Amazon Fire HD 8 2020 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020)

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) is a mid-range tablet introduced as a part of Amazon's popular Fire HD series. Known for its affordable pricing and adequate performance, this tablet targets consumers seeking a budget-friendly multimedia experience without many frills and extras. Below we delve into its intricate details, beginning with its fundamental specifications and extending to advanced features.

Network Capabilities

One significant aspect to take into account when considering the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) is its network capabilities. This device does not offer cellular connectivity. This limitation indicates that users will rely entirely on Wi-Fi for internet access, which is adequate for home use but might be restrictive when on-the-go without Wi-Fi availability. It does not support GPRS or EDGE connectivity, reinforcing its primary use as a Wi-Fi device.

Release and Availability

Announced on March 13, 2020, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) was released and made available to consumers on June 3, 2020. It became quickly accessible in various markets, especially given Amazon's vast distribution network. With adequate availability, prospective users could conveniently acquire this device through online and offline retail channels.

Design and Body

The design of Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) maintains a balance between functionality and style. The device measures 202 x 137 x 9.7 mm and weighs approximately 355 grams, making it portable and easy to handle. Although the device lacks a SIM card slot, this design choice aligns with its Wi-Fi only nature. Available in a variety of colors like White, Black, Twilight Blue, and Plum, it offers consumers a personalized aesthetic choice.

Display Features

Equipped with an 8.0-inch IPS LCD, the display of Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) guarantees a clear and pleasant viewing experience. The screen resolution stands at 800 x 1280 pixels with a 16:10 aspect ratio, achieving approximately 189 pixels per inch (PPI). While this isn’t as high-resolution as some premium tablets, it suffices for casual browsing and multimedia consumption, staying consistent with the device's budget-friendly nature.

Hardware and Performance

The tablet operates on Android 9.0 (Pie) with Amazon's customized Fire OS 7. Hosting a Mediatek MT8168 chipset, its quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, and Mali-G52 MC1 GPU, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) delivers adequate performance for basic tasks and apps. Whether it's browsing the internet or streaming videos, this device meets standard performance expectations without much lag.

Memory and Storage

In terms of memory, the Fire HD 8 (2020) offers 2GB RAM paired with internal storage options of 32GB or 64GB. Storage is expandable via a dedicated microSDXC slot, allowing users to accommodate more applications, media files, and documents. This expandability is a valuable feature for users who regularly download content to their devices.

Camera Capabilities

The camera specifications in the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) are modest, with both the front and rear cameras offering 2 MP sensors. While these cameras are certainly not meant for high-end photography, they are functional for basic video calls and casual photography, meeting the primary function of staying connected socially.

Sound and Multimedia

The tablet includes stereo speakers, providing a decent audio experience for media consumption. Additionally, the 3.5mm jack remains, accommodating users who prefer wired headphones. This combination ensures that the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) remains versatile for listening, whether you're relaxing with music, participating in a video call, or watching your favorite shows.

Connectivity and Communication

On the connectivity front, the device supports dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) allowing for faster internet speeds and a more stable connection over compatible networks. Bluetooth 5.0 is present for wireless accessories and data transfer, augmenting its connectivity and utility. However, the absence of positioning services (GPS), NFC, and Radio means these specific functions are limited strictly to indoor Wi-Fi use. A USB Type-C port is available for charging and data transfer, a notable upgrade from older micro USB standards.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) includes an accelerometer sensor, which mainly assists in adjusting the screen orientation automatically based on how the device is handled. Beyond this, the tablet doesn't boast many advanced sensors, which aligns with its target as a budget-friendly option, concentrating primarily on basic functionality rather than specialty features.

Battery Performance

The device houses a battery capable of offering up to 12 hours of mixed-use talk time, ensuring a full-day usage for most activities without needing frequent recharging. The lack of rapid charging technology does mean users will need to plan their charge times a bit more, especially when fully depleted.

Pricing and Colors

Affordability is a strongpoint of the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020), with a pricing around 80 EUR, it's accessible to a wide range of consumers. It's available in four color variants: White, Black, Twilight Blue, and Plum. Each variant gives consumers the flexibility to choose based on personal style and preference.

Conclusion

In summary, the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) is an embodiment of value, ideal for customers seeking a tablet primarily for multimedia consumption and web browsing without investing large sums of money. Its simple yet effective hardware and software choices emphasize utility, making it a suitable option for budget-conscious consumers, those new to tablets, or even as a secondary device.