Amazon Fire tablets are like potato chips; having just one is impossible. The temptation between Black Friday deals and Prime Day sales is too powerful, with discounts up to 50% off. Thankfully, the products are worthy of consideration, and the new Amazon Fire HD 8 is no exception. Amazon tablet releases have been muted over the last few years, and on the surface, there isn’t much new to be excited about in the Fire HD 8 (2024). However, it’s still one of the best values in tech, and the sheer amount of stuff it does adequately is impressive for prices as low as $54.
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024)
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) doesn’t include many improvements over its predecessor, but that’s not a bad thing. The Fire HD 8 was already one of the best tablet deals, and Amazon has made it better by including more RAM. The new model features 3 or 4GB of RAM, depending on which storage option you choose, and it makes a difference. It still includes a 1280 x 800 LCD and durable plastic construction.
- Smooth performance
- Great battery life
- Extremely versatile
- Slow charging speeds
- No Play Store without sideloading
Price, availability, and specs
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) is available through Amazon starting at $100, even though frequent sales bring that number much lower. As with other Amazon tablets, the base model is supported by ads on the lock screen. You can pay more upfront to remove ads, but I don’t find them overly distracting.
They can also be removed later for an additional cost. The Fire HD 8 is sold in 32 and 64GB versions, with a MicroSD card slot for expandable storage up to 1TB. Amazon offers the Fire HD 8 in three colors: Black, Emerald, and Hibiscus.
What’s good about the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024)?
More RAM and excellent streaming performance
You might’ve heard the phrase “a jack of all trades but a master of none,” but it’s typically meant as a negative. I think it’s a positive for budget tablets, especially those under $100. While it’s hard to quantify what makes the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) great, it is. I usually start my reviews by discussing the display, but it’s probably the least remarkable thing about the Fire HD 8. Amazon didn’t change much from the 2022 refresh, meaning it still features an 8-inch 800 x 1280 LCD with a 189ppi. It’s not an exceptionally bright or detailed panel, but it never took me out of the experience while watching a movie or playing games — it does the job.
The increase in RAM is the most significant area of improvement for the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024). The 2022 Amazon Fire HD 8 refresh only had 2GB of RAM, while the 2024 model starts with 3GB. If you purchase the 64GB storage model, you get 4GB of RAM. It makes a material difference in performance and user experience. The 2024 model is noticeably smoother, and switching between apps didn’t incur the lag I’ve had with previous versions. Amazon’s Silk Browser is also a much better experience, and the extra RAM means the budget chipset doesn’t have to open and close apps constantly.
Read our review
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) review: Only slightly better
After two years, the latest version of Amazon’s affordable tablet has finally arrived, but the improvements are minimal
Even though the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) can handle tasks on the device, it shines while streaming. I downloaded the Amazon Luna app and connected to my Ubisoft account to see how well the Fire HD 8 streamed games. I loaded up XDefiant, a first-person shooter, and connected to an Xbox controller through Bluetooth. And I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of input lag and slowdowns while playing. It wouldn’t be my first choice for console games, but I was amazed that I could get through several rounds without wanting to throw down my controller in disgust. Fallout: New Vegas was a similarly high-quality experience, and it helps make the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) an incredible value for $100.
As expected, the Fire HD 8 integrates well with Amazon’s ecosystem. Books and magazines read well in the Kindle app, and Audible offers a fantastic audiobook experience. The Fire HD8’s top-firing stereo speakers aren’t anything to write home about, but they get decently loud. Thankfully, Amazon included a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired headsets — a rarity in 2024. And Amazon Kids gives parents safe media choices for their children. Amazon’s tablets always include granular internet controls, meaning parents can limit how much of the wider internet can be accessed.
It’s nothing that rivals Galaxy AI or Google Gemini, but touches of AI have trickled down to the Fire HD 8. You’ll find a Writing Assist prompt in the integrated email app, providing access to proofreading and ways to punch up your writing with different tones. The Fire HD 8 runs Fire OS 8.3.3.1 out of the box, a heavily skinned version of Android 11. I like what Amazon does with Fire OS, and its Android flavor ensures the company can maintain a relatively consistent performance standard across several classes of tablets for years. The company promises four years of security patches and updates for the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024).
Amazon claims the Fire HD 8 can provide up to 13 hours of screen time with a single charge. That’s a bit generous, but it still comes pretty close. Expect about ten hours for video playback and 5 hours of battery life while gaming. If you’re scrolling the web or checking emails, you can get closer to the 13-hour number.
I always consider the Fire HD tablets to have a “bend but not break” build quality. It’s a device you can throw around a little and be confident that even if the plastic back cracks, it’ll still work. I like that Amazon has textured the back plastic for 2024, giving the Fire HD 8 some much-needed grip.
The Fire HD 8’s cameras aren’t worth hating because I expect almost nothing from cameras on a $100 tablet. Its rear 5MP sensor is acceptable in a pinch, producing a soft image lacking detail, but it’s not the worst I’ve ever seen on an Amazon tablet. The front-facing 2MP camera is adequate for Zoom meetings, but that’s about it. Don’t expect Google Pixel imagery, and you won’t be disappointed.
What’s bad about the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024)?
Fingerprint magnet and slow charging
I don’t know what Amazon uses, but I’d love to see an oleophobic coating on the Fire HD 8. It’s a nitpick, but the display picks up every smudge and fingerprint within a five-mile radius. You won’t notice it while using the tablet, but I wipe the glass whenever it’s turned off. I’d also like Amazon to increase the maximum brightness. Outdoor viewing is challenging, and using my Fire HD 8 for reading and content on the go would be enjoyable.
The Fire HD 8’s charging speeds are downright painful. It takes close to 5 hours to recharge fully, although I was able to reduce those speeds with faster charging bricks. Even still, it’s an area of improvement for Amazon to consider with future versions. I’d also like to see native stylus support brought to the 8-inch Fire HD tablet.
Should you buy it?
I would recommend the Fire HD 8 even for $100, but if you’re paying full price for an Amazon tablet, you’re doing it wrong. Take advantage of Black Friday and Prime Day sales to get the Fire HD 8 for less. It’s consistently on our list of best budget tablets for a reason, and while the Fire HD 8 (2024) might not dazzle in any particular category, it does well enough to justify a purchase. So, if you’re buying one for the first time, or like many of us, coming back for your third or fourth Fire tablet, you won’t be disappointed by the Fire HD 8 (2024).
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024)
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) doesn’t overwhelm in any one way, but it does enough things well to be worth considering. If you’re in the market for a budget tablet, it’s hard to ignore the Fire HD 8 (2024)’s value when you factor in the increased RAM and reliable software for the price you pay.
