![]() ![]() The selection here is decent and very focussed towards media apps, but it lacks any of Google’s services. Instead of Google Play, the Fire HD 8 has Amazon’s App Store. It really helps the Fire HD 8 feel like a media tablet, rather than one for productivity. All your books, video from Prime or audiobooks are laid out with big artwork and without having to dive into separate apps. ![]() Your content is always front and center and easily accessible. However, if you do then I really appreciate the design. Some might find this approach annoying and I will admit that if you don’t use any of Amazon’s many services then it won’t be pleasant. The reason the Amazon Fire HD 8 is so affordable suddenly becomes clear: Amazon makes most of its money elsewhere, badgering you into spending money with these services. It’s the equivalent of Google getting rid of the homescreens and instead just giving you pages featuring different parts of the Google Play Store. There’s Instant Video, the Kindle Store, .uk, Audible, and more. It’s made up of a bunch of homescreens, most of which push other Amazon-owned platforms. But it’s worth a quick primer if you’re new to the Fire range as it can put people used to regular Android off completely.įire OS is very service-driven. If you’ve used an Amazon tablet before, then nothing significant has changed. The Amazon Fire HD 8 runs Fire OS, which is based on the same software as the other slates in our best Android tablets list but looks and feels completely different. This should only really be a problem if you’re planning on using the tablet to read outside – if this is your primary use then I would suggest plumping for a Kindle Paperwhite instead.īut, overall the screen is fine, and for the price you can’t really expect more. The Amazon Fire HD 8 display can also struggle in bright environments, as the actual brightness levels aren’t quite strong enough to combat particularly strong rays. The contrast-sapping screen style makes colours appear quite low-energy until you jack up the backlight. How good colours appear will depend on how liberal you are with the brightness slider. ![]() The screen is very reflective, making blacks appear quite grey and the fairly low resolution (1280 x 800) doesn’t look super-sharp even when spread out over the small 8-inch canvas. What is most evident is that for a tablet primarily aimed at media use it’s not a fantastic device to watch Prime content on. The specs are basic, as is the case with all the lower-cost Fire tablets. The screen is one of the weaker parts of the HD 8 and it hasn’t seen any major updates. I don’t think many of you will feel let down by its build, or become irritated by the amount of storage space you have to play with. However, I’ve used many sub-£100 tablets over the years that are, frankly, rubbish – and a constant reminder that you opted to cheap out.Īmazon has tried to make a tablet that isn’t going to disappoint buyers quickly. The Fire HD 8 succeeds in a manner that sounds like an insult: it isn’t rubbish. The tablet is also available in a wide array of hues. It’s a pleasant look and has a textured finish that both looks and feels better than glossy plastic. I’m looking at the white version of the Amazon Fire HD 8. This is a tablet I wouldn’t mind chucking in a bag without a case or giving to clumsy kids (or clumsy adults). It isn’t thick or heavy, and it’s very durable. One of the best things about the Amazon Fire HD 8 is that while it is a cheap tablet, it doesn’t appear instantly dated like many others in this price bracket. The only minor niggle is that for £20/$20 more you can get the Fire HD 8 Plus, which has a little more RAM and comes with wireless charging. It’s a great way to binge Prime content, use Alexa and just have a cheap tablet for day-to-day use. It offers more features than the Kindle Paperwhite or Kindle Oasis e-readers and it’s a lot more compact than the very large Fire HD 10. The Fire HD 8 is perfect for those who want a cheap, basic tablet primarily for media consumption and reading. It costs £89.99 and features all the basic features you would expect. The Amazon Fire HD 8 is one of the best budget tablets you can buy from a recognisable brand. ![]()
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