Amazon Fire Phone Release, Apps, and Specs: Devices Is Mediocre and Costly, Reviews Say
The Amazon Fire Phone costs more than the iPhone 5S to build, despite using parts that offer a lower quality than the highest available.
It has been touted for its new or rare components like speakers on both ends, unprecedented camera-and-sensor combo that serves a few purposes.
But the company was criticized for opting for a 720p LCD screen rather than a 1080p, according to Gizmodo. This may be because of the cost of its four camera-and-sensor combo- Dynamic Perspective.
In addition, the company which had been known for undercutting the competition had released a pricey product, and wanted to compete in a premium market.
While initial reviews were positive and promising, more recent reviews are calling the phone a mixed bag of gimmicks and productivity.
The Los Angeles Times reported that, like other Amazon products, the most annoying part is that the phone constantly makes recommendations, however it also allows you to find an item by taking its picture.
The total cost of the phone is about $205, which is less than the Samsung Galaxy S5 but more than the iPhone 5s, according to Recode who reported on the phone teardown by firm IHS.
The cost of the iPhone screen is about $43 while the Samsung Galaxy is $63, by comparison the Amazon phone screen cost $27.
An analyst from IHS told Recode that the Dynamic Perspective feature was the only unique feature about the phone.
Andrew Rassweiler told Recode, "It's the one ... unique thing about this phone. Whether or not users find it useful is another question. Other than that, it's a pretty standard mid-range phone from a hardware perspective."
"Amazon has sunk a lot of research and development money into this phone," he says. "The only way Amazon will make that back is by selling a lot of them."
And the price tag without a contract is about $650, and with a contract with AT&T is $199.
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