Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus Review (2022) – Is it Worth Buying?
Our comprehensive review of the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022): features, specs, performance, durability, and whether it’s the right tablet for you.
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected and entertained on the go is more critical than ever. The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet addresses a common need: delivering a reliable, portable, and feature-rich entertainment and productivity device without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a student juggling classes, a parent managing family life, or simply someone who enjoys streaming movies and browsing the web, this tablet promises enhanced performance and a more robust user experience than its predecessors.
Overview
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) is a refresh of the popular Fire HD 8, bringing tangible improvements focused on responsiveness, durability, and convenience. Sporting an 8-inch HD display and a streamlined design, it’s perfect for easy portability. The key upgrades – a faster processor, increased RAM, enhanced cameras, and wireless charging capabilities – elevate the Fire HD 8 Plus beyond a basic entertainment device, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers who want a reliable tablet for everyday use. It’s targeted towards families, students, and casual users who prioritize portability, affordability, and a user-friendly interface.
Features
Wireless Charging Convenience: A standout feature of the Plus model is its wireless charging capability. The included charging dock (sold separately) provides effortless charging – simply place the tablet on the dock for a quick and convenient power boost. This is particularly useful for families or those who prefer a clutter-free charging setup.
Improved Camera System: The Fire HD 8 Plus boasts a 2MP front-facing camera and a 5MP rear-facing camera, allowing for clear video calls and decent-quality photos and videos. While not intended for professional photography, the upgrades offer a noticeable improvement for casual use and video conferencing.
Ruggedized Design & Display: Beyond the internal enhancements, the Fire HD 8 Plus features a more durable design. The screen is protected by strengthened aluminosilicate glass, and tumble testing indicates it’s twice as durable as the Apple iPad mini (2021). This increased resilience provides peace of mind for families with young children or those who tend to be a little rough with their devices.
Enhanced RAM and Storage: With 3GB of RAM, the Fire HD 8 Plus handles multitasking with ease. Switching between apps feels seamless, and you’ll experience reduced loading times. Coupled with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, you have ample space for your favorite content, further expandable up to 1TB via microSD card.
High-Speed Hexa-Core Processor: The Fire HD 8 Plus is powered by an enhanced hexa-core processor, delivering a significant 30% performance boost compared to the previous generation. This translates to snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience when browsing the web or streaming videos. Say goodbye to frustrating lag and hello to a consistently fluid performance, even with multiple apps running in the background.
Benefits
Peace of Mind Durability: The strengthened glass and ruggedized design offer increased protection against accidental drops and everyday wear and tear, extending the tablet’s lifespan.
Enhanced Productivity: The faster processor and increased RAM dramatically improve multitasking capabilities, allowing you to seamlessly switch between email, streaming, and note-taking.
Immersive Entertainment: Enjoy your favorite movies, shows, and games on a vibrant HD display with improved performance, delivering a more engaging and enjoyable entertainment experience.
Family-Friendly Experience: Amazon Kids provides comprehensive parental controls and a curated library of age-appropriate content, making it a safe and engaging device for children.
Effortless Charging: Wireless charging simplifies your daily routine and keeps your tablet powered up and ready to go.
Usages
Ideal for Smart-Home Enthusiasts: Control your smart home devices with ease, utilizing voice commands through Alexa to manage your connected home.
Perfect for Remote Work Setups: The responsive performance and ample storage make the Fire HD 8 Plus a viable option for basic productivity tasks while working remotely.
Useful for Students and Creators: Take notes, research projects, and unleash your creativity with the enhanced performance and portability.
Great for Travel: Its compact size, long battery life (up to 13 hours), and improved durability make it the perfect companion for travel.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Faster Performance (30% increase)
- Wireless Charging Capability
- Improved Durability & Design
- Enhanced Camera System
- Long Battery Life (up to 13 hours)
- Affordable Price Point
- 3GB RAM for Smooth Multitasking
- Expandable Storage (up to 1TB)
Cons
- Amazon Appstore limitations (no Google Play Store)
- HD Display resolution could be higher
- Cameras are adequate but not exceptional
- Charging dock sold separately
- Plastic build feels less premium compared to higher-end tablets
FAQs
Is the Fire HD 8 Plus compatible with Google Play Store?: No, the Fire HD 8 Plus utilizes the Amazon Appstore. While some popular apps are available, the Google Play Store is not supported.
What is the best way to set up my Fire HD 8 Plus?: The setup process is straightforward. Simply power on the device and follow the on-screen prompts to connect to Wi-Fi and sign in to your Amazon account.
What is the warranty coverage?: The Fire HD 8 Plus comes with a standard one-year limited warranty from Amazon.
Can I expand the storage?: Absolutely! The Fire HD 8 Plus supports microSD cards up to 1TB, allowing you to significantly expand its storage capacity.
What is the battery life like?: You can expect up to 13 hours of battery life with mixed usage (reading, browsing, video streaming, and music). Heavy usage, such as gaming, will naturally reduce the battery life.
Product Specifications
| Camera Rear | 5MP |
| Processor | Hexa-Core 2.0 GHz |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
| Dimensions | 197 mm x 158 mm x 9.7 mm |
| Weight | 312 g |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 hours |
| Storage | 32GB / 64GB |
| Camera Front | 2MP |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Included Accessories | Power Adapter |
| Operating System | Fire OS |
| Display | 8” HD (1280 x 800) |
| RAM | 3 GB |
Ratings
| Battery Life | 4.8 |
| Value | 4.7 |
| Durability | 4.3 |
| Performance | 4.6 |
| Usability | 4.5 |
| Display | 4.2 |
Recommendation
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) is an excellent choice for families seeking an affordable and durable tablet for entertainment and basic productivity. Its enhanced performance and wireless charging capabilities make it a worthwhile upgrade over previous generations. If you’re looking for a tablet primarily for streaming videos, browsing the web, and staying connected, this is a fantastic option at a competitive price point.
For individuals seeking a portable device for reading, note-taking, or accessing content on the go, the Fire HD 8 Plus delivers a compelling combination of features and affordability. While the lack of Google Play Store may be a limitation for some, the Amazon Appstore offers a wide selection of apps to meet most users’ needs. This tablet shines particularly well for those already invested in the Amazon ecosystem.
Conclusion
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) represents a significant upgrade to the Fire HD 8 line, offering a more responsive and durable experience. The combination of a faster processor, increased RAM, wireless charging, and improved durability makes it a standout value in the budget tablet market. While it’s not a powerhouse for demanding tasks, it excels at delivering a satisfying entertainment and productivity experience for everyday users. Ultimately, the Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) proves to be a reliable and versatile device that’s well worth considering.
