Amazon Fire HD 8 2017 InDepth Review of Features Pricing and Performance

Overview

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) is a budget-friendly tablet that made its mark through a combination of affordability and functional features. Released in June 2017, this device primarily appeals to entry-level users seeking a reliable media consumption device.

Design and Build

The Fire HD 8 exhibits a simple yet sturdy design. It measures 214 x 128 x 9.7 mm and weighs around 369 grams, making it relatively handy for an 8-inch tablet. The design is straightforward, with a plastic build that is durable enough for everyday use. Available in multiple colors like Black, Canary Yellow, Marine Blue, and Punch Red, it offers a little variety for users who appreciate personalization.

Display

The device sports an 8.0-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels and a density of approximately 189 pixels per inch. While the resolution isn't the highest on the market, it serves its purpose for video playback and reading. The IPS technology provides consistent colors and viewing angles adequate for casual use.

Performance

Under the hood, the Fire HD 8 is powered by a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 processor paired with a Mediatek MT8163 chipset and Mali-T730MP3 GPU. While these specs are basic, they are adequate for the device's intended usage, such as streaming videos from Amazon Prime, browsing the web, or reading eBooks.

Memory and Storage

The tablet comes with two variants of internal storage: 16GB and 32GB, both with 1.5GB of RAM. While this might seem limited, the inclusion of a dedicated microSDXC card slot alleviates storage concerns, allowing for expansion and making it suitable for storing more content, including videos, music, and apps.

Software

The Fire HD 8 operates on a customized version of Android 5.1 (Lollipop), known as Fire OS 5.4. This operating system integrates deeply with Amazon’s ecosystem, offering easy access to Amazon Prime services, including movies, music, and books. However, it does not include Google Play services, with users instead accessing apps via the Amazon Appstore.

Camera

Equipped with a 2 MP rear camera capable of 720p video recording and a VGA front-facing camera, the Fire HD 8 is not designed to be a photography powerhouse. The cameras are serviceable for video conferencing and capturing basic photos, but they fall short in low light conditions and for more demanding photographic needs.

Sound and Connectivity

The tablet features stereo speakers, enhancing its media consumption prowess. It also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a welcome feature for audio connectivity. The device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band capability and Bluetooth 4.0 for connecting accessories. However, it lacks cellular connectivity, positioning it as a tablet to be used primarily in Wi-Fi zones.

Battery Life

The Fire HD 8 boasts a non-removable Li-Po 3210 mAh battery, with Amazon promising up to 12 hours of mixed use. This makes it a great companion for long flights, car rides, or as a day-to-day entertainment device without needing frequent recharges.

Additional Features

The device includes basic sensors like an accelerometer, enhancing its interaction with apps that require motion sensing. However, it lacks more advanced features like a gyroscope or proximity sensor that are found in higher-end tablets.

Price and Availability

Originally priced at around 110 EUR, the Fire HD 8 stands out as an affordable option for users looking for a basic, functional tablet. Although it has been discontinued, it remains a popular choice in the used and refurbished market due to its value for money.

Conclusion

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) is a commendable tablet for its price range, ideal for consuming media within the Amazon ecosystem. While it does not seek to compete with high-end tablets, its affordability, decent performance, and seamless integration with Amazon services make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers or as a secondary device for Amazon Prime members.