can notice slight aliasing (where smooth curves and angled lines can look like stairs, with distinct steps/layers) of icons on the homescreen, but not when reading books or viewing content. Since most content is produced in either 4k or 1080, increasing the resolution any higher would make the device more expensive and produce weird aliasing until you scaled the screen to 4k. Even the pixel tablet doesn't reach 4k, with a 2560x1600 screen and providing a smoother homescreen but aliasing for content if you look closely at it.
Sound quality is surprisingly good. This isn't something that will rival a dedicated speaker, like an Echo or something from Bose, but I've enjoyed many a night laying in bed, watching YouTube and other content on it, without any concerns for the sound quality.
Software:
FireOS 8, based on android 11. It seemed palatable at launch, and it's going to be less so as the device ages, considering android 14 launched later in 2023. I'd be more mad about the version, except that there's been no interesting or really major changes in android since android 11, which has the side effect of allowing various apps an easier time maintaining compatibility.
I would highly recommend anyone who's interested look up the Android Police's articles on installing the Google Play Store, it will make your experience a lot nicer (although I do note that sometimes the Google Play Store does not like it when you install SD cards, you may wish to get the 128GB model).
Make no mistake however, I am thoroughly irritated at Amazon's update policy; They promise software updates and support for 4 years after the device is last available for purchase, which is industry-leading. This however does not include major OS version updates: My Fire HD 10 (2021), is still running FireOS 7, based on android 9, much to my annoyance. For a device this expensive, Amazon should be able to provide the same software support other vendors do, and update it to FireOS 9 whenever that comes out.
The UI is simplistic, with a homescreen that an apple user would find familiar, but with the android controls that any lifelong android user would be able to navigate with ease. I wish Amazon would port gesture navigation, to bring the device up to parity with any Android and Apple phone released in the past 5 years, but I'm instead given 3-button navigation, which sometimes leads me to accidentally swipe backwards ineffectively.
I did once complain that the Google Play Games login did not work on the device, but Amazon actually seems to have resolved that in an update released shortly after launch. I can now play Homeworld mobile, and have my progress saved across multiple devices.
Performance:
The processor is fast enough to not only navigate the UI, browse the web using Chrome, but even emulate some DS games (with Drastic), and play some dedicated android games. I still maintain that a device with 4GB of ram shouldn't be expected to run modern Android apps, but that's the price issue.
Of slightly more annoyance, is the WiFi adapter: I've tested it and found it tops out at around 50-100 megabits per second, which is enough to stream content (1080p content is less than 5), which is weird since I have devices that adhere to the same WiFi 5 standard, that are able to download much faster. I can only presume that internally the WiFi adapter is either budget, or is connected to the processor via some really slow bus internally, like serial or something.
Accessories:
Amazon offers a stylus and keyboard folio. The stylus is rather interesting as Amazon includes handwriting to text conversion on the device, allowing you to write in any text box you want. I've used it a few times to take notes quickly before sending them to someone via Discord. It uses the rather rare AAAA battery, which is annoying to source replacements for, but I'd rather replace the battery than be stuck with an internal one like Apple does, since Apple's stylus will become a paperweight once the battery dies.
The keyboard however is the star of the show - I love how it's folio is 2-piece, allowing me to remove the keyboard and toss it wherever if I don't need it, yet retain the (very stable) kickstand of it's backing piece. The feel of the keys themselves are meh, and I'm annoyed by the function key where the CRTL key should be, but it's not enough of a problem. It finds frequent use, allowing me to write messages on Discord, or handle other tasks without needing to bring my bulky laptop with me. The trackpad however, is useless - Android doesn't need it, and it feels a bit weird and rough.
Features:
This is the first tablet Amazon has released with a fingerprint sensor, and I'm honestly surprised by how reliable it is. Amazon's on-device messaging with the fingerprint sensor is also helpful (for example, it will inform you that it's been more than 72 hours since the PIN was last used, and for security reasons, forbid further fingerprint unlocks until you unlock it with the PIN at least once). It's extremely fast and seamless, immediately dropping me to the homescreen with a gentle tap of the sensor - I don't have to actually click the power button down.
Desires:
I understand wireless charging is an impossibility with the aluminum chassis, but I really wish Amazon released a charging/speaker dock for this thing. There's already pogo pins on the bottom for the keyboard, it wouldn't be hard to repurpose them for a dock, and it would encourage users to use it in the "show mode" that Amazon advertises this thing is capable of.
I'd also really want major version updates. When FireOS 9 comes out, I want that on this device, not to be stuck on android 11 forever. This is Amazon's flagship, and it's powerful enough to handle it.
Above all else however, I want Amazon to let me unlock the bootloader. I understand these devices are likely sold at a loss, so maybe let me buy an un-refundable unlock code for my device to make up the difference for Amazon, but let me do it.
Conclusion:
There's a lot of gaps where this device falls short, but it's basically unbeatable at this price range. If $500 seems insurmountable for your situation, or you want a disposable device to give a family member or child, you can't go wrong with this. My complaints whilst numerous, are not enough to drop it's rating from 5 stars in my eyes - it's still found a happy home with me.
Preface:
I have been using this tablet on-and-off for about 9 months as of the time of writing. I actually went and bought the (2023) Pixel Tablet, and installed LineageOS on it for a clean android experience, and even though not always mentioned, it is the basis of comparison for a lot of my complaints. Above all else however, it is important to note the price disparity, $230 for the Fire 11, versus $500 for the Pixel Tablet - To some less privileged, that might be enough to make it affordable whilst keeping food on the table.
