Amazon Fire Phone video review

Ah yes, the Amazon Fire Phone… Long anticipated but ultimately flawed! Here’s my video review.

Forget the gimmicky Dynamic Perspective for a minute. Put aside Firefly and Mayday. Ignore the forked version of Android that lacks essential support for Google services. What you’re left with is a phone that features an odd mix of specs — some mid-range (4.7-inch 720p display) and some high-end (13MP camera with OIS) — in a well made but expensive package.

The story could end here. Amazon could improve the software and launch more affordable hardware in the future. But none of this solves the Fire Phone’s core problem: it’s an AT&T exclusive subsidized via the traditional operator model. What happened to Whispernet? Amazon missed the awesome opportunity to become a MVNO and completely remove the carrier from the customer experience.

Update: As I pointed out in my video review, the Fire Phone is now on sale for $199 unsubsidized, which is more affordable than the original full price of $449.