Amazon Fire HD8 and HD8 Plus Full Tablet Full Review - 2020 Version

Buy it on Amazon - lon.tv/z7qev (affiliate link) - Amazon's latest HD8 tablet delivers a performance boost over the prior generation and a new HD8 Plus model that adds a little more RAM and wireless charging. See more tablets: lon.tv/tablets and subscribe! lon.tv/s
VIDEO INDEX:
00:00 - Intro
00:42 - Price
00:53 - Hardware Overview
00:57 - Display
01:18 - Processor
01:41 - Storage
02:01 - Wifi
02:09 - HD8 vs. HD8 Plus: RAM
02:49 - HD8 vs. HD8 Plus: Wireless Charging
03:24 - HD8 vs. HD8 Plus - Faster Charger
03:52 - Battery Life
04:22 - Weight & Size
04:32 - Build Quality
04:54 - Audio
05:09 - Webcam
05:38 - Ports & Buttons
06:07 - Rear Camera
06:21 - SD Card Slot
06:35 - Special Offers
07:36 - Slingshot Benchmark Test
08:28 - Gaming: Minecraft
08:41 - HD8 vs. HD8 Plus Ram Differences and Performance
10:43 - Performance: Web Browsing
11:24 - Performance: Zoom Calls
11:49 - Performance: Video Playback Widevine DRM level
12:08 - No Google Play Apps
13:14 - Amazon Alexa
13:58 - Docking Station Accessory
14:21 - Echo Show Mode
16:02 - Conclusion
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[@richardpatrick32123]

Excellent review, Lon. I really appreciated the demonstration showing the difference the RAM can make in the Plus.

[@stevenm2949]

Looks perfect for steaming and web browsing. Already have an expensive laptop and iPhone, don’t see the need to spend big on an iPad for an additional tablet...

[@benheal9086]

This is EXACTLY how to do a brief informative review, succinct and focused.

[@molonlabe9602]

One of the best reviewers on KZbin. Thank you Lon.

[@horizon42q]

Lon, you missed a great use for these Amazon Tablets. If someone is using the Fire Recast they can use these tablets for a portable TV. I use mine in my motorhome. I can watch my local channels, news, and my DVR shows on the road. The other great use in the RV is the Bluetooth connection. I can stream music, Sirius thru my RV home theater system.

[@ajwalker4416]

I've had the last generation of the Fire 8 HD but really prefer the size of the Fire 7, especially since I mainly use it for reading. I like that it's a larger screen but not THAT large. 😁

[@ivan12270]

Thanks for the thorough review of these devices.

[@sharoneh8929]

Yeah a wireless tablet!!! SO glad that the 8 HD Plus Fire tablet is here... One of my problems was that after maybe 12 to 16 months of regular use the tablet plug will not charge, then the tablet dies. Love the cable type C. And that I can charged the tablet wireless. Great value for the price as well, nice features too! Thank you Amazon! I LOVE my new Fire HD 8 tablet💟💟💟

[@stickylightning852]

Best channel. Made many purchases using Lon’s advice.

[@PyroSoldat]

Its really cool he does call the assistant by it's name, those that have one know it will turn on at anytime when it detects it. Like watching TV at night lol

[@Progressive_Logic]

These went on sale on Amazon for 59 and 79 yesterday for one day only, can't beat those prices for a tablet

[@kevinc1825]

I got one on sale! A great buy on an upgrade from my previous (4 years old)

[@b.tabalba8531]

Thanks lon! I was looking forward to this since I missed the livestream 👍

[@alexanderbenson2833]

This seems like the best kind of web browsing and reading-only tablets out

[@idris8153]

this is the most amazing review ever!!

[@loiszawada9131]

Enjoyed your articulate post.

[@russc788]

Thanks for the Zoom test. I never used to care about webcams whatsoever, but of course that has changed.

[@antwayanowens5529]

My hd8 8 generation have upgrades it faster, I can multi task now, I thought about getting a iPad mini, but why I only watch utube, prime movies, and Kindle books I love it

[@adidaman1234]

Great video as always Lon

[@nh8383]

It’s so handy to have wireless charging

[@chrisumali9841]

thanks for the review and info, have a great day

[@kattz753]

Honestly, if you can afford the Plus, I would say get it. I like my 2018 model but I really wish it had more RAM. I have to be careful not to open too much at once. I'm probably going to upgrade. Cheap enough to pick up a new one every time they upgrade and leave the old ones around the house.

