Amazon’s highly anticipated smartphone event occurred today and the company announced its first venture in the smartphone game with the Amazon Fire Phone. Company CEO Jeff Bezos took to the stage at Fremont Studios in Seattle to highlight some of the Fire Phone’s best features and why it stands apart from the flooded sea of competitors.
Fans of Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablet will recognize some similarities, though the Fire Phone takes the technology further. Owners who jump to the Fire Phone during a limited time promotion will receive a free year of Amazon Prime, granting access to millions of songs, thousands of movies, and free two-day Amazon shipping. Amazon also introduced two new smartphone features: Dynamic Perspective and Firefly. Both of these are unique to the Amazon Fire Phone and have the capability to sway users from their Androids or iPhones.
Since Amazon hopes to gain ground in the smartphone market, we’ve decided to throw it up against some of the best smartphones around. So how does the Amazon Fire Phone stack up against LG’s upcoming G3 phone? Take a look at our side-by-side spec comparison to find out.
Additionally take a look at how the Amazon Fire Phone stacks up against the HTC One M8 and our simple Fire Phone review.
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Amazon Fire Phone  |
LG G3
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| Size | 139.2 x 66.5 x 8.9 (mm) | 146.3 x 74.7 x 8.9 (mm) |
| Weight | 160g | 149g |
| Screen | 4.7-inch HD LCD display | 5.5-inch Quad HD IPS |
| Resolution | 1280×720 pixel | 2560×1440 pixel |
| OS | Fire OS 3.5.0 | Android 4.4.2 KitKat |
| Storage | 32GB or 64GB | 16GB or 32GB |
| SD Card Slot | None | Yes, microSD slot (up to 128GB) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 |
| RAM | 2GB | 2GB or 3GB DDR3 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, 4G, LTE, HSPA+, NFC | Wi-Fi, 4G, LTE, HSPA+, NFC |
| Camera | Front 2.1MP, Rear 13MP | Front 2.1MP, Rear 13MP |
| Bundled Stylus | None | None |
| Bluetooth | Yes, version 3.0 | Yes, version 4.0 |
| Battery | 2400mAh | 3000mAh, removable |
| Charger | Micro USB | Micro USB, wireless |
| Marketplace | Amazon Appstore | Google Play Store |
| Ave. Price | $199 – 32GB $299 – 64GB | TBA |
| Availability | AT&T | AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile |
| DT Review | TBA | 4.5 out of 5 |
Power and productivity
One area which the Amazon Fire Phone lacks against the LG G3 is in the power department. Outfitted with a 2.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor, as opposed to the G3’s 2.5GHz Snapdragon 801, Amazon’s Fire Phone lags noticeably behind the G3, particularly in battery life because that’s where the 801 makes significant strides. To make up for lack of power the Fire Phone does offer a 64GB version for just $100 more than the standard option, doubling the maximum capacity of LG’s offering. The Fire Phone also trails the G3 in connectivity — including only having Bluetooth version 3.0 — and doesn’t feature an SD card slot for added storage.
Amazon’s Dynamic Perspective looks to make up for its performance shortcomings by changing the way the phone interacts with its user. The custom design sensor system responds and reacts to how you hold and view your phone. Tilt or peek inside viewed maps to see Yelp reviews and ratings for businesses or get 90 degree stadium seat views in apps like Stubhub. Amazon’s Dynamic Perspective also boasts the ability for the user to read long articles or books without ever touching the screen.
The Fire Phone’s revolutionary Firefly technology brings the World Wide Web straight to your fingertips. A simple press of the Firefly button — which also doubles as the dedicated camera button — and the phone instantly identifies or takes action on whatever you’re viewing. Like a piece of artwork but don’t know who the artist is? Snap a picture with the Firefly button and the Fire Phone brings up information about the name of the artwork as well as the artist. The Firefly technology even allows you to build your Amazon Wish List on-the-go or order items straight from the site.
Amazon’s famous Mayday service — seen in its line of Kindle tablets — makes its smartphone debut packing the same quality customer service. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, the Mayday service features live help right on the device. Amazon also claims the wait time will never exceed 15 seconds and users need not schedule any appointments.
Design
Amazon makes no big splash in regards to the Fire Phone’s design though it does tout the fact it allows for easy one handed navigation. Slightly smaller than the G3, though a tad heavier, the Fire Phone features a 4.7-inch HD LCD display with a 1280 x 720 pixel resolution. Both of those qualities pale in comparison to the G3’s 5.5-inch Quad HD IPS screen and its stunning 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution. For aesthetic lovers, Amazon’s Fire Phone comes in standard black though a slew of slim-fitting cases designed by Amazon are available to give the phone some flavor. The LG G3 on the other hand doesn’t require a case to alter its looks as it comes in a wide range of standard colors.
Camera
The Fire Phone’s 13-megapixel rear facing camera, coupled with a 2.1-megapixel front camera, allows it to finally stand toe-to-toe with LG’s G3. Amazon has also included Optimal Image Stabilization, the ability to capture full 1080p video, and free unlimited cloud storage of your photos. The Fire Phone even has a dedicated camera button so users won’t have to navigate through a series of menus while missing the perfect photo. Novice photographers will love the Fire Phone’s automatic suggestions for when to turn on the camera’s HDR feature, allowing for multiple exposures and more detailed images.
Conclusion
When it comes to a straight up spec comparison the LG G3 leaves Amazon’s Fire Phone in the dust. It performs better than the Fire Phone, the resolution is clearer, the connectivity is superior, and the operating system is smoother. Though, where Amazon’s Fire Phone finds its legs in this competition is with its features. While not revolutionary or groundbreaking, the way in which the Dynamic Perspective and Firefly technology benefits users gives the Fire Phone room for success. LG’s G3 smartphone is by far and away the more powerful of the two, but if you want unique features, quick access to Amazon Prime, and premium tangle-free headphones, give the Amazon Fire Phone a look.
