Amazon Fire HD 8 Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

Welcome to my review of the Amazon Fire HD 8, the latest tablet from the tech giant Amazon. The Fire HD 8 was released in 2022, and it has been making waves in the tech industry due to its impressive features and affordable price point. As an avid tech enthusiast, I was excited to get my hands on this device and explore its capabilities.

Design and Build Quality

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2015) may not be the newest tablet on the market, but it still holds up when it comes to design and build quality. This tablet has a sleek and modern appearance that is sure to impress. It comes in four different color options; black, magenta, blue, and tangerine, so you can choose the one that best suits your style.

The tablet is constructed using high-quality materials that make it both lightweight and durable. Its dimensions of 214 x 128 x 7.7 mm (8.43 x 5.04 x 0.30 in) and weight of 311 g (10.97 oz) make it easy to hold and use for extended periods. The tablet is designed to be comfortable to hold, with rounded edges that fit comfortably in your hand.

One of the standout features of the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2015) is its durability. The tablet is built to withstand accidental drops and bumps, making it an ideal option for those who are always on the go or have children using the device. The tablet's construction is solid, with no creaking or flexing, providing a sense of sturdiness and reliability.

Overall, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2015) is a well-designed and well-built tablet that is sure to last for years to come. Its sleek appearance, comfortable ergonomics, and durable construction make it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and stylish tablet.

Display

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) boasts an 8.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio, resulting in a pixel density of around 189 pixels per inch. While this may not be the highest resolution compared to other devices in the market, it is more than enough for general media consumption and casual usage. The screen is bright and vivid with accurate color reproduction, making it suitable for streaming videos and playing games.

The display's touch sensitivity is also impressive, providing a smooth and responsive experience when navigating through menus or swiping between apps. The screen is also relatively visible outdoors, although direct sunlight can sometimes make it difficult to read.

Overall, the Fire HD 8's display is decent for its price range and is a good fit for everyday use. However, users who prioritize high-resolution displays for activities such as reading small text or watching high-definition videos may want to consider other devices with better screens.

Performance

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) boasts a quad-core 2.0 GHz processor with 2GB of RAM and comes in 32GB or 64GB storage options. While it may not be the fastest tablet on the market, it certainly gets the job done. Users can enjoy smooth app-switching and multitasking, and the tablet handles casual gaming with ease. It's worth noting that more demanding games may experience longer load times and occasional hiccups.

In terms of benchmark scores, the Fire HD 8 (2020) scored a respectable 1,344 on Geekbench 4. This puts it on par with other budget tablets in its class. Real-world usage is where the Fire HD 8 (2020) shines. Apps open quickly, and streaming video content on popular platforms like Netflix and Prime Video is a breeze.

One downside to the Fire HD 8 (2020) is its lack of USB-C support. It still uses a micro-USB port for charging and data transfer, which is a bit outdated. However, the tablet does support wireless charging, which is a nice touch.

Overall, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) performs well for its price point. It's not the fastest tablet on the market, but it's more than capable of handling everyday tasks and casual gaming. If you're looking for a budget tablet that won't let you down, the Fire HD 8 (2020) is definitely worth considering.

Software and User Interface

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) runs on a customized version of Android 11. The user interface is clean, intuitive and user-friendly, making it enjoyable to use for people of all ages. The home screen is customizable, allowing users to add or remove apps and widgets as they please.

The tablet comes with a few pre-installed apps, such as Amazon Silk browser, Amazon Alexa, and Amazon Prime Video. These apps can be easily uninstalled if users prefer not to use them. It also has access to the Amazon Appstore, which has a wide selection of apps, games, and other content.

One of the standout features of the Fire HD 8 (2022) is the "For You" tab on the home screen, which offers personalized recommendations for content based on the user's preferences and viewing history. This feature makes it easy to discover new content without having to search for it manually.

The tablet also supports split-screen mode, which allows users to run two apps side by side. This is particularly useful for multitasking, such as watching a video while browsing the web or checking emails.

While the Fire HD 8 (2022) does not have access to the Google Play Store, it does offer seamless integration with Amazon services such as Prime Music, Prime Reading, and Kindle Unlimited. It also has a built-in text-to-speech feature that can read English-language content aloud, which is a great accessibility feature for those who may have visual impairments.

Overall, the Fire HD 8 (2022) offers a smooth and user-friendly software experience, with access to a wide range of content and personalized recommendations. While it may not have access to the Google Play Store, the tablet's integration with Amazon services and ease of use make it a great choice for those who are looking for a simple and reliable tablet experience.

Camera

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2015) comes equipped with a 5-megapixel rear camera and a front-facing VGA camera, which is more than enough for most users. The rear camera can take decent pictures in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. The camera app is simple and easy to use, with basic features such as HDR and panorama modes. However, it lacks advanced features like manual controls and filters.

The video quality on the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2015) is good, with the ability to record in 1080p at 30fps. The camera also has a decent zoom capability and image stabilization, which helps in capturing steady videos.

The front-facing VGA camera is adequate for video calls and selfies, but its low resolution may not be sufficient for some users. Selfie enthusiasts may be disappointed with the lack of beauty mode and other features commonly found in modern smartphones.

