Just before 2022's Prime Day, Amazon upgraded its popular line of 7-inch tablets, making them thinner, lighter and faster. Here's everything you need to know about them and how they compare to previous models.
In this article: All-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet, All-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus Tablet and All-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet
The Amazon Fire HD 8 is the midsize model in the company's affordable tablets. While the current Fire HD 8 already has many great features such as always-ready, hands-free Alexa; 32-gigabyte and 64GB options (with up to 1 terabyte of expandable storage via microSD); access to books, music, movies, TV shows and more; here are the top three upgrades available on the all-new tablets:
By using strengthened aluminosilicate glass, the all-new Fire HD 8 tablets are lighter and thinner but also stronger. According to a news release from Amazon, the Fire HD 8 tablets tested “twice as durable as the iPad Mini in tumble tests.”
One of the general complaints about Fire tablets is they can be a little slow. To address this concern, the all-new model uses a new hexa-core processor that's 30% faster than the previous generation. Amazon states that you can “utilize the split-screen feature to send an email while joining a Zoom call or look up a recipe while watching your favorite show.”
The third significant upgrade to the Fire HD 8 line is a battery that lasts up to 13 hours. Using the USB-C cable and 5W power adapter, users can fully charge their all-new tablet in roughly five hours.
If you're considering ordering the Fire HD 8 today but want to know what benefits you'd get by choosing the Fire HD 8 Plus for just $20 more, here are the three key differences:
The more RAM you have, the more efficiently your processor can run. The Fire HD 8 has 2GB of RAM, while the Fire HD 8 Plus has 3GB of RAM. This means every action you perform will be a little smoother and faster.
The Fire HD 8 Plus comes with a 9-watt power adapter, which can reduce the charging time to roughly three hours (instead of five).
If you're a fan of wireless charging, the all-new Fire HD 8 Plus is compatible with Qi-certified wireless chargers. The wireless charging dock (sold separately) also lets you transition to a countertop smart display with hands-free Alexa access in Show Mode.
Since both models cost the same, the differences between the Fire HD 8 Kids and Fire HD 8 Kids Pro are minor. The Fire HD 8 Kids tablet comes in a blue or purple kid-proof case and is better suited for 3- to 7-year-olds.
The Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet comes in a cyber sky, rainbow universe or hello teal kid-proof case and is better suited for 6- to 12-year-olds. This is likely because the Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet also includes access to a digital store so kids can ask their parents to purchase e-books and apps.
Another key difference is the Fire HD 8 Kids has a 32GB and a 64GB model, while the Fire HD 8 Kids Pro only has a 32GB model.
For $10 more, you can get the Fire HD 8 Kids tablet in a special Disney kid-proof case. The two current case designs are Mickey Mouse or Disney Princess.
All-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet
This is Amazon's most affordable 8-inch tablet. It has an updated hexa-core processor for faster speeds, 32GB or 64GB of onboard storage and up to 13 hours of battery life.
Sold by Amazon
All-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus Tablet
The Plus model is a slight step above the Fire HD 8. It has everything the Fire HD 8 has, plus more RAM (for better performance), faster charging times and wireless charging.
Sold by Amazon
All-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet
This tablet is designed for kids from ages 3 to 7. It comes with one year of Amazon Kids+ and a two-year worry-free guarantee: if the tablet breaks, return it for a free replacement.
Sold by Amazon
All-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet (with Disney Case)
This Fire HD 8 Kids tablet comes with a special Disney case. Families have a choice of either a Mickey Mouse or a Disney Princess design.
Sold by Amazon
All-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro Tablet
This tablet has all the same basic features as the Fire HD 8 Kids tablet, but it's better for kids ages 6 to 12. It includes access to a digital store so kids can ask their parents to purchase apps and e-books.
Sold by Amazon
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
