The sub-$150 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) and Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) are two of the leading contenders. While both aim to deliver affordable entertainment and basic functionality, they take different approaches to achieving that goal. This comparison dives deep into their hardware and software to determine which tablet offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) is the better choice. Its hexa-core MT8169A processor provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Tab M8’s quad-core Helio A22, resulting in smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While the Fire OS ecosystem is restrictive, the performance advantage justifies the trade-off for the average user.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 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 | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, October | 2022, September 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 199.1 x 121.8 x 8.2 mm (7.84 x 4.80 x 0.32 in) | 201.9 x 137.4 x 9.6 mm (7.95 x 5.41 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 305 g (10.76 oz) | 337 g (11.89 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 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~66.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Hexa-core (6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT8169A |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 2EE MC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 11, Fire OS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| 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 | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Alexa natural language commands
Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Talk time | - | Up to 13 h |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | - |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey | Black, Denim, Rose |
| Models | TB-8505X, TB-8505F, TB-8505FS | KFRAWI |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)
- Open Android ecosystem – no Amazon lock-in.
- Potentially lower price point.
- Standard Android experience.
- Less powerful processor (Helio A22).
- Likely slower performance in multitasking.
- Charging speed is unknown and potentially slower.
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)
- More powerful processor (MT8169A with Cortex-A55 cores).
- Faster 15W wired charging.
- Optimized software for streaming and Amazon services.
- Amazon Fire OS ecosystem – restrictive and ad-supported.
- Limited access to the Google Play Store.
- Heavier reliance on Amazon services.
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a particularly impressive display. Both are likely to feature 1280x800 resolution panels, typical for this price point. However, details like peak brightness and color accuracy are missing. The Fire HD 8’s display is likely optimized for consuming Amazon’s video content, while the Tab M8’s display will offer a more standard Android viewing experience. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
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 occasional snapshots. Details regarding sensor size and aperture are unavailable, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. Focusing on camera specs is a misdirection; these tablets are not designed for photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) utilizes the Mediatek MT8169A, a hexa-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz using Cortex-A55 cores. This represents a significant architectural improvement over the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)’s Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22, which features a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration. The Cortex-A55 cores in the MT8169A offer better performance and efficiency per clock cycle. The additional cores on the Fire HD 8 will translate to smoother multitasking and a more responsive UI. While both are 2.0 GHz, the A55 architecture is more modern and efficient. The Fire HD 8 also benefits from 15W wired charging, suggesting potentially faster charging speeds than the Tab M8, though specific charging speeds for the Tab M8 are unknown.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Fire HD 8’s 15W charging capability suggests a faster recharge time. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the more efficient MT8169A in the Fire HD 8 may contribute to slightly longer runtimes, even with a similar battery capacity to the Tab M8. The A55 cores are more power efficient.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) if you prioritize a more open Android experience and prefer a tablet without Amazon’s ecosystem lock-in. It’s a solid option for basic tasks like reading, light browsing, and simple video playback. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) if you value performance and are comfortable within the Amazon ecosystem, benefiting from its optimized software and faster processor for a smoother overall experience, especially for streaming and casual gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) run demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the MT8169A is a step up from the Tab M8’s processor, it’s still a budget chipset. Genshin Impact is unlikely to run smoothly even on the lowest settings. The Fire HD 8 is better suited for casual games and streaming.
❓ Can I easily sideload apps onto the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) to bypass the app store limitations?
Yes, sideloading apps onto the Fire HD 8 is possible, but it requires some technical knowledge and carries inherent security risks. It's not as straightforward as installing apps from the Google Play Store, and Amazon actively discourages it.
❓ Is the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) a good choice for reading ebooks?
The Tab M8 (HD) is a reasonable option for ebook reading, offering a standard Android experience and access to various ebook apps. However, the display quality is likely basic, and the processor may feel sluggish when handling large ebook files.
❓ How much storage does each tablet offer, and is it expandable?
Storage configurations vary, but both tablets typically start with 32GB of internal storage. Both devices support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 1TB of additional storage, which is crucial given the pre-installed apps and limited internal space.
