Mobile Phones & Tablets
Amazon Fire 7 (2022) Review: A $60 Tablet That Knows What It Isn't
- Brand:
- Amazon
- Ages:
- 13+ years
- Updated:
- 2026-07-23
The verdict
The Fire 7 (2022) isn't trying to compete with an iPad, and it shouldn't be judged like one — for $60, a portable, USB-C-charging tablet for video, audiobooks, and casual browsing is genuinely useful, as long as you go in expecting budget-tablet compromises, not flagship performance.
Pros
- One of the cheapest tablets sold by a major retailer, starting at $59.99 for 16GB
- USB-C charging port finally replaces the old micro-USB connector from earlier Fire 7 generations
- microSD slot allows storage expansion, useful given the modest 16GB/32GB base storage options
- Lightweight and compact 7-inch size makes it easy to hold one-handed for reading and video
Cons
- The 1024x600 LCD display is genuinely low-resolution — text can look fuzzy, especially for extended reading sessions
- 2GB of RAM and a modest quad-core processor make the interface feel sluggish, especially with multiple apps open
- Ships tied to Amazon's Fire OS and app ecosystem, so access to the full Google Play app catalog is limited without workarounds
- Cameras are basic at best and not a reason to buy this tablet
This review is based on Amazon's published specifications for the Fire 7 (2022) and the consistent patterns across independent budget tablet reviews since its launch.
What $60 actually buys you
The Fire 7 covers the basics — streaming video, audiobooks, e-reading, and light browsing — reasonably well for its price. The low-resolution 1024x600 display is the most noticeable compromise; it's fine for video at arm's length but not sharp enough for comfortable long-form text reading.
Performance is the real limiting factor
With only 2GB of RAM and a modest processor, the Fire 7 can feel sluggish when switching between apps or loading heavier web pages. It's best treated as a single-task device — one video or one app at a time — rather than a multitasking machine.
The Fire OS trade-off
Because it runs Amazon's Fire OS rather than stock Android, the app selection is more limited than what you'd get on a Google Play-equipped tablet, and it's built to nudge you toward Amazon's own content and shopping ecosystem.
Who it's for
Best for a secondary, budget-friendly tablet for a kid's room, kitchen counter, or travel bag where video and audiobooks are the main use case. Skip it if you want a primary tablet for productivity, gaming, or serious reading — even the step-up Fire HD models are a meaningfully better experience.
Frequently asked
- Does the Fire 7 (2022) support microSD storage expansion?
- Yes, it has a microSD slot for adding storage beyond the built-in 16GB or 32GB, which is useful given how quickly the base storage fills up.
- Can I install Google Play apps on the Fire 7?
- Not officially — the Fire 7 runs Amazon's Fire OS with the Amazon Appstore rather than Google Play, so app selection is more limited unless you sideload apps manually.
- Is the Fire 7 good for reading e-books?
- It's usable but not ideal for extended reading — the 1024x600 display resolution makes text look noticeably softer than on a dedicated e-reader or a higher-resolution tablet.
- Is the Amazon Fire 7 (2022) worth buying?
- Yes, as a cheap secondary tablet for video, audiobooks, and casual browsing — it's not worth it as a primary or only tablet if you want a sharp display, smooth performance, or full app access.
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