The tablet market offers a wide spectrum of choices, but finding the right balance between performance and price can be challenging. We pit the LG G Pad 5 10.1, powered by a Snapdragon 821, against the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) with its MediaTek MT8169A chipset. This comparison focuses on how these differing architectures translate into real-world usability for various user profiles.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and a more versatile Android experience, the LG G Pad 5 10.1 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 821 offers significantly more processing power. However, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) provides excellent value for basic media consumption and Amazon ecosystem integration at a lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | LTE | - |
| EDGE | - | N/A |
| GPRS | - | N/A |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October. Released 2019, November | 2022, September 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 247.2 x 150.7 x 8 mm (9.73 x 5.93 x 0.31 in) | 201.9 x 137.4 x 9.6 mm (7.95 x 5.41 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 498 g (1.10 lb) | 337 g (11.89 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~79.4% 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 (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) | Hexa-core (6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm) | Mediatek MT8169A |
| GPU | Adreno 530 | Mali-G52 2EE MC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 11, Fire OS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.0 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | - | Alexa natural language commands
Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Talk time | - | Up to 13 h |
| Type | Li-Po 8200 mAh, non-removable | - |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver | Black, Denim, Rose |
| Models | LM-T600L, T600L | KFRAWI |
| Price | About 340 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (body) | - |
LG G Pad 5 10.1
- Significantly more powerful Snapdragon 821 processor
- More versatile Android operating system
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially higher display resolution
- Likely higher price point
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)
- Lower price point
- Optimized Fire OS for media consumption
- Excellent Amazon ecosystem integration
- Good battery life for basic tasks
- Less powerful MediaTek MT8169A processor
- Limited app availability compared to Google Play Store
- Slower 15W charging
Display Comparison
While both tablets feature 10.1-inch displays, the context data lacks specifics on panel technology (IPS, TFT) or resolution. However, given the LG G Pad 5 10.1’s positioning, it likely boasts a higher resolution and potentially better color accuracy than the Fire HD 8. The Fire HD 8’s display is likely optimized for power efficiency. Bezels are a common area for cost-cutting in this segment, and without specific measurements, it’s difficult to definitively state which device has slimmer bezels.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is known for its camera prowess. Without detailed sensor information, a direct comparison is limited. It’s safe to assume both feature basic cameras suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. The LG G Pad 5 10.1, being a more premium device, *may* have a slightly better camera module, but image quality will likely be similar in most scenarios. Focusing on camera quality is not a primary reason to choose either device.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG G Pad 5 10.1’s Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821, a 14nm processor with a quad-core configuration (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo), represents a significant performance advantage over the Amazon Fire HD 8’s MediaTek MT8169A. The MT8169A is a hexa-core (6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) processor. While the MT8169A has more cores, the Snapdragon 821’s Kryo cores are architecturally superior, offering better single-core performance crucial for responsiveness and app loading times. The Snapdragon 821’s older architecture may be less power efficient, but the performance gains are substantial. The Fire HD 8’s Cortex-A55 cores prioritize efficiency, making it suitable for less demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The LG G Pad 5 10.1 supports 18W wired charging, while the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) is limited to 15W. While the wattage difference isn’t massive, it suggests the LG G Pad 5 10.1 will charge slightly faster. Battery capacity is not specified, but the more powerful Snapdragon 821 in the LG G Pad 5 10.1 will likely consume more power during intensive tasks. However, for typical usage – web browsing, video streaming – the Fire HD 8’s more efficient chipset may offer comparable or even slightly better battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG G Pad 5 10.1 if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding tasks like multitasking, gaming, or running productivity apps. Its Snapdragon 821 provides headroom for future software updates and a smoother overall experience. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) if you primarily intend to consume media – streaming video, reading ebooks, or browsing the web – and are heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem. Its lower price and optimized Fire OS experience make it ideal for casual users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 821 in the LG G Pad 5 10.1 handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Snapdragon 821 is capable of running many popular games, including PUBG and Call of Duty, at medium to high settings. However, it's an older chipset, so don't expect the same performance as newer flagship devices. Expect some frame rate drops during intense scenes.
❓ Can I install Google Play Store on the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)?
Installing the Google Play Store on a Fire tablet is possible, but it requires sideloading and is not officially supported by Amazon. The process can be complex and may void your warranty. It's not a straightforward experience and may not work perfectly.
❓ Is the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) a good choice for reading ebooks?
Absolutely. The Fire HD 8’s display is well-suited for reading ebooks, and the Fire OS interface is optimized for Kindle books. The lower price point makes it an excellent dedicated e-reader alternative.
❓ How does the performance of the MediaTek MT8169A compare to older Snapdragon 600 series chips?
The MediaTek MT8169A generally performs similarly to, or slightly better than, older Snapdragon 600 series chips. It prioritizes efficiency over raw power, making it suitable for everyday tasks but less capable for demanding applications.
