★★★★☆

Fire HD 8 Plus Tablet | 32GB | Wireless Charging

Category: Entertainment

Published: March 24, 2025

Key Features

8-inch HD Display with 1280 x 800 resolution
32 GB or 64 GB internal storage, expandable up to 1 TB via microSD card
Enhanced hexa-core processor (up to 30% faster than previous generation)
9W power adapter and wireless charging capability
Dual-band Wi-Fi for public and private networks
USB-C charging port, microSD slot, and 3.5 mm stereo jack
Built-in speakers with adaptive EQ technology
Up to 13 hours of battery life
Amazon Appstore with subscription-based apps
Alexa integration for video calls and app downloads
Amazon Kids+ for parental controls and educational content
90-day limited warranty and optional extended warranties available

Overview and First Impressions

The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet offers a budget-friendly option with a range of features designed to enhance productivity, entertainment, and family use. With its 8-inch HD display and enhanced processor, it performs well for most tasks without breaking the bank. The device comes with a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and USB-C, making it versatile for both work and leisure activities.

Design and Build Quality

The Fire HD 8 Plus has a sleek, modern design with a thickness of just 0.37 inches and weighs in at 12.06 ounces. The tablet is made from strengthened aluminosilicate glass, which makes it twice as durable as the previous generation's model according to Tumble tests. However, the build quality might not be on par with higher-end tablets, especially when compared to devices like the Apple iPad Air or Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+. Despite this, the Fire HD 8 Plus is still quite rugged and suitable for daily use.

Display

The tablet's 8-inch HD display offers clear visuals and good color accuracy. With a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels at 189 ppi, it performs well for most web browsing and video playback tasks. The IPS technology ensures that colors are rendered accurately across different viewing angles. However, the screen might be slightly smaller than some larger tablets, which could affect its suitability for heavy multitasking or gaming sessions.

Performance and Hardware

The enhanced hexa-core processor with a clock speed of up to 2.0 GHz offers good performance for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, checking emails, and using productivity apps. It's noticeably faster than the previous generation, making it more suitable for handling multiple applications simultaneously. The 3 GB of RAM should be sufficient for most users, although some demanding tasks might still push it to its limits.

Operating System and Software

The Fire HD 8 Plus runs Amazon's Fire OS, which is based on Android but customized for the device's features and interface. The operating system is user-friendly and offers a wide range of apps through the Amazon Appstore. However, it may not have as many third-party app options compared to other tablets running stock Android. The Amazon Appstore includes many productivity and entertainment apps, making it a good choice for both work and leisure use.

Battery Life and Charging

The Fire HD 8 Plus boasts up to 13 hours of battery life, which is commendable for a tablet in its price range. The device charges quickly through the included 9W power adapter or using a compatible wireless charging dock. Wireless charging might be more convenient than wired charging for users who need flexibility and convenience.

Camera and Audio

The tablet features a 2 MP front-facing camera with 720p HD video recording capabilities, suitable for video calls and basic photography needs. The 5 MP rear-facing camera with 1080p HD video recording is decent for capturing photos and videos during general use. The built-in speakers have adaptive EQ technology to enhance audio quality, making it a good choice for entertainment purposes.

Connectivity and Accessories

The Fire HD 8 Plus supports dual-band Wi-Fi, ensuring connectivity in most environments. It also includes a USB-C charging port and a microSD slot for storage expansion. The device is compatible with Qi-certified wireless chargers, making it convenient to charge on-the-go or at home. However, the lack of support for Google Play Store might limit some app options, although Amazon's Appstore offers many alternatives.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

Excellent value for money with a range of features
Durable build quality with strengthened glass panel
Good performance and battery life
User-friendly Amazon Appstore with many productivity and entertainment apps
Wireless charging and USB-C connectivity options

Cons:

Slightly smaller screen size compared to some larger tablets
Less third-party app options compared to stock Android devices
Potentially slower performance for demanding tasks
Limited Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) support

Final Verdict and Recommendation.

The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus offers a solid compromise between value, features, and performance. It's an excellent choice for individuals looking to enhance their productivity, entertainment, and family use without breaking the bank. The device's durable build quality and good battery life make it suitable for daily use, while its enhanced processor ensures smooth performance for most tasks. However, users might want to consider other options if they require specific features or higher performance for professional work or gaming.