Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) 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

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) is a budget-friendly tablet that packs a punch. With its sleek design and vibrant 8.0-inch IPS LCD display, this tablet offers an immersive viewing experience. Powered by a Mediatek MT8168 chipset and quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, it delivers smooth performance for daily tasks and entertainment. The tablet comes in two variants: 32GB and 64GB, both with 2GB of RAM. It also features a 2MP front and rear camera, perfect for video calls and casual photography. With stereo speakers and a 3.5mm jack, the Fire HD 8 ensures an enjoyable audio experience. Plus, with Alexa integration and a long-lasting battery, this tablet is a steal at its affordable price point. Available in multiple colors, including White, Black, Twilight Blue, and Plum, the Fire HD 8 (2020) offers something for everyone.

Design and Build Quality

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) boasts a compact and sleek design that is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to hold. With dimensions of 202 x 137 x 9.7 mm and weighing 355g, it is a lightweight and portable device. The tablet features a sturdy build quality, utilizing high-quality materials that contribute to its durability. The back panel has a smooth finish, offering a premium feel. The Fire HD 8 (2020) features an 8-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels, providing decent viewing angles and vibrant colors. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 67.1% ensures an immersive viewing experience. The device is powered by a Mediatek MT8168 chipset, coupled with a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and Mali-G52 MC1 GPU, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and multimedia consumption.

In terms of ergonomics, the Fire HD 8 (2020) is designed to be comfortable to hold for extended periods. The tablet's rounded edges and slim profile contribute to its ergonomic design, allowing for a secure grip. The placement of physical buttons and ports is well thought out, providing easy access and convenience.

When it comes to durability and construction, the Fire HD 8 (2020) is built to withstand daily usage. The device is solidly constructed, capable of enduring accidental drops and bumps. Additionally, the tablet's eMMC 5.1 storage ensures fast and reliable performance, while the availability of a dedicated microSDXC slot allows for expandable storage up to 64GB.

Overall, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) showcases a well-designed and well-built tablet that balances aesthetics, comfort, and durability. Its compact size, premium materials, and thoughtful construction make it an attractive option for users seeking a reliable and portable device for everyday use.

Display

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) features an 8.0-inch IPS LCD display with a screen resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:10. The screen size provides a decent viewing experience for multimedia and browsing purposes, while the 16:10 aspect ratio is well-suited for video playback. The LCD technology ensures good color accuracy and vibrancy, although it may not match the visual quality of OLED displays.

In terms of brightness levels, the Fire HD 8 (2020) offers satisfactory performance for indoor use, but it may struggle a bit in direct sunlight due to its limited outdoor visibility. The touch responsiveness of the display is generally responsive and smooth, providing a comfortable user experience. Unfortunately, there is no specific information regarding display protection or the use of Gorilla Glass.

With a pixel density of approximately 189 ppi, the Fire HD 8 (2020) falls short compared to higher-end tablets and smartphones. However, this pixel density is sufficient for day-to-day tasks and casual media consumption. The device does not mention any specific refresh rate, HDR support, or wide color gamut, indicating that it may not excel in those areas.

In terms of viewing angles, the IPS LCD display offers relatively wide angles, allowing for decent visibility from different perspectives. However, the absence of an anti-reflective coating may lead to some glare issues in bright environments. The tablet does not feature a notch design, and the bezels are noticeable but not overly thick. The screen-to-body ratio is around 67.1%, which is decent for a budget tablet.

Additional features such as an always-on display, blue light filter, and adaptive brightness are not mentioned, suggesting that these options may not be available. The Fire HD 8 (2020) also lacks information about screen calibration, which could affect color accuracy and overall display quality. Nonetheless, considering its budget-friendly nature, the display of the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) offers a satisfactory visual experience for everyday tasks and entertainment purposes.

