It has been awhile since Amazon released a fire tablet, the last model we reviewed was the Fire HD 10 model. Amazon has just announced the Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 8 Plus models, they are available for pre-order today. The base model is $89.99 and the premium one is $109, they will start shipping out on June 3rd, 2020. Meanwhile, in Canada only the base model is available for $109available for $109, Amazon is not selling the plus edition. Good e-Reader is also offering pre-orders on the Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 8 Plus.
The Fire HD 8 2020 edition features an 8 inch screen with a resolution of 1280 x 800 with 189 PPI. It is powered by a Quad-core 2.0 GHz processor, 2GB of RAM and the internal storage has two different configurations – 32 or 64 GB. There is an SD card that is capable of 1TB cards, which is enough for all of your movies, TV shows, songs, Kindle eBooks, magazines, apps, and games, the Fire HD 8 is the perfect tablet for enjoying entertainment. There are dual speakers to listen to all of your audio content. There is also a 2MP rear facing and a 2MP front facing camera. Amazon is really billing this device has a Zoom machine in all of their marketing materials. There is a USB-C port to charge the device, and also transfer data from your PC/MAC. Estimated battery life is around 12 hours.
Meanwhile, the Fire HD 8 Plus offers an enhanced Fire HD 8 experience with 50% more RAM, hassle-free wireless charging, a 9W in-box adapter, a new slate color, and for a limited time, six months of Kindle Unlimited.
The Fire HD 8 comes in a myriad of colors, I really dig all of the versatility, it is refreshing, since the Kindle e-readers don’t have many options. You can select from black, white, plum, twilight blue and grey. The HD 8 Plus as the same colors, but also as a gunmetal slate color.
The all-new Fire HD 8 includes:
- Beautiful display– Featuring a vibrant 8” 1280 x 800 high definition display with over one million pixels.
- New faster processor – Now 30% faster with a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor and 2GB RAM to easily multi-task when watching movies, playing games and browsing the web.
- Now even more storage – With options for 32GB or 64GB of internal storage and support for up to 1TB of expandable storage via microSD. Plus, enjoy free unlimited cloud storage for all Amazon content and photos taken with Fire tablets.
- New longer battery life – Up to 12 hours of mixed-use battery life for browsing the web, watching videos, listening to music, and more.
- New easier charging– Comes with USB-C for easy charging in less than 5 hours.
- Introducing Game Mode – A distraction-free, optimized gaming experience that lets you focus on your game without interference from notifications.
- Wide selection of content– Access to millions of movies, TV shows, songs, Kindle eBooks, magazines, apps, and games. Watch downloaded videos with Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu (No Ads), or SHOWTIME subscriptions, and enjoy picture-in-picture videos with apps like Twitch and Red Bull TV. Discover content that helps you and your family to be entertained, connected, and informed with family-friendly movies, and supplemental e-learning on the #AtHome destination on Fire Tablets.
- Stay connected – Download an app, such as Zoom, or ask Alexa to make a video call, to keep in touch with family and friends using your Fire HD 8.
- Always-ready, hands-free Alexa – When connected to wifi, simply ask Alexa to Drop In on a friend or family member, play a song, start an Audible book, launch a trivia game, find your favorite movies, show your calendar, and more – using only your voice. Fire HD 8 is designed to protect your privacy. To learn more, visit: www.amazon.com/alexaprivacyhub.
- Amazon-exclusive features – Enjoy customer favorites like For You, X-Ray, Family Library, Blue Shade, and more. For more information, click here.
For only $20 more, the new Fire HD 8 Plus adds:
- Fast and responsive performance – With 3GB RAM, 50% more RAM than the Fire HD 8, and a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor, Fire HD 8 Plus delivers a smooth experience whether you’re browsing the web, playing a game, or watching your favorite show.
- Hassle-free wireless charging – When bundled with a compatible wireless charging dock, seamlessly transition Fire HD 8 Plus from a portable tablet experience to a countertop smart display with hands-free Alexa access in Show Mode.
- Faster in-box adapter – Includes a 9W in-box adapter that charges your tablet in less than four hours.
- Six months of Kindle Unlimited– As a special introductory offer, Fire HD 8 Plus customers will get six months of Kindle Unlimited included with their tablet purchase. After six months, the Kindle Unlimited membership renews at the regular price of just $9.99 per month.
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
