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Amazon Fire Kids Edition (Late 2015) Tablet Review

Family Fire. A thick protective cover, two-year worry-free warranty and a one-year subscription to "Amazon FreeTime Unlimited" is to make Amazon's cheapest Fire tablet suitable for children 3+ years with the Kids Edition. Parents will likely find the device interesting primarily for its reasonable price of 120 Euros (~$131).

For the original German review, see here.

Amazon's new tablet, plainly called "Fire Kids Edition," follows in the footsteps of the Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition that we tested last August. The latest model carries the new Fire OS 5 operating system and a larger 7-inch screen. However, its resolution of 1024x600 pixels is very low. In return, Amazon demands 30 Euros (~$32) less with 120 Euros (~$131) for the review sample than for the already fairly low-priced predecessor. Our review sample of the Kids Edition costs 45 Euros (~$49) more than the base model, which is available for a price starting at 60 Euros (~$65) with ads also on the lock screen.

The review sample will have to compete with some considerably more expensive models since only few, such low-priced rivals exist in our database. We also use the former Fire HD 6 and the slightly bigger Fire HD 8 for comparison.

Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015 (Fire Series)
Processor
Mediatek MT8127 4 x 1.3 GHz, Cortex-A7
Graphics adapter
Memory
1024 MB 
Display
7.00 inch 16:9, 1024 x 600 pixel, capacitive touchscreen, IPS, glossy: yes
Storage
8 GB eMMC Flash, 8 GB 
, 4.65 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack, Card Reader: micro-SD slot (max. 128 GB), Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope
Networking
802.11 b/g/n (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 27.1 x 219 x 140.5 ( = 1.07 x 8.62 x 5.53 in)
Battery
Lithium-Ion, Battery runtime (according to manufacturer): 7 h
Operating System
Android 5.1 Lollipop
Camera
Primary Camera: 2 MPix (Fixed-focus f/2.8, 720p-Video)
Secondary Camera: 0.3 MPix (Fixed-focus f/2.8, VGA-Video)
Additional features
Speakers: mono speaker, Keyboard: virtual, 5 watt power supply, protective case, Fire OS 5.1.1, 24 Months Warranty, fanless
Weight
407 g ( = 14.36 oz / 0.9 pounds), Power Supply: 65 g ( = 2.29 oz / 0.14 pounds)
Price
120 EUR
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case

The protective case included for the Kids Edition is made of solid yet flexible plastic that makes a very durable impression. Unfortunately, it very evidently starts to smell like new sports shoes after a few days. The material also exhibits slightly inexactly processed edges in some places, which will hardly bother children.

Without the bumper, the Fire tablet's low price of the base device becomes obvious in view of the materials used for the casing. The fingers only feel roughened hard plastic that does not convey the impression of grip despite the surface texture and is also relatively prone to scratching. The narrow, evenly spaced gaps are positive, though.

The device is certainly not light with a weight of 407 grams with the bumper. However, it is pleasant to hold thanks to its favorable shape and non-slip materials. On the other hand, the tablet's stiffness is disappointing: Moderate pressure on the back or slight twisting lead to very visible content distortions with and without the protective casing. It is also possible to make random inputs this way. Not very trustworthy cracking accompanies these effects. More could be expected here especially considering its purpose as a tablet for children.

