Looking for an affordable tablet for entertainment or light productivity? The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) and Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) are popular contenders. But which one reigns supreme in the budget tablet arena? We'll break down their features, performance, and value to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Fire HD 8 (2022) edges out the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) thanks to its faster processor, improved display, and longer software support. While the Tab M8 offers a slightly more open Android experience, the Fire HD 8's overall performance and Amazon ecosystem integration make it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 38, 40 |
| EDGE | N/A | - |
| GPRS | N/A | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 21 | 2019, September. Released 2019, October |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 21 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 201.9 x 137.4 x 9.6 mm (7.95 x 5.41 x 0.38 in) | 199.1 x 121.8 x 8.2 mm (7.84 x 4.80 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 337 g (11.89 oz) | 305 g (10.76 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 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core (6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8169A | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EE MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Fire OS 8 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, AF |
| 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | Alexa natural language commands
Text-to-Speech English-language content reader | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Talk time | Up to 13 h | - |
| Type | - | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Denim, Rose | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey |
| Models | KFRAWI | TB-8505X, TB-8505F, TB-8505FS |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)
- Faster Processor
- Brighter & Sharper Display
- Longer Software Support
- Amazon Ecosystem Integration
- Improved Performance
- Amazon's UI can be restrictive
- Limited App Selection outside Amazon Appstore
- Basic Camera Quality
Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)
- More Open Android Experience
- Lower Price Point
- Slightly more compact design
- Slower Performance
- Less Vibrant Display
- Shorter Software Support
- Can feel sluggish
Display Comparison
The Fire HD 8 (2022) boasts an 8-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1280 x 800. It's noticeably brighter and sharper than the Tab M8's 8-inch IPS LCD (1280 x 800). While both offer decent viewing angles, the Fire HD 8's improved color accuracy makes for a more enjoyable viewing experience. The Tab M8's display is adequate but lacks the vibrancy of the Fire HD 8.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both feature front and rear cameras that are primarily suitable for video calls. Image quality is generally mediocre in both devices, with limited detail and poor low-light performance. Don't expect to take stunning photos with either of these tablets.
Performance
Here's where the Fire HD 8 truly shines. Its Mediatek MT8169A hexa-core processor provides a significant performance boost over the Tab M8's quad-core MT6761 Helio A22. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and even light gaming is more enjoyable on the Fire HD 8. The Tab M8 can feel sluggish at times, especially when handling multiple apps.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer respectable battery life, typically lasting around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. The Fire HD 8 (2022) has a slightly larger battery capacity, which contributes to its slightly longer runtime. Charging speeds are similar, both utilizing 15W wired charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)? Users heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem, those prioritizing performance for streaming and casual gaming, and those seeking longer software updates. Who should buy the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)? Users who prefer a more standard Android experience with less Amazon bloatware and those on an extremely tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I install Google Play Store on the Fire HD 8?
While possible, installing the Google Play Store on the Fire HD 8 is a complex process and not officially supported by Amazon. It may void your warranty and introduce instability.
❓ Which tablet is better for reading e-books?
The Fire HD 8 (2022) is slightly better for reading due to its brighter and more color-accurate display, making text and images appear sharper and more vibrant.
