Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (Like-New) Review
Expert review of the Like-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022): wireless charging, Show Mode, 8″ HD display, 3GB RAM, 32GB — performance, pros, and who should buy.
Introduction
The Like-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) presents a compelling balance of portability, smart features, and everyday performance at a wallet-friendly price. As a compact 8″ tablet with an HD display, wireless charging, and hands-free Alexa Show Mode, it solves a common problem for busy households: how to get a versatile, family-friendly tablet that doubles as a smart display and entertainment device without breaking the bank.
Whether you need a device for reading and browsing on the go, a shared media tablet for streaming and social apps, or a compact smart home control surface that can stay on the kitchen counter, the Fire HD 8 Plus is designed to cover those use cases. This like-new, certified-refurbished unit offers the same limited warranty as a new device, making it a practical and reliable choice for shoppers who want performance, convenience, and Amazon ecosystem benefits in one compact package.
Overview
The Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) sports a thinner, lighter chassis than earlier generations with a strengthened aluminosilicate glass screen that improves durability. The 8″ HD display (1280 x 800) provides readable text and punchy colors for reading, streaming, and video calls. Under the hood, an enhanced hexa-core processor and 3 GB of RAM deliver roughly 30% faster performance over the prior generation, translating to smoother app launches and multitasking.
Connectivity and ecosystem integration are central to the product. You get built-in Alexa with Show Mode for voice-first interactions across the room, hands-free camera and video calling, Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth support, and microSD storage expansion up to 1 TB. The package is optimized for Amazon services and the Amazon Appstore, making it a natural fit for Prime Video, Audible, Kindle reading, and Alexa-based smart home control. Target audiences include families, commuters, students, and anyone looking to add a compact smart display/tablet to their home setup.
Features
Hands-Free Alexa & Show Mode: Built-in Alexa and Show Mode transform the tablet into a voice-first smart display. Ask for news briefings, control smart home devices, preview security cameras, set timers, or pull up recipes without touching the screen. Show Mode optimizes the interface for distance viewing so the tablet acts like a compact Echo Show when docked or placed on a countertop.
Crisp 8″ HD Display with Strengthened Glass: The 8-inch HD (1280 x 800) screen balances comfortable pixel density with battery life. Strengthened aluminosilicate glass increases resistance to scratches and drops — Amazon says the Fire HD 8 Plus is twice as durable as a leading competitor in tumble tests — so it stands up to daily family use and commuting wear.
Performance Boost — Hexa-Core CPU & 3 GB RAM: A 30% faster hexa-core processor paired with 3 GB of RAM gives the tablet the headroom to handle web browsing, video streaming, light multitasking, and common apps like Zoom, Netflix, and social media. The responsiveness is noticeably improved over earlier base models, especially when switching between apps or loading media-heavy webpages.
Wireless Charging & Long Battery Life: Unique for tablets in this price bracket, the Fire HD 8 Plus supports wireless charging for convenient top-up without fumbling for cables (charging dock sold separately). Paired with an included 9W power adapter and up to 13 hours of mixed-use battery life, the tablet is set up for full-day portability and overnight reading.
Cameras & Family Features: A 2 MP front-facing camera and 5 MP rear camera provide enough quality for video calls, quick snapshots, and scanning documents. Amazon Kids parental controls and access to Amazon Kids+ add layers of family management — curated content, screen-time controls, and kid-friendly profiles make it simple to share the device safely with children.
Benefits
Everyday Convenience and Hands-Free Control
Show Mode and Alexa integration let you accomplish tasks without picking up the tablet — a real time-saver when you’re cooking, cleaning, or managing household tasks. Voice-controlled smart home commands and quick access to camera feeds streamline daily routines.
Reliable, Comfortable Media Consumption
The HD screen and 13-hour battery life make the tablet a great companion for long commutes, flights, or relaxed reading sessions. It’s compact enough to hold for hours yet large enough for comfortable video streaming and web browsing.
Performance That Keeps Up
The upgraded processor and 3 GB RAM mean smoother app performance and fewer pauses when switching tasks — a notable improvement for multitaskers and users running productivity or conferencing apps.
Family-Friendly Security and Content
Amazon Kids and parental controls give caregivers peace of mind. Curated content, child profiles, and easy usage limits help families share a single device without friction.
Value and Flexibility
Certified refurbished with the same limited warranty as new devices, this Like-New option reduces cost while retaining warranty protection, expandable storage, and the ability to run popular streaming and communication apps from Amazon’s Appstore.
Usages
Perfect for Video Calls and Light Productivity
Use the front-facing 2 MP camera with apps like Zoom for check-ins, remote work catch-ups, or quick video chats with relatives. The responsive processor keeps web-based meetings and note-taking apps usable for casual productivity.
