For years, I struggled with finding a versatile, reliable device that could keep up with my digital lifestyle without breaking the bank. My old tablet was slow, clunky, and its battery life was abysmal, leaving me constantly frustrated. I needed something that could handle everything from browsing and email to streaming and casual gaming, all while offering impressive portability and durability. Without a capable device, I found myself constantly switching between my phone and laptop, hindering productivity and making relaxation a chore. Discovering the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet has been a game-changer for me.
- Fire HD 8 Plus offers everything you get with a Fire HD 8 and more - wireless charging, 9W power adapter, 3 GB RAM, 2 MP front-facing and 5 MP rear-facing cameras. New design is thinner and lighter...
- Fast and responsive - Enhanced hexa-core processor for more responsive performance (up to 30% faster than previous gen Fire HD 8 Plus) so you can get more done. Check email, tackle your to-do lists,...
- Great for on-the-go - Up to 13 hours of reading, browsing the web, watching videos, and listening to music. Hassle-free wireless charging dock (dock not included) offers easy charging anywhere. Choose...
Before You Buy: Key Considerations for a Tablet Purchase
Tablets have become indispensable tools for many, bridging the gap between smartphones and laptops. They offer a larger screen for media consumption, easier typing for emails, and greater portability than most notebooks. People typically seek a tablet to enhance their entertainment experience, stay connected with loved ones, manage light productivity tasks, or provide educational content for children.
The ideal customer for a tablet like the Fire HD 8 Plus is someone looking for an affordable, durable, and user-friendly device primarily for media consumption, web browsing, email, and video calls within the Amazon ecosystem. It’s fantastic for families, students needing a basic learning tool, or anyone who wants a dedicated entertainment device that won’t cost an arm and a leg.
However, if you’re a power user requiring access to the full Google Play Store, graphic-intensive gaming, or demanding professional applications, this might not be the right fit. Creative professionals, serious mobile gamers, or individuals who rely heavily on specific Android apps not available in Amazon’s Appstore would be better served by a higher-end Android tablet or an iPad. Before making a purchase, consider what you’ll primarily use the tablet for, your budget, the importance of app availability, and how much storage you’ll need. Think about durability, battery life, and whether you prefer an ecosystem like Amazon’s or Google’s.
- Do what you love, uninterrupted — 25% faster performance than the previous generation and 3 GB RAM are ideal for seamless streaming, reading, and gaming.
- BIG SCREEN. FAMILY-SIZED FUN: Bring fun home to everyone with a bright, engaging 11" screen¹ ; A refresh rate of up to 90Hz makes every experience feel smooth — great for videos, games or fun time...
- 【Latest Android 15 Tablet】Tablets equipped Latest Android 15 System, all functions have been strengthened than android 14 and has Stronger compatibility, faster responsive speed and smoother...
Introducing the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022 Release)
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022 release) is Amazon’s answer to an affordable yet capable tablet experience. It promises enhanced performance and features over its standard counterpart, offering a more robust package for everyday use. When you purchase this device, you get the tablet itself, a 9W power adapter (a significant upgrade from the standard Fire HD 8’s 5W adapter), and a USB-C cable, along with an instruction manual.
Compared to its previous generations, the 2022 release boasts a new, thinner and lighter design, a screen made with strengthened aluminosilicate glass (twice as durable as an Apple iPad mini 2021 in tumble tests), and a 30% faster hexa-core processor coupled with 3GB of RAM. While it doesn’t aim to compete directly with flagship tablets like the iPad Pro or Samsung Galaxy Tab S series, it carves out a niche as a highly dependable and budget-friendly option. This specific Fire tablet is perfect for Amazon Prime subscribers, families, or individuals deeply integrated into Amazon’s services (Audible, Kindle, Prime Video). It’s less suited for those who need unrestricted access to Google Mobile Services or demand the absolute pinnacle of tablet performance and customization.
Here’s a quick rundown:
Pros:
* Enhanced hexa-core processor and 3GB RAM offer noticeably snappier performance.
* Strengthened aluminosilicate glass makes it exceptionally durable.
* Wireless charging capability (with a separate dock) adds convenience.
* Up to 13 hours of battery life for extended use.
* Expandable storage up to 1TB via microSD card.
* Excellent value for its price, especially during sales.
* Comes with a faster 9W charger in the box.
