Amazon launches its biggest tablet, the $230 Fire Max 11

Amazon today launched its largest tablet called the Fire Max 11 tablet with an 11-inch screen. The company is pricing the device at $229.99, providing a cheaper option for users than the 10.9-inch iPad and the new Pixel tablet with a similarly sized screen.

The tablet screen supports a resolution of 2000 x 1200, which gives an aspect ratio of 5:3. It’s an unusual size given that the iPad has a 59:41 aspect ratio and the Pixel tablet has a more standard 16:10 aspect ratio. The company says its aluminum frame design and tempered glass make it three times more durable than the 10.9-inch iPad. It also marks an upgrade over last year’s Amazon Fire HD 10, which was Amazon’s biggest tablet so far.

Picture credits: Amazon

The Fire Max 11 is powered by a MediaTek octa-core processor and 4GB of RAM. Amazon said the Fire Max tablet offers “14-hour battery life” without specifying the battery size. Additionally, the company delivers a slow 9W USB 2.0 charger in the box, which fully charges the device in 4.2 hours. You can buy a 15W charger separately and reduce the charging time to 3.5 hours.

The e-commerce giant’s new device has an 8-megapixel front and rear camera for video calling. Additionally, you can connect wireless headphones via Bluetooth 5.3. There are also two speakers with Dolby Atmos support for consuming videos.

Amazon is also launching a keyboard case that magnetically attaches to the device via pogo pins and a stylus. If users buy both devices together with the Fire Max tablet, the whole package will cost them $329.99. Amazon has priced this tablet for people who might want a device for productivity or family, but don’t want to spend the money on the iPad.

Picture credits: Amazon

Along with Alexa integration for voice commands, the tablet offers a Show mode (just like the Echo Show) for controlling compatible smart home devices. Additionally, the company lets you create two adult and four child profiles for Family Sharing with access to Amazon Kids content and parental controls.

The Fire Max 11 is available for pre-order starting today with the device and accessories shipping next month. The tablet is available in 64GB and 128GB storage options. Amazon also offers buyers a three-month subscription to the Microsoft Office 365 Personal plan, which gives them access to apps like Excel and Word.

Earlier this month, an analyst firm IDC reported that the global tablet market saw a decline of 19.1% in the first quarter of 2023. He said the figure of 30.7 million shipments indicates that the market returns to pre-pandemic levels. More importantly, the report says Amazon saw a 62% drop in shipments year over year and recorded the lowest numbers since the pandemic.