[@rowancried]

Lon when are you going to do a home schooling tablet review. All us parents are freaking out here

[@vapeking466]

Wonder when the hd10 plus will come out? I assume the wireless charging is slower as in cell phones?

[@TooFurious4]

Hey Lon could you do a comparison of the Fire HD 10 and Galaxy Tab A 10.1?

[@rep10Y-o9r]

Awesome review

[@trippplefive]

damn..kelyan kumar is da real mvp. i've been hearing this person's name on this channel for so long.

[@joltdude]

Amazon Fire Toolbox makes dealing with enabling google play does simplify matters

[@federicobautista7079]

Hello, awesome video, thanks for the info! Question, I'm trying to get this tab for my kids.. they play the app ROBLOX, do you know it this app is supported by this tablet, also, is the TIKTOK app available as well?

[@marilynmonroig]

Thank you for this review. Did you ever get to do a video on how to add Google to the tablet?

[@jonathancruz7770]

Hello you think this unit can be hardwired with with Amazon ethernet adapter

[@Sheamarie]

Thank you for this info

[@torp42]

Great explanations! thank you!1

[@felicitasgranada7309]

Hi. You mentioned it has L1 widevine. Does it mean it plays Full HD (best quality) prime videos? Thanks very much.

[@allengee]

Not running a 64bit OS is a deal breaker for me. I actually cancelled my order for one today. Hopefully that will change by the time they have their black friday sales.

[@acheers]

thanks for the review! im thinking about buying th plus versions.

[@Catechuman]

How does this compare to the 8.9 HDX 4th generation? Is it just a faster processor and more RAM? Which screen is better?

[@granjmy]

I just found electronics repair services on EBAY!! So I can have my Samsung tablet repaired for under $50. Now I don't need to buy another tablet!

[@veraroyce5295]

I have the Fire HDX 8.9, what is the difference between mine and the HD8 or HD8 Plus???

[@NassiveMutts]

Hdx was good for its time but it's outdated compared to the new fire tablets which have faster processors etc.

[@bbgarnettTotallyNotABot]

Keep up the great work

[@chifan7]

Another Really Great video!!! Question, if you side load to get the Playstore, will this Fire tablet slow down the workings ? Thanks so much. Harold

[@LonSeidman]

I don't think it should impact day-to-day performance all that much if anything.

[@rabichowdhury212]

Where’s the video tutorial to install playstore?

[@chifan7]

Update. I have in the past week bought this Fire 8 inch tablet. One of the first things I did was side load the Play store. It works Great!! No issues!! Thanks again.

[@ImAlive11550]

What's the Audio Playback bitrate? Does it still max out at 16 / 48KHz or can it do 24 / 96KHz to take full advantage of Amazons UltraHD music service?

[@viki006]

why the bezel??? They gotta get rid of those...

[@Sydney2217]

Not available for delivery to Australia.!

[@MegamanNova]

Hi Lon! Razer just released their new phone controller, Razer Kishi. This time, instead of bluetooth/wireless connection, it is designed to be connected via USB-C. You're my go to reviewer for controller input latency. I'm curious if Razer Kishi really have lesser input latench compared to bluetooth ones. Thanks in advance!

[@nickf3242]

Can you pair a FireTV remote to these tablets (for like menu navigation)? Just curious. I have some future plans and this would make a difference. Amazon devices working with Plex are really important to me. Thanks for the great content Lon!

[@vinyfiny2019]

That'd actually be cool for my Fire HD 10 to use as a kitchen TV. Would be nice to run a streaming TV app and be able to use a remote to change channels or do voice search.

[@PinderProductions]

I think the fire tv remotes are just standard Bluetooth remotes so as long as the apps you want to use support a remote you should be fine

[@nickf3242]

@@PinderProductions Good to know. I have plenty of FireTV remotes (multiple generations) and even a Echo remote but no Amazon tablets to try.

[@kathygoding5245]

This was so helpful but I need clarification. I have a google home nest but if I bought the charging doc for my new 8 plus tablet, does that mean I will have alexa available from this docking charger?