Fire Kids Edition with bumper - front
Fire Kids Edition with bumper - front
Fire Kids Edition with bumper - rear
Fire Kids Edition without bumper - front
Fire Kids Edition without bumper - rear
Fire Kids Edition
Fire Kids Edition
Fire Kids Edition
256 mm / 10.1 in 171 mm / 6.73 in 8.9 mm / 0.3504 in 520 g1.146 lbs219 mm / 8.62 in 140.5 mm / 5.53 in 27.1 mm / 1.067 in 407 g0.897 lbs214.8 mm / 8.46 in 124 mm / 4.88 in 7.8 mm / 0.3071 in 330 g0.728 lbs214 mm / 8.43 in 128 mm / 5.04 in 7.7 mm / 0.3031 in 311 g0.686 lbs192 mm / 7.56 in 126 mm / 4.96 in 26.4 mm / 1.039 in 360 g0.794 lbs203.2 mm / 8 in 134.8 mm / 5.31 in 6.1 mm / 0.2402 in 304 g0.67 lbs200 mm / 7.87 in 114 mm / 4.49 in 8.65 mm / 0.3406 in 290 g0.639 lbs192.7 mm / 7.59 in 110.7 mm / 4.36 in 9.9 mm / 0.3898 in 350 g0.772 lbs297 mm / 11.7 in 210 mm / 8.27 in 1 mm / 0.03937 in 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity

It becomes evident that the device is a very low-cost model when looking at the technical configuration. The quad-core SoC can only fall back on a tight 1 GB of working memory, and only approximately 4.7 GB of storage is left for apps and media files in delivery state. However, the micro-SD slot that supports cards with up to 128 GB compensates for that to some degree. It is practical that suitable apps are installed on the external memory card directly by default.

The incorporated micro-USB 2.0 port supports USB OTG for connecting peripherals; NFC or a vibration motor for tactile feedback is not installed.

Software

Like in all Amazon devices, the operating system installed on the Fire Kids Edition is Fire OS. However, the just recently released Version 5, which is based on Android Lollipop, has been modified profoundly. It now features a revised home screen that resembles the classic app drawer of Android devices. It displays all installed programs clearly arranged in a vertical scroll list. Horizontal swiping switches to other screens that, for example, enable directly accessing Amazon services such as the Kindle bookstore or instant video. An overview of recently used apps also fades in on the home screen's left after using the device for the first time. Overall, the system is intuitive and swift to use. Amazon updated the tablet's Fire OS 5.0.1 to version 5.1.1 during the test, which also brings the new read mode "Blue Shade" among other features. The operating system tries to filter out the largest part of blue tones when it is enabled. That allegedly leads to a more restful sleep after evening use.

It is generally evident that the software is focused on Amazon's universe. Users who have bought a lot of content there or have a Prime membership can access media content, such as books, movies and music without much effort. Google services, such as the Play Store standard on Android devices, are not pre-loaded. Amazon relies on its own app shop. It, however, lags slightly behind the competition's offered program diversity.

Lock screen
Apps
Quick settings
Recently opened apps
Blue Shade color adjustment
Operating system
Technical specs (AnTuTu)

Kids Profiles

Like in other Fire devices, up to four child profiles can be set up in the review sample. It provides a multitude of options for managing the children's interaction possibilities. For example, the user can choose specific apps, books and YouTube videos. Since recently, it is also basically possible to limit browsing time on predefined websites. If preferred, the user can also review lists of child-appropriate content provided by Amazon. Additionally, the time of use can be set individually. Audio files and Amazon Prime video content, unfortunately, cannot be enabled for child profiles.

A twelve-month subscription of the additional "FreeTime Unlimited," which allows accessing child-appropriate eBooks, movies, games and educational apps, is also included. However, payments are due after the expiration date if the subscription is not canceled.

More information can be found in the review of the Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition.

Home screen with FreeTime Unlimited
Kids profile setup
Browser in Kids profile
Home screen of "Teen" profile for 11+ years
Amazon also monitors MPAA clearances

Communication & GPS 

The review sample accesses the Internet via Wi-Fi in the 2.4 GHz band. The 5 GHz frequency range cannot be utilized. The module makes a useful impression in our test. The reception is throughout stable and on par with comparable devices. Wireless near field communication is also possible via Bluetooth 4.0.

A GPS receiver is not incorporated. Users who also want to navigate with their tablet will have to look for another device.

