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Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 2013
Is it worth paying a little bit extra for the Fire HDX 8.9? If you're looking at both right now and wondering which to buy then yes, it probably is. The newer model is faster, jumping from 2.2GHz to 2.5GHz and boasting a newer chipset. It also has the Dolby Atmos sound. The potential extra performance should pay off in the long term.
If you have the last Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 already then this isn't enough of a jump to merit a purchase. The latest flavour of Fire OS, version 4.0 Sangria, is not exclusive to the new Fire HDX 8.9, though it won't be rolling out to all the past generations.
- Read the full Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 2013 review
iPad Air 2
You'll have to find at least some extra cash for the iPad Air 2. It has a bigger display and a more enticing, premium, svelte design. It also crushes the Fire HDX 8.9 when it comes to processing power.
Apple doesn't offer movie streaming, but you can get Netflix or any of Amazon's content offerings on your iPad Air 2. There's no contest when it comes to apps and games. Apple doesn't just have the best; it has apps that are properly optimized for the iPad Air 2. The camera is also superior, if that matters to you.
The Fire HDX 8.9 boasts a sharper, higher resolution display and much better speakers offering louder audio. It also has Amazon's unique features, Mayday and Firefly, as well as the excellent family profile system.
- Read the full iPad Air 2 review
Nexus 9
The Nexus 9 is cheaper and it boasts full, unfettered access to the Play Store for all the latest apps and games. It comes with all of Google's apps and services and the very latest version of Android and it will continue to get the latest updates first for some time to come.
It's faster in terms of raw performance and it's far more customizable. It also has front-facing Boomsound speakers.
On the other hand, the Fire HDX 8.9's display is the same size, but has a far higher resolution and brightness, it's just all-round better.
You're also getting Amazon's extras in the shape of Mayday, Firefly, and the family profiles, which make it that bit more accessible for tablet newbies.
- Read the full Nexus 9 review
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