With the growing family of Amazon Fire TV devices released over the years, figuring out exactly which model you own can be tricky. Whether you have a Fire TV Stick tucked behind your television, a Cube sitting on your entertainment center, or a Fire TV Edition smart TV, this comprehensive guide will help you identify your specific device and understand its features.
The Easiest Way to Check: Using the Informer App
The quickest and most reliable way to identify your Fire TV device is through the free Informer app. Search for “Informer” in the Amazon App Store on your device, install it, and launch it. The app will instantly tell you your exact model, its release, and its specifications. This is especially helpful if you’re determining compatibility with apps or features.
Understanding Fire TV Stick Models
The Fire TV Stick family has grown significantly since its introduction. Here’s a complete breakdown of all models:
| Model Name | Generation | Year | Model Number | Key Features | Logo Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire TV Stick 4K Max | 2nd | 2023 | K3R6AT | Rounded edges, Wi-Fi 6E | “Fire TV” |
| Fire TV Stick 4K | 2nd | 2023 | M3N6RA | Rounded edges | “Fire TV” |
| Fire TV Stick 4K Max | 1st | 2021 | K2R2TE | Square edges | “Fire TV” |
| Fire TV Stick | 3rd | 2020 | S3L46N | Square edges | Arrow |
| Fire TV Stick Lite | 1st | 2020 | S3L46N | Square edges | Arrow |
| Fire TV Stick 4K | 1st | 2018 | E9L29Y | 4.25″ length | Arrow |
| Fire TV Stick | 2nd | 2016 | LY73PR | 3.75″ length | “Amazon” |
| Fire TV Stick | 1st | 2014 | W87CUN | 3.3″ length | “Amazon” |
The Latest Generation (2023 Models)
Amazon’s newest Fire TV Sticks introduced a distinctive rounded design that sets them apart from earlier models. The 2023 lineup includes the Fire TV Stick 4K Max (Model K3R6AT) and the standard Fire TV Stick 4K (Model M3N6RA). Both feature the new “Fire TV” logo rather than the simple Amazon arrow of previous generations.
These two models look nearly identical, so you’ll need to check the model number on the side opposite the logo to tell them apart. The 4K Max offers slightly better performance and Wi-Fi 6E support compared to the standard 4K model.
Recent Models (2020-2022)
The previous generation introduced some interesting variations. The third-generation Fire TV Stick (Model S3L46N) and Fire TV Stick Lite arrived in 2020, sporting squared edges and the Amazon arrow logo. These models are physically identical – the main difference lies in their remotes. The standard version includes TV controls, while the Lite remote focuses on streaming only.
The first-generation Fire TV Stick 4K Max (Model K2R2TE) launched in 2021, bringing a unique combination of squared edges and the “Fire TV” logo. This design makes it easy to spot among other models.
Physical Identification Guide
When trying to identify your Fire TV Stick, the physical dimensions can be very helpful:
| Generation | Length (inches) | Length (mm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Gen | 3.3″ | 84.9mm | Shortest model |
| 2nd Gen | 3.75″ | 95.3mm | Standard length |
| 3rd Gen/Lite | 3.75″ | 95.3mm | Standard length |
| 4K Models | 4.25″ | 108mm | Longest models |
The Evolution of Fire TV Cube
The Fire TV Cube has seen three distinct generations, each with its own character:
| Model Name | Generation | Year | Model Number | Distinguishing Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire TV Cube | 3rd | 2022 | GA5Z9L | Fabric sides, dual HDMI |
| Fire TV Cube | 2nd | 2019 | A78V3N | Glossy black plastic |
| Fire TV Cube | 1st | 2018 | EX69VW | Glossy black plastic |
The latest third-generation model (2022) stands out immediately with its fabric-wrapped sides and dual HDMI ports – a significant departure from the shiny black plastic of earlier models. The first two generations look nearly identical with their glossy black finish. To tell these apart, you’ll need to check the model number printed on the bottom.
Original Fire TV Box Models
Before the Stick and Cube came the original Fire TV boxes:
| Model Name | Year | Model Number | Form Factor | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire TV | 2017 | LDC9WZ | Pendant | Corner HDMI cable |
| Fire TV | 2015 | DV83YW | Box | MicroSD slot |
| Fire TV | 2014 | CL1130 | Box | Optical audio port |
These models are less common today but had some unique features. The original box included an optical audio port, while the second generation added a microSD card slot. The third generation switched to a pendant design with an attached HDMI cable.
Fire TV Edition Smart TVs
Fire TV Edition devices – televisions with built-in Fire TV capabilities – follow their own identification patterns:
| Brand | Years Available | Model Number Pattern | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toshiba | 2018-2021 | TF-xxxxx[YY] | YY = last 2 digits of following year |
| Insignia | 2018-2021 | NS-xxxxx[YY] | YY = last 2 digits of following year |
| Element | 2017 | Various | First Fire TV Edition partner |
| Westinghouse | 2017 | Various | US market only |
| JVC | 2019 | Various | Limited release |
| Grundig | 2019 | Various | European market |
| Onida | 2020 | Various | Indian market |
For Toshiba and Insignia models, the last two digits of the model number indicate the model year: “19” for 2018, “20” for 2019, and so on. Other manufacturers had briefer partnerships with Amazon, typically producing models for just one year.
Device Capabilities Comparison
Understanding your device’s capabilities can be just as important as identifying the model:
| Feature | Fire TV Stick Lite | Standard Stick | 4K | 4K Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Resolution | 1080p | 1080p | 4K | 4K |
| HDR Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6E |
| TV Controls | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Storage | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB | 16GB |
Looking Ahead
As Amazon continues to evolve the Fire TV lineup, new models will surely join the family. The latest trend toward rounded edges and the “Fire TV” branding suggests a unified design language that might help identify future generations more easily.
For the most up-to-date information about your specific device, remember that the Informer app remains the most reliable way to identify your device and understand its capabilities. This becomes especially important when you’re planning to install specific apps or use advanced features that might only work on certain models.
Quick Tips for Device Identification
- Check for the Informer app first – it’s the easiest method
- Look for physical characteristics:
- Device shape and size
- Logo style
- Edge design (rounded vs squared)
- Port configuration
- Verify the model number if unsure
- Consider the remote style for Stick models
- Check for unique features like fabric covering or multiple HDMI ports
Last Updated: November 2024 – Guide includes all current Fire TV models through 2024
