Amazon's Fire tablets are a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking entertainment and basic functionality. But with multiple models available, choosing the right one can be tricky. This review pits the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) against the Fire HD 10 (2021) to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Fire HD 10 (2021) offers a noticeably larger screen and a more powerful processor, making it better for multitasking and demanding apps. However, the Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) boasts faster charging and wireless charging, appealing to users prioritizing convenience. Ultimately, the HD 10 provides more value for the price.
| 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 | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| 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) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 342 g (12.06 oz) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~66.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core (6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8169A | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EE MC2 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 11, Fire OS 8 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p | 720p |
| 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | Alexa natural language commands
Text-to-Speech English-language content reader | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired
10W wireless | - |
| Talk time | Up to 13 h | - |
| Type | - | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Black, Denim, Olive, Lavender |
| Models | KFRAPWI | T76N2B, KFTRWI, KFTRPWI |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022)
- Faster charging (15W wired, 10W wireless)
- Wireless charging
- More portable
- Improved speakers compared to previous models
- Less powerful processor
- Smaller screen
- Mediocre camera quality
- Limited app selection outside of Amazon Appstore
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)
- Larger screen
- More powerful processor
- Better multitasking performance
- Slightly better color accuracy
- Slower charging
- No wireless charging
- Less portable
- Similar mediocre camera quality
Display Comparison
The Fire HD 10 (2021) clearly wins in the display department with its 10.1-inch screen compared to the HD 8 Plus's 8-inch display. The larger screen provides a more immersive viewing experience for videos, games, and reading. Both have HD resolution, but the larger size of the HD 10 makes a significant difference. Expect slightly better color accuracy on the HD 10 as well.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both feature front and rear cameras suitable for basic video calls and occasional snapshots. Image quality is generally mediocre on both devices, and low-light performance is poor. Don't expect to use these tablets for serious photography.
Performance
The Fire HD 10 (2021) has a distinct performance advantage thanks to its Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T chipset and octa-core processor. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience. The HD 8 Plus's MT8169A chipset is adequate for basic tasks but struggles with more demanding applications. Expect noticeable lag on the HD 8 Plus when switching between apps or playing graphically intensive games.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable between the two devices, generally offering around 10-12 hours of mixed usage. However, the Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) has a slight edge due to its faster charging capabilities (15W wired, 10W wireless) compared to the HD 10's standard charging (likely 5W-10W wired). Wireless charging is a unique feature of the HD 8 Plus.
Buying Guide
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) is ideal for casual users, kids, and those who prioritize portability and quick charging. The Fire HD 10 (2021) is a better choice for users who want a larger screen for media consumption, gaming, or light productivity tasks and appreciate the extra processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which Fire tablet is best for kids?
Both are suitable for kids, but the HD 8 Plus's portability and faster charging might be slightly more convenient for parents. Consider a protective case for either device.
❓ Can I install Google Play Store on either tablet?
No, both tablets run Amazon's Fire OS and do not natively support the Google Play Store. You can sideload apps, but it's not officially supported and can be complex.