Cameras & Multimedia

Front camera (click for original)
Front camera (click for original)
Primary camera (click for original)
Primary camera (click for original)

Like the predecessor, the Kindle Kids Edition has a rear-facing 2-megapixel primary camera and a 0.3-megapixel webcam on the front. Their data do not give much hope for a good photo quality. Consequently, it is not very surprising that the results of both cameras are not compelling. The photos look relatively blurry even in daylight. Sometimes, annoying color fringing (scene 1) is noticed. It becomes obvious where Amazon made cutbacks here. However, the results should still be satisfactory for a child's first photography attempts.

It looks similar with video recordings. Although they can be created in HD quality (1280x720 pixels), the device's general resolution weakness also becomes evident here. The front-facing webcam only records videos in VGA (640x480 pixels), which results in a very small, noisy image. It is positive in both cases that a relatively smooth recording is produced at least in daylight - a very clear stuttering quickly becomes apparent in the recording indoors.

The camera software does not provide settings for ISO sensitivity, exposure corrections not to mention effect filters. However, HDR and panorama photos can be made.

Image Comparison

Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.

Scene 1Scene 2Scene 3
Test picture (click for original)
Test picture (click for original)

Sharpness

We made a screenshot of our test chart in artificial light for a better verdict of the tablet's camera quality. Besides the low resolution, blurriness that covers the entire image is evident even in a scaled-down reproduction. Color fringing is again visible at the edges.

Amazon Fire Kids Edition: Section of the test picture
Amazon Fire Kids Edition
Apple iPhone 6S: Section of the test picture
Apple iPhone 6S
Honor 7: Section of the test picture
Honor 7
OnePlus 2: Section of the test picture
OnePlus 2

Accessories

In addition to a 5-watt charger (1 A, 5 V), the Fire Kids Edition is shipped with the aforementioned blue protection case made of durable plastic. The included USB cable is a bit short with a length of approximately 70 centimeters.

Warranty

While Amazon only includes a one-year warranty on the basic Fire tablet, the Kids Edition comes with a two-year "worry-free warranty." According to Amazon, it covers all thinkable damages, and the device will be replaced for free in case of a defect.

Input Devices & Handling

Amazon's Fire keyboard is identical with Google's stock keyboard with some minor exceptions. All important features can be accessed quite quickly, but swipe inputting is unfortunately not supported.

It is pleasing that the fingers can glide smoothly over the keyboard when making inputs. However, inputs were only implemented very unreliably in some areas on the screen's right edge.

All physical keys - power button and volume rocker - are on the device's upper edge when held in portrait mode. The silver-colored elements feature a good pressure point but have some play in the casing. They also vanish into deep cavities when the included bumper is used, which affects the ease of use slightly.

Keyboard: vertical
Keyboard: vertical
Keyboard: horizontal
Keyboard: horizontal

Display

Subpixel arrangement
Subpixel arrangement

Amazon furnishes the review sample with an IPS panel that has a relatively low resolution of 1024x600 pixels (170 PPI). While the screen actually presents a 16:9 aspect ratio due to its physical dimensions, the resolution sooner corresponds to an aspect ratio of 17:10. Thus, displayed content is always compressed in one direction, which is particularly visible in circular elements. At the same time, narrow black bars above and below 16:9 videos evolve due to the somewhat deviating resolution.

The screen's brightness is not compelling, either. The review sample is the taillight among the comparison devices in terms of maximum brightness on a completely white surface. However, the assessment when bright and dark areas are distributed equally over the screen (Average Picture Level/APL) is more significant, which leads to the same outcome in this case. The Fire's screen contrast ratio of 535:1 is similarly below average. Solely Google's two-year-old Nexus 7 undercuts it. The tablet does not have a brightness sensor. The afterglow of bright image elements was also noticed unfavorably and was, for example, well-visible when using the main menu in the child profile in the test.

