OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Tablets Methodology v3.0
Tablets Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Tablets Methodology v3.0

Amazon Fire HD 8 2017 1 (5GB + 16GB) review: 168 specs compared

Avg. price:~£80RAM capacity:1.5 GBInternal storage:16 GBScreen size:8 inchesChipset:MediaTek MT8163

Amazon Fire HD 8 2017 1 (5GB + 16GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and 25 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

6.7/10

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components

35%

5.0

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.0

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.9, the mark of a weaker model in this category

▼Worse than 62% of tablets
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 57% of models
Score components

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

10

Price

▲Better than 57%
5.0

Technical score

Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

22%

4.6

Performance

20%

4.6

Display

16%

4.8

Camera

14%

4.6

Battery

12%

5.4

Connectivity

8%

7.0

Software

5%

5.8

Design

3%

5.9

Audio

▼Worse than 87%
8.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 60% of models

80%

7.8

Average grade

20%

8.6

Popularity

Grades by review (25)
14 reviews: 9 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 11 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 60%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £80
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Other versions:
5GB + 16GB5GB + 32GB

What reviewers say about the Amazon Fire HD 8 2017 1 (5GB + 16GB)

Based on 14 · 11

Reviewers find it quick with good Amazon content and audio, but the app selection, software and cameras disappoint.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of tablet Amazon Fire HD 8 2017 1 (5GB + 16GB)

Technical score
Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components:

22%

4.6

Performance

20%

4.6

Display

16%

4.8

Camera

14%

4.6

Battery

12%

5.4

Connectivity

8%

7.0

Software

5%

5.8

Design

3%

5.9

Audio

5.0
Reviews score
8.0
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 57% of models
Score components:

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.7
RAM capacity
1.5 GB
Market range: <1 GB – >8 GB
This tablet has 1.5 GB of RAM, which is less than 76.8% of tablets and equal to 1.2% of tablets.
Process node
28 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >40 nm
This tablet is built on a 28 nm process, which is larger than 65.1% of tablets and equal to 17.6% of tablets.
Internal storage
16 GB
Market range: <16 GB – >256 GB
This tablet has 16 GB of internal storage, which is less than 78.8% of tablets and equal to 14.8% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core score
?
Chipset
MediaTek MT8163
This tablet runs on MediaTek MT8163, which is less advanced than 93% of tablets and equal to 0.5% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen resolution
1280×800
This tablet has a 1280×800 screen, which is less sharp than 68.1% of tablets and equal to 21.7% of tablets.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >120 Hz
This tablet has a 60 Hz screen, which is smoother than 0.1% of tablets and equal to 73.4% of tablets.
Display type
IPS LCD
This tablet uses a IPS LCD display type. 17% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
189 ppi
Market range: <149 ppi – >291 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 189 ppi, which is lower than 66.5% of tablets and equal to 6.8% of tablets.
Display glass type
Aluminosilicate Glass
This tablet protects its screen with Aluminosilicate Glass, which is less durable than 58% of tablets and the same as 7% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Optical image stabilization
no
This tablet does not support optical stabilisation. 0.4% of tablets offer this.
Main camera megapixels
2 MP
Market range: <3.15 MP – >13 MP
This tablet has a rear camera with 2 MP resolution, which is lower than 93.6% of tablets and equal to 5.6% of tablets.
Front camera megapixels
0.3 MP
Market range: <1.2 MP – >9 MP
This tablet has a front camera with 0.3 MP resolution, which is lower than 93% of tablets and equal to 7% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
?
Optical zoom
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery capacity
4,750 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
This tablet has 4,750 mAh battery capacity, which is smaller than 76.5% of tablets and equal to 0.4% of tablets.
Charging speed
5 W
Market range: <10 W – >45 W
This tablet charges at 5 W, which is slower than 96% of tablets and equal to 3.3% of tablets.
Battery life
12 hours
Market range: <7 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 12 hours, which is longer than that of 65.7% of tablets and equal to that of 9.3% of tablets.
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets offer this.
Fast charging
no
This tablet does not support fast charging. 56.9% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
LTE support
no
This tablet does not have built-in LTE. 42.9% of tablets offer this.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This tablet connects to Wi-Fi. 0.2% of tablets offer this.
GPS
no
This tablet does not have built-in GPS. 82.9% of tablets offer this.
5G connectivity
no
This tablet does not support 5G. 8.1% of tablets offer this.
NFC
no
This tablet does not include NFC. 10.8% of tablets offer this.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This tablet uses the Android operating system, which is more advanced than the one used by 23.2%.
Update support duration
medium
This tablet offers medium update support, which is longer than the support period of 47.6% of tablets and equal to that of 32.4% of tablets.
Direct OS updates
yes
This tablet supports direct OS updates. 20.3% of tablets offer this.
On-device AI
no
This tablet does not support on-device AI. 28.3% of tablets support this capability.
App tracking protection
no
This tablet does not support app tracking protection. 28.4% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
IP rating
not rated
This tablet's IP rating is not rated, which is less protected than 16.5% of tablets and the same as 83.6% of tablets.
Weight
341 g
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 341 g, which is lighter than 83.6% of tablets and equal to 0.3% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
no
This tablet does not support a backlit keyboard. 9.7% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
no
This tablet does not support a keyboard accessory. 84.3% of tablets support this option.
Pen latency
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <1 – >3
This tablet has a microphone array of 1, which is more than 0.2% of tablets and equal to 54.8% of tablets.
aptX Adaptive
no
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this.
Dolby Atmos support
yes
This tablet supports Dolby Atmos. 68.7% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
N. of speakers
2
Market range: <2 – >4
This tablet includes 2 speakers, which is more than in 9.8% of tablets and equal to the number in 60.8% of tablets.
FM radio
no
This tablet does not include an FM radio. 19% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

