Looking for an affordable tablet for entertainment or light productivity? The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) and the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) are popular contenders in the budget tablet space. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) edges out the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) thanks to its faster processor, wireless charging, and improved software experience. While the Tab M8 offers a slightly more open Android experience, the Fire's added features and performance make it the better overall 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 | 342 g (12.06 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB 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
10W wireless | - |
| Talk time | Up to 13 h | - |
| Type | - | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey |
| Models | KFRAPWI | TB-8505X, TB-8505F, TB-8505FS |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022)
- Faster Processor
- Wireless Charging
- Improved Software Experience (Fire OS)
- Longer Battery Life
- Alexa Integration
- Limited App Selection (compared to Google Play Store)
- Amazon Ecosystem Lock-in
- Basic Camera
Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)
- More Open Android Experience
- Compact Design
- Google Play Store Access
- Affordable Price
- Slower Performance
- No Wireless Charging
- Shorter Battery Life
- Less Bright Display
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 8-inch HD displays, but the Fire HD 8 Plus generally offers slightly better brightness and color accuracy. The Tab M8's display is adequate but can appear a bit washed out in direct sunlight. Resolution is similar on both, around 1280x800.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both offer basic 2MP front and rear cameras suitable for video calls but not for high-quality photography. Image quality is grainy and lacks detail in low light. The Fire HD 8 Plus might have a slight edge in processing, resulting in marginally better images.
Performance
The Fire HD 8 Plus boasts a hexa-core Mediatek MT8169A processor, significantly outperforming the Lenovo Tab M8's quad-core MT6761 Helio A22. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the Fire.
Battery Life
The Fire HD 8 Plus typically offers around 12 hours of battery life, while the Lenovo Tab M8 provides approximately 9-10 hours. The difference is noticeable, especially with heavier usage. The Fire's wireless charging capability also adds convenience.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022)? Users prioritizing performance, wireless charging, and seamless integration with Amazon services. Who should buy the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)? Users seeking a more traditional Android experience and a slightly more compact form factor, and those who prefer Google Play Store access without Amazon's ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I install Google Play Store on the Lenovo Tab M8?
Yes, it's possible to install Google Play Store on the Lenovo Tab M8 through unofficial methods, but it's not officially supported and may void your warranty. It can also introduce security risks.
❓ Is the Fire HD 8 Plus good for gaming?
The Fire HD 8 Plus is suitable for casual games and lighter titles. However, demanding games may experience lag or performance issues due to its processor and graphics capabilities.
