Amazon Kindle Fire HD vs Google Nexus 7

CONTENT
Unsurprisingly, given the custom interface it uses, the Kindle Fire HD has been stripped of the Google Play Store and given the Amazon Appstore instead. Like other third-party app stores it has fewer apps and games than the official store, but the Amazon brand has already attracted several big-name developers such as Rovio. Angry Birds fans will still be able to get their fix, but Nexus owners will have more variety.

The reverse is true when it comes to films, TV and music. Amazon’s marketplace is much more expansive than the Google Play store, so if you’re looking to rent the latest releases or add to your album collection, you’ll probably have better luck finding your favourites with a Kindle Fire HD.

If you want to be able to play the latest games or use the newest apps, the Nexus 7 will be your best bet, but if you’re more interested in content, the Kindle Fire HD nudges it.
Winner: tie

STORAGE
The basic Nexus 7 has 8GB of internal memory, with no microSD card slot for upgrading it later. You can also get a 16GB model, which again has no expandable storage.

Amazon’s entry-level tablet starts with 16GB of internal memory – twice that of the similarly priced Nexus 7. If that’s not sufficient, you can opt for the larger model, which as 32GB of storage.
Winner: Kindle Fire HD

PRICE
If you were just looking at price alone when choosing between the Kindle and the Nexus, you would have an almost impossible task, as they both cost the same. It’s only when you take other specifications into account that value becomes clearer. Google’s tablet starts at £159 for an 8GB model, jumping up to £199 for the 16GB version.

Amazon has been very aggressive with its pricing, letting you pick up a 16GB Kindle Fire HD for the same price as an 8GB Nexus, just £159. If you want more storage, the 32GB model costs £199, the same as the 16GB Nexus 7. Of course, both are significantly cheaper than Apple’s iPad.

There’s no question that you get more storage for your money with a Kindle, so it wins here.
Winner: Kindle Fire HD

WHO WINS?
Adding up the scores, it looks like a tie between the two tablets. There’s really not a lot between them, but the few differences could make your decision easier. We personally prefer Google’s Nexus 7 because it’s more open to customisation, thanks to its stock Android interface, and has more apps and games available to download through the Google Play store.

Amazon’s tablet is much more locked down, but it has more storage for the same price, potentially better speakers and much more video and music content than Google currently offers. Its interface is also a lot more user-friendly for anyone that isn’t already familiar with Android.

Crucially, you’re getting excellent value for money with either tablet, so you’re unlikely to regret buying either one.