Amazon Fire HD 8 2017 1 (5GB + 16GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftwareDesignAudio
  • 2 hours longer battery life
    This tablet offers longer battery life than the average tablet (12 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    12 hours vs 10 hours
  • 30.4% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (341 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    341 g vs 490 g
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This tablet supports Dolby Atmos, the average tablet does not. 31.3% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
  • 14.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 60% of models

    80%

    7.8

    Average grade

    20%

    8.6

    Popularity

    Grades by review (25)
    14 reviews: 9 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 11 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.0 vs 7.0
  • 3.25x cheaper
    Amazon Fire HD 8 2017 1 (5GB + 16GB) is cheaper than the average tablet (£80 vs £260).
    £80 vs £260
  • 14.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 60% of models

    80%

    7.8

    Average grade

    20%

    8.6

    Popularity

    Grades by review (25)
    14 reviews: 9 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 11 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.0 vs 7.0
  • 3.25x cheaper
    Amazon Fire HD 8 2017 1 (5GB + 16GB) is cheaper than the average tablet (£80 vs £260).
    £80 vs £260
  • 2 hours longer battery life
    This tablet offers longer battery life than the average tablet (12 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    12 hours vs 10 hours
  • 30.4% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (341 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    341 g vs 490 g
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This tablet supports Dolby Atmos, the average tablet does not. 31.3% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
  • 4.7 MP lower front resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution front camera than the average tablet (0.3 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has a front camera of 5 MP.
    0.3 MP vs 5 MP
  • No USB-C port
    This tablet does not have a USB Type-C port, while the average tablet does. 54% of tablets have one.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (4 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    4 vs 8
  • 6 MP lower rear resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution rear camera than the average tablet (2 MP vs 8 MP). The average tablet has a rear camera of 8 MP.
    2 MP vs 8 MP
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • 2.5 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM than the average tablet (1.5 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    1.5 GB vs 4 GB
  • 35% lower CPU speed
    This tablet has a lower CPU speed than the average tablet (1.3 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    1.3 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • No continuous video AF
    This tablet does not support continuous video AF, the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets support continuous video autofocus.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (4 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    4 vs 8
  • 2.5 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM than the average tablet (1.5 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    1.5 GB vs 4 GB
  • 35% lower CPU speed
    This tablet has a lower CPU speed than the average tablet (1.3 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    1.3 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • More basic graphics
    This tablet has less advanced graphics than the average tablet (Mali-T730 MP3 vs Mali-G51).
    Mali-T730 MP3 vs Mali-G51
  • 75% less internal storage
    This tablet has less internal storage than the average tablet (16 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet has 64 GB of internal storage.
    16 GB vs 64 GB
  • 2x larger process node
    This tablet has a larger process node than the average tablet (28 nm vs 14 nm). The average tablet is built on 14 nm.
    28 nm vs 14 nm
  • No big.LITTLE architecture
    This tablet does not support big.LITTLE architecture, while the average tablet does. 51.7% of tablets support big.LITTLE architecture.
  • 2 fewer GPU execution units
    This tablet has less GPU execution units than the average tablet (2 vs 4). The average tablet has 4 GPU execution units.
    2 vs 4
  • 2.1 inches smaller screen
    This tablet has a smaller screen than the average tablet (8 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet measures 10.1 inches.
    8 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • Less sharp display
    This tablet has a less sharp screen than the average tablet (1280×800 vs 1920×1200).
    1,280×800 vs 1,920×1,200
  • 14.5% softer screen detail
    This tablet has softer screen detail than the average tablet (189 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has a pixel density of 221 ppi.