305
cd/m²
315
cd/m²
317
cd/m²
298
cd/m²
337
cd/m²
319
cd/m²
282
cd/m²
334
cd/m²
308
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 337 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 312.8 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 84 %
Center on Battery: 337 cd/m²
Contrast: 535:1 (Black: 0.63 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 8.47 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.92
ΔE Greyscale 9.98 | 0.5-98 Ø5.2
Gamma: 2.33
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
1024*600 px 7.0'' (IPS)
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
1280x800 px 6.0'' (IPS)
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
1280x800 px 8.0'' (IPS)
Google Nexus 7 2013
1920x1200 px 7.0'' (IPS)
Apple iPad Mini 4
2048x1536 px 7.9'' (IPS)
Huawei MediaPad M2
1920x1200 px 8.0'' (IPS)
HP Stream 7 5700ng
1280x800 px 7.0'' (IPS)
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
1280x800 px 10.0'' (IPS)
Screen
Brightness middle
337
411
22%
550
63%
548.7
63%
411
22%
463
37%
461
37%
356
6%
Brightness
313
383
22%
523
67%
513
64%
421
35%
445
42%
411
31%
339
8%
Brightness Distribution
84
88
5%
88
5%
87
4%
91
8%
92
10%
78
-7%
90
7%
Black Level *
0.63
0.42
33%
0.53
16%
1.07
-70%
0.58
8%
0.47
25%
0.6
5%
0.42
33%
Contrast
535
979
83%
1038
94%
513
-4%
709
33%
985
84%
768
44%
848
59%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
8.47
5.32
37%
7.77
8%
2.64
69%
2.15
75%
6.25
26%
7.19
15%
6.51
23%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
9.98
4.96
50%
7.48
25%
2.61
74%
2.72
73%
6.16
38%
8.38
16%
5.92
41%
Gamma
2.33 94%
1.94 113%
1.8 122%
2.35 94%
2.29 96%
2.43 91%
3.26 67%
2.21 100%
CCT
6902 94%
6376 102%
6633 98%
6701 97%
7012 93%
7921 82%
7242 90%
6736 96%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
43

* ... smaller is better

Amazon's tablet does not do a good job in color accuracy, either. Average DeltaE rates of 8.47 (colors) and 9.98 (grayscale) are unusually bad for an IPS panel. However, it is positive that the gamma rate of 2.33 is quite close to the ideal of 2.2.

ColorChecker
ColorChecker
Saturation Sweeps
Saturation Sweeps
Grayscale
Grayscale
Colorspace
Colorspace

The screen's relatively low brightness is noticed unfavorably when used outdoors. The screen would have to have a higher brightness to outshine the reflections. Outdoor use is still conditionally possible when a viewing angle with the least possible amount of reflections is found under cloudy skies.

Thanks to the installed IPS technology, displayed content does not invert in flat viewing angles. However, a loss in brightness as well as a decrease in brightness due to the brightening of dark image areas evolves in these situations (IPS glow effect).

Screen in outdoor use
Screen in outdoor use
Viewing angles
Viewing angles

Performance

The Mediatek MT8127 inside the Fire Kids Edition is an entry-level SoC that is based on four Cortex A7 cores clocked at 1.3 GHz each. A Mali 450-MP4 graphics unit is responsible for video output. Our various benchmarks confirm that the performance of this solution is not particularly high. The tablet mostly ends up in last place here. It can only slightly outperform Acer's Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 based on the same processor occasionally. The memory tests look much better. The review sample scores unusually well here and even defeats the more expensive Fire HD 8.

We test the micro-SD slot's speed with a Toshiba Exceria SD-CX32UHS1 memory card (UHS-I Class 3, max. read: 85: MB/s; max. write: 50 MB/s). The Fire Kids Edition clearly remains below the maximum rates in both sequential read (58 MB/s) and write (17 MB/s). While reading small data blocks (11 MB/s) is still satisfactory, the corresponding write performance of 0.1 MB/s is not convincing.

Despite the SoC's middling performance, the system based on the latest Fire OS version usually responds quickly and mostly lag-free. Browsing with the incorporated Silk browser is possible without significant restrictions subjectively. However, the time needed for closing larger apps or switching a child's profile might be perceived as very long.