Cons:
* Does not support Google Play Store; limited to Amazon Appstore.
* Screen can be quite reflective, especially in bright environments.
* Camera quality (both front and rear) is decent but not exceptional.
* Limited customization options for the home screen and wallpapers.
* Sound quality, while adequate, isn’t particularly loud or crisp.
Unpacking the Features and Benefits of the Fire HD 8 Plus
Having spent considerable time with the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022 release), I can confidently say it delivers on its promise of a reliable and enhanced user experience for its price point. Let’s delve into the features that stand out and how they benefit a long-term user like myself.
Enhanced Performance and Responsiveness
One of the most significant upgrades in this model is the enhanced hexa-core processor paired with 3GB of RAM. Coming from an older, sluggish tablet, this difference was immediately palpable. The previous generation Fire HD 8 Plus was already decent, but the 2022 model is up to 30% faster. In practical terms, this means apps launch quicker, web pages load more smoothly, and multitasking feels less like a chore.
For my daily routine, this translates to a much more fluid experience. Checking emails, browsing news articles, or juggling between a recipe app and a music stream is now seamless. There’s less waiting around, less stuttering, and overall, a more enjoyable interaction with the device. This improved responsiveness isn’t just a number on a spec sheet; it genuinely helps solve the core problem of a slow, frustrating tablet experience by making everyday tasks feel effortless. While it won’t outpace an iPad Pro, for a device in its class, the performance is commendable and perfectly adequate for its intended use cases.
Display and Durability
The 8-inch HD display is crisp and vibrant enough for casual media consumption. Colors are good, and the resolution provides a clear picture for reading e-books, watching videos on Prime Video or Netflix, and browsing the web. What truly sets this tablet apart, however, is its durability. The screen is made with strengthened aluminosilicate glass, which Amazon proudly touts as being twice as durable as an Apple iPad mini (2021) in tumble tests.
As someone who frequently travels with my tablet and occasionally drops things, this gives me immense peace of mind. It feels robust in hand, and I don’t constantly fear minor bumps or accidents. This durability is especially beneficial for families, as kids can be notoriously tough on devices.
One minor drawback I’ve noticed, however, is that the screen can be quite reflective. In brightly lit rooms or outdoors, I sometimes catch my own reflection, which can be a bit distracting during movie playback. Investing in a matte screen protector can certainly help mitigate this issue, and it’s something I’ve considered doing to further enhance the viewing experience.
Storage and Portability
The Fire HD 8 Plus comes with either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, which for many, including myself, is sufficient for basic apps and some downloaded content. However, the real hero here is the microSD card slot, allowing for up to 1TB of expandable storage. This feature is invaluable. I’ve loaded mine up with tons of movies, TV shows, and Audible books for offline entertainment during flights or when I don’t have an internet connection. This vastly extends the utility of the tablet, ensuring I never run out of space for my media library.
Adding to its appeal is its portability. The new design is thinner and lighter than previous generations, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods, whether I’m reading in bed or commuting. The battery life is also exceptional, offering up to 13 hours of mixed use – reading, web browsing, video watching, and music listening. This means I can often go days without needing a charge, which is fantastic for on-the-go usage and reduces range anxiety significantly.
Wireless Charging and Power Adapter
A standout feature for the “Plus” model is the inclusion of wireless charging capabilities. While the wireless charging dock is sold separately, the convenience it offers is remarkable. Just setting the tablet down on a compatible dock, without fiddling with cables, makes charging effortless and integrates seamlessly into a smart home setup. It’s a small luxury that makes a big difference in daily use.
Even without the dock, the included 9W power adapter is a welcome upgrade. It charges the tablet noticeably faster than the standard 5W adapter that comes with the non-Plus model, meaning less downtime waiting for your device to power up. This focus on user convenience around charging is a big win for this Fire tablet.
Cameras
The Fire HD 8 Plus features a 2MP front-facing camera and a 5MP rear-facing camera. To be frank, the cameras are functional rather than exceptional. For video calls with friends and family via Alexa or Zoom, they perform adequately, offering clear enough images. However, if you’re expecting to capture stunning photos or high-quality video, you might be a little underwhelmed. Pictures can sometimes look a bit gritty, especially in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The front-facing camera’s landscape orientation is practical for video conferencing.
