Tablets have become an essential gadget in our lives, and the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus stands out as a solid choice for anyone seeking a budget-friendly, high-performing tablet. With its balance of price, performance, and features, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus offers a quality user experience without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes this tablet unique, covering everything from its design to its functionality. Whether you’re considering buying one or just curious about what it can do, keep reading to find out more about the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus.
1. Overview of Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is a part of Amazon’s line of affordable tablets. Released as an upgraded version of the Fire HD 8, this tablet offers a bit more power and functionality. It’s designed for users who enjoy streaming, reading, browsing the web, and performing light tasks. Unlike high-end tablets, it doesn’t come with an overwhelming price tag, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users.
Amazon has designed the Fire HD 8 Plus to provide great value, making it ideal for various activities. With improvements in speed, display quality, and additional features, it caters to a wide range of users, from casual tablet users to those who need a reliable device for on-the-go productivity.
2. Key Specifications and Features
When it comes to the specifications of the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus, this tablet offers an impressive array of features:
- Display: 8-inch HD display (1280 x 800 resolution)
- Processor: 2.0 GHz quad-core processor
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: Options of 32GB or 64GB, expandable up to 1TB with a microSD card
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours of mixed-use battery life
- Charging: Wireless charging capability with USB-C port for fast charging
- Camera: 2 MP front and rear-facing cameras
These specs provide a clear picture of what the Fire HD 8 Plus is capable of. While it might not compare directly with premium tablets in terms of sheer power, it holds its ground for everyday tasks. With the ability to expand storage and the option of wireless charging, Amazon has added some thoughtful features that make it more appealing.
3. Design and Build Quality
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus boasts a simple, functional design. It is slightly thicker than some other tablets, but it feels durable and sturdy in the hands. The body is made of plastic, which contributes to its lightweight feel and makes it easy to hold for extended periods.
With rounded edges and a matte finish, it offers a comfortable grip. The 8-inch size strikes a good balance between portability and usability, fitting well in one hand while still providing a decent screen size for reading, watching videos, and gaming. Amazon has also included dual speakers on the tablet, which adds a surprising amount of audio quality for a device in this price range.
4. Display Quality
While the display resolution of 1280 x 800 isn’t as sharp as some higher-end tablets, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus still delivers a decent visual experience. The 8-inch HD screen is suitable for streaming videos, reading, and browsing. Text is generally clear, and colors are vibrant, though it might not satisfy those looking for ultra-high resolution.
The screen brightness can be adjusted for various lighting conditions, which makes it convenient for use both indoors and outdoors. However, direct sunlight can still pose a bit of a challenge. For its price, the display quality of the Fire HD 8 Plus is more than satisfactory.
5. Performance
One of the most notable upgrades in the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is the 3GB of RAM, which is an improvement over the standard Fire HD 8 model. This extra RAM allows for smoother multitasking and faster loading times. Apps run efficiently, and switching between them feels more fluid.
The 2.0 GHz quad-core processor performs well for basic tasks. You can comfortably watch videos, browse social media, check emails, and even play some games. However, it may struggle with more resource-intensive apps or games. For users who don’t demand a powerhouse tablet, the performance of the Fire HD 8 Plus will be adequate and reliable.
6. Battery Life and Charging
The battery life of the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is another strong selling point. With up to 12 hours of battery life, it can easily get you through a day of mixed use, which includes web browsing, video streaming, and light app usage. This long battery life makes it ideal for travel, as you won’t need to worry about frequent charging.
One of the unique features of the Fire HD 8 Plus is its compatibility with wireless charging, a rare feature in budget tablets. Amazon even sells a wireless charging dock specifically for this tablet, making it easy to keep it charged without dealing with cables. The USB-C port allows for faster charging compared to older micro-USB ports, so when you do need to plug it in, it charges quickly.
7. Software and Alexa Integration
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus runs on Amazon’s Fire OS, a modified version of Android that is tailored for Amazon’s ecosystem. This means it’s heavily integrated with Amazon services like Prime Video, Kindle, Audible, and the Amazon Appstore. While it doesn’t come with the Google Play Store out of the box, many popular apps are available on the Amazon Appstore.
One of the standout software features is the integration with Alexa. You can use Alexa hands-free, turning your tablet into a voice-controlled assistant. This is particularly useful for controlling smart home devices, asking for weather updates, or getting news briefings. The Alexa integration enhances the functionality of the tablet, making it not just a media device but a part of a connected home.
8. Camera Quality
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus comes with basic 2 MP cameras on both the front and rear. While these cameras won’t impress any photography enthusiasts, they are sufficient for video calls or quick snapshots. The front-facing camera is particularly handy for video chatting through apps like Zoom or Skype.
9. Pros and Cons of the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus
To help you decide if the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is right for you, here’s a quick rundown of its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Good battery life with wireless charging option
- Hands-free Alexa integration
- Expandable storage up to 1TB
Cons:
- Limited app selection without Google Play Store
- Basic cameras
- Display could be sharper
- Performance may lag with heavy tasks
10. Who Should Buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus?
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is an excellent choice for users who prioritize affordability, battery life, and multimedia consumption. It’s especially suitable for Amazon Prime members, as they can take full advantage of the device’s integration with Amazon’s content ecosystem. The tablet is also ideal for casual users, students, and families looking for an affordable yet capable tablet for entertainment, reading, and light productivity tasks.
However, if you’re looking for a tablet that can handle more intensive work or demanding games, you may want to explore higher-end options.
11. Final Thoughts
Overall, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is a solid option for anyone seeking a budget-friendly, functional tablet. With features like wireless charging, Alexa integration, and decent performance for everyday tasks, it’s easy to see why this tablet has gained popularity. While it may not offer all the bells and whistles of premium devices, it delivers great value for the price.
If you’re in the market for an affordable tablet that can handle your daily needs, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is worth considering.