The Amazon Fire HD 8 is a perennial favorite for budget-conscious tablet buyers. But with a new model released in 2022, is it worth upgrading from an older version? We're pitting the 2022 Fire HD 8 against the 2017 model to see which one reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The 2022 Fire HD 8 is a clear winner, offering a significantly faster processor, improved display, and faster charging. While the 2017 model remains a decent budget option, the 2022 version provides a noticeably better user experience and future-proofing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | N/A | No |
| GPRS | N/A | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 21 | 2017, May. Released 2017, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 21 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 201.9 x 137.4 x 9.6 mm (7.95 x 5.41 x 0.38 in) | 214 x 128 x 9.7 mm (8.43 x 5.04 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 337 g (11.89 oz) | 369 g (13.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~66.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~67.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core (6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8169A | Mediatek MT8163 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EE MC2 | Mali-T730MP3 |
| OS | Android 11, Fire OS 8 | Customized Android 5.1 (Lollipop), Fire 5.4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 1.5GB RAM, 32GB 1.5GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | VGA |
| Video | 720p | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | Alexa natural language commands
Text-to-Speech English-language content reader | Alexa natural language commands
Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Talk time | Up to 13 h | Up to 12 h |
| Type | - | Li-Po 3210 mAh, non-removable (11.87 Wh) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Denim, Rose | Black, Canary Yellow, Marine Blue, Punch Red |
| Models | KFRAWI | - |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)
- Faster Processor
- Improved Display
- Faster Charging
- More RAM (2GB vs 1GB)
- Slightly Improved Front Camera
- Still limited by Fire OS
- No expandable storage on base model
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017)
- Lower Price (if found used)
- Expandable Storage (microSD card slot)
- Slow Performance
- Dim Display
- Slower Charging
- Less RAM
- Outdated Software
Display Comparison
The 2022 Fire HD 8 boasts a brighter and slightly sharper display compared to the 2017 model. Both feature an 8-inch IPS LCD screen, but the 2022 version has improved color accuracy and better outdoor visibility. The 2017's display is adequate but lacks the vibrancy of its successor.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both feature front and rear cameras that are adequate for basic video calls but produce mediocre image quality. The 2022 model has a slightly improved front camera, but the difference is minimal. Don't buy either of these for photography.
Performance
This is where the 2022 model truly shines. The Mediatek MT8169A chipset and hexa-core processor offer a substantial performance boost over the 2017's quad-core MT8163. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and overall responsiveness is significantly improved. The 2017 struggles with more demanding apps and can feel sluggish.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer comparable battery life, typically lasting around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. The 2022 model's faster charging (15W) means it recharges quicker than the 2017's slower charging.
Buying Guide
The 2022 Fire HD 8 is ideal for users seeking a responsive tablet for streaming, light gaming, and basic productivity tasks. It's a great choice for families and those on a tight budget. The 2017 Fire HD 8 is suitable for very basic tasks like reading ebooks and browsing the web, but performance will be noticeably slower.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Fire HD 8 (2022) worth the upgrade from the 2017 model?
Yes, absolutely. The performance improvements alone make it a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you use your tablet for more than just basic tasks.
❓ Does the Fire HD 8 (2022) have expandable storage?
The base model of the 2022 Fire HD 8 does not have expandable storage. However, higher storage configurations are available. The 2017 model always had a microSD card slot.
