The sub-$150 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Blackview Tab 8E and Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) represent two of the most popular choices. While both aim to deliver affordable entertainment and productivity, they take different approaches to hardware and software. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which tablet offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw processing power and a more open Android experience, the Blackview Tab 8E edges out the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022). Its octa-core processor, despite being built on an older 28nm process, offers a performance advantage. However, the Fire HD 8’s 15W charging and Amazon ecosystem integration remain compelling advantages for specific users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | - |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | N/A | N/A |
| GPRS | N/A | N/A |
| Speed | N/A | - |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 06 | 2022, September 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January | Available. Released 2022, September 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 243.6 x 162.4 x 8.9 mm (9.59 x 6.39 x 0.35 in) | 201.9 x 137.4 x 9.6 mm (7.95 x 5.41 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 600 g (1.32 lb) | 337 g (11.89 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~74.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~66.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Hexa-core (6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT8169A |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 2EE MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, Fire OS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | No |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Talk time | - | Up to 13 h |
| Type | 6580 mAh | - |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Gold | Black, Denim, Rose |
| Models | - | KFRAWI |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Blackview Tab 8E
- Octa-core processor offers potentially better multitasking.
- More open Android experience with access to the Google Play Store.
- Greater customization options compared to Fire OS.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Older 28nm fabrication process may impact efficiency.
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)
- Faster 15W charging for quicker top-ups.
- Tight integration with the Amazon ecosystem (Prime Video, Kindle).
- Fire OS is optimized for media consumption.
- Hexa-core processor may struggle with demanding apps.
- Fire OS is a heavily customized Android experience with limited customization.
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a particularly impressive display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, detailed specs like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The Fire HD 8’s display is likely optimized for Amazon’s content, while the Blackview Tab 8E’s display will be more general-purpose. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both will likely feature basic cameras suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but expectations should be tempered. Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing, and neither tablet is expected to excel in low-light conditions. Focusing on camera specs is a misdirection at this price point.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Blackview Tab 8E’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core processor with a split core configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55). This contrasts with the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)’s Mediatek MT8169A, a hexa-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz using only Cortex-A55 cores. While clock speed isn’t everything, the higher core count of the Unisoc chip *should* translate to better multitasking and responsiveness, especially with Android’s resource management. The 28nm fabrication process of the Unisoc chip is less efficient than modern nodes, potentially impacting thermal performance under sustained load. However, the lower performance ceiling of these devices mitigates this concern. The Fire HD 8’s processor, while fewer cores, benefits from a higher clock speed, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) has a clear advantage in charging speed with its 15W wired charging, compared to the Blackview Tab 8E’s 10W charging. This means the Fire HD 8 will reach a full charge significantly faster, a crucial benefit for users who need quick top-ups. Without knowing the battery capacity, it’s difficult to predict real-world battery life, but the faster charging of the Fire HD 8 provides a tangible usability benefit.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview Tab 8E if you need a tablet for general productivity tasks, running a wider range of Android apps, and prefer a more customizable experience. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) if you are heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem, primarily intend to consume media (streaming video, reading ebooks), and value faster charging speeds over peak performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Blackview Tab 8E struggle with graphically intensive games?
While the Unisoc SC9863A is capable of handling basic games, graphically demanding titles will likely require reduced settings and may experience frame rate drops. It's not a gaming-focused processor, and the integrated GPU is relatively weak. Expect a playable experience with less demanding games.
❓ Can I easily sideload apps onto the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) if they aren't available in the Amazon Appstore?
Sideloading apps onto the Fire HD 8 is possible, but it's not as straightforward as on a standard Android device. It requires enabling 'Apps from Unknown Sources' and using a third-party app store or manually installing APK files. Amazon actively discourages this practice, and compatibility isn't guaranteed.
❓ How much storage is expandable on the Blackview Tab 8E?
While the exact maximum storage capacity isn't specified, the Blackview Tab 8E supports microSD card expansion, allowing users to increase storage beyond the internal capacity. This is a significant advantage for storing media files and apps.
❓ Is the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) a good choice for students taking notes or doing schoolwork?
The Fire HD 8 can be used for basic note-taking and schoolwork, but its limited app compatibility and less versatile operating system may hinder productivity. The Blackview Tab 8E, with full Google Play Store access, offers a wider range of productivity apps and is a better choice for students.
