The sub-$150 tablet market is fiercely competitive, offering options for casual users, students, and families. The TCL Tab 8 4G and the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) both aim to deliver a functional tablet experience without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches – the TCL prioritizes a more standard Android experience with cellular connectivity, while the Fire HD 8 Plus leans heavily into Amazon’s ecosystem and offers convenience features like wireless charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right tablet for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing a versatile tablet with standard Android and 4G connectivity, the TCL Tab 8 4G is the better choice. While the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) offers the convenience of wireless charging and a slightly more powerful CPU, its Fire OS limitations and reliance on Amazon services make it less flexible for general use.
| 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) | 342 g (12.06 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB 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
10W wireless |
| Talk time | - | Up to 13 h |
| Type | Li-Po 4080 mAh | - |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black | Gray |
| Models | 9132G2 | KFRAPWI |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
TCL Tab 8 4G
- Standard Android OS with Google Play Store access
- 4G cellular connectivity for on-the-go use
- Potentially more versatile for general tasks
- Less powerful processor than the Fire HD 8 Plus
- Charging specifications are unknown, likely slower than Fire HD 8 Plus
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022)
- More powerful hexa-core processor for smoother performance
- 15W wired and 10W wireless charging for convenience
- Optimized for Amazon content consumption
- Fire OS limitations and Amazon ecosystem lock-in
- Less flexible for users outside the Amazon ecosystem
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a particularly impressive display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The TCL Tab 8 4G’s display specifications are not provided, but given its market positioning, it’s reasonable to expect a 1280x800 resolution. The Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) also features a 1280x800 resolution. The key difference lies in software optimization; Amazon’s Fire OS is tailored for content consumption, potentially offering a more visually appealing experience for video streaming. However, the lack of detailed display specs for the TCL Tab 8 4G makes a definitive brightness or color accuracy comparison impossible.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped with basic camera setups geared towards video calls and casual snapshots. Detailed camera specifications are unavailable for the TCL Tab 8 4G, but it’s safe to assume it features a similar low-resolution sensor to the Fire HD 8 Plus (5MP rear, 2MP front). Image processing will be minimal on both devices, resulting in images that are acceptable in good lighting conditions but suffer in low light. The 2MP front camera on both tablets is primarily for video conferencing and won't deliver high-quality selfies.
Performance
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) holds a clear advantage in raw processing power. Its Mediatek MT8169A chipset, featuring a hexa-core (6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) CPU, outperforms the TCL Tab 8 4G’s Mediatek MT8766 quad-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53). The Cortex-A55 cores in the Fire HD 8 Plus represent a newer architecture, offering improved efficiency and performance per clock cycle. This translates to snappier app loading times and smoother multitasking, particularly noticeable when running multiple apps or playing graphically demanding games. While both chips are 2.0 GHz, the core count and architecture give the Fire HD 8 Plus a significant edge. The TCL Tab 8 4G will be adequate for basic tasks, but will likely struggle with more intensive workloads.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) offers a notable advantage with its 15W wired and 10W wireless charging capabilities. This allows for convenient topping up without needing a cable. The TCL Tab 8 4G’s battery capacity and charging speed are not specified, but it likely relies solely on wired charging at a slower rate. While the Fire HD 8 Plus’s battery capacity is 4800mAh, the faster charging and wireless charging option provide a more flexible and convenient user experience. The TCL Tab 8 4G will likely offer comparable battery life with moderate use, but will take longer to recharge.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 8 4G if you need a tablet that functions as a standalone device with cellular data for on-the-go connectivity, and prefer a standard Android experience with access to the Google Play Store. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) if you are deeply invested in the Amazon ecosystem, prioritize streaming Amazon content, and value the convenience of wireless charging, accepting the limitations of Fire OS.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the TCL Tab 8 4G support VoLTE calling, and which cellular bands are compatible?
While the TCL Tab 8 4G supports 4G connectivity, specific VoLTE support and compatible cellular bands vary by region. Users should check with their carrier to ensure compatibility before purchasing, as unsupported bands will result in slower 3G or 2G connections.
❓ Can I sideload apps onto the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) if they aren't available in the Amazon Appstore?
Yes, you can sideload apps onto the Fire HD 8 Plus (2022), but it requires enabling 'Apps from Unknown Sources' in the settings and using an APK file. However, sideloaded apps may not function optimally due to compatibility issues with Fire OS and lack of Google Play Services.
❓ How much storage is expandable on the TCL Tab 8 4G?
The TCL Tab 8 4G supports microSD card expansion up to 128GB, providing ample space for storing additional apps, photos, videos, and other files. This is crucial given the limited internal storage typically found in budget tablets.
❓ Is the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) heavily ad-supported?
Yes, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) includes advertisements on the lock screen by default. These ads can be removed for a one-time fee, but this adds to the overall cost of the tablet.