Overall, the camera performance of the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2015) is adequate for casual users, but lacks the advanced features and image quality of higher-end smartphones. If you're looking for a device with a strong camera performance, you may want to consider other options in the market.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

VIII. Connectivity and Networking

When it comes to connectivity and networking capabilities, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) has some notable features to offer. However, it's important to note that this device does not support cellular connectivity, so you'll have to rely on Wi-Fi for internet access.

In terms of Wi-Fi, the Fire HD 8 (2022) supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, allowing you to connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. This dual-band support ensures a stable and fast connection, especially when connected to a compatible router.

Bluetooth 4.0 is also available on the Fire HD 8 (2022), enabling you to connect wireless peripherals such as headphones, speakers, and keyboards. The inclusion of Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) ensures efficient power consumption, extending the battery life of your device.

Unfortunately, the Fire HD 8 (2022) lacks NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities, which means you won't be able to use it for contactless payments or easily share files with other NFC-enabled devices.

Additionally, this device does not support GPS for precise location tracking. While this might not be a deal-breaker for most users, it's worth considering if you rely heavily on navigation apps that require GPS functionality.

In terms of sensors, the Fire HD 8 (2022) includes basic sensors like an accelerometer and a gyro. These sensors enhance the device's usability by allowing it to detect motion and orientation, enabling features like automatic screen rotation.

Overall, while the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) may not offer all the connectivity and networking features found in higher-end devices, it provides the necessary Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities for most everyday tasks.

Additional Features

IX. Additional Features

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) comes with a range of additional features that enhance the overall user experience. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of flagship smartphones, it offers some unique functionalities that make it stand out in its price range.

One notable feature is the water and dust resistance. Although the device does not have an official IP rating, it is designed to withstand accidental splashes and light rain. This adds a layer of protection and peace of mind for users who want to use their tablet in various environments.

Expandable storage options are also available on the Fire HD 8. With a dedicated microSDXC card slot, users can easily expand the device's storage capacity to store more apps, photos, videos, and files. This is particularly useful for those who require additional space for their growing media collections or work-related documents.

Audio quality is another aspect where the Fire HD 8 shines. It features loud and clear stereo speakers, providing an immersive audio experience for multimedia consumption. Whether you're watching movies, playing games, or listening to music, the device delivers rich and vibrant sound that surpasses the expectations of a budget tablet. Additionally, the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack allows users to enjoy their favorite content privately with their preferred headphones.

The Fire HD 8 also stands out with its text-to-speech English-language content reader. This feature enables users to have their favorite books, articles, or documents read aloud to them. It's a useful accessibility feature for those with visual impairments or for anyone who prefers to listen rather than read.

Overall, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) offers a range of additional features that add value to the device. Its water and dust resistance, expandable storage options, impressive audio quality, and text-to-speech content reader contribute to a well-rounded user experience. While it may not have the most cutting-edge features, it provides ample functionality for its price point.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) to other related phones in its price range and category, there are a few notable alternatives to consider. One such option is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite. Both tablets offer similar screen sizes and resolutions, making them suitable for media consumption and basic productivity tasks. However, the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite comes with a slightly more powerful processor, providing a smoother user experience when multitasking or running demanding apps.

Another alternative to consider is the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen). This tablet also features an 8-inch display and offers a comparable level of performance to the Fire HD 8. However, the Tab M8 boasts a more updated version of Android, which may appeal to users who prefer a more recent software experience.

For those who prioritize a stock Android experience, the Google Pixel Slate could be a compelling choice. Although it falls into a higher price range, the Pixel Slate offers a sleek design and powerful hardware, including a high-resolution display and a fast processor. Additionally, it benefits from regular software updates directly from Google, ensuring a secure and up-to-date user experience.

Ultimately, the choice between these related phones will depend on individual preferences and priorities. The Fire HD 8 (2022) excels in providing an affordable option for casual users seeking a reliable tablet experience, while the alternatives mentioned offer varying degrees of performance, software features, and pricing.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) is a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for a reliable tablet experience. With its affordable price tag and decent performance, it offers good value for money.

The tablet's design and build quality are satisfactory, although it may not stand out in terms of aesthetics. The display, while not the sharpest or most vibrant, is adequate for everyday use and offers decent touch sensitivity.

Performance-wise, the Fire HD 8 (2022) handles basic tasks smoothly, but it may struggle with more demanding applications and games. The software and user interface provide a user-friendly experience, and the availability of regular updates is a welcome feature.

The camera performance is average, producing acceptable photos in well-lit conditions, but struggling in low-light situations. The battery life is reasonable, providing enough juice for a day of moderate usage.

Connectivity options are limited, with no cellular connectivity and minimal positioning capabilities. However, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality work well, and NFC support is absent.

While the Fire HD 8 (2022) lacks some advanced features found in higher-end tablets, it compensates with expandable storage options and decent audio quality.

In comparison to other tablets in its price range, the Fire HD 8 (2022) holds its own and offers a reliable, budget-friendly alternative.

Pros:
- Affordable price
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- User-friendly interface
- Expandable storage options

Cons:
- Average camera performance
- Limited connectivity options
- Not suitable for resource-intensive applications and games

To summarize, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) is a budget tablet that provides a decent overall experience. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive devices, it offers good value for money and is suitable for casual users and those on a tight budget.