The Amazon Fire HD 8 series is a popular choice for budget-friendly tablets. But with several generations, choosing the right model can be tricky. We're pitting the latest Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) against the older Fire HD 8 (2017) to see which one offers the best bang for your buck.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) is the clear winner, offering a significantly faster processor, improved charging options (wired and wireless), and a slightly better display. While the 2017 model remains a budget option, the 2022 Plus provides a noticeably smoother and more modern user experience.
| 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 | 342 g (12.06 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB 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
10W wireless | - |
| Talk time | Up to 13 h | Up to 12 h |
| Type | - | Li-Po 3210 mAh, non-removable (11.87 Wh) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Black, Canary Yellow, Marine Blue, Punch Red |
| Models | KFRAPWI | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022)
- Faster Processor
- Wireless Charging
- Improved Display
- Faster Charging
- Slightly Better Cameras
- Higher Price than 2017 Model
- Still limited app selection compared to iPad
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017)
- Very Affordable
- Decent for Basic Tasks
- Compact and Portable
- Slow Performance
- Outdated Processor
- No Wireless Charging
- Lower Display Quality
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature an 8-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1280 x 800. However, the 2022 Plus boasts slightly improved brightness and color accuracy, resulting in a more vibrant viewing experience. The bezels are also slightly thinner on the Plus model.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. The 2017 model has a 2MP front and rear camera, while the 2022 Plus also features 2MP front and rear cameras. Image quality is adequate for video calls but not suitable for serious photography. The 2022 Plus does have slightly improved image processing.
Performance
The 2022 Plus's Mediatek MT8169A hexa-core processor is a substantial upgrade over the 2017's quad-core MT8163. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall user experience. The 2017 model can feel sluggish, especially when running multiple apps.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer a similar battery life, typically lasting around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. However, the 2022 Plus benefits from faster 15W wired charging and supports 10W wireless charging, significantly reducing charging times.
Buying Guide
The Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) is ideal for users who want a responsive tablet for streaming, browsing, and light gaming. It's a great choice for families and those seeking a portable entertainment device. The 2017 Fire HD 8 is best suited for users on a very tight budget who primarily need a basic tablet for reading ebooks and simple tasks, and aren't concerned with performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) worth the extra money?
Yes, the performance improvements and added features like wireless charging make the 2022 Plus a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you value a smooth and responsive user experience.
❓ Can I install Google Play Store on either of these tablets?
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.
