The sub-$150 tablet market is fiercely competitive, offering options for casual users, students, and anyone needing a secondary display. We pit the Umidigi A11 Tab, running a full Android experience, against the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022), known for its tight integration with Amazon’s ecosystem, to determine which provides the best value and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) is the better choice. While the Umidigi A11 Tab offers a more open Android experience, the Fire HD 8’s slightly more efficient chipset and faster 15W charging provide a smoother, more convenient experience, especially for media consumption.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | N/A | N/A |
| GPRS | N/A | N/A |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021. Released 2021 | 2022, September 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 247.2 x 157 x 8 mm (9.73 x 6.18 x 0.31 in) | 201.9 x 137.4 x 9.6 mm (7.95 x 5.41 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 527 g (1.16 lb) | 337 g (11.89 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~66.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Hexa-core (6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT8169A |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 2EE MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, Fire OS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | 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 | 8000 mAh | - |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Denim, Rose |
| Models | - | KFRAWI |
| Price | - | About 110 EUR |
Umidigi A11 Tab
- Full Android experience – no ecosystem lock-in.
- Potentially more customization options.
- Octa-core CPU offers theoretical multitasking benefits.
- Older, less efficient chipset (Helio P22).
- Slower 10W charging.
- Likely less optimized software experience.
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)
- More efficient chipset (MT8169A) for smoother performance.
- Faster 15W charging.
- Tight integration with Amazon services.
- Amazon’s Fire OS is a heavily customized Android experience.
- Limited app availability outside the Amazon Appstore.
- Ecosystem lock-in for optimal functionality.
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on resolution or color accuracy, but usability. Without specific display specs, we can infer that the Fire HD 8’s slightly higher price point *might* translate to marginally better panel quality control, but this is speculative. Bezels are expected 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 geared towards basic video calls and occasional snapshots. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both feature low-resolution sensors. Focusing on the chipsets, the image signal processor (ISP) within the MT8169A may offer slightly better image processing capabilities due to its more modern design, but the difference will be minimal in real-world usage.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Umidigi A11 Tab’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) features an octa-core CPU with a split core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53). This older architecture, while offering eight cores, is less efficient than the Amazon Fire HD 8’s Mediatek MT8169A. The MT8169A is a hexa-core (6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) processor. The Cortex-A55 cores are more modern and deliver better performance-per-watt. This means the Fire HD 8 will likely feel snappier in everyday tasks and exhibit less lag when multitasking, despite having fewer cores. The 12nm process node of the Helio P22 also suggests potentially higher heat output under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While the mAh capacity isn’t specified for either device, the Fire HD 8’s 15W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Umidigi A11 Tab’s 10W charging. This faster charging speed translates to less downtime and a more convenient user experience. Even with a similar battery capacity, the MT8169A’s greater efficiency could contribute to slightly longer runtimes on the Fire HD 8.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi A11 Tab if you prioritize a standard, unrestricted Android experience and need the flexibility to sideload apps and customize the interface. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) if you are heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem, primarily consume content from Amazon services, and value faster charging and a streamlined user interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Umidigi A11 Tab struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Mediatek Helio P22 is not a gaming powerhouse. While it can handle less demanding titles, PUBG Mobile will likely require significantly reduced graphics settings and may still experience noticeable lag and frame drops. The Fire HD 8’s MT8169A offers a slight performance advantage, but neither tablet is ideal for serious gaming.
❓ Can I easily install Google Play Store on the Amazon Fire HD 8?
Installing the Google Play Store on the Fire HD 8 is possible, but it requires sideloading and is not officially supported by Amazon. The process can be somewhat technical and may void your warranty. While many guides are available online, it's not a seamless experience and may not always work reliably.
❓ How much storage is expandable on the Umidigi A11 Tab?
While the base storage isn't specified, most tablets in this class include a microSD card slot for expandable storage. The Umidigi A11 Tab likely supports microSD cards up to 128GB or 256GB, allowing you to add more space for apps, photos, and videos.
❓ Is the Amazon Fire HD 8 good for reading ebooks?
Yes, the Amazon Fire HD 8 is well-suited for reading ebooks, especially those purchased from the Kindle Store. The Fire OS interface is optimized for reading, and the tablet’s compact size and lightweight design make it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The IPS display provides decent viewing angles for comfortable reading.
