The Amazon Fire HD 8 series is a perennial favorite for budget-conscious tablet buyers. But with a new Plus model released in 2022 and the 2020 version still available, choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) is the clear winner, offering a faster processor, wireless charging, and improved connectivity. While the 2020 model remains a solid budget option, the Plus's upgrades justify the slightly higher price for most users seeking a smoother 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 | 2020, March 13. Released 2020, June 03 |
| 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) | 202 x 137 x 9.7 mm (7.95 x 5.39 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 342 g (12.06 oz) | 355 g (12.52 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 (~67.1% 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 MT8168 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EE MC2 | Mali-G52 MC1 |
| 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 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p | Yes |
| 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 |
| 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
10W wireless | - |
| Talk time | Up to 13 h | Up to 12 h |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | White, Black, Twilight Blue, Plum |
| Models | KFRAPWI | KFONWI |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022)
- Faster Processor
- Wireless Charging
- Improved Connectivity (Wi-Fi 5)
- Expandable Storage (microSD)
- Slightly Better Display
- Higher Price
- Camera Still Basic
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020)
- Lower Price
- Compact and Portable
- Decent for Basic Tasks
- Slower Performance
- No Wireless Charging
- Older Chipset
- Limited Storage
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature an 8-inch HD (1280 x 800) IPS display. While the resolution is the same, the 2022 Plus model generally exhibits slightly better color accuracy and brightness, though the difference is subtle. Viewing angles are comparable on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both devices is unremarkable, as is typical for budget tablets. Both feature a 2MP front and 5MP rear camera. Image quality is adequate for video calls but not suitable for serious photography. The 2022 Plus might offer slightly improved image processing, but the difference is minimal.
Performance
The 2022 Plus boasts a significant performance upgrade with its hexa-core Mediatek MT8169A chipset compared to the 2020's quad-core MT8168. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The Cortex-A55 cores in the Plus are also more efficient than the Cortex-A53 cores in the 2020 model.
Battery Life
Amazon claims similar battery life for both devices (around 10-12 hours). However, the more efficient chipset in the 2022 Plus could result in slightly better real-world battery performance, especially during demanding tasks.
Buying Guide
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) is ideal for users who prioritize performance, wireless charging, and expanded storage options. It's great for streaming, light gaming, and general productivity. The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) is a good choice for those on a very tight budget who primarily need a basic tablet for reading, browsing, and simple tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) worth the extra money?
Yes, if you value performance and convenience features like wireless charging. The upgrade in processor speed makes a noticeable difference in everyday use.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either tablet?
Yes, both tablets support microSD cards up to 1TB for expanded storage.
❓ What operating system do these tablets use?
Both tablets run Amazon's Fire OS, which is based on Android but heavily customized with Amazon's services.