Chassis:
Unlike any other Amazon tablet to date, this device is supported by an aluminum body, with only a single plastic insert near the top, where the speaker holes are. My only qualm is the camera bump - the rear facing camera has a bump, despite having the same resolution (8 megapixels) as the selfy camera which is flush under the screen's glass.
Display and Sound:
It's display is adequate, it's efficient and gets bright enough to do any task in nearly any lighting condition. The resolution however brings mixed feelings; I can notice slight aliasing (where smooth curves and angled lines can look like stairs, with distinct steps/layers) of icons on the homescreen, but not when reading books or viewing content. Since most content is produced in either 4k or 1080, increasing the resolution any higher would make the device more expensive and produce weird aliasing until you scaled the screen to 4k. Even the pixel tablet doesn't reach 4k, with a 2560x1600 screen and providing a smoother homescreen but aliasing for content if you look closely at it.
Sound quality is surprisingly good. This isn't something that will rival a dedicated speaker, like an Echo or something from Bose, but I've enjoyed many a night laying in bed, watching YouTube and other content on it, without any concerns for the sound quality.
Software:
FireOS 8, based on android 11. It seemed palatable at launch, and it's going to be less so as the device ages, considering android 14 launched later in 2023. I'd be more mad about the version, except that there's been no interesting or really major changes in android since android 11, which has the side effect of allowing various apps an easier time maintaining compatibility.
I would highly recommend anyone who's interested look up the Android Police's articles on installing the Google Play Store, it will make your experience a lot nicer (although I do note that sometimes the Google Play Store does not like it when you install SD cards, you may wish to get the 128GB model).
Make no mistake however, I am thoroughly irritated at Amazon's update policy; They promise software updates and support for 4 years after the device is last available for purchase, which is industry-leading. This however does not include major OS version updates: My Fire HD 10 (2021), is still running FireOS 7, based on android 9, much to my annoyance. For a device this expensive, Amazon should be able to provide the same software support other vendors do, and update it to FireOS 9 whenever that comes out.
The UI is simplistic, with a homescreen that an apple user would find familiar, but with the android controls that any lifelong android user would be able to navigate with ease. I wish Amazon would port gesture navigation, to bring the device up to parity with any Android and Apple phone released in the past 5 years, but I'm instead given 3-button navigation, which sometimes leads me to accidentally swipe backwards ineffectively.
I did once complain that the Google Play Games login did not work on the device, but Amazon actually seems to have resolved that in an update released shortly after launch. I can now play Homeworld mobile, and have my progress saved across multiple devices.
Performance:
The processor is fast enough to not only navigate the UI, browse the web using Chrome, but even emulate some DS games (with Drastic), and play some dedicated android games. I still maintain that a device with 4GB of ram shouldn't be expected to run modern Android apps, but that's the price issue.
Of slightly more annoyance, is the WiFi adapter: I've tested it and found it tops out at around 50-100 megabits per second, which is enough to stream content (1080p content is less than 5), which is weird since I have devices that adhere to the same WiFi 5 standard, that are able to download much faster. I can only presume that internally the WiFi adapter is either budget, or is connected to the processor via some really slow bus internally, like serial or something.
Accessories:
Amazon offers a stylus and keyboard folio. The stylus is rather interesting as Amazon includes handwriting to text conversion on the device, allowing you to write in any text box you want. I've used it a few times to take notes quickly before sending them to someone via Discord. It uses the rather rare AAAA battery, which is annoying to source replacements for, but I'd rather replace the battery than be stuck with an internal one like Apple does, since Apple's stylus will become a paperweight once the battery dies.
The keyboard however is the star of the show - I love how it's folio is 2-piece, allowing me to remove the keyboard and toss it wherever if I don't need it, yet retain the (very stable) kickstand of it's backing piece. The feel of the keys themselves are meh, and I'm annoyed by the function key where the CRTL key should be, but it's not enough of a problem. It finds frequent use, allowing me to write messages on Discord, or handle other tasks without needing to bring my bulky laptop with me. The trackpad however, is useless - Android doesn't need it, and it feels a bit weird and rough.
Features:
This is the first tablet Amazon has released with a fingerprint sensor, and I'm honestly surprised by how reliable it is. Amazon's on-device messaging with the fingerprint sensor is also helpful (for example, it will inform you that it's been more than 72 hours since the PIN was last used, and for security reasons, forbid further fingerprint unlocks until you unlock it with the PIN at least once). It's extremely fast and seamless, immediately dropping me to the homescreen with a gentle tap of the sensor - I don't have to actually click the power button down.
Desires:
I understand wireless charging is an impossibility with the aluminum chassis, but I really wish Amazon released a charging/speaker dock for this thing. There's already pogo pins on the bottom for the keyboard, it wouldn't be hard to repurpose them for a dock, and it would encourage users to use it in the "show mode" that Amazon advertises this thing is capable of.
I'd also really want major version updates. When FireOS 9 comes out, I want that on this device, not to be stuck on android 11 forever. This is Amazon's flagship, and it's powerful enough to handle it.
Above all else however, I want Amazon to let me unlock the bootloader. I understand these devices are likely sold at a loss, so maybe let me buy an un-refundable unlock code for my device to make up the difference for Amazon, but let me do it.
Conclusion:
There's a lot of gaps where this device falls short, but it's basically unbeatable at this price range. If $500 seems insurmountable for your situation, or you want a disposable device to give a family member or child, you can't go wrong with this. My complaints whilst numerous, are not enough to drop it's rating from 5 stars in my eyes - it's still found a happy home with me.
Images in this review
