What’s New about Amazon Fire 7 (2019)

Amazon just launched a new Fire 7 (2019) tablet. Now it’s available for pre-order. But the shipping won’t start until June 6. “The all-new Fire 7 features a faster processor; 2x the storage so you can enjoy even more videos, music, games, and books on-the-go; and hands-free access to Alexa. Fire 7 is still only $49.99 and is available in Black and 3 new colors: Sage, Plum, and Twilight Blue. And, with hands-free access to Alexa on Fire 7, it’s never been easier to get the news, find a recipe, play music, and more,” says Amazon.

What are the new features?

• Twice as much storage
• Better front camera
• New colours

Just as there were only minor differences between the original and 2017 model in terms of hardware, the all-new Fire 7 is basically the same as before, but offers 16- or 32GB of storage rather than 8- or 16GB. There’s still a microSD slot for expanding storage and it now supports up to 512GB cards, rather than 256GB before.

Amazon also says the processor is faster, but it’s still a 1.3GHz quad-core chip, just as the 2017 model had. Oddly, battery life is claimed to be up to 7 hours, whereas the 2017 model offered up to 8.

No change in the screen: that’s still a 7" IPS display and the bezels are just as thick as before. Importantly, Amazon has finally upgraded the front camera so kids can take better selfies and 720p videos, while friends and family will benefit from the improved quality on video calls.

In terms of software, there’s no notable differences. You get the same great set of features as before including hands-free Alexa.

In a word, the new model may look the same as the 2017 version, but it has more storage, a better selfie camera and three new colours to choose between: Twilight Blue, Plum and Sage. If you have no interest in these new features, then I don’t think there’s any convincing reason to buy this Fire 7 model (2019).