    189 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • Less vivid contrast
    This tablet has less contrast than the average tablet (854:1 vs 1015:1). The average tablet has a contrast ratio of 1015:1.
    854:1 vs 1,015:1
  • Less durable glass
    This tablet has less durable glass than the average tablet (Aluminosilicate Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass). The average tablet uses Corning Gorilla Glass.
    Aluminosilicate Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass
  • 20 nits lower typical brightness
    This tablet has a lower typical brightness than the average tablet (380 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    380 nits vs 400 nits
  • 4.7 MP lower front resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution front camera than the average tablet (0.3 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has a front camera of 5 MP.
    0.3 MP vs 5 MP
  • 6 MP lower rear resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution rear camera than the average tablet (2 MP vs 8 MP). The average tablet has a rear camera of 8 MP.
    2 MP vs 8 MP
  • No continuous video AF
    This tablet does not support continuous video AF, the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets support continuous video autofocus.
  • Worse main-camera video
    This tablet supports worse main-camera video recording than the average tablet (720x30 fps vs 1080x30 fps). The average tablet supports 1080x30 fps main-camera video recording.
    720x30 fps vs 1080x30 fps
  • No tap-to-focus
    This tablet does not support touch autofocus, while the average tablet does. 83% of tablets support touch autofocus.
  • No manual white balance
    This tablet does not support manual white balance, while the average tablet does. 51.5% of tablets support manual white balance.
  • No timelapse video
    This tablet does not support timelapse video, while the average tablet does. 57.5% of tablets support timelapse video.
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • 72.2% slower charging
    This tablet charges slower than the average tablet (5 W vs 18 W). The average tablet charges at 18 W.
    5 W vs 18 W
  • 28% smaller battery capacity
    This tablet has a smaller battery capacity than the average tablet (4,750 mAh vs 6,600 mAh). The average tablet offers 6,600 mAh of battery capacity.
    4,750 mAh vs 6,600 mAh
  • No USB-C port
    This tablet does not have a USB Type-C port, while the average tablet does. 54% of tablets have one.
  • Older Wi-Fi standard
    This tablet has an older Wi-Fi standard than the average tablet (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • No GPS
    This tablet does not include GPS, while the average tablet does. 82.9% of tablets include GPS.
  • No face recognition
    This tablet does not have face recognition, the average tablet does. 56.4% of tablets support face recognition.
  • No Ethernet support
    This tablet does not have Ethernet support, the average tablet does. 76.5% of tablets support Ethernet.
  • No split-screen
    This tablet does not support split-screen, the average tablet does. 72.8% of tablets support split-screen.
  • No camera and mic privacy
    This tablet does not support camera and mic privacy, while the average tablet does. 56.6% of tablets offer this.
  • No full-page screenshots
    This tablet does not support full-page screenshots, the average tablet does. 53% of tablets support full-page screenshots.
  • No location privacy
    This tablet does not support location privacy, while the average tablet does. 76.7% of tablets offer this.
  • No dark mode
    This tablet does not support dark mode, while the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets offer this.
  • No offline voice recognition
    This tablet does not support offline voice recognition, the average tablet does. 76.4% of tablets support offline voice recognition.
  • No keyboard accessory
    This tablet does not support a keyboard accessory, the average tablet does. 84.2% of tablets support a keyboard accessory.
  • 1.7 mm thicker
    This tablet is thicker than the average tablet (9.7 mm vs 8 mm). The average tablet is 8 mm thick.
    9.7 mm vs 8 mm
  • 38.7 mm wider
    This tablet is wider than the average tablet (214 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    214 mm vs 175.3 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Fred's Reviews58
≈ estimated
05/11/2022
Hands-on review · battery, browsing and games test
Verdict
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) still works well for basic tablet use, but its speaker is quiet and its battery may be weaker.
8.0
Alex Hus Tech ▶️
≈ estimated
19/01/2020
Hands-on review · games, apps and speaker tests
Verdict
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) works well for games and video thanks to its extra RAM, but the Play Store must be installed by hand.
9.0
Raymond Moore
≈ estimated
08/11/2017
Hands-on review · setup, apps and daily use
Verdict
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) has dated software and ads, but it is among the best budget tablets we have tried and is worth a look.