Performance

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) showcases decent performance for a budget tablet. Powered by the Mediatek MT8168 chipset and a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, it offers smooth user experience and lag-free performance for everyday tasks. The GPU, Mali-G52 MC1, ensures satisfactory graphics scores and gaming capabilities.

In terms of CPU benchmarks, the Fire HD 8 (2020) delivers reliable processor performance. The quad-core CPU handles multitasking efficiently, allowing users to switch between apps seamlessly. App loading speeds are generally quick, providing a satisfactory user experience.

The system optimization of the Fire HD 8 (2020) contributes to its overall performance. The Android 9.0 (Pie) operating system, coupled with Fire OS 7, ensures a smooth and responsive interface. The tablet's thermal management is also commendable, as it effectively dissipates heat during extended usage, preventing overheating issues.

When it comes to gaming performance, the Fire HD 8 (2020) offers a decent experience. The Mali-G52 MC1 GPU handles most casual and mid-range games with ease. It provides smooth frame rates and satisfactory graphics for an enjoyable gaming experience. However, more demanding games may experience some slight lag or lower graphics settings.

In benchmark tests, the Fire HD 8 (2020) performs reasonably well. Synthetic benchmarks indicate its processor efficiency and GPU efficiency, showcasing its capability to handle everyday tasks efficiently. Although not designed for high-end gaming or heavy multitasking, the tablet delivers solid performance within its price range.

Overall, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) offers a satisfactory performance for its budget-friendly price. It excels in everyday tasks, provides smooth user experience, and handles casual gaming with ease. While it may not compete with higher-end tablets in terms of raw power, its performance metrics and benchmark scores prove its worth in the budget tablet market. Whether you're browsing the web, streaming videos, or indulging in light gaming, the Fire HD 8 (2020) delivers a reliable and enjoyable performance.

Software and User Interface

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) runs on Android 9.0 (Pie) with Amazon's Fire OS 7 on top. The operating system provides a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. It offers customization options, allowing users to personalize their device according to their preferences. However, it's worth noting that the Fire OS is heavily customized by Amazon, which means it may not offer the same level of flexibility as stock Android.

One aspect that stands out is the range of pre-installed apps that come with the Fire HD 8. While some users may appreciate the convenience of having these apps readily available, others may find them unnecessary and consider them as bloatware. The device also comes with Alexa integration, allowing users to control their tablet using voice commands. This feature enhances the user experience and adds convenience to everyday tasks.

Overall, the software experience on the Amazon Fire HD 8 is optimized for Amazon's ecosystem. It seamlessly integrates with Amazon services, such as Prime Video and Kindle, providing users with easy access to a wide range of content. However, it's important to note that the device does not support Google Play Store, limiting access to certain apps and services that are available on other Android devices.

In conclusion, the software on the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) offers a user-friendly interface and customization options. It comes with a range of pre-installed apps, although some may consider them as bloatware. The integration of Alexa adds convenience to the user experience. However, the heavy customization by Amazon and the lack of Google Play Store support may be limiting for some users.

Camera

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) features a modest 2 MP single camera setup, capable of capturing both photos and videos. While the camera specifications may not be groundbreaking, it serves its purpose well for basic photography needs. The camera performs better in well-lit environments, such as daylight photography, where it can capture decently sharp and detailed images with natural colors. It also has a video recording capability, allowing users to capture memorable moments in various formats, including 4K video. However, due to the limited sensor size and low-light sensitivity, the camera's performance in low-light conditions is not exceptional. Noise reduction is applied to combat graininess in low-light situations, but it may result in a loss of sharpness and detail. The absence of advanced camera features like HDR, portrait mode, and AI scene recognition limits the creative possibilities for users. Additionally, image stabilization is not available, which may result in slightly shaky footage when recording videos. Overall, while the camera on the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) is serviceable for basic photography and video needs, it may not satisfy those seeking advanced camera features or exceptional image quality.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) does not offer cellular connectivity, which means it cannot be used for making calls or accessing mobile data networks. However, it does provide a range of connectivity options for internet access and data transfer. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, allowing users to connect to wireless networks and enjoy fast internet speeds. The tablet also features Bluetooth 5.0, which enables wireless connections to other devices such as headphones, speakers, or keyboards. For data transfer and charging, the Fire HD 8 (2020) is equipped with a USB Type-C port. This modern port ensures faster and more efficient data transfer compared to older USB standards. Unfortunately, the tablet does not support NFC or GPS for contactless payments or precise location tracking. However, it does offer a mobile hotspot feature, allowing users to share their internet connection with other devices. Overall, while the Fire HD 8 (2020) lacks cellular connectivity, it provides an array of connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB-C for seamless internet access and data transfer.

