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Amazon’s Fire tablets have always been made so that Prime members can get cheap portable fun. But when the company updated its mid-size tablet in 2020, it threw a shock by releasing two versions: the Fire HD 8 and the Fire HD 8 Plus. Both versions don’t change the method too much. Instead, they build on what the 2018 version did. Both get faster computers, more storage, and the ability to connect to USB-C.
But the Plus costs more and comes with more RAM and wireless charging technology that works with the extra dock. So, does it make sense to pay more. The two screens look exactly the same. They’re a little shorter and cleaner than before, with a uniform rim around the 8-inch screen. The front-facing camera has been moved to a better spot for landscape video calls.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus Specifications
| Specification | Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus |
|---|---|
| Display | 8″ HD touchscreen (1280 x 800) |
| Processor | Quad-core 2.0 GHz |
| RAM | 3 GB |
| Storage | 32 GB or 64 GB (expandable up to 1 TB) |
| Battery life | Up to 12 hours of mixed use |
| Charging | USB-C (fast charging supported) |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi |
| Camera | 2 MP front-facing, 5 MP rear-facing |
| Alexa | Hands-free voice control |
| Audio | Dual speakers with Dolby Atmos |
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus: Design
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus looks exactly the same as the regular model. It is a basic rectangle with a plastic back. It’s not a high-end slate, and it won’t win any awards for being innovative, but the new Fire tablets are a little bit better than the old ones.
The tablets are 12mm shorter and 9mm bigger than the 2018 version, which measures 202 x 137 x 9.7mm. The black border is still pretty obvious, but it is now the same width all the way around the screen, which makes the devices look cleaner. You can buy this tablet from its official website
Display and Performance
The display on the HD 8 Plus is just fine. It has good color, brightness, and sharpness, but I found it to be a bit dim. It was hard to use outside when the brightness was turned up to the max, and the 1280 x 800 quality isn’t great, but it does the job. The speakers on the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus are fine, but they aren’t anything special.
Most of the time, the HD 8 Plus works well. It is quick and responsive when using the home screen, an online browser, or streaming media. The new, faster chip is said to be 30% faster than its predecessor, making it possible to watch video in two windows at once and split the screen.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus: Software
Like all other Fire tablets, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus can only run Fire OS, which is a highly customized version of Android made by Amazon. The software has been either loved or hated for a long time, and all of its major restrictions still exist, especially for those who are used to the freedom of plain Android.
The interface is hard to use because it is built around the Amazon environment. It looks like an extended storefront. If you swipe left from the Home screen, you’ll find pages for Video, Games & Apps, Shop, Music, Audible, and Newsstand. These pages don’t give you much room to move away from Amazon-branded content, though.
Battery and charging
The Fire HD 8 Plus has a pretty good battery life, which is one of its benefits. With a mix of reading, streaming, and gaming, I found that it really does last about 13 hours, which is what Amazon said it would. It’s a little slow to charge, though. It takes about three hours to go from empty to full.
Price and availability
Along with the Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 8 Kids Edition tablets, Amazon showed off the Fire HD 8 Plus in May 2020. Just like the regular Fire 8, the Fire 8 Plus came in two new colors when folded: plum and twilight blue. It also came in the usual white and black. The Fire HD 8 started out being sold for $110, and even though it has been sold a few times since then, it is still being sold for the same price.
Final Words
The Fire HD 8 Plus looks and feels the same as the cheaper Fire HD 8, but it is slightly faster and has the same features. The most important change is that it can be charged wirelessly, and the Dock makes it a good alternative to the Echo Show. For owners of the 2018 version, the Plus is the better choice, but for new Prime users, the standard model is just as good. It has the same screen and the same skills.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus: THE GOOD AND THE BAD
The Good
- Affordable tablet with good specs
- MicroSD card storage up to 1 TB
The Bad
- No Google Play store access
FAQS
Compared to the previous generation, the Fire HD 8 Plus is now smaller and lighter. With a battery life of up to 13 hours, you can watch and download videos, books, and music all day. The USB-C port makes charging easy.
You need an Amazon account to use a Fire tablet. You can make an Amazon account when you set up your computer if you don’t already have one.