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Everything you need to know about the all-new Fire HD 8 tablets
Just before 2022’s Prime Day, Amazon upgraded its popular line of seven-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
What’s new on the Amazon Fire HD 8?
The Amazon Fire HD 8 is the mid-size model in the company’s line of affordably priced tablets. While the current Fire HD 8 already has many great features such as always-ready, hands-free Alexa; 32GB and 64GB options (with up to 1TB 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:
Better design
By using strengthened aluminosilicate glass, the all-new Fire HD 8 tablets are lighter and thinner, but also stronger. According to a press release from Amazon, the Fire HD 8 tablets tested “twice as durable as the iPad Mini in tumble tests.”
Faster processor
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, 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.”
Longer battery life
The third important upgrade to the Fire HD 8 line is a battery that lasts up to 13 hours. By using the USB-C cable and 5W power adapter, users will be able to fully charge their all-new tablet in roughly five hours.
What’s the difference between Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 8 Plus?
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:
More RAM
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 just a little bit smoother and faster.
Faster charging
The Fire HD 8 Plus comes with a 9W power adapter, which can cut the charging time down to roughly three hours (instead of five).
Wireless charging
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.
What’s the difference between Fire HD 8 Kids and Fire HD 8 Kids Pro?
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 ebooks 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.
What is the Disney Design bundle?
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 the new Fire HD 8 tablets
All-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet
This is Amazon’s most affordable 8-inch tablet. It comes with an updated hexa-core processor for faster speeds, 32GB or 64GB of on-board 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 from ages 6 to 12. It includes access to a digital store so kids can ask their parents to purchase apps and ebooks.
Sold by Amazon
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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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