iPad Mini 2 vs New Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HD: 3 Ways the Android Amazon Tablets Stay Relevant

The iPad mini 2 and new Nexus 7 release dates (at least from the rumoured timetable of Apple and Google) are already on many gadget shoppers' calendars. Will the Amazon Kindle Fire HD remain a relevant device after this year?

RELATED | Amazon Drops Price For Kindle Fire HD 8.9, Celebrates Launch In Europe And Japan

Amazon last week dropped its U.S. price tag for the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch variant. The full-sized Android tablet is now only $269 for the WiFi only device. The company widely known for its online shopping services also offers special discounts to Amazon Student Members. Follow this link for the student promo. Meanwhile, the 7-inch Kindle Fire HD is still at $199, competing directly with the iPad mini and Nexus 7. The other two device's prices are expected to plunge once their successors are launched later in the year.

The 7-inch Kindle Fire HD features a display screen with 1280 × 800 px resolution, for a 216 PPI (pixel density in pixels per inch). It is fueled by a dual-core 1.2 GHz TI OMAP4 4460, with 1GB of RAM. Despite running on an older Android 4.0, the device has specs that neither Nexus 7 nor iPad mini could put to shame. Those using it primarily for their Amazon shopping needs attest to the robust system of the device. In Australia, shoppers can get the larger Kindle Fire HD 16GB WiFi only unit for A$289 via MobiCity.

RELATED | Kindle Fire Beats Google Nexus 7 -- Amazon Tablet Winning the Small Android Tablet Game?

Below are 3 ways the Amazon Kindle Fire HD can stay relevant even after the new Nexus 7 and iPad mini 2 releases (among others). The list is made considering the Kindle Fire is now enjoying a wider coverage in the world.

1. Kindle Fire HD is one of the cheaper alternatives for new tablet owners. "As we expand Kindle Fire HD 8.9" to Europe and Japan, we've been able to increase our production volumes and decrease our costs. Across our business at Amazon, whenever we are able to create cost efficiencies like this, we want to pass the savings along to our customers," said Dave Limp, Vice President, Amazon Kindle.

2. Amazon remains a go-to place for entertainment media consumption. It may not be the best device for productivity, but it is in relatively solid shape for online recreation.

3. Many Kindle Fire HD owners have other devices, even other tablets for other purposes. The Kindle remains the best eBook reading device for many electronic reading enthusiasts.

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