Is it worth it?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly tablet that handles reading, streaming, video calls, and light productivity, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is designed for students, families, and casual users who want a portable device with wireless charging and Alexa integration. In this review, we’ll dive deep into setup, performance, display quality, battery life, durability, and smart features to help you determine if it’s the right companion for your daily routines.
We tested the Fire HD 8 Plus over several weeks, covering unboxing, onscreen responsiveness, battery endurance, gaming, video streaming, and hands-free Alexa use. Spoiler alert: it shines for basic media consumption and smart-home control, but power users might feel its performance and app ecosystem hold it back.
Specifications
| Brand | Amazon |
| Model | Fire HD 8 Plus |
| Display | 8-inch HD IPS 1280×800 at 189 ppi |
| Processor | Hexa-core 2.0 GHz |
| RAM | 3 GB |
| Storage | 32 GB (expandable to 1 TB via microSD) |
| Battery | Up to 13 hours |
| Charging | Qi wireless and 9 W wired |
| User Score | 4.5 ⭐ (5657 reviews) |
| Price | approx. 60$ Check 🛒 |
Key Features
Wireless Charging
The Fire HD 8 Plus supports Qi wireless charging, letting you set it on any compatible pad or Amazon’s optional dock for clutter-free power‐ups. This matters because you no longer fumble with cables when your hands are full—just drop the tablet on the pad and charging begins instantly. For example, I keep a charging base on my nightstand so I can pop it down before sleep and wake up to a full battery without unplugging a cable.
Performance Boost
Equipped with a hexa-core 2.0 GHz processor and 3 GB of RAM, the Plus model delivers up to 30% faster performance than its predecessor—this jump translates into quicker app loading and smoother multitasking. It matters if you switch between streaming video, browsing, and productivity apps, avoiding the frustration of lag. In practice, I could stream a show on Netflix, jump to a recipe tab, and return to my streaming app without reloads.
Reinforced Glass Durability
The tablet uses aluminosilicate reinforced glass, making it twice as resistant to drops compared to an iPad mini (per Amazon’s testing). This robustness matters for clumsy hands or family use, reducing worries about cracked screens. I accidentally dropped mine during a kitchen demo onto hard tile; aside from a slight scuff on the corner, the display remained intact and fully functional.
Hands-Free Alexa Show Mode
When placed on a compatible dock, the Fire HD 8 Plus transforms into an Echo Show–style display, letting you ask Alexa to show weather updates, security camera feeds, or make video calls without touching a button. This feature deepens its utility as a smart display in kitchens or home offices. For instance, I ask Alexa to read recipes aloud while cooking, and hands-free glass control keeps my screen grease-free.
Family-Friendly Controls
With Amazon Kids’ parental controls and an optional Kids+ subscription, you can manage screen time, filter content, and track usage directly from your phone. This matters for households with children, ensuring age-appropriate content. In real use, I set daily reading goals and time limits for my niece; the dashboard sent me weekly activity reports, helping balance fun and education.
Firsthand Experience
Unboxing felt premium thanks to a slim, lightweight redesigned chassis and quick setup prompts guided by clear on-screen instructions—within minutes I had Wi-Fi, my Amazon account, and familiar apps ready for testing.
On day one, app launches in Spotify, Kindle, and Netflix felt snappy, thanks to a 30% faster processor and 3 GB of RAM; switching between tabs and streaming 1080p videos was responsive with minimal stutter.
After a week of reading e-books during my commute and browsing social feeds at lunch, the battery meter still showed 40%—Amazon’s promise of up to 13 hours proved realistic under moderate use.
Taking it outside under bright noon sun, the 8” HD screen with IPS technology maintained good visibility, though reflections became noticeable at extreme angles—still perfectly usable for quick browsing or video playback.
I tried light gaming sessions with casual titles and a few rounds of Among Us; the tablet handled simple graphics well but struggled when lobbies grew crowded, leading to occasional frame drops—acceptable for a device in this price bracket.
After accidentally dropping it from a countertop height onto carpet, I noticed no cracks or scuffs—the reinforced aluminosilicate glass and reinforced body lend real-world peace of mind against everyday mishaps.
Pros and Cons
Customer Reviews
User feedback reflects that the Fire HD 8 Plus delivers strong value for its price, with praise for its performance boost, battery life, and smart features—yet some point out limitations in the app ecosystem, display resolution, and occasional sluggishness under heavy load.
The tablet’s speed and wireless charging are game-changers at this price, and Alexa hands-free mode is surprisingly useful.
Perfect for reading manga and streaming, and my kids love it for casual games—it held up well even when dropped.
Great budget device for video and social apps, but the touchscreen lacks the smoothness I’m used to on Gorilla Glass.
Decent battery life and display, but I missed Google Play apps without sideloading, and the ad-supported lock screen is annoying.
Performance dipped during multiplayer games and the 1280×800 resolution looks dated when compared to other tablets.
Comparison
Compared to the standard Fire HD 8, the Plus model adds 1 GB of RAM, wireless charging, and slightly better performance, making multitasking smoother and charging simpler—but at a modest price premium.
Against the Fire HD 10, the 8 Plus is more compact and portable yet sacrifices screen size and resolution; the 10’s larger display suits movie marathons, but the Plus wins for on-the-go convenience and dockable Alexa Show capabilities.
In the broader budget segment, tablets like Lenovo Tab M8 offer similar specs and pure Android with Google Play, but they lack wireless charging and integrated Alexa features; the Fire HD 8 Plus stands out if you’re invested in Amazon’s ecosystem.
Versus premium devices such as the iPad mini, the Fire HD 8 Plus trails in display quality, app diversity, and raw performance, yet it costs a fraction of the price—ideal for buyers who want smart-home and media features without a high-end budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I install Google Play Store on the Fire HD 8 Plus?
- You can sideload the Google Play APK with a few straightforward steps, unlocking access to apps not available in Amazon’s Appstore.
- Does the Fire HD 8 Plus support Bluetooth accessories?
- Yes, it includes Bluetooth 5.2 for headsets, speakers, keyboards, and other LE devices with A2DP.
- How much storage is available after the system?
- On the 32 GB model you get about 25.2 GB for apps and content, with a microSD slot for up to 1 TB additional space.
- Is there a model without ads on the lock screen?
- Yes, Amazon offers an ad-free version at a slightly higher cost when you purchase directly from their store.
Conclusion
Overall, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus delivers a compelling blend of performance, battery life, and convenience features—wireless charging and hands-free Alexa mode—at a budget price point. It’s an excellent choice for casual users, families, and anyone heavily invested in Amazon’s ecosystem who needs a dependable device for streaming, reading, and light productivity.
However, if you require high-resolution displays, heavy multitasking, or native Google Play support out of the box, you might explore higher-end Android tablets or entry-level iPads. For price-sensitive shoppers seeking a reliable, durable, and well-rounded tablet, the Fire HD 8 Plus offers standout value—check current deals, as occasional promotions can make it even more attractive.