AnTuTu v5 - Total Score (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
23806 Points
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
29177 Points +23%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
29380 Points +23%
Apple iPad Mini 4
46574 Points +96%
Huawei MediaPad M2
48699 Points +105%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
21823 Points -8%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Multi-Core Score (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
1205 Points
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
1520 Points +26%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
1486 Points +23%
Huawei MediaPad M2
3468 Points +188%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
1179 Points -2%
32 Bit Single-Core Score (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
362 Points
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
760 Points +110%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
774 Points +114%
Huawei MediaPad M2
823 Points +127%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
361 Points 0%
3DMark
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
8974 Points
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
8497 Points -5%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
8583 Points -4%
Apple iPad Mini 4
9844 Points +10%
Huawei MediaPad M2
10447 Points +16%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
8562 Points -5%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Graphics Score (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
4114 Points
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
10880 Points +164%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
10551 Points +156%
Apple iPad Mini 4
25254 Points +514%
Huawei MediaPad M2
11984 Points +191%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
4123 Points 0%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Score (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
4677 Points
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
10242 Points +119%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
10039 Points +115%
Apple iPad Mini 4
18737 Points +301%
Huawei MediaPad M2
11605 Points +148%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
4660 Points 0%
1920x1080 Ice Storm Extreme Physics (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
7874 Points
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
8275 Points +5%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
7974 Points +1%
Google Nexus 7 2013
10508 Points +33%
Huawei MediaPad M2
9499 Points +21%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
7982 Points +1%
1920x1080 Ice Storm Extreme Graphics (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
2858 Points
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
6304 Points +121%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
6440 Points +125%
Google Nexus 7 2013
6655 Points +133%
Huawei MediaPad M2
7040 Points +146%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
2874 Points +1%
1920x1080 Ice Storm Extreme Score (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
3330 Points
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
6656 Points +100%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
6728 Points +102%
Google Nexus 7 2013
7245 Points +118%
Huawei MediaPad M2
7470 Points +124%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
3350 Points +1%
Smartbench 2012
Productivity Index (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
4239 points
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
3875 points -9%
Google Nexus 7 2013
5080 points +20%
Huawei MediaPad M2
5985 points +41%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
4601 points +9%
Gaming Index (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
4171 points
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
2793 points -33%
Google Nexus 7 2013
3279 points -21%
Huawei MediaPad M2
3804 points -9%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
3047 points -27%
BaseMark OS II
Web (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
613 Points
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
785 Points +28%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
810 Points +32%
Apple iPad Mini 4
1059 Points +73%
Huawei MediaPad M2
754 Points +23%
Graphics (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
247 Points
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
562 Points +128%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
575 Points +133%
Apple iPad Mini 4
2668 Points +980%
Huawei MediaPad M2
820 Points +232%
Memory (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
341 Points
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
349 Points +2%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
311 Points -9%
Apple iPad Mini 4
902 Points +165%
Huawei MediaPad M2
1235 Points +262%
System (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
971 Points
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
1401 Points +44%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
1350 Points +39%
Apple iPad Mini 4
3132 Points +223%
Huawei MediaPad M2
1870 Points +93%
Overall (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
473 Points
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
681 Points +44%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
665 Points +41%
Apple iPad Mini 4
1681 Points +255%
Huawei MediaPad M2
1093 Points +131%
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7
T-Rex Onscreen (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
13 fps
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
21 fps +62%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
23 fps +77%
Google Nexus 7 2013
16 fps +23%
Apple iPad Mini 4
37 fps +185%
Huawei MediaPad M2
14 fps +8%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
14 fps +8%
1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
8.9 fps
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
14 fps +57%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
15 fps +69%
Google Nexus 7 2013
16 fps +80%
Apple iPad Mini 4
47.8 fps +437%
Huawei MediaPad M2
15 fps +69%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
9 fps +1%
AndroBench 3-5
Random Write 4KB (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
10.6 MB/s
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
3.44 MB/s -68%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
5.41 MB/s -49%
Google Nexus 7 2013
0.82 MB/s -92%
Huawei MediaPad M2
13.44 MB/s +27%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
3.39 MB/s -68%
Random Read 4KB (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
23.34 MB/s
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
19.25 MB/s -18%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
14.04 MB/s -40%
Google Nexus 7 2013
11.99 MB/s -49%
Huawei MediaPad M2
25.09 MB/s +7%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
20.25 MB/s -13%
Sequential Write 256KB (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
38.19 MB/s
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
20.13 MB/s -47%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
12.2 MB/s -68%
Google Nexus 7 2013
13.97 MB/s -63%
Huawei MediaPad M2
40.72 MB/s +7%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
22.35 MB/s -41%
Sequential Read 256KB (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
156.6 MB/s
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
143 MB/s -9%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
125.6 MB/s -20%
Google Nexus 7 2013
59.7 MB/s -62%
Huawei MediaPad M2
145 MB/s -7%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
115 MB/s -27%
Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
2019 ms *
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
754 ms * +63%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
1391 ms * +31%
Google Nexus 7 2013
1105 ms * +45%
Apple iPad Mini 4
329 ms * +84%
Huawei MediaPad M2
1021 ms * +49%
HP Stream 7 5700ng
743 ms * +63%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
1646 ms * +18%
Octane V2 - Total Score (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
2358 Points
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
5894 Points +150%
Apple iPad Mini 4
9962 Points +322%
Huawei MediaPad M2
3866 Points +64%
HP Stream 7 5700ng
2178 Points -8%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
2263 Points -4%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
16411 ms *
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
5563 ms * +66%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
5695 ms * +65%
Apple iPad Mini 4
2557 ms * +84%
Huawei MediaPad M2
11544 ms * +30%
HP Stream 7 5700ng
13787 ms * +16%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
15486 ms * +6%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
15.8 Points
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
34.47 Points +118%
Huawei MediaPad M2
23 Points +46%
Linpack Android / IOS
Multi Thread (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
169.4 MFLOPS
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
209 MFLOPS +23%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
234.6 MFLOPS +38%
Google Nexus 7 2013
253.6 MFLOPS +50%
Apple iPad Mini 4
1645 MFLOPS +871%
Huawei MediaPad M2
272 MFLOPS +61%
Single Thread (sort by value)
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
55.1 MFLOPS
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
123.8 MFLOPS +125%
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
163.4 MFLOPS +197%
Google Nexus 7 2013
97.5 MFLOPS +77%
Apple iPad Mini 4
935 MFLOPS +1597%
Huawei MediaPad M2
121 MFLOPS +120%

