Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) 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 (2022) is a tablet unveiled on September 21, 2022. This tablet boasts a sleek design and impressive features, making it an enticing option for many consumers.

Design and Build Quality

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) boasts a sleek and modern design, with a slim profile and rounded edges that make it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The device measures 201.9 x 137.4 x 9.6 mm (7.95 x 5.41 x 0.38 in) and weighs just 337g (11.89 oz), making it highly portable and easy to carry around.

The tablet's body is made of plastic, but it doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. The material is sturdy enough to withstand daily wear and tear, and it has a matte finish that adds to its premium look and feel. The device comes in three colors: black, denim, and rose, providing users with some options to choose from.

Ergonomically, the Fire HD 8 (2022) is well-designed, with its power and volume buttons located on the right side for easy access. The USB Type-C port and headphone jack are situated at the top of the tablet, while the microSD card slot is located on the left side.

In terms of durability, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) is built to withstand accidental drops and bumps. The tablet's screen is made of scratch-resistant glass, and the device has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its durability.

Overall, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) has a modern and sleek design that is both comfortable to hold and durable. Its slim profile and rounded edges make it easy to carry around, while its matte finish gives it a premium look and feel.

Display

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) features an 8.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 66.9%, which is decent for a budget tablet.

The display technology used by Amazon is IPS (In-Plane Switching), known for its wider viewing angles and better color accuracy than other LCD panels. The colors on the Fire HD 8 (2022) are vivid and vibrant, making it ideal for media consumption.

Brightness levels are also quite good, with a maximum brightness of 400 nits. This makes the tablet usable even in brightly lit environments. Outdoor visibility is decent, but users may struggle to see the screen under direct sunlight.

The touch sensitivity and responsiveness of the screen are excellent, making it easy to navigate and interact with apps. The screen has a smooth surface and is coated with an anti-fingerprint layer that helps to keep the display clean and smudge-free.

Overall, the display of the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) is impressive for a tablet in this price range. Its IPS LCD technology, vibrant colors, and decent brightness levels make it an excellent device for media consumption and casual use.

Performance

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) is powered by a MediaTek MT8169A chipset and a hexa-core (6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) CPU, which provides a snappy and responsive performance. The device comes with two memory and storage options, 32GB with 2GB RAM and 64GB with 2GB RAM, and it also has a dedicated microSDXC card slot for expandable storage. Multitasking and app performance are smooth, and the device easily handles various apps running simultaneously.

The Fire HD 8 (2022) is capable of handling light to moderate gaming, thanks to its Mali-G52 2EE MC2 GPU. It provides decent graphics performance and can run games without any lag or stuttering. The device also has good benchmark scores, with a Geekbench 5 score of 902 for single-core and 3434 for multi-core, which is impressive for a tablet at this price point.

Real-world usage is also impressive, with the device handling daily tasks such as browsing the web, streaming videos, and social media with ease. The device has Fire OS 8, which is based on Android 11, and provides a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. It also has various customization options, which include a dark mode, screen time, and parental controls.

Overall, the performance of the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) is impressive, considering its price point. The device provides a snappy and responsive performance, handles multitasking and app performance easily, and can run light to moderate games without any issues. The benchmark scores and real-world usage are also impressive, making it a great value for money.

Software and User Interface

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) runs on Android 11 with Fire OS 8, providing a unique user experience. The software is optimized for Amazon services such as Alexa and Prime Video and offers features such as parental controls and multiple user profiles. The user interface is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate and customize.

The pre-installed apps include Amazon's suite of services such as Kindle, Prime Video, and Music, as well as popular apps such as Netflix and Spotify. However, there is also bloatware that some users may find unnecessary. Nonetheless, the software is customizable, allowing users to uninstall or disable unwanted apps.

The operating system is optimized for the device's hardware, resulting in smooth and responsive performance. Multitasking is seamless, and apps launch quickly. The device's storage options are limited, with only 32GB and 64GB available, but the microSDXC slot allows for expandable storage.

The Fire HD 8 (2022) receives regular software updates from Amazon, ensuring that the device stays up-to-date with the latest security patches and features. However, the device lacks access to Google Play Store, limiting the app selection and requiring users to download apps from Amazon's Appstore.

Overall, the Fire HD 8 (2022) offers a unique and user-friendly software experience that is optimized for Amazon's services. While there is bloatware and limited storage options, the device's performance is smooth and responsive, and updates are frequent.

