Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet Review – Affordable & Portable
Read our comprehensive review of the Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet. Find out if it’s the right tablet for you! Features, benefits, specs, pros, and cons discussed.
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected and entertained on the go is more important than ever. From streaming your favorite shows to managing work tasks, a reliable and portable device is a necessity. The Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet aims to fill that role, offering a compelling combination of affordability, ease of use, and surprising functionality. This isn’t about replacing high-end tablets; it’s about delivering a solid entertainment and productivity experience in a compact, budget-friendly package – effectively tackling the challenge of ‘enough’ versus ‘everything’.
Overview
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (32GB, Hibiscus) paired with its matching standing cover presents a charming and practical solution for users seeking a portable entertainment hub. It’s a slim, lightweight tablet designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind. Built around a vibrant 8-inch HD display, the Fire HD 8 is powered by a surprisingly capable processor and boasts enhanced memory, promising a smoother user experience than its predecessors. It’s ideally suited for casual users, students, families, and anyone looking for an affordable tablet for streaming, browsing, reading, and light gaming – all within the familiar and user-friendly Amazon ecosystem.
Features
Protective Standing Cover for Versatile Use: The included standing cover not only provides protection for your tablet but also doubles as a convenient stand. The magnetic closure ensures the cover stays securely closed during travel, while the built-in stand allows for hands-free viewing in both landscape and portrait orientations – a thoughtful design element that boosts usability.
Expandable Storage for Your Content Library: With 32GB of internal storage, the Fire HD 8 provides ample space for apps and media. However, the inclusion of a microSD card slot allows for expandable storage up to 1TB. This flexibility ensures you’ll never have to worry about running out of space for your favorite movies, music, and games.
Alexa Integration for Hands-Free Convenience: The Fire HD 8 seamlessly integrates with Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant. Simply say ‘Alexa’ to make video calls, play music, set reminders, control smart home devices, and more—all hands-free. This functionality enhances convenience and makes interacting with the tablet even more intuitive.
Enhanced Performance with 3GB RAM: A significant upgrade over previous generations, the inclusion of 3GB of RAM provides a noticeable boost in responsiveness and multitasking capabilities. Apps launch faster, and switching between applications feels smoother, enhancing the overall user experience. This also translates to a more fluid experience when playing games or browsing the web with multiple tabs open.
HD Display for Immersive Viewing: The 8-inch HD display (1280 x 800) delivers crisp visuals and vibrant colors, making it ideal for watching movies, browsing photos, or reading ebooks. While not a flagship display, the resolution is perfectly adequate for the tablet’s size and price point, ensuring comfortable viewing even for extended periods.
Benefits
Uninterrupted Entertainment on the Go: The long-lasting battery life (up to 13 hours) allows you to enjoy movies, music, and games for extended periods without needing to constantly search for an outlet. This makes it perfect for travel or long commutes.
Expanded Storage for Your Digital World: The ability to expand storage via microSD card eliminates the worry of running out of space for your favorite media, allowing you to create a vast personal library on your tablet.
Versatile Viewing Options with the Standing Cover: The included cover provides both protection and a built-in stand, offering multiple viewing angles for comfortable reading, video watching, and video calls.
Effortless Multitasking for Increased Productivity: The 3GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, allowing you to easily switch between apps and manage multiple tasks without lag or frustration. This is invaluable for both work and entertainment.
Hands-Free Convenience with Alexa: Alexa integration simplifies tasks and adds a layer of convenience, allowing you to control your tablet and smart home devices with just your voice.
Usages
Ideal for Reading Enthusiasts: The HD display and comfortable viewing angles make it perfect for reading ebooks, magazines, and articles on the go.
A Companion for Travel and Leisure: Its compact size, long battery life, and protective cover make it the ideal travel companion for entertainment and staying connected while away from home.
Perfect for Family Entertainment: Load up the Fire HD 8 with your kids’ favorite movies, games, and apps for an engaging and entertaining experience during car trips or at home.
Great for Remote Work and Productivity: Manage emails, documents, and video calls with ease, keeping you connected and productive whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or on the road.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Compact and lightweight design
- Vibrant HD display
- Long-lasting battery life
- Alexa voice assistant integration
- Expandable storage via microSD card
- Included protective standing cover
Cons
- Limited app selection compared to Google Play Store
- Performance may be limited for demanding games
- HD display resolution is not as high as premium tablets
- Plastic build quality feels less premium
- Amazon’s ecosystem lock-in may not appeal to all users
FAQs
Is the Fire HD 8 compatible with Google Play Store apps?: No, the Fire HD 8 utilizes the Amazon Appstore. While many popular apps are available, Google Play Store apps are not directly compatible.
Can I use the Fire HD 8 to make phone calls?: While you can make video calls using Alexa and apps like Zoom, the Fire HD 8 itself doesn’t have cellular connectivity for making traditional phone calls.
What is the warranty period?: The Amazon Fire HD 8 comes with a standard one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects.
How easy is the Fire HD 8 to set up?: Setup is incredibly simple. Just follow the on-screen prompts and connect to your Wi-Fi network. The tablet guides you through the process step by step.
What is the battery life like?: The Fire HD 8 offers up to 13 hours of battery life, depending on usage. Streaming videos and playing games will consume battery faster, while reading and browsing will extend battery life.
Product Specifications
| Battery Life | Up to 13 hours |
| Processor | Quad-Core 2.0 GHz |
| Storage | 32GB (Expandable to 1TB) |
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Dimensions | 6.9 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches |
| Included Accessories | Standing Cover |
| Operating System | Fire OS |
| Camera | 5MP Rear, HD Front |
| Weight | 0.84 pounds |
| Display | 8-inch HD (1280 x 800) |
| RAM | 3GB |
Ratings
| Value for Money | 4.8 |
| Battery Life | 4.7 |
| Display Quality | 4.0 |
| Performance | 4.3 |
| Usability | 4.6 |
Recommendation
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (32GB, Hibiscus) is an excellent choice for families seeking an affordable and portable entertainment device for their children. Its robust design, intuitive interface, and access to kid-friendly apps make it a perfect companion for travel or home entertainment. The included standing cover provides added protection and versatility, enhancing the overall user experience for younger users.
For students and budget-conscious individuals, this tablet offers exceptional value. The enhanced memory and expandable storage make it ideal for taking notes, reading ebooks, and accessing online learning resources. The Alexa integration provides hands-free convenience for research and task management, making it a versatile tool for both learning and productivity.
Conclusion
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (32GB, Hibiscus) + Standing Cover delivers on its promise of providing a capable and affordable tablet experience. While it’s not a powerhouse, its enhanced performance, long battery life, and included accessories make it a compelling option for casual users, families, and students. It represents a sweet spot in the tablet market – offering a balance of functionality, portability, and affordability that’s hard to beat. If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile tablet without breaking the bank, the Fire HD 8 is well worth considering.