Legend

 
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015 Mediatek MT8127, ARM Mali-450 MP4, 8 GB eMMC Flash
 
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition Mediatek MT8135, PowerVR G6200, 8 GB eMMC Flash
 
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015 Mediatek MT8135, PowerVR G6200, 16 GB eMMC Flash
 
Google Nexus 7 2013 Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro APQ8064A, Qualcomm Adreno 320, 16 GB SSD
 
Apple iPad Mini 4 Apple A8, PowerVR GX6450, 64 GB SSD
 
Huawei MediaPad M2 HiSilicon Kirin 930, ARM Mali-T628 MP4, 16 GB eMMC Flash
 
HP Stream 7 5700ng Intel Atom Z3735G, Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 32 GB eMMC Flash
 
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003) Mediatek MT8127, ARM Mali-450 MP4, 16 GB SSD

* ... smaller is better

Games

The integrated Mali 450-MP4 GPU finds its limits in graphics-demanding games like Real Racing 3 despite the screen's low resolution. However, these kinds of games can generally be rendered even if occasional stutters are noticed. Games with lower hardware requirements, such as Angry Birds, run absolutely lag-free.

The quite sensitive position sensors and inputting via touchscreen function problem-free in gaming use. The protective casing also provides decent grip.

Angry Birds
Angry Birds
Real Racing 3
Real Racing 3

Emissions

Temperature

The Fire Kids Edition shows its best side in the temperature tests. The device only heats up moderately during permanent load with at most 42.3 °C. That is also only reached in single places - the largest part of the casing's surface even remains considerably cooler.