My primary use for the cameras has been video calls and the occasional quick scan of a document, for which they suffice. It’s important to set expectations here: this isn’t a photography device; it’s a tablet with cameras for practical purposes, fitting perfectly within its budget-friendly segment.
Entertainment and App Ecosystem
The Fire HD 8 Plus truly shines as an entertainment hub, especially if you’re invested in Amazon’s ecosystem. Through Amazon’s Appstore, I have access to my favorite streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and even social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. It’s a fantastic device for unwinding with a movie, catching up on a show, or browsing social feeds.
However, it’s crucial to understand that Google Play is not supported. This means that if you rely on specific Google apps (like Google Meet, or certain niche gaming/productivity apps only found on Play Store), you might find some limitations. While many popular apps are available, there are some gaps. For instance, I’ve noticed certain food/restaurant apps or specific gaming titles that simply aren’t in the Amazon Appstore. For my needs, which lean heavily into media consumption, this hasn’t been a major issue, but it’s a critical consideration for potential buyers.
Connectivity and Communication
Staying connected is seamless with the Fire HD 8 Plus. With built-in Wi-Fi, connecting to my home network or public hotspots is quick and reliable. The integration with Alexa is fantastic. I can simply ask Alexa to make video calls, set reminders, check the weather, or control smart home devices, all hands-free. This voice-activated assistant adds a layer of convenience that I’ve come to appreciate, making the tablet feel like a central hub for my digital life. Apps like Zoom are also readily available, ensuring I can easily jump into virtual meetings or family calls.
Family Features and Parental Controls
For families, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is an excellent choice. Amazon Kids offers robust, easy-to-use parental controls that allow parents to manage screen time, set educational goals, and filter content. Subscribing to Amazon Kids+ grants access to a vast library of child-friendly books, apps, games, videos, songs, and Audible books, providing a safe and enriching environment for children. I’ve heard from many parents that this feature alone makes the Fire tablets invaluable, ensuring peace of mind while their children use the device.
One slight customization limitation I’ve encountered is the inability to completely clear all icons from the home page or use live wallpapers/GIFs. There’s also a persistent “suggestion page” that doesn’t easily go away, which can feel a bit cluttered. While folders help organize apps, a more flexible interface would be welcome. I’ve had to dig into settings, often with the help of online guides, to tweak some of these default Amazon interface elements.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The device’s body is crafted from a durable plastic that feels solid yet smooth to the touch. My gray unit sports the familiar Amazon arrow emblem, giving it a clean, understated look. When holding the tablet in portrait orientation, the main buttons (power and volume) and the audio port are conveniently located on the top edge, while the memory expansion slot is on the side. This thoughtful placement makes it easy to access controls without awkward hand stretches. Despite its sturdy build, the tablet remains lightweight, contributing to its overall comfort and portability. The sound quality, while not the loudest or most crisp, is perfectly adequate for personal listening without headphones, serving its purpose for casual media enjoyment.
What Others Are Saying: User Experiences with the Fire HD 8 Plus
I’ve perused numerous online comments and found that many users share my positive sentiments about the Fire HD 8 Plus. People consistently praise its excellent battery life and crisp picture, often noting its strong Wi-Fi connectivity and convenient size. Many are thrilled with its durability, especially parents who appreciate the robust construction and the parental control features of Amazon Kids. The tablet is frequently recommended for children due to its educational apps and travel-friendly design. While some users, like myself, have experienced minor frustrations with limited app availability or interface customization, the overall consensus leans heavily towards satisfaction, highlighting its great value for money and solid performance compared to other budget tablets.
Final Thoughts: Why the Fire HD 8 Plus is a Smart Choice
The relentless pursuit of a dependable, affordable, and versatile tablet often ends in compromise, but the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet genuinely stands out. It successfully addresses the common problem of needing a responsive device for entertainment and light productivity without the hefty price tag. Without such a solution, users would remain tethered to smaller phone screens or heavier laptops, missing out on that perfect middle-ground device. This tablet’s enhanced performance, exceptional durability, and impressive battery life make it an ideal candidate. For anyone seeking a robust, user-friendly device deeply integrated into the Amazon ecosystem, this is a fantastic choice that offers substantial value for its cost. Don’t miss out on what this tablet can offer your daily digital life. Click here to check it out!
Last update on 2025-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API