By Taylor Bennett 
Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet (Newest Model) Review: Portable Entertainment on a Budget
In a market saturated with high-end tablets, finding a reliable and affordable option for entertainment can be a challenge. Today, we’re diving deep into the Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet (newest model), 8” HD Display, 3GB memory, 32GB, designed for portable entertainment, Black, a device promising seamless streaming, gaming, and on-the-go productivity without breaking the bank.
Detailed Review
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (newest model) aims to be your go-to device for portable entertainment, and it largely succeeds. The 8-inch HD display is adequate for streaming videos, browsing the web, and playing casual games. While it’s not the sharpest display on the market, it offers decent color reproduction and brightness for its price point. The 5MP rear-facing camera is functional for quick snapshots but don’t expect professional-quality photos. The thin and light design makes it easy to carry around, making it a great travel companion.
Under the hood, the upgraded 3GB of RAM (a significant 50% increase from the 2022 model) noticeably improves performance. Apps load faster, multitasking is smoother, and the overall experience feels more responsive. The 32GB of internal storage provides enough space for a decent number of apps and media files, and the expandable storage (up to 1TB via microSD) is a welcome addition for those who need more room.
Battery life is a strong suit. Amazon claims up to 13 hours of mixed usage, and in our tests, it consistently delivered close to that figure. This makes it ideal for long flights, commutes, or extended binge-watching sessions. The inclusion of “smart tools” designed to assist with email composition, webpage summarization, and unique wallpaper generation provides a touch of productivity enhancements, even though they are not the primary selling point.
The Fire HD 8 runs on Amazon’s Fire OS, which is based on Android but lacks direct access to the Google Play Store. Instead, you’ll rely on Amazon’s Appstore, which offers a solid selection of popular apps, including streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, as well as social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. However, the absence of Google Play can be a deal-breaker for some users who rely on specific apps not available in the Amazon ecosystem. The integration of Alexa is seamless, allowing you to control your smart home devices, play music, get news updates, and make video calls with ease.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable price | Limited app selection (no Google Play Store) |
| Improved performance with 3GB RAM | Display could be sharper |
| Long battery life (up to 13 hours) | Camera quality is basic |
| Expandable storage (up to 1TB) | Fire OS may feel restrictive to some users |
| Alexa integration |
Excellent Alternatives
If the Amazon Fire HD 8 isn’t quite what you’re looking for, here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 – Offers a larger screen and access to the Google Play Store for a wider range of apps.
- Lenovo Tab M8 – Another budget-friendly option with Google Play Store access and a similar form factor.
- Apple iPad (9th Generation) – A step up in price and performance, offering a superior display and access to the vast iOS app ecosystem.
Final Verdict
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (newest model) is a solid budget tablet that delivers a decent entertainment experience. The improved RAM, long battery life, and expandable storage make it a worthwhile upgrade over previous generations. While the lack of Google Play Store access and the basic camera might be drawbacks for some, its affordability and portability make it a compelling option for casual users and those seeking a secondary device for travel or entertainment. If you’re looking for a cheap tablet primarily for media consumption and don’t rely heavily on Google Play apps, the Fire HD 8 is a good choice.
Our Rating
★★★☆☆ 3.5/5