[@jimmoberly308]

Can you get the nook app on this? Have a 5 year old nook tab, and need to upgrade.

[@michaelweiss6163]

Where is your video on how to add google play store and chrome to the Amazon fire tablet

[@kelvin303]

Hey lon, are you still going to do a video of how to add the Google apps to Amazon fire tablets?

with it can i see powerpoint small word (16pt) on 50cm distance ?

[@somethingelse4878]

Fire 10 when on sale, 5ghz, steamlink.apk, mouse, KB, controller, win 10 and you can run AAA games on max at 60 fps. Minimize steam to control your desktop. You have a portable 1080p PC 10ins that's smooth. Same with the new 8 plus You get 720p IPS not as good for seeing windows DT but okay for games like red dead or wildlands I get 60fps in max game, stream and tablet settings on 2.4ghz using the 2018 1.5gb 1300mhz fire 8 too. This portable PC setup is so overlooked its shocking. 10ins 1080p IPS 30cm away from your face looks massive. I'd recommend using tinycore to show CPU and ram

[@HomesteadDIY]

Unfortunately I don’t think these devices screencast. Amazon did away with that functionality with the 7 I think, which really limits their utility.

[@singletona082]

Use the kindle fire toolbox on these. You're welcome.

[@MichaelWebber]

Amazon has the front camera in landscape so it can serve as a cheap Echo Show.

[@michael_c2]

right. you could get a blueooth speaker with 2 10 watt speakers and it would have same audio, basically

[@vsuarezp]

Do they support plex? So I can view my videos and download them on the tablet?

[@gadget7894]

the biggest thing here thats nearly said as a passing FYI, at 15:00 is that while in "show mode" you can use voice command to open up non show mode apps.... can those commands be extended into the app ? like youtube/plex ?

[@mallorydurrick]

Hi Lon! Will you be doing live this weekend?

[@darylsenior3856]

Can you help me with it sir

[@michael_c2]

I love the low cost of entry on fire tablets. Got a fire 8 7th gen for $50 I. 2018.. But I think I will upgrade to Lenovo Diet vs Fire 10...has keyboard attached. Has Android and chromeos. Only $250

[@singletona082]

How does this compare to the 2019 fire 7?

[@foxglove9]

May pick one up to use as a bedside clock when it's $30 on Black Friday. Otherwise too underpowered for what I would use it for. I do really appreciate the camera (finally) on the top in landscape mode. That's a huge annoyance with the iPad is the camera is never facing the right way when I FaceTime someone. Maybe Apple will follow it's lead!

[@darylsenior3856]

I don't have a Amazon account my own keep telling me to register my tablet

[@constancewebb2191]

I have noticed that on some of the game apps that they dont rotate in the direction that you are holding the tablet. Is that normal on the hd 8?

[@gimmeachance7059]

What memory SD card should I get for an Amazon Fire 8HD tablet ? Can I buy a 400GB or it's not compatible ?

[@Frazoor]

Get anything up to 1Tb.

[@braulioortiz184]

I was looking for something to use for my Waze would this work? I have a Samsung tablet that I’ve been using for like 3 years and it’s not charging no more so I need something good but not too expensive it’s just for my Waze, would appreciate it if you would share your thoughts thank you....

[@TurricanRex]

Is GeForce Now working on this tablet?

[@purplefuku]

Sonic CD! You have excellent taste in games. 🤗❤

[@MohanRam]

HD 8 Plus ... what a mouthful. Trying saying that fast 5 times.

[@LonSeidman]

This video took a lot of takes as a result :)

[@TechnoLadz]

When Amazon has a feature before Apple lol (I’m talking about Wireless charging as Apple has yet to release a tablet with Qi charging)

[@bl00dkillz]

Nexus 7 tab from early 2010s had it wireless charging

[@nlg]

Adding the Google play store takes up so much ram it slows down the tablet. Hopefully the hd plus can run gps more smoothly with the extra ram

[@jarod3371]

Not even true.

[@PinderProductions]

I've been installing play store on Amazon tablets for a long time and it's never slowed down my tablet.

[@gmtmastertoo]

bollocks. it won't slow the tablet down.

