Amazon Fire HD 8: Pros and Cons
Amazon announced the launch of the Fire HD 8 smartphone in 2016. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 8 inch IPS display, Mediatek MT8163 SoC, and 1.5 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the Android OS v5.1 (Lollipop) operating system. This phone uses a high resolution 1280 x 800 px, 8 inch IPS display. This phone has only one rear-camera (2 MP, 1600 x 1200 px) on its back for photos and videos. Let's explore what sets this device apart.
Table of Contents
- Amazon Fire HD 8 specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Amazon Fire HD 8 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.
Amazon Fire HD 8 specifications
Brand | Amazon |
---|---|
Name | Fire HD 8 |
Model | FHD82016 |
Release date | 2016 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
Weight | 12.03 oz |
---|---|
Dimensions | 5.04 x 8.43 x 0.36 inch |
Colors | black, blue, magenta, tangerine |
SIM type | no |
The weight of the Amazon Fire HD 8 is still considered to be lightweight and portable.
System, chipset, performance
OS version | Android OS v5.1 (Lollipop) |
---|---|
SoC | Mediatek MT8163 |
CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 |
GPU | Mali-T720 MP2 |
The Amazon Fire HD 8 comes with Android OS v5.1 (Lollipop) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means the source code is free to the public. The quad-core mobile CPU can provide fast and efficient performance for mobile games. Many people consider ARM Mali GPUs a good option for mobile devices.
Display type, size, resolution
Display type | IPS |
---|---|
Screen size | 8 inch |
Resolution | 1280 x 800 px |
Multitouch support | yes |
People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. The 8 inch display may make the phone less pocket-friendly. It may also make it harder to use with one hand. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.
Memory, storage
RAM | 1.5 GB |
---|---|
Internal storage | 16 GB |
Memory card slot | microSD |
1.5 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. Having more RAM alone does not guarantee better performance. If you use your smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32GB may be sufficient for your needs. You can expand the internal storage of the Fire HD 8 (16 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
Main camera | 2 MP, 1600 x 1200 px |
---|---|
Selfie camera | VGA |
You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The Fire HD 8 does not have optical image stabilization (OIS).
Connectivity, network, wireless
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
---|---|
Bluetooth | v4.0, A2DP |
GPS | no |
NFC | no |
FM radio | no |
USB | microUSB 2.0 |
Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
This Amazon phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Fire HD 8 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone doesn't have built-in GPS. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
Type | Li-Po 4750 mAh, non-removable |
---|
The Li-Po 4750 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The Fire HD 8 does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.
Features, sensors, specials
Sensors | accelerometer, gyroscope, light |
---|---|
Specials | Fire OS 5.0 |
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer provides information about the smartphone's movement in three axes. These are X (horizontal), Y (vertical), and Z (depth). The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device.
Verdict, pros and cons
Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Amazon phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.
Pros
- microSD slot
- good battery
Cons
- overly large screen
- insufficient memory
- insufficient internal storage
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- lack of autofocus
- no GPS receiver
- no NFC feature
- no Type-C USB port
- no digital compass
- no fingerprint reader
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.