New Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet, 8” HD Display, 3GB memory, 32GB, designed for portable entertainment, Black, (2024 release)
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024 release) is an affordable, versatile tablet that caters to casual users and budget-conscious buyers. Its lightweight, durable design, long battery life, and seamless integration with Amazon’s ecosystem make it a compelling choice for entertainment, reading, and light productivity. With notable upgrades in RAM and storage, it stands out as a practical device for on-the-go use.
Pros:
Cons:
Features & Functionality
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The Amazon Fire HD 8 packs a solid punch with its feature set tailored to casual users and media enthusiasts. Its 8-inch HD touchscreen, boasting a resolution of 1280 x 800, offers sharp visuals for watching movies, reading books, or browsing the web. While it’s not as vibrant or pixel-dense as premium tablets, the display is more than adequate for the price, delivering vibrant colors and decent viewing angles thanks to its IPS technology.
A significant enhancement in this 2024 release is the increased RAM—3GB compared to 2GB in the previous model—making multitasking smoother. Users can easily switch between apps without noticeable lag, especially for light tasks such as streaming, browsing, or using productivity apps. The introduction of new smart tools, like polished email capabilities, webpage summarization, and creative wallpaper generation, adds a layer of versatility that extends the tablet’s utility beyond basic entertainment.
The Fire HD 8 supports a variety of popular apps, including YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu, via Amazon’s Appstore. While the lack of Google Play support limits app availability, the device’s functionality can be extended by sideloading apps—a feature tech-savvy users may appreciate. Alexa integration remains a highlight, enabling hands-free voice commands for managing smart home devices, setting reminders, or even making video calls via Zoom.
Design & Build Quality
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The Fire HD 8’s design focuses on practicality and durability. At 11.88 ounces and 0.37 inches thick, the tablet feels lightweight and portable, making it an ideal companion for on-the-go use. Its compact dimensions (7.94 x 5.4 inches) allow for one-handed operation, which is a notable advantage over larger tablets like the iPad or Galaxy Tab series.
The tablet comes in three attractive colors—Black, Hibiscus, and Emerald—catering to a range of aesthetic preferences. The durable plastic build may not exude the premium feel of aluminum or glass, but it is well-suited for users who prioritize resilience over luxury. This design choice ensures the Fire HD 8 can withstand daily wear and tear, which is particularly appealing for families with young children or those who travel frequently.
Button placement and port accessibility are intuitive, with the USB-C charging port, microSD slot, and volume controls conveniently located for easy use. However, the thick bezels around the display may detract from the modern aesthetic, although they serve a functional purpose by preventing accidental screen touches when holding the device.
Power & Performance
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The Fire HD 8 is powered by a hexa-core 2.0 GHz processor, which, while modest by flagship standards, delivers competent performance for most everyday tasks. Combined with the increased RAM, the tablet is significantly faster than its predecessors, particularly for web browsing, streaming, and light gaming. Popular games like Minecraft and Roblox run smoothly, albeit with some limitations on graphics settings due to the mid-tier hardware.
Battery life is another standout feature, offering up to 13 hours of mixed-use. This endurance is particularly impressive in this price range, ensuring users can enjoy extended periods of use without constantly reaching for a charger. However, the charging time, even with the included 5W adapter, is lengthy—up to 5 hours for a full charge. Faster charging options are available but require purchasing higher-wattage adapters separately.
The integrated speakers provide acceptable audio quality for casual use, though audiophiles may find them lacking in depth and clarity. Thankfully, the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and Bluetooth 5.2 support allows users to connect to external audio devices for an improved listening experience.
Compatibility & Connectivity
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Connectivity options on the Fire HD 8 are robust for its class. The tablet supports dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), ensuring stable connections for streaming and browsing, though the absence of Wi-Fi 6 limits future-proofing. Bluetooth 5.2 adds flexibility for connecting peripherals like headphones, keyboards, or speakers, and the microSD slot accommodates up to 1TB of expandable storage, ideal for users who frequently download content.
The tablet’s compatibility with Alexa enhances its usability, making it an excellent hub for smart home control. Alexa’s functionality allows users to make hands-free video calls, control smart devices, or receive real-time weather and traffic updates. Additionally, accessibility features like VoiceView, screen magnification, and customizable font sizes make the Fire HD 8 an inclusive device for users with varying needs.
However, the tablet’s reliance on Amazon’s Appstore limits its ecosystem compared to Android and iOS competitors. While workarounds like sideloading apps can expand its capabilities, this limitation may frustrate users accustomed to Google’s ecosystem. Despite this, the Fire HD 8 remains a highly compatible device for casual entertainment and productivity tasks, thanks to its thoughtful inclusion of essential connectivity features.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Fire HD 8?
The Fire HD 8 is a practical, budget-friendly tablet that excels in delivering a reliable entertainment and productivity experience. While it lacks the premium features and performance of high-end devices, it makes up for it with excellent battery life, durable design, and seamless integration with Amazon’s ecosystem.
This tablet is an excellent choice for casual users who value affordability and versatility. It’s particularly suited for readers, light streamers, and those seeking an Alexa-enabled smart device for their homes. If you’re willing to work within the limitations of its ecosystem, the Fire HD 8 is a fantastic deal, especially during sales events.
