Amazon's Fire HD 8 series remains a popular choice for budget-friendly tablets. The 2022 models offer incremental improvements, but the addition of 'Plus' brings a key feature. But is the extra cost worth it? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Fire HD 8 (2022) is a solid budget tablet for basic tasks. However, the Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) justifies its slightly higher price with the convenience of wireless charging. If wireless charging is a priority, the Plus is the clear winner; otherwise, the standard HD 8 is a great value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | N/A | N/A |
| GPRS | N/A | N/A |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 21 | 2022, September 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 21 | Available. Released 2022, September 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 201.9 x 137.4 x 9.6 mm (7.95 x 5.41 x 0.38 in) | 201.9 x 137.4 x 9.6 mm (7.95 x 5.41 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 337 g (11.89 oz) | 342 g (12.06 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 (~66.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core (6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Hexa-core (6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8169A | Mediatek MT8169A |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EE MC2 | Mali-G52 2EE MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Fire OS 8 | Android 11, Fire OS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p | 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 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 | 15W wired
10W wireless |
| Talk time | Up to 13 h | Up to 13 h |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Denim, Rose | Gray |
| Models | KFRAWI | KFRAPWI |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)
- Affordable price
- Improved performance over previous generations
- Sleek design
- Long battery life
- Mediocre camera
- Limited storage (base model)
- Fire OS limitations compared to stock Android
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022)
- Wireless charging convenience
- Same performance as HD 8
- Sleek design
- Long battery life
- Higher price than HD 8
- Mediocre camera
- Limited storage (base model)
- Fire OS limitations compared to stock Android
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature an 8-inch HD (1280 x 800) IPS display. While the resolution isn't groundbreaking, it's perfectly adequate for the price point. Color accuracy remains a weakness in both models, typical for Amazon's budget tablets. Viewing angles are decent thanks to the IPS panel. There's no significant difference in display quality between the two.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature a 5MP front and rear camera. Image quality is mediocre, suitable for video calls but not for serious photography. Low-light performance is poor on both. Don't expect to capture stunning photos with either of these tablets.
Performance
Powered by the same Mediatek MT8169A chipset and Hexa-core CPU, performance is virtually identical. Expect smooth navigation and app loading for everyday tasks. Demanding games or heavy multitasking will reveal the limitations of the processor, but for casual use, it's sufficient. Both tablets run Fire OS, Amazon's Android-based operating system.
Battery Life
The Fire HD 8 (2022) boasts a 5,150 mAh battery, offering up to 12 hours of mixed usage. The Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) has the same battery capacity. However, the Plus's wireless charging capability might slightly impact battery life depending on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) is ideal for casual users, students, or anyone needing a basic tablet for browsing, reading, and light entertainment. The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) is better suited for those who appreciate the convenience of wireless charging and want a slightly more premium experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 8 Plus?
The primary difference is wireless charging on the Plus model. Both have the same processor, display, and cameras.
❓ Is the Fire HD 8 series good for gaming?
It's suitable for casual games, but demanding titles may experience lag. It's not a dedicated gaming tablet.
❓ Can I install Google Play Store on the Fire HD 8?
Officially, no. However, there are unofficial methods, but they can be complex and may void your warranty.
❓ How much storage do the tablets come with?
Both are available with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
