The Dolby Atmos feature is new, and I had doubts about it. The speakers are positioned on a slight slant, keeping them firing upward even when they’re covered by the optional Origami case ($55 to $70). Even though they face backward, they’re never muffled. The back-facing speakers are still among the best in the game they’re crisp, nuanced, and loud. The HDX also offers standout audio features-some that carry over from the previous HDX (top-notch stereo speakers) and some that are brand new (Dolby Atmos). Its pixel density still trumps that of the iPad Air 2 (264ppi), iPad Mini 3 (324ppi), and Nexus 9 (287ppi).Ĭoupled with that lovely display, Amazon Instant Video shines on the HDX, with fast-loading videos and the “X-Ray” feature showing IMDB info right there in the player. Even with last year’s specs, the 2560 x 1600 (339ppi) LCD display is among the brightest, sharpest, and most-vivid in the tablet realm. But once you feast your eyes on the screen, you’ll find nothing to complain about. Upgrading the display is a no-brainer move from one tablet generation to the next, especially for the highest-end model in a company’s lineup. You might be disappointed that there’s no change in the screen. It’s a great tablet for videos, games, and browsing the Web. But the HDX is fast and fluid, and I never ran into an issue. The 805 is a chip designed with 4K video in mind, so it’s surprising that the HDX doesn’t have a 4K screen or video capabilities. It offers swift and smooth performance thanks to its 2.5GHz quad-core CPU, 2GB RAM, and the Adreno 420 graphics processor.
So other than the fact that Amazon dropped “Kindle” from the name, what’s new in the HDX 8.9? Well, it’s one of the first devices packing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 805 system-on-a-chip. Amazon does books well, and they do video well, and they make hardware that delivers great experiences for both of them. Book-sized devices-tablets and e-readers-are right in the company’s wheelhouse, and it makes sense because they match up with Amazon’s best digital content offerings. It’s the poster child for our age of iterative upgrades.įresh off the flop that was the Fire Phone, it’s also a strong reminder that Amazon still makes very good devices. And the 2014 HDX’s new components and features move the chains forward for Amazon’s flagship tablet, albeit in a subtle manner. Just like the last one, this HDX's 8.9-inch screen and 13.2-ounce weight feel just about right.
The changes may be invisible, but there wasn’t much (externally) that needed changing anyway. They’re identical: The same size, the same weight, the same screen, the same industrial design, the same nice $380 base price for the 16GB Wi-Fi version with lock-screen ads.īut the emperor is wearing new underwear. Put the new Amazon Fire HDX 8.9 next to its predecessor, and good luck telling them apart.
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