With release of Surface tablets, Microsoft has introduced Windows 8 as new operating system for tablets. It has definitely fueled up tablet war with Android and iPad already fighting with each other for superiority. With such a background, we could not resist ourselves from comparing two hottest gadgets in market. Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD 8.9 has been a huge success since its release. This Android powered tablet has become issue of jealousy for other Android tablet manufacturers like Samsung. On the other hand, Surface RT being flagship device to run Windows 8 RT, has been a subject of curiosity. Let us find out how these tablets perform head-to-head.
Microsoft Surface RT vs. Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9: Major Features
Processor
If you recall, Mobile World Congress this year introduced us with range of devices running on new Tegra 3 chips. Microsoft Surface RT follows same footsteps. It runs on quad-core Tegra 3 chips making this device powerful in terms of computational power. Yes! it can run multiple applications and won’t slow down.
On the other hand, Kindle Fire HD 8.9 is powered by 1.5 GHz dual-core processor. Though it has half the cores that of Surface RT, this device is not at all slower. It assures satisfaction in terms of performance and parallel execution.
Display
When it comes to tablets, which we use mostly for watching movies, browsing and stuff, display forms vital part. Microsoft Surface RT hosts a 10.6 inch display boasting a resolution of 1366 x 768 and offering 148 ppi.
On the other hand, despite of having a smaller display of 8.9 inches, Kindle Fire HD offers resolution of 1920 x 1200 and 254 ppi. If these numbers doesn’t make much sense to you, let us put it in other words. Display of Kindle Fire HD is going to offer you vivid and vibrant colors. And if watching movies is first thing you are going to do on your tablet, then I would definitely recommend Kindle Fire HD.
Storage
Both tablets are even on this aspect. Microsoft Surface RT offers 32 GB and 64 GB variants with 2 GB of RAM. Also, there exists a microSD slot if you think this much memory is not enough for your use. Same description goes with Kindle Fire HD except that it does not have microSD slot.
Camera
Love photography? Then Microsoft Surface RT is your device! Offered with rear camera of 1.2 megapixel and video recording capability of 720p with 30 frames per seconds, this tablet performs exceptionally well. Kindle Fire HD does not have rear camera and thus no recording capability. Front camera of Kindle Fire HD is 1.3 megapixel and performs good in case of video recording.
Apart from these, there are many factors like dimensions or connectivity that comes into picture when we are comparing tablets. Let us present them in tabular format.
| Features | Microsoft Surface RT | Kindle Fire HD 8.9 |
| Dimensions | 6.7 x 10.8 x 0.37 inches | 6.4 x 9.4 x 0.35 inches |
| Weight | 1.5 Pounds | 1.25 pounds |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, micro HDMI, microSD, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 | MicroUSB, microHDMI, Dual Band Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, 4G, Bluetooth |
| Operating System | Windows RT | Android 4.0 |
| Display | 10.6 inches | 8.9 inches |
| Processor | Quad Core Tegra 3 | Dual core 1.5 GHz |
| Resolution | 1366 x 768 | 1920 x 1200 |
| Price | $499 – 32 GB$599 – 32 GB with back cover$699 – 64 GB with back cover | $299 – 16 GB$369 – 32 GB (Wi-Fi)$499 – 32 GB$599 – 64 GB (Wi-Fi, Celluar) |
Both tablets have their advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your taste for OS or Storage or processing power, you can choose either of them.
Which one would you like to go for? Let us know in comments below.