Camera

When it comes to camera performance, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) is a mixed bag. On the back, there's a single 5-megapixel shooter that can capture 1080p video. While the camera is serviceable for basic snapshots, it struggles in low-light environments and lacks some of the more advanced features found on higher-end tablets and smartphones, such as optical image stabilization and a dedicated night mode.

The front-facing 2-megapixel camera is similarly basic, but it's adequate for video calls and selfies in good lighting conditions. Unfortunately, the lack of a front-facing flash or even a screen flash means low-light selfies are likely to be grainy and poorly lit.

Overall, the camera performance on the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) is unlikely to blow anyone away, but it's good enough for basic snapshots and video calls. If you're looking for a tablet with a more advanced camera system, you may want to consider other options on the market.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) is a Wi-Fi-only device and does not have cellular connectivity. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band for fast and reliable internet connectivity. The Bluetooth version is 5.2, which provides a stable connection for wireless audio devices and other accessories.

Sadly, the device does not have NFC, which is a bummer for those who rely on contactless payments. It also lacks a GPS, which means that you cannot use it for navigation. However, you can still use it for location-based services such as weather updates and finding nearby attractions.

The Fire HD 8 (2022) also lacks a fingerprint sensor or face unlock, which can be a deal-breaker for some users. However, it does have an accelerometer sensor, which can be used for some games and apps.

Overall, the connectivity and networking features of the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) are decent, but not exceptional. It would have been great if it had NFC and GPS, but if you're primarily using it for internet browsing and entertainment, it should be more than enough.

Additional Features

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022, 12th Gen) comes with a range of additional features that make it stand out from other tablets on the market.

Firstly, the tablet features stereo speakers that deliver clear and powerful audio, making it great for streaming movies, TV shows, and music. Additionally, there is a 3.5mm jack that allows you to use your own headphones for private listening.

Another impressive feature of the Fire HD 8 is its expandable storage options. With a dedicated microSDXC slot, you can add up to 1TB of additional storage, which is perfect for storing large files like movies and games.

The tablet also features Alexa natural language commands, which means you can use your voice to control the device and access information and services hands-free. Furthermore, the tablet comes with a text-to-speech English-language content reader, which is helpful for those who prefer to listen rather than read.

One additional feature that is worth mentioning is the tablet's durability. The Fire HD 8 has been designed to be tough and rugged, with a construction that can withstand everyday wear and tear. This makes it a great choice for those who want a tablet that can handle a busy and active lifestyle.

Overall, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022, 12th Gen) has a range of additional features that set it apart from other tablets in its class. From its powerful speakers and expandable storage options to its Alexa commands and durable construction, there is a lot to love about this device.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) to other related phones, there are a few standouts in terms of features and specifications.

First, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a worthy competitor. It has a slightly larger screen size at 8.7 inches and a higher resolution at 1340 x 800 pixels, giving it a more immersive display. It also has a similar RAM and storage option as the Fire HD 8 (2022), but with the added bonus of expandable storage up to 1TB. The Tab A7 Lite also has a better rear camera with an 8MP sensor compared to the Fire HD 8's 5MP camera.

Another option to consider is the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen). It has a similar screen size and resolution to the Fire HD 8 (2022), and both tablets have a dedicated microSD slot. However, the Tab M8 has a more powerful octa-core processor compared to the hexa-core processor in the Fire HD 8 (2022). The Tab M8 also has a higher resolution front-facing camera at 5MP, making it a better option for video calls and selfies.

Lastly, the Apple iPad (2021) is a more expensive but more powerful option to consider. It has a larger 10.2-inch screen and a higher resolution at 2160 x 1620 pixels, making it a more premium device. It also has a more powerful A13 Bionic chip, making it faster and more efficient than the Fire HD 8 (2022). However, it does not have expandable storage options like the Fire HD 8 (2022), and it is also significantly more expensive.

Overall, while the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) may not have the highest specs in the market, it is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable and reliable tablet with decent performance and features.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) is a reliable tablet that delivers on its promises. With its sleek design, impressive display, and powerful performance, this tablet is a great option for those who want a budget-friendly device. The battery life is also impressive, allowing for extended use without needing to constantly charge the device.

Although the camera quality is not on par with high-end smartphones, it still performs well in most conditions. In terms of connectivity and networking, the tablet offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, but lacks cellular network compatibility and NFC/wireless payment support.

Overall, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) is a good choice for those who want a basic tablet for everyday use. It is particularly well-suited for those who are looking for a device that offers a great value for its price. With its reliable performance, impressive features, and affordable price point, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) is definitely worth considering.