Amazon’s family of devices is growing. It does so with the renewed Amazon Fire HD 10 tablets and with the new Fire HD 10 Plus – the latter, for now only in the U.S., which comes with brighter screens, more power, and more RAM. There is another striking change: the position of its webcam, now more prepared to use it for video conferencing.
The new Fire HD 10 Plus are especially striking for their wireless charging support and a “premium” finish that theoretically takes it a bit out of that more affordable range that traditionally “attacked” Amazon. As happened with the Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 8 Plus a few months ago.
Amazon Fire HD 10 and Fire HD 10 Plus Technical specifications
| Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) | Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm |
| Weight | 465 g | 468 g |
| Screen | 10.1 inch | 10.1 inch |
| Resolution | 1,920 x 1,200 pixels (224 dpi) | 1,920 x 1,200 pixels (224 dpi) |
| Processor | Octa-core 2.0 GHz | Octa-core 2.0 GHz |
| RAM | 3 GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 32 / 64GB (expandable up to 1TB) | 32 / 64GB (expandable up to 1TB) |
| Software | Fire OS (without Google Play) | Fire OS (without Google Play) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Wi-Fi 5 Bluetooth 5.0 LE |
| Cameras | Front: 2 MP Rear: 5 MP | Front: 2 MP Rear: 5 MP |
| Battery | Up to 12 hours | Up to 12 hoursWireless charging |
| Price | $149.99 / $189.99 | From $180 |
The Fire HD 10 is thinner but gains in fluidity and brightness
The evolution of the design compared to the 2019 Amazon Fire HD 10 is interesting: compared to the 262 x 159 x 9.8 millimeters of their predecessors, these two new versions slightly reduce the dimensions and thickness with their 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm.
This is also noticeable in the weight (from 504 to 465 g), but otherwise, we still have a 10.1″ diagonal device that now gains in two important areas. The first, the brightness of the screen, which according to Amazon is 10% higher than its predecessor.
The second, the RAM, which goes from 2 to 3 GB in the normal model and 4 GB in the Plus model. That means greater fluidity when opening applications and games. The storage remains the same at 32 or 64 GB which, yes, can be expanded via the micro SD slot.
There are also no changes in terms of connectivity, which is based on the USB-C connector and also maintains Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 LE support.
In the Plus model, we will also have wireless charging support and a “premium” finish. For wireless charging, we will be able to take advantage of Qi chargers, but Amazon also offers optional support that will allow us to use it in kiosk mode.
The webcam now invites video conferencing
The other notable change of these new tablets is in its front webcam, which maintains the 2 MP sensor but above all changes its location: from the “short” side that forced to use it in portrait mode to the “long” side of the tablet, allowing it to be used in landscape mode.
That makes using the new Amazon Fire HD 10 for casual video conferencing or even work – although the sensor is certainly limited in resolution- much more feasible, and even taking notes in the meantime with a split-screen Bluetooth keyboard as shown in the promotional image can be a curious option on these tablets.
For the rest, we are faced with another turn of the screw of tablets that still prefer to pose an affordable alternative and not as ambitious as that of other Android tablets that aim to compete with the iPad.
Amazon continues to believe in the tablet above all as a consumer product, something that nevertheless gives them room for maneuver in the future if they want to propose alternatives aimed more at productivity.
At the moment that does not seem to be the goal, and the Fire HD 10 remains a good option for those looking for a reliable tablet for both consuming content and playing games.
Price and availability of the new Amazon Fire HD 10
Amazon has indicated that the new Amazon Fire HD 10 will be available in its online store next May 26 for a price of $149.99 for the 32 GB model and $189.99 for the 64 GB model.
The Fire HD 10 Plus will be available at a price starting at $180.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.