Ideal Smart Home Command Center
Place the tablet on a kitchen counter or charging dock and use Show Mode to control smart lights, thermostats, and camera feeds hands-free — a compact alternative to a dedicated smart display.
Great for Streaming, Reading, and Commuting
Stream Netflix, Prime Video, or catch up on TikTok between errands. The HD screen and long battery life make it a comfortable choice for reading e-books, watching shows, and browsing social media on the go.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment and Learning
Set up Amazon Kids profiles to give children age-appropriate books, apps, and videos. Parental controls make it easy to limit screen time and manage content for young users.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Hands-free Alexa with Show Mode turns the tablet into a compact smart display.
- Wireless charging support and a 9W adapter included for flexible charging.
- Improved performance with a hexa-core processor and 3 GB RAM.
- Up to 13 hours of battery life for all-day use.
- Durable strengthened glass and a lighter, thinner design.
- Certified refurbished with the same limited warranty as new devices.
Cons
- Amazon Appstore limits app availability compared with Google Play.
- Cameras are modest (2 MP front, 5 MP rear) and not ideal for high-quality photos.
- No dedicated wireless charging dock included — sold separately.
- Some users report occasional app resume or functionality hiccups.
- Not suitable for demanding gaming or heavy video editing.
FAQs
Is the Like-New refurbished unit reliable and covered by warranty?
Yes. The Like-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same limited warranty as a new device — offering warranty protection and peace of mind.
Does the tablet support wireless charging and is a dock included?
The Fire HD 8 Plus supports wireless charging, but the wireless charging dock is not included. The package does include a 9W power adapter for wired charging.
Can I expand the storage and how much does it support?
Yes. The tablet supports microSD expansion up to 1 TB, allowing you to store more videos, books, and photos beyond the built-in 32 GB internal storage.
Does the Fire HD 8 Plus support Google Play and all Android apps?
The tablet uses the Amazon Appstore, not Google Play. Many popular apps like Netflix, Facebook, Hulu, TikTok, and Zoom are available through Amazon’s Appstore, but some apps may be unavailable or require sideloading, which is not officially supported.
What are the camera capabilities for video calling?
The tablet includes a 2 MP front-facing camera suitable for video calls and a 5 MP rear-facing camera for snapshots. They’re fine for casual calls and conferencing but won’t match premium tablet or smartphone cameras in low light or high-detail scenarios.
Product Specifications
| Model | Like-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) |
| Display | 8.0-inch HD (1280 x 800) strengthened aluminosilicate glass |
| Processor | Enhanced hexa-core processor (up to 30% faster vs previous gen) |
| Memory | 3 GB RAM |
| Storage | 32 GB internal (expandable up to 1 TB via microSD) |
| Cameras | 2 MP front-facing, 5 MP rear-facing |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 hours of mixed-use battery |
| Charging | Wireless charging supported (dock sold separately); 9W power adapter included |
| Connectivity | Wi‑Fi (dual-band 802.11), Bluetooth |
| Operating System | Fire OS (2022, Amazon ecosystem) |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa with Show Mode (hands-free support) |
| Warranty | Same limited warranty as new Amazon devices |
| Included Accessories | 9W power adapter, documentation (wireless charging dock not included) |
| Weight | Approximately 355 grams |
| Release Year | 2022 (refurbished, like-new condition) |
Ratings
| Display Quality & Brightness | 4.3 |
| Audio Performance | 4.0 |
| Smart Features & Voice Responsiveness | 4.4 |
| Camera & Video Call Experience | 3.6 |
| Touch / UI Responsiveness | 4.2 |
| Connectivity & Compatibility | 4.1 |
| Value for Money | 4.5 |
Recommendation
Buy the Fire HD 8 Plus if you want an affordable, compact tablet that doubles as a hands-free Alexa smart display — ideal for families, commuters, and anyone invested in Amazon services.
Consider it especially if you value wireless charging, solid battery life, and an easy-to-use interface for streaming, reading, and smart home control. If high-end cameras or Google Play exclusives are must-haves, evaluate those trade-offs first.
Conclusion
The Like-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) delivers an exceptional combination of convenience, smart-home integration, and everyday performance at a price point that undercuts many premium tablets. Its Show Mode and Alexa integration make it uniquely versatile — switching smoothly between a personal tablet and a countertop smart display — while wireless charging and improved processing power elevate the user experience beyond basic entry-level tablets.
As a certified refurbished option, it adds extra value by pairing warranty protection with reduced cost. While the cameras and app ecosystem have limitations compared to flagship tablets, the Fire HD 8 Plus excels where it matters most for most users: dependable battery life, family-friendly features, and seamless access to Amazon’s content ecosystem. For households that rely on Alexa, Prime media, and an easy-to-manage family tablet, this device is a strong, practical choice.