It is all the more pleasing that the SoC does not throttle its performance during permanent load in GFXBench's battery test.

GFXBench: Performance
GFXBench: Performance
GFXBench: Frame times
GFXBench: Frame times
GFXBench: Battery consumption
GFXBench: Battery consumption
Max. Load
 35.4 °C
96 F
30.4 °C
87 F
28.2 °C
83 F
 
 36.1 °C
97 F
31.8 °C
89 F
29 °C
84 F
 
 35.8 °C
96 F
33.7 °C
93 F
30 °C
86 F
 
Maximum: 36.1 °C = 97 F
Average: 32.3 °C = 90 F
30.4 °C
87 F
36.4 °C
98 F
42.2 °C
108 F
30.8 °C
87 F
34.9 °C
95 F
42.3 °C
108 F
30.2 °C
86 F
32.4 °C
90 F
38.7 °C
102 F
Maximum: 42.3 °C = 108 F
Average: 35.4 °C = 96 F
Power Supply (max.)  35.6 °C = 96 F | Room Temperature 22.3 °C = 72 F | Voltcraft IR-260
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 32.3 °C / 90 F, compared to the average of 30 °C / 86 F for the devices in the class Tablet.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 36.1 °C / 97 F, compared to the average of 33.7 °C / 93 F, ranging from 20.7 to 53.2 °C for the class Tablet.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 42.3 °C / 108 F, compared to the average of 33.2 °C / 92 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27 °C / 81 F, compared to the device average of 30 °C / 86 F.

Speaker

Although the review sample's mono speaker is situated on the rear, the Kids Edition's bumper redirects the sound towards the sides. The sound is absolutely acceptable even if neither the maximum volume nor the sound quality can compete with rivals furnished with stereo speakers. The device primarily scores with the good intelligibility of dialogs when watching videos in a quiet surrounding.

Playing music via the incorporated headphone jack proves impeccable. The sound did not demonstrate any deficiencies or static.

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The review sample's power consumption benefits to some extent from its relatively weak SoC. It does a better job under load than its predecessor that we criticized in this regard. It even defeats the comparison devices based on stronger components in most tests. The older Kindle Fire HD 6 only has an edge in idle mode in some cases, and HP's Stream 7 Windows tablet also presents overall better outcomes. Nevertheless, the power consumption could be somewhat lower in view of the middling performance of the components installed in the review sample.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.08 / 0.28 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 1.12 / 3.06 / 3.31 Watt
Load midlight 4.85 / 5.41 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Gossen Metrahit Energy
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
Mali-450 MP4, MT8127, 8 GB eMMC Flash
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
PowerVR G6200, MT8135, 8 GB eMMC Flash
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
PowerVR G6200, MT8135, 16 GB eMMC Flash
Apple iPad Mini 4
PowerVR GX6450, A8, 64 GB SSD
Huawei MediaPad M2
Mali-T628 MP4, Kirin 930, 16 GB eMMC Flash
HP Stream 7 5700ng
HD Graphics (Bay Trail), Z3735G, 32 GB eMMC Flash
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
Mali-450 MP4, MT8127, 16 GB SSD
Power Consumption
-7%
-10%
-16%
-16%
29%
-47%
Idle Minimum *
1.12
1.2
-7%
1.18
-5%
0.8
29%
1.4
-25%
0.8
29%
2.1
-88%
Idle Average *
3.06
2.3
25%
3.34
-9%
3.6
-18%
3.3
-8%
1.2
61%
4.7
-54%
Idle Maximum *
3.31
2.6
21%
3.48
-5%
3.9
-18%
3.4
-3%
1.4
58%
4.9
-48%
Load Average *
4.85
6.4
-32%
5.83
-20%
6.1
-26%
5.5
-13%
4.2
13%
6.2
-28%
Load Maximum *
5.41
7.8
-44%
5.9
-9%
8
-48%
7
-29%
6.4
-18%
6.4
-18%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Runtime

The review sample can clearly outrun both the predecessor as well as the more expensive Fire HD 8 with a battery runtime of over eight hours in the real-world Wi-Fi test. Although top models like Apple's iPad Mini 4 last longer in some cases, the Fire Kids Edition nevertheless presents good endurance that should ensure sufficient runtimes for recreational use.

