Amazon today announced the launch of four new 8-inch Fire tablets led by the Fire HD 8, which the company claims is 30 percent faster than its 2020 predecessor. It also starts at $10 more expensive this time, at $99.99. In addition to the Fire HD 8, the e-commerce giant also announced new subdivision models, the Fire HD 8 Plus, Fire HD 8 Kids and Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablets. They are all available for pre-order today and all models are priced $10 more expensive than before and will ship next month.
In addition to the speed increase, the new Fire HD 8 has an unannounced six-core rather than quad-core processor this time, and the new tablet’s specs are very similar to the 2020 model. (Interestingly, Amazon also says its 2020 model is 30 percent faster than its predecessor.) Memory remains at 2GB, storage options include 32 and 64GB with the option to expand up to 1TB with a microSD card, and the tablet continues to charge via USB-C (battery life is rated at 13 hours instead of 12 hours).
Upgrading to the $119.99 Fire HD 8 Plus model gets an additional 1GB of RAM for a total of 3GB, as well as an “improved” 5MP rear-facing camera. It also offers better charging options, with support for wireless charging, or fast charging via the included 9W wired charger (the standard Fire HD 8 comes with a 5W charger). Storage capacity is the same, with a choice of 32GB or 64GB of internal storage.
Finally, there are the kids’ versions, the Fire HD 8 Kids and Fire HD 8 Kids Pro. Both start at $149.99, but are aimed at different age groups; the regular Kids version is for kids ages 3-7, and the Kids Pro is for ages 6-12. Both include a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids Plus, which offers ad-free games, videos, books and educational content, as well as an included kid-friendly case and a two-year warranty. The difference is that the Kids Pro tablet has access to a digital store where e-books and apps can be purchased (although Amazon’s press release says the tablet’s parental controls mean kids will need to ask permission to purchase).
In addition to the standard kids’ model, Amazon also has a Disney Design bundle with a Mickey Mouse and Disney Princess series-themed case for $159.99. Non-kid models of the Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 8 Plus are available in protective cases for $29.99.
