Amazon Fire 7 (2022)
Verdict
A budget-friendly tablet offering essential features at an incredibly low price point.
Key specs
Critic consensus
“The entry-level Fire 7 Tablet holds appeal if you want access to Amazon’s content ecosystem on the cheap, but you should keep your expectations in check.”
“The Amazon Fire 7 tablet’s appeal does not lie in its specs, but rests squarely on its uber-affordable price tag. Customers may be prepared to forgive many shortfalls if the price is at least too low to be regrettable, and that’s likely to be the case with this tablet. The performance is achingly slow, the screen is dingy and lacks detail, and the cameras are woeful. However, if you just want to buy this to entertain a child by playing undemanding games or educational content on it, then its likely to do the trick. What’s more, the enduring battery life will keep it rolling for a good long time.”
“The Amazon Fire 7 remains one of the most affordable tablets you can buy, giving easy access to the latest entertainment services. It's housed in a durable case with parental controls for those who want to give it to kids. But there are limitations to what you get for this money. It's generally slow, the UI is dated and the Amazon Appstore feels like it could be more refined. You get what you pay for, they say, and that's the case with the Fire 7. It's certainly good value for money, but the experience matches the price.”
“If you’re looking for a small, cheap tablet for reading, watching videos, or listening to audiobooks, the Fire 7 is decent — and at this price, decent is acceptable. I’d particularly recommend it as an alternative to the $89.99 Kindle. The Fire 7 offers a higher-density 171ppi display, more storage options, and access to the same Kindle ecosystem — and it plays videos. Plus, based on my experiences with its predecessor, it should last you a relatively long time. While my old Fire 7 is frustratingly slow, it hasn’t actually gotten worse over the years. I expect this version will be technically usable for at least three years, too.”
In Depth
Design
The tablet maintains a straightforward style with a matte plastic finish that resists fingerprints. This construction makes it sturdy and reliable for everyday use and occasional drops.
Despite its lack of flair, experts agree it “shakes off drops and scrapes,” adding to its appeal as a budget-friendly choice (Android Central).
Its compact form pairs with practical elements like a headphone jack and USB-C port, reflecting a functional approach to design.
Display(s)
The screen features a 7-inch panel with a low 1024×600 resolution, leaving images slightly blurred and text pixelated. With a limited pixel density of 171ppi, everything appears less sharp than on most modern devices.
Colors fail to impress, with only 61% coverage of the sRGB color spectrum. Reviewers found that the display appears dull and lacking in vividness. Indoor usage is acceptable thanks to decent peak brightness, but struggles begin under direct sunlight as reflections overwhelm the screen.
Performance
The tablet features a 2.0GHz quad-core processor with 2GB RAM. This setup provides adequate performance for reading, streaming, and light gaming.
However, reviewers note the device struggles with more demanding apps, stating, “It’s generally pretty slow in performance.” Most basic tasks like video streaming and web browsing run smoothly.
Ultimately, it edges out competitors in price, making it fulfilling for users prioritizing affordability over speed.
Software & Storage
The Amazon Fire 7 operates on FireOS 8, displaying a user interface inspired by Android but without access to Google Play or official Google apps. This limits its capacity to run popular apps and means you can only download available apps from the Amazon Appstore.
“Amazon’s Appstore isn’t great,” one reviewer noted, and users seeking a broader selection of apps may find this a significant disadvantage. Additionally, Alexa integration allows voice-activated commands, making it convenient to control functions hands-free.
Cameras
You have 2-megapixel cameras at your disposal for both selfies and rear shots on this tablet. They’re basic, lacking detail and color vibrance. Your photos will appear muddy and indistinct, whether in natural daylight or indoors, a sentiment echoed by experts noting the “poor image quality.” Colors often seem washed out, and subjects may appear blurred in motion.
For video calls under good lighting, expect tolerable quality at best, but don’t rely on it for memorable still images. If you’re prioritizing camera quality, you might consider another option.
Battery
The Amazon Fire 7 offers a much-needed improvement in battery life compared to its 2019 predecessor, now delivering over 10 hours of usage. This improvement caters to users who enjoy long reading sessions or streaming without worrying about frequent charges.
Still, recharging demands patience, as the device, equipped with a 5W charger, takes over four hours to reach full capacity. Experts at Android Authority note the “slow charging” hampers convenience, especially for those who need their devices ready quickly.
Nonetheless, for the price and despite the slow recharge, it’s a reliable option for those prioritizing usability over speed.
Audio
The lone speaker on this tablet produces sound that is described as hollow and flat, which isn’t ideal for entertainment. As What Hi-Fi? expressed, “Vocals do…come across mostly clear,” but music sounds thin and compressed. For a more immersive experience, it’s best to use the 3.5mm headphone jack or connect via Bluetooth, especially when watching movies or listening to music. Gaming and call audio are modestly served by the speaker, but better clarity awaits with personal audio devices.
The Bottom Line
This tablet is ideal for basic entertainment needs, like streaming videos and reading e-books, thanks to its lightweight and portable design. It includes practical benefits like a headphone jack and microSD slot for expanded storage which can greatly enhance its usability. While it lacks the performance and display quality of more expensive devices, the low cost justifies the trade-offs, making it a worthwhile consideration for anyone looking for an affordable option.
A quote from the experts at Android Authority summarizes it well: “The Fire 7 (2022) is the perfect size for travel, and has the perfect price for some peace of mind.”.
What people actually want to know
When was the Amazon Fire 7 (2022) released?
The Amazon Fire 7 (2022) was released on June 29, 2022.
Does the Amazon Fire 7 (2022) support wireless charging?
No, the Amazon Fire 7 (2022) does not support wireless charging.
Does the Amazon Fire 7 (2022) have a headphone jack?
Yes, the Amazon Fire 7 (2022) has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Does the Amazon Fire 7 (2022) have NFC?
No, the Amazon Fire 7 (2022) does not have NFC. Contactless payments and tap-to-pair will not be available.
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