![]() ![]() It’s not slow, but it is painful to use because it looks and feels like an Android tablet that hasn’t been updated since 2018. There are no gesture controls, only the old-style Android three-button system at the bottom of the screen, app icons are boring squares, the Settings screen is condensed and ugly, and there are straight lines absolutely everywhere. Using Fire OS is like stepping back in time, which isn’t a surprise as it’s based on outdated Android 11. There are ways to install Google Play and to get apps like Chrome, Gmail, and Drive, but this isn’t how the tablet will be delivered. The software (called Fire OS) is a variation of Google’s Android but without Google Play installed, and you grab apps from Amazon’s own curated app store. The biggest issue with the Fire Max 11 is the software and, in turn, the apps it will run. Unfortunately, the list of things it doesn’t do well is equally as long. The list of things the Fire Max 11 does well is impressive, and as a media machine, it’s a great value. Things the Fire Max 11 doesn’t do so well Andy Boxall/Digital Trends ![]() I’m assuming you’re an Amazon customer already if you’re interested in the Fire Max 11, and rest assured the company makes it effortless to spend money in its stores, as is connecting to Alexa devices and using the voice assistant on the tablet itself. Obviously, shopping on Amazon is fast and easy, and the store app is right there on the home screen. ![]() The list of things the Amazon Fire Max 11 does well is impressive. The chip does struggle to keep a high frame rate playing Asphalt at times, and with only 4GB of RAM, this isn’t a tablet that will be happy to play graphically intensive, top-level games on. The MediaTek MT8188 octa-core processor handles Asphalt 9: Legends and Candy Crush Soda without a problem, and the kickstand accessory means you don’t have to hold the tablet all the time to play games like this either. It’s not as comfortable to read books for long periods as an e-ink Kindle reader, but magazines look much better here than on a slow, monochrome screen. I like the convenience of having a color screen, which is better for magazines, plus access to my Kindle library on the same device. I subscribe to some magazines through Amazon and use the Kindle app to read e-books too, and the Fire Max 11 does both really well. The tinny speakers are disappointing, but I’ve connected several pairs of Bluetooth headphones to the tablet, had no issues with linking them, and it improves the audio experience a great deal. The 11-inch, 2000 x 1200-pixel screen looks great indoors, with natural colors and strong blacks, and I’ve enjoyed watching almost all of season three of Picard on Prime through it. ![]() In addition to Amazon Prime, Disney+, Netflix, ITVX, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, and Now are all available in Amazon’s App Store, and each works perfectly. I’ve tried to replicate all this on the Fire Max 11, and just as expected, watching video emerged as the tablet’s forte. I use a tablet every day, mostly for video and apps that benefit from larger viewing areas, such as Reddit and Autotrader, and I also use my iPad Pro (2020) to edit videos and for work when I don’t want to carry my MacBook. Things the Amazon Fire Max 11 does best Andy Boxall/Digital Trends The Fire Max 11 isn’t trying to be something it’s not and is all the better for it. This sounds like I’m putting it down, but I’m not. Instead, it’s inoffensive, well-made, maturely styled (although reminiscent of the Apple iPad), and highly functional. It’s never going to attract admiring glances or single you out as a trendsetter. This isn’t a tablet to buy if you want to make a statement. Unfortunately, there’s no water resistance rating, but it does feel well-protected from shocks inside the keyboard and kickstand case. It weighs less than both my iPad Pro (2020) and the Magic Keyboard (a hefty 1.06kg) and my 1.29kg MacBook Air M1. Andy Boxall/Digital TrendsĪt 7.5mm thick and 490 grams, the Fire Max 11 is very portable, even with the kickstand and the keyboard attached when it tops 900 grams, and I’ve happily carried it around in my bag. The keyboard is also attached using magnets but is also backed up by two solid locator pins, and it hasn’t shaken loose yet. I haven’t taken it off, and I love how useful it is to fully enjoy watching videos. The folding lower section allows plenty of adjustment, and the hinge feels very secure. Each has a soft, textured backing that adds grip and style, while the incredibly useful kickstand securely attaches to the rear of the tablet using magnets. The best tablets in 2023: our 10 favorite ones to buyĪdding the keyboard and rear kickstand case accessory gives it some character, though. This new Android tablet has an e-ink screen that destroys the Kindle The best OnePlus phones in 2023: the 6 best ones you can buy ![]()
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