The included power supply fully recharges the depleted battery in approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing (Firefox 42)
8h 10min
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015
Mali-450 MP4, MT8127, 8 GB eMMC Flash
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 6 Kids Edition
PowerVR G6200, MT8135, 8 GB eMMC Flash
Amazon Fire HD 8 inch 2015
PowerVR G6200, MT8135, 16 GB eMMC Flash
Google Nexus 7 2013
Adreno 320, S4 Pro APQ8064A, 16 GB SSD
Apple iPad Mini 4
PowerVR GX6450, A8, 64 GB SSD
Huawei MediaPad M2
Mali-T628 MP4, Kirin 930, 16 GB eMMC Flash
HP Stream 7 5700ng
HD Graphics (Bay Trail), Z3735G, 32 GB eMMC Flash
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A20 (NT.L5DEE.003)
Mali-450 MP4, MT8127, 16 GB SSD
Battery Runtime
-33%
-21%
10%
7%
WiFi v1.3
490
327
-33%
388
-21%
539
10%
525
7%
WiFi
411
603
511

Pros

+ bumper included
+ 1-year "FreeTime Unlimited" included
+ 2-year worry-free warranty
+ micro-SD slot max. 128 GB
+ extensively configurable kids' profiles
+ despite SoC's middling performance, relatively smooth handling
+ screen's decent viewing angle stability, but...

Cons

- … relatively low brightness and low resolution
- no light sensor
- memory configuration
- photo quality
- unstable casing
- scratch-sensitive hard plastic under bumper

Verdict

In review: Amazon Fire Kids Edition. Courtesy of Amazon Germany.
In review: Amazon Fire Kids Edition. Courtesy of Amazon Germany.

Amazon's Fire Kids Edition is - like touted - in fact a "full-featured" tablet. However, the low starting price involves some compromises. The screen is not convincing despite IPS technology, and the cameras will also only satisfy very low expectations. Beyond that, cutbacks are also noticed in the casing: Its only middling rigidness is not compelling, and the used materials do not make a high-quality impression. The latter is rather secondary since the Kids Edition is shipped with a durable protective case. On the pro side we find the option of expanding the storage via a micro-SD card and the extensive 2-year warranty.

The listed shortcomings will not be very significant seeing that the device is specifically tailored for children. The Fire can therefore primarily score with the extensively configurable child profiles and the free, one-year "FreeTime Unlimited" subscription. It is also positive that Amazon does not fade in ads on the present Kids Edition - unlike in the former generation.

The buyer gets a tablet that allows children to make their first experiences with technology in an environment designed just for them at a price of 120 Euros (~$131). However, users willing to waive the bumper, extended warranty and the one-year "FreeTime Unlimited" subscription can order a technically identical Fire tablet for approximately 75 Euros (~$81) less.

Amazon Fire Kids Edition Late 2015 - 01/04/2016 v4.1 (old)
Andreas Kilian

Chassis
60%
Keyboard
67 / 80 → 84%
Pointing Device
77%
Connectivity
36 / 65 → 55%
Weight
85 / 40-88 → 94%
Battery
91%
Display
76%
Games Performance
54 / 68 → 79%
Application Performance
23 / 76 → 30%
Temperature
90%
Noise
100%
Audio
41 / 91 → 45%
Camera
30 / 85 → 35%
Average
64%
77%
Tablet - Weighted Average

Price comparison

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Amazon Fire Kids Edition (Late 2015) Tablet Review
Andreas Kilian, 2016-01- 7 (Update: 2018-05-15)