Additional Features

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) offers a range of additional features that enhance its functionality. Firstly, it comes with expandable storage through a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing users to easily increase the device's storage capacity. This is especially beneficial for those who require more space for apps, photos, videos, and other files.

In terms of connectivity, the tablet supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 5.0, providing fast and reliable wireless connections. However, it does not have dual SIM functionality, meaning it can't support multiple SIM cards simultaneously.

The device is equipped with an accelerometer, which allows it to detect movement and orientation changes. While it lacks advanced sensors like a gyroscope or environmental sensors, the accelerometer is still useful for certain applications and games that rely on motion detection.

Moreover, the Fire HD 8 (2020) features stereo speakers, providing an immersive audio experience. Additionally, it includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to connect their favorite wired headphones or external speakers.

Unfortunately, the tablet does not have water resistance or dust resistance capabilities, and it does not support wireless charging. These features are commonly found in higher-end devices and may be missed by some users.

Overall, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) offers expandable storage, wireless connectivity options, an accelerometer, and stereo speakers, making it a versatile and functional tablet for everyday use.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) is a budget tablet that offers decent performance and a range of features. When comparing it to related gadgets in the market, there are a few key points to consider.

In terms of competitors, the Fire HD 8 (2020) goes up against other budget tablets such as the Lenovo Tab M8 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0. These devices offer similar specifications and price points, making them direct competitors in the market.

In terms of market positioning, the Fire HD 8 (2020) aims to provide a budget-friendly option for users who want a tablet for casual use, such as browsing the web, watching videos, and reading e-books. It may not have the high-end features or performance of more expensive tablets, but it offers good value for money.

When comparing the features of the Fire HD 8 (2020) to other devices, it offers an 8-inch IPS LCD display, a quad-core processor, and 2GB of RAM. It also has a microSDXC card slot for expandable storage and stereo speakers for audio playback. However, it lacks cellular connectivity and advanced camera capabilities.

In terms of performance, the Fire HD 8 (2020) performs adequately for everyday tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking. It is not designed for heavy gaming or intensive productivity tasks.

In the competitive landscape, the Fire HD 8 (2020) faces tough competition from other budget tablets that offer similar specifications and features. However, it has the advantage of being tightly integrated with Amazon's ecosystem and offers unique features such as Alexa integration and access to Amazon's vast content library.

Pricing wise, the Fire HD 8 (2020) is priced around 80 EUR, making it an affordable option for those on a budget. It offers good value for money considering its features and performance compared to other tablets in the market.

Overall, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) competes with other budget tablets in terms of price and features. While it may not have the most powerful specifications or advanced features, it offers a solid option for users who prioritize affordability and access to Amazon's ecosystem.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) offers a budget-friendly option for those in search of a reliable tablet. With its compact design and vibrant 8-inch display, it provides a satisfactory viewing experience. The device runs on Android 9.0 (Pie) with Fire OS 7, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks. Its Mediatek MT8168 chipset and quad-core CPU deliver adequate power for browsing, streaming, and light gaming. Although the 2MP cameras may not impress photography enthusiasts, they are sufficient for video calls and casual snapshots. The tablet also boasts stereo speakers and a USB Type-C port. Overall, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers in need of a versatile and portable device.