[@jimchallender4616]

Can I use Microsoft "On Line" Outlook email on the FIRE HD8 & Plus? Does "KZbin" run on these as well?

[@WynneSlayerGaming]

Excellent video!! ur very nice!

[@christopher_martin]

how do i find my video files that i transfered from pc, odes this device have a file manager?

[@darkprinc979]

In case you haven't found it yet, on your home screen there is a folder called utilities. Go there and open the my videos app.

[@christopher_martin]

@@darkprinc979 thanks!

[@darkprinc979]

@@christopher_martin No problem.

[@granjmy]

Fire HD 8 Plus tablet currently $59.99 Aug 2022. Fire HD 8 tablet $49.99.

[@valvenator]

You are the first reviewer I found that mentions that the usb can't be used for video out. Thanks! Do you know if any of the other Amazon tablets have a hdmi compatible output? Is there any way these can be used with a hdmi monitor? BTW, I love how you muted her who should not be named :) 13:18

[@pepboyzero]

Keep it up!

[@dbozgt]

Hi Lon Ive got kindle fire hd 8 for $60.

[@gailplatt1]

I couldent justify spending 90 quid on this but 45 i did on prime day

[@leeszeyong]

thx for the review, yes, would be great to see a follow-up video on getting google play on the tablet; byw, can Alexa be disabled on the tablet?

[@sjsphotog]

you cant get good play on an amazon tablet but you can "sideload" google play apps onto them. search youtube or google on how to "sideload" apps using ES File Explorer to export/backup your Google apps from your regular android phone to get the .apk file and then transfer the file to your dropbox or email and then load it on the amazon tablet.

[@singletona082]

Grab amazon fire toolbox from xda forums, and you can disable specific or all amazon services, load in a different launcher, set up google services, and more.

[@jimtwisted1984]

Wireless charging .For those for whom plugging a cord into a USB charger is too challenging.I love the fact that they have a headphone jack so i don’t need to buy some overpriced wireless headphones

[@bhoqeem1975]

Come in and out of some apps, why don't you. I wanna see how snappy it is at that.

[@yankeebisbis]

personally I prefer the look of the older one to the new 2020. The older one although its taller but it looks slimmer. The new one, the screen is surrounded by fat ugly bezels which makes it looking antique.

[@NicMG]

Horribly limiting OS, cheap hardware, fine for kids but really Amazon need to up there game.

[@jarod3371]

Nothing limiting about it. The new ones are Android 9 under the hood.

[@NicMG]

@@jarod3371 Well it's my opinion, the FireOS is terrible.

[@adamsemergian2614]

It literally takes 5 minutes to install the play store and there are many tablets that are less than 100$ with usb C

[@film79]

Whyndo they need to up their game? They tried making good tablets at one point and lost money cause they were too expensive for some and people that dont mind paying for good tablets just get ipads.

[@cerebasan]

The audio is the weakest part of this tablet. I'm exchanging my 8 plus in the hope it's just mine. It's about 25-40% less than the HD 10.

[@courtlenjabbar8595]

What

[@socialrevolution7238]

Amazon tablets are the worst tablets.Dont waist your money on them. Never buy them ,Very Slow unresponsive.And lots of adds pop up everywhere!

[@quench89]

You shouldn't have paid for them with your own money though

[@joemanner6171]

Amazon fire tablets and Chromebook laptops are just over glorified browsers. They're for people who know no better.

[@jarod3371]

Ok. I run PlayStore, different launcher and any app I want in my FireHD10. Best value in a tablet anywhere

[@russc788]

Not people who" know no better", they are for people who need no better.

[@joemanner6171]

@@russc788 they NEED NO BETTER because they KNOW NO BETTER.

[@suncat9]

@@joemanner6171 Wrong. It's an informed, economical decision for someone who needs no better.

[@russc788]

@@joemanner6171 Not true, I have a chromebook (browser only kind, no apps), it's not my primary machine, but I just need that one for websites, Google docs and media streaming. No windows machine has it's high quality screen, long battery life, fast browsing at anything close to this things low price point. It has a niche and does it well.

[@MichaelWebber]

Amazon has the front camera in landscape so it can serve as a cheap Echo Show.

[@courtlenjabbar8595]

What