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Shut Up and Take My Money: Amazon Fire Phone

By on June 18, 2014

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Just when I thought it was safe to wait for the next gen iPhone, Amazon pulled the rug out from all of us today announced the worst-kept secret in all of techdom:

The Amazon Fire Phone.

First, the basics. The Fire Phone, much like its Kindle and TV cousins, runs off an Android-based operating system. The current version is OS 3.5.0. The phone’s processor is a peppy quad-core 2.2GHz processor with a decent 2GB of RAM. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are a given. As are 3G and 4G LTE cellular data network capabilities. By the way, the Fire Phone is AT&T exclusive, so that could be a hang-up depending on the coverage in your area.

So far so good, right? Nothing special, who cares, right? WRONG!

First, Amazon Fire Phone is angling to change the way we view and hold our smartphones. How? This 4.7-inch HD display (at 1280×720 with 315ppi) may not be the biggest, nor have the most pixels, but it does feature Dynamic Perspective technology, a “custom-designed sensor system that responds to how you hold, view, and move your phone.” Basically, it’s a glasses-free 3D display which adapts to head and phone movements. Pretty cool, right?

What’s that? That’s still not enough to sell you? Fair enough.

Amazon Fire Phone Camera ComparisonHow about a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera with Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.), a super-bright f/2.0 aperture lens, and Full 1080p HD video at 30 fps? Or Panorama, Burst Capture, Lenticular, and Intelligent HDR modes? What, you want more? Fine. How about FREE unlimited cloud backup of all your photos, at full resolution, via Amazon Cloud Storage. Yup, every single selfie and groupie and foodie and potential masterpiece can be automatically backed up to the cloud where it’ll be safe forever after the NSA is done using its facial recognition software on you. Apple offers a similar service, but charges after 5GB, which fills up pretty fast when you’re taking full resolution shots. The only downside here is that videos do not include “unlimited” storage for free. Over a certain data size, that will cost extra. Still, this is revolutionary* (* for camera phones).

Amazon PrimeNext, it’s no surprise that the Fire Phone is designed to work in the entire Amazon ecosystem. That is, it’s designed to make it insanely easy to purchase, consume, and subscribe to all types of media. Meaning, if you have a Fire Phone, you’re going to want Amazon Prime. Fortunately, for a limited time, if you purchase a Fire Phone, you get 12-months of the service which, in addition to free two-day shipping, gives users access to Amazon Prime Instant Video (tons of free TV shows and movies, PLUS movies and TV shows to rent and purchase), Amazon Music (brand-new), and the Amazon Prime Kindle Lending Library.

Not sure if you want or need Prime? No problem. Just check out our recent article: Is Amazon Prime Worth It?

Now, have you ever been sitting at home and thought to yourself, “dang, I like to buy stuff, but hate to type?” Or, “dang, what’s that song on the radio?” Or, “dang, there’s a flyer for a room to rent, or a pretty sweet used futon, but man oh man I do not want to take the time to punch the number keys of my phone?” Admit it, we’ve all been there.

Amazon Appstore

In addition to many built-in apps (and many more available via Amazon’s Appstore), the Fire Phone includes a new Firefly app, which uses the phone’s camera and microphones to scan and identify objects, entertainment content,  bar / QR codes — even phone numbers on posters advertising sweet futons! — and then give you options to purchase those items or contact those people. Fun, right?

Finally, you’re on Ben’s Bargains because you like a good deal, but I’m sure there are a few of you out there who are nervous about all this new technology. You’d say, “Ben, what happens if it breaks? I hate calling customer support and being on hold. And the only thing more hellacious than having to call some other country to get help… is to actually go to the mall for help.” Again, Amazon’s got you covered with Mayday, a free 24/7/365 Help Me app that promises help for every customer within 15 seconds. We don’t know how well Mayday will work on the Fire Phone, but if it’s anything like Amazon’s normal customer service, we’re hopeful.

Amazon Fire Phone Features

  • Fire OS 3.5.0
  • Quad-core 2.2 GHz processor (Adreno 330 GPU)
  • 2GB RAM
  • 32GB-64GB internal storage
  • 4.7-inch HD display with Dynamic Perspective (3D)
    • 1280×720
    • 315ppi
    • 590 nits brightness
    • dynamic image contrast
    • circular polarizer
  • Amazon Fire Phone dedicated camera button13MP rear-facing camera
    • f/2.0 lens
    • O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization)
    • Full 1080p HD Video @ 30fps
    • FREE unlimited photo storage on Amazon Cloud Drive with (optional) automatic backup
    • Panorama
    • Lenticular
    • Burst Capture
    • Intelligent HDR
  • Dual Stereo Speakers & Dolby Digital Plus surround sound processing
  • Music apps, including:
    • Amazon Prime Music, Sirius XM, Spotify, iHeart Radio, & Pandora
  • Video apps, including:
    • Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, HBO Go, ESPN Sports Center, YouTube, & Showtime Anytime
  • Amazon Kindle & Kindle Newsstand
  • Mayday
    • Help app FREE 24/7/365 Help in 15 seconds or less
  • Firefly
  • Wi-Fi & 3G & 4G LTE & Bluetooth
  • Battery Life
    • 22 hours talk time
    • 285 hours standby
    • 11 hours video playback
    • 65 hours audio playback

What's in the box!?!What’s in the Box?

  • (1) Amazon Fire Phone
  • (1) USB Charging Cable & Power Adapter
  • (1) pair of Premium Headphones with Remote & Mic
  • (1) Quick Start Guide

Optional Accessories?

Amazon Fire Phone cases

Not many yet. I’m sure there will be tons in the not-too-distant future, but for now you can get some protective colors in either leather (black or cayenne) or polyurethane (black, cayenne, citron, blue, or royal).

How Do I Get One?

The Amazon Fire Phone is an AT&T exclusive. No word on AT&T stores just yet, but pre-orders are being taken online right now at Amazon. And you will be able to order the 32GB version via AT&T Next.

BUY NOW: 32GB Fire Phone via Amazon
[$199 with a two-year contract, $649 without a service plan or $27/month via AT&T Next.]

BUY NOW: 62GB Fire Phone via Amazon
[$299 with a two-year contract or $749 without a service plan.]

And don’t forget… For a limited time, buy any Amazon Fire Phone, and you’ll get 12 months of FREE Amazon Prime. Yup, even if you’re already an existing Prime subscriber!

About Michael Palmer

Michael S. Palmer spent six years working as an assistant and development executive at Hollywood production companies before transitioning into writing full time. He is now a member of the WGAw, a part-time Blu-ray Disc reviewer, and an overall gadget and HD enthusiast.

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