Amazon Fire tablets and Samsung tablets look similar and share many of the same apps and features, but there are important differences between the two tablet brands. We compared the Amazon Fire vs. Samsung tablets to help you decide which one is best for your needs.
Cheaper than cheap Samsung devices.
The design is more unified.
The best e-reader and tablet combo.
Available in a variety of sizes, sizes and price points.
The overall hardware is relatively good.
Supports a wider range of applications and tasks.
Samsung and Amazon make tablet models in a variety of different sizes. The Amazon Fire tablet, formerly known as the Kindle Fire, is an excellent e-reader. They can also do pretty much everything a Samsung tablet can do, with a few exceptions. The main difference between the Fire models is the display.
Samsung makes a wider range of devices, offering varying display quality and performance levels. The Fire HD 10 is cheaper than the comparable Galaxy Tab A9 and even surpasses the A9 in performance. That said, the best Fire tablets can't compete with the best Samsung tablets, especially when it comes to cameras, battery, and app usability. Given the differences between models, it's crucial to look at individual technical specifications.
Runs Fire OS.
Built-in Alexa voice assistant.
Optimized for Kindle e-reader applications.
Running Android.
Built-in Google Assistant.
Better compatibility with other Android and Google devices.
The main difference between the Amazon Fire and Samsung tablets is the operating system. Samsung devices run Google Android, while Fire tablets run Fire OS. Samsung users can visit the Google Play Store to download Android apps. Additionally, Samsung has its own store that offers exclusive apps for its devices.
Amazon Fire users can only use Amazon's App Store, although apps can be sideloaded by adding Google Play to a Fire tablet. If you want to use a specific app, a Samsung tablet is more likely to suit your needs. That said, Fire tablets have their own advantages, especially as an e-reader. The Kindle app is available on all Android devices, but Fire tablets are optimized for reading books aloud thanks to built-in Alexa support.
Likewise, the Alexa app is available for Samsung devices, but Samsung tablets use Google Assistant by default. Depending on whether you already have other Alexa devices (such as the Echo Show) or Google devices (such as the Nest Hub) in your home, Fire OS or Android may be a better fit for your existing ecosystem.
amazon fireGreat for reading, watching and listening to content.
Overall faster than Samsung's budget models.
Not as powerful as high-end Samsung models.
Better for gaming and productivity.
Offering a wider range of prices and performance.
Longer battery life.
Samsung and Fire tablets have similar processors, but they're designed for different purposes. Amazon Fire devices are primarily used for reading, listening to music, and watching videos. Samsung tablets can do it all, but Samsung also has higher-end models available that are optimized for gaming and productivity software.
These tablets are more expensive, but they have more features than the regular Amazon Fire. On the other hand, the Fire HD 10 is slightly faster than the similarly priced Galaxy Tab A9. Samsung devices generally have longer battery life than their Amazon counterparts, lasting more than 12 hours on a full charge, while Fire tablets can only last 8-10 hours.
When choosing a tablet, pay attention to RAM and internal storage. The former determines the types of apps you can run, and the latter determines how many apps (as well as books, music, etc.) your device can hold. Most Amazon and Samsung tablets offer microSD slots for expanded storage.
A brighter, more detailed display than cheaper Samsung monitors.
Same connectivity features as Android devices.
Thinner, lighter design.
Take better photos and videos.
Better for voice and video conferencing.
More display size varieties.
Tablets from both brands are lightweight and designed for portability, but Fire tablets are generally lighter and thinner. Fire HD tablets are known for their superior displays, and Samsung offers a wider range of display sizes.
Samsung tablets generally have better cameras. Amazon improved the cameras on its new tablets, but they can't compete with most Samsung devices. If you want a tablet for Zoom meetings, you're better off with a Samsung. The two brands are equally matched in terms of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and USB connectivity, but only the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 and newer versions support 5G.
Samsung and Amazon both make great cheap tablets. Since they come in many different models, it's important to look at the technical specifications of each device rather than making broad comparisons between brands.
The biggest factor to consider is whether you prefer Fire OS or Android. If you're already familiar with Android and Google Assistant, the Samsung tablet will feel more familiar. If you're used to Alexa and a Kindle e-reader, a Fire tablet might be a better fit for you.
The Amazon Fire HD 10 retails for $140.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 starts at $144.
FAQOnce you decide which model of tablet to buy, you can buy it at most major retailers that sell electronics, including Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon. You can also buy from your wireless carrier, Amazon, or third-party marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
The biggest advantage of tablets over smartphones is their larger screens. If you want to watch movies, read a book, or play games on the go, you'll benefit from a larger display. Artists also use tablets with stylus pens to create drawings and design work.
