The sub-$150 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the TCL Tab 8 4G and Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) are two of the leading contenders. While both aim to deliver affordable entertainment and productivity, they take distinctly different approaches. The TCL Tab 8 4G offers standard Android with cellular connectivity, while the Fire HD 8 prioritizes Amazon’s ecosystem and content consumption. This comparison dives deep into the hardware and software to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing a full Android experience and mobile data connectivity, the TCL Tab 8 4G is the better choice. However, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) wins for those deeply invested in Amazon’s services and seeking a dedicated media consumption device, thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and faster charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 40, 41, 66 | - |
| EDGE | - | N/A |
| GPRS | - | N/A |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 04 | 2022, September 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, Q3 | Available. Released 2022, September 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 197 x 124.8 x 8.9 mm (7.76 x 4.91 x 0.35 in) | 201.9 x 137.4 x 9.6 mm (7.95 x 5.41 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 295 g (10.41 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 (~75.5% 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 MT8766 | Mediatek MT8169A |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-G52 2EE MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, Fire OS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | 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 | No |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 | Accelerometer | 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 4080 mAh | - |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black | Black, Denim, Rose |
| Models | 9132G2 | KFRAWI |
| Price | - | About 110 EUR |
TCL Tab 8 4G
- Full Android OS for app compatibility
- 4G connectivity for on-the-go use
- Greater flexibility and customization options
- Less powerful processor than Fire HD 8
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Potentially less optimized software experience
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)
- More powerful hexa-core processor
- Faster 15W wired charging
- Deep integration with Amazon services
- Fire OS is restrictive and lacks full Google Play Store access
- Heavily focused on Amazon’s ecosystem
- Limited customization options
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a particularly impressive display. Specifics like panel type (IPS is likely for both) and resolution are missing, but both target the entry-level segment. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity. However, the lack of detailed display specs highlights a common trade-off in this price range – expect adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped with basic cameras suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Given the target market, image quality will be adequate but not exceptional. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but focusing on camera specs in this segment is often misleading. The real-world difference in image quality will be minimal.
Performance
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) holds a clear advantage in processing power. Its MediaTek MT8169A chipset features a hexa-core CPU (6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) compared to the TCL Tab 8 4G’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 on the MT8766. The Cortex-A55 architecture is more efficient than the A53, translating to better performance per watt. While both CPUs clock at the same speed, the additional cores and newer architecture of the MT8169A will result in smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. This difference will be most noticeable when running demanding applications or switching between multiple apps. The Fire HD 8’s 15W charging also suggests a potentially more robust power delivery system, aiding sustained performance.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While mAh ratings are unavailable, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) benefits from 15W wired charging, allowing for quicker top-ups. The TCL Tab 8 4G’s charging speed is unknown, but likely slower. This faster charging capability is a significant advantage for the Fire HD 8, especially for users who frequently use the tablet throughout the day. The more efficient Cortex-A55 cores in the Fire HD 8 may also contribute to slightly longer battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 8 4G if you need a tablet that can function as a standalone device with 4G connectivity for on-the-go use, and you prefer the flexibility of the Android operating system. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) if you primarily intend to stream content from Amazon Prime Video, listen to Amazon Music, and read Kindle books, and are comfortable within the Amazon ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Amazon Fire HD 8's Fire OS limit app availability compared to the TCL Tab 8 4G's Android?
Yes, Fire OS is a heavily customized version of Android that primarily directs users to the Amazon Appstore. While many popular apps are available, you won't have direct access to the full Google Play Store, potentially limiting your app choices. Sideloading is possible, but requires technical knowledge and isn't officially supported.
❓ Is the 4G connectivity on the TCL Tab 8 4G useful for streaming video without Wi-Fi?
Yes, the 4G connectivity is a significant benefit for streaming video and browsing the web on the go. However, data usage can be substantial, so it's important to monitor your data plan or connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible. Streaming quality may also be limited by your network connection.
❓ How does the MediaTek MT8169A in the Fire HD 8 compare to the MT8766 in the TCL Tab 8 4G for gaming?
The MT8169A in the Fire HD 8 will provide a noticeably smoother gaming experience. Its hexa-core CPU with Cortex-A55 cores offers better performance than the quad-core Cortex-A53 in the TCL Tab 8 4G. While neither tablet is a gaming powerhouse, the Fire HD 8 will handle less demanding games with greater ease.