9.0
Michael Cavacini
≈ estimated
08/06/2017
Full review · video playback, sound and reading tests
Verdict
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) is an affordable entertainment tablet for Amazon and Prime users, but it is not suited to work.
9.0
Thommo's Tech
≈ estimated
06/02/2018
Unboxing and quick review · first impressions
Verdict
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) is a superb budget tablet for media, though its cameras are dreadful.
9.0
Ask Mike
≈ estimated
14/01/2018
Short review · Play Store setup and accessories
Verdict
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) is a good-value Android option for kids, though Amazon branding stays and the Play Store has to be added.
8.0
Cheap Tech
≈ estimated
26/11/2017
Unboxing and first impressions · camera and loading tests
Verdict
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) is well built and rugged for the money, with a sharper screen, though game loading is slow.
7.0
FishBee Productions
≈ estimated
04/11/2017
First impressions · unboxing, setup and app tests
Verdict
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) suits a first or budget tablet, but its weak camera rules it out for photos and video.
9.0
Jordan Keyes
≈ estimated
02/10/2017
First look · unboxing and first impressions
Verdict
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) feels snappy and is a good fit for anyone who wants an 8-inch tablet.
9.0
Kevin Breeze
≈ estimated
09/06/2017
Short review · features, speakers and Alexa use
Verdict
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) is strongly recommended over the cheaper Fire 7 for a small step up in price, mainly for its speakers.
Not graded
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
28/06/2018
Hands-on test · Budget tablet
Verdict
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) is the best cheap tablet for media and kids, though anyone wanting Google apps should look elsewhere.
8.0
mediaplayers.gr
≈ estimated
Undated (Covers 2017 Release)
Hands-on test · Budget tablet
Verdict
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) is the best value 8-inch tablet, with a good screen for reading, but Google Play needs an unofficial install.
8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
28/06/2018
Hands-on test · Budget tablet
Verdict
The Amazon Fire HD 8 is the best cheap tablet for media and kids, but frustrating for anyone needing Google apps without workarounds.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
21/06/2017
Hands-on review · Media tablet
Verdict
The Amazon Fire HD 8 suits Amazon-focused users who want media and gaming, but it feels sluggish and its app choice is narrow.
8.1
notebookcheck.net
✓ explicit
12/07/2017
Lab test · Budget tablet
Verdict
The Amazon Fire HD 8 is a bright, smooth-running budget tablet for everyday apps and video, but its colors are off and it trails rivals in benchmarks.
7.0
wired.com
✓ explicit
13/10/2017
Review · Family tablet
Verdict
The Amazon Fire HD 8 is an ideal-sized, long-lasting tablet for Amazon fans, but Alexa needs a button press and the screen gets greasy fast.
8.1
notebookcheck.com
✓ explicit
10/07/2017
Lab test · Budget tablet
Verdict
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) suits basic use, running apps and most games smoothly, but its colors are off and its glare is strong.
5.2
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
20/06/2017
Full test · Budget tablet
Verdict
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) brings only minor changes, so 2016 owners can skip it, while newcomers should choose this version.
7.0
pcwelt.de
≈ estimated
02/10/2017
Hands-on test · Budget tablet
Verdict
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) suits budget buyers who want long battery life and a bright screen for video, despite weak processing power and cameras.
6.6
01net.com
✓ explicit
03/08/2017
Hands-on test · Budget tablet
Verdict
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) offers good value, a good screen and long battery life, but barely changes from the 2016 model.
9.0
blablahightech.fr
≈ estimated
25/06/2017
Hands-on test · Family tablet
Verdict
The Amazon Fire HD 8 2017 is a well-built family tablet, hard to beat at its price, though it needs Google Play installed to be fully useful.
8.0
computerhoy.20minutos.es
≈ estimated
14/06/2017
Hands-on review · Media tablet
Verdict
The Amazon Fire HD 8 is a bright, sturdy tablet with good stereo sound for video, but it lacks 4G, GPS and Google apps.
7.5
wired.it
✓ explicit
01/01/2017
Hands-on test · Entertainment tablet
Verdict
The Amazon Fire HD 8 is a sturdy, smooth media tablet for Amazon users, but it can't be personalized and suits only viewing and shopping.
5.0
notebookcheck.nl
≈ estimated
15/07/2017
Lab test · Display and Wi-Fi
Verdict
The Amazon Fire HD 8 has a bright, flicker-free screen, but its colors are inaccurate and its Wi-Fi is slower than the Huawei MediaPad M3.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Amazon Fire HD 8 2017 1 (5GB + 16GB)

