The sub-$150 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Motorola Tab G20 and Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) represent two of the most popular choices. While both aim to deliver affordable entertainment and productivity, they take distinctly 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 most users, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) emerges as the better choice. Its newer MediaTek MT8169A chipset, featuring Cortex-A55 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Tab G20’s older Helio P22T, despite having fewer cores. The 15W charging also offers a faster replenishment rate, making it more convenient for on-the-go use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | - |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | No | N/A |
| GPRS | No | N/A |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 30 | 2022, September 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 02 | 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 | No | 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 | TDDI IPS LCD, 350 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Hexa-core (6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) | Mediatek MT8169A |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 2EE MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, Fire OS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 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 | No |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 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 | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Talk time | - | Up to 13 h |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | - |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Platinum Grey | Black, Denim, Rose |
| Models | - | KFRAWI |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Motorola Tab G20
- Larger 10.1-inch display for more immersive viewing.
- Standard Android experience without Amazon’s Fire OS.
- Potentially lower price point depending on retailer.
- Older, less efficient MediaTek Helio P22T chipset.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Likely less responsive user experience.
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)
- More modern MediaTek MT8169A chipset with Cortex-A55 cores.
- Faster 15W wired charging.
- Seamless integration with Amazon services.
- Smaller 8-inch display.
- Fire OS may not appeal to all users.
- Amazon ecosystem lock-in.
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 smaller size (8 inches vs. the Tab G20’s 10.1 inches) may result in a slightly sharper image, assuming similar resolutions. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either, making them suitable for casual viewing but not color-critical work.
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. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but given the price point, expect low-resolution sensors with limited dynamic range. Focusing on camera specs is a misdirection; these tablets are not designed for photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Tab G20’s MediaTek MT8768T Helio P22T utilizes an older architecture – Cortex-A53 cores – and a more complex octa-core configuration. The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) employs the MediaTek MT8169A, a hexa-core processor based on the more efficient Cortex-A55 architecture. While the Tab G20 has more cores, the A55 cores in the Fire HD 8 offer superior performance per clock cycle. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The Fire HD 8’s chipset is likely to handle demanding tasks, like streaming video and light gaming, with less stuttering. RAM configurations are unknown, but the chipset advantage favors the Fire HD 8.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) benefits from 15W wired charging, a significant advantage over the Tab G20’s slower 10W charging. This means the Fire HD 8 will replenish its battery faster, reducing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the Tab G20 could offset the slower charging, the more efficient chipset in the Fire HD 8 likely contributes to comparable or even better real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Tab G20 if you prioritize a more standard Android experience without Amazon’s Fire OS customizations and need a tablet primarily for basic tasks like web browsing and light media consumption. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) if you are heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem, frequently stream content from Amazon Prime Video, and value a slightly more responsive user experience and faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) run popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Fire HD 8 (2022) can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates. The MT8169A chipset is capable, but it's not a gaming powerhouse. The Tab G20 will likely offer a similar, or potentially worse, gaming experience due to its older chipset.
❓ Can I easily 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. It's a relatively complex process and may void your warranty. The Motorola Tab G20 comes with the Play Store pre-installed.
❓ How much storage do these tablets typically offer, and can it be expanded?
Both tablets are likely to come in configurations with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. Crucially, both support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 1TB of additional storage for media and apps.
❓ Is the Fire OS on the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) overly intrusive with ads?
Amazon Fire OS does include advertisements on the lock screen and home screen. However, you can pay a small monthly fee to remove these ads, providing a cleaner user experience. The Motorola Tab G20 offers a stock Android experience without such advertisements.
