The budget tablet market is heating up! Both the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) and the Lenovo Tab M9 offer compelling features at affordable prices. But which one delivers the best experience for your needs? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M9 edges out the Fire HD 8 thanks to its more powerful processor, better display, and cleaner Android experience. While the Fire HD 8 excels in Amazon's ecosystem, the M9 provides a more versatile and performant Android tablet overall.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| EDGE | N/A | - |
| GPRS | N/A | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 21 | 2022, December 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 21 | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 201.9 x 137.4 x 9.6 mm (7.95 x 5.41 x 0.38 in) | 215.4 x 136.8 x 8 mm (8.48 x 5.39 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 337 g (11.89 oz) | 344 g (12.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~173 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~66.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 9.0 inches, 230.0 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core (6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8169A | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EE MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Fire OS 8 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 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, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | Alexa natural language commands
Text-to-Speech English-language content reader | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Talk time | Up to 13 h | - |
| Type | - | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Denim, Rose | Arctic Grey, Frost Blue |
| Models | KFRAWI | TB310FU |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)
- Affordable price
- Tight Amazon ecosystem integration
- Good for media consumption (Prime Video, Kindle)
- Durable build
- Limited app selection (Amazon Appstore)
- Slower performance
- Lower resolution display
- Less versatile than Android
Lenovo Tab M9
- Faster performance (Helio G80)
- Higher resolution display
- Cleaner Android experience
- More versatile app selection (Google Play Store)
- Slightly larger screen
- Slower charging (10W)
- Less integrated Amazon services
- Plastic build feels less premium
Display Comparison
The Lenovo Tab M9 boasts a brighter and sharper 2.5D curved glass display (2000 x 1200 resolution) compared to the Fire HD 8's (1280 x 800 resolution). While both are LCDs, the M9's higher resolution and improved brightness make for a more enjoyable viewing experience. The M9 also has a slightly larger screen size (10.1 inches vs 8 inches).
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department, typical for budget devices. The Lenovo Tab M9 generally produces slightly better images due to its slightly better processing, but both are adequate for casual video calls and quick snapshots. Don't expect high-quality photography from either.
Performance
The Lenovo Tab M9's Helio G80 chipset is noticeably faster than the Fire HD 8's MT8169A. The G80's octa-core design with Cortex-A75 cores provides a significant boost in processing power, resulting in smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. The Fire HD 8 feels sluggish by comparison, especially when handling demanding apps.
Battery Life
While both offer decent battery life, the Lenovo Tab M9's larger battery capacity (7040 mAh vs 5150 mAh) gives it a slight edge. Expect around 10-12 hours of mixed usage on the M9 and 8-10 hours on the Fire HD 8.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)? Users deeply invested in the Amazon ecosystem, primarily consuming content from Prime Video, Kindle, and Audible. Who should buy the Lenovo Tab M9? Those seeking a more versatile Android tablet for general use, browsing, and light gaming, with a cleaner software experience.
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 can void your warranty and may introduce instability.
❓ Is the Lenovo Tab M9 good for gaming?
The Lenovo Tab M9 is suitable for casual gaming. The Helio G80 chipset can handle many popular games, but don't expect to play demanding titles at high settings.