  • Excellent value for a sub-$100 tablet
  • Loud and clear dual stereo speakers for its class
  • Solid battery life, lasting around 10-12 hours in mixed use
  • Expandable storage via a microSD card slot (up to 256GB)
  • Lightweight and portable 8-inch design, ideal for reading and travel
  • User-friendly interface, especially for Amazon Prime members
  • Durable plastic build that handles minor drops well

What customers don't like about Amazon Fire HD 8 2017 1 (5GB + 16GB)

  • No official access to the Google Play Store or native Google apps
  • Very slow charging time, taking up to 6 hours for a full charge
  • Poor camera quality on both the front and rear lenses
  • Display is not very sharp (189 ppi) and can appear dim outdoors
  • Limited to 1.5GB of RAM, leading to lag during multitasking or app updates
  • Lock screen contains 'Special Offer' advertisements unless a fee is paid
  • Heavy reliance on Amazon services makes it less useful for non-Prime members

Verdict

The 2017 Amazon Fire HD 8 (7th Generation) is an affordable 8-inch tablet featuring a 1280 x 800 (189 ppi) IPS display and a 1.3 GHz quad-core MediaTek processor paired with 1.5GB of RAM. This specific model includes 16GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a microSD slot supporting up to 256GB, and features dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos audio. Main pros include its exceptional value for media consumption, integration with Alexa, and a solid battery life of up to 12 hours. However, it is hindered by slow charging times (up to 6 hours), mediocre 2MP rear and VGA front cameras, and a limited app selection due to the lack of the Google Play Store.

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