Kindle Fire HD8 and iPad mini 4 with retina are top choices for someone who is shopping for an 8 inch new tablet now. They represent two different price segments and depending on what you want from your new tablet each of them could be your top choice.
| Amazon Kindle Fire HD8 | iPad mini 4 with retina | |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1280×800 | 2048×1536 |
| Pixel density | 189 PPI | 326 PPI |
| Memory | 1.5GB RAM | 2GB RAM |
| Storage | 16 or 32GB | 32 or 128GB |
| Camera | 2-megapixel rear-facing camera, front-facing VGA camera | 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, 1.2-megapixel front-facing |
| Battery life | 12 hours | 10 hours |
| Price | $104.99 for Kindle Fire HD8 with 16GB $134.99 for Kindle Fire HD8 with 32GB |
From $399 |
Kindle Fire HD8
Kindle Fire HD8 is a great inexpensive tablet with prices currently starting from $104.99 (and better during Amazon sales). It gives you all the functions and features which you may need from a tablet. Kindle Fire HD8 has 16GB or 32GB of storage and with 128GB mini SD card you can extend it to 144GB or 160GB correspondingly. It also offers 2MP rear-facing camera and front facing VGA camera. It is missing cellular data option though which means you can only use Wi-Fi connection to connect to the internet.
Amazon Kindle Fire HD8 gives you access to Amazon only features. You can access Amazon Alexa right from Kindle Fire HD8 device – you just need to press and ask. You also have access to Amazon Kindle Owner lending library where you can lend one book per month free (conditions apply).
iPad Mini 4 with retina
iPad Mini 4 has a gorgeous 2048x1536px display with 326 PPI. It also weighs 298.8g which is 42.2g lighter that Kindle Fire HD8 which weights 341g. It comes with 32 or 128GB storage and access to iCloud storage (you may have to pay to use more than 5GB of it though). It also features 8MP rear-facing camera and 1.2 front-facing cameras. But it all comes at a price. iPad Mini 4 with retina starts at $399 for 32GB model and at $499 for 128GB model.
Conclusion
If you’re on a budget and need a simple tablet which can fulfill all of your daily tasks go with Kindle Fire HD8. Go for it if you’re already using an Amazon ecosystem.
If you’re looking for lightest, sharpest tablet with a better camera go for iPad mini 4 with retina.