Kindle Fire Screen



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Kindle Fire Screen HD Video: Brave (Movie Image Copyright Disney/Pixar)

How durable is the Kindle Fire screen? Is it resistant to scratches? Is it childproof? Do you need to protect your Kindle Fire with a screen protector or cover?

Find the answers to these questions and learn from my personal experience so you don't make the same mistakes I did.



Extra Durable Display

When Amazon released the first Kindle Fire they announced how strong their tablet was and that it had an "Extra Durable Display."

Here's an actual quote from their original page about the Kindle Fire back in early 2012:

"Our state-of-the art Kindle Fire display is chemically strengthened to be 20 times stiffer and 30 times harder than plastic, making it extra durable and resistant to accidental bumps and scrapes."

Original Kindle Fire Screen

As of 12/1/12 their Kindle Fire HD page under the "Built Tough" section, currently says:

"Kindle Fire HD is designed to stand up to accidental bumps and scrapes. Our state-of-the art display is 20 times stiffer and 30 times harder than plastic, so you can let your child play, without worry."

Kindle Fire HD Screen with Chess Background


Gorilla Glass

Soon after receiving my first Kindle Fire I did some research and learned that the glass surface used on the Kindle Fire is nicknamed "gorilla glass".

This gorilla glass appears to be highly durable and resistant to surface scratches.

According to those who have used other devices with gorilla glass, it's been extremely difficult to scratch or damage the surface.

If true, this would make screen protectors obsolete- I'd do a happy dance to that!


Kindle Fire Screen Testing

After both the Kindle Fire and later the Kindle Fire HD were released, they endured all kinds of tests, including drop tests, scratch tests, freezing and baking test, etc.

From what I saw, the test results were pretty impressive and the Kindle Fire handled the abuse it received with sturdy decorum.

Kindle Fire Screen Scratch

Although the glass covering the LCD screen is practically impervious to everyday use, such as resistant to scratches, bumps, and small drops, the glass isn't indestructible.

Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way.

After six months of regularly using my original Kindle Fire and not having one little problem with the screen, I got a little cocky and didn't protect it as well as I should have.

  • First, I didn't bother to get a screen protector.
  • Second, with the lazy attitude that my Kindle Fire screen with its "gorilla glass" was practically indestructible, I stopped closing the cover's front flap (over the screen) before shoving it into my bag, to take with me everwhere I went.

Soon after my reckless attitude towards my tablet, I discovered a slight scratch in the top right hand corner of the viewing pane:

Kindle Fire Screen Scratch in Top Right Corner

Kindle Fire Screen Scratch

Kindle Fire Screen Scratch Close Up

Kindle Fire Screen Scratch Close Up

Although the scratch isn't obvious (you have to get the right angle of light to see it) it's there, and it haunts me! Ok, not really, but I am ticked off that I wasn't careful and ended up with that annoying scratch. *Grumble Grumble*

So learn from my mistake and protect your Kindle Fire! Yes, it's durable and can withstand a lot, but it's still glass and obviously susceptible to scratches.


How to Protect Your Kindle Fire Screen

Here are a couple of ways to protect your Kindle Fire:

Okay, that last one's obvious, but not something you can prevent unless you foresee it happening, although if you have kids you should count on it (that's why each of the above are all so useful).

At least having any of the first three will help with the last.

The Best Kindle Fire Screen Protector

Best Kindle Fire Screen Protector

I've discovered the Best Kindle Fire Screen Protector!

Now that you've learned how important it is to protect your device, check out which of these Kindle Fire accessories is the best to use.

Also, check out my article on protecting your tablet with these Kindle Fire Security Apps.



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