HD Fire HD 8" Tablet (2015)

[Josieb1]

I'm thinking of staying with my basic now. Including the official case it only cost me £66 for the 16GB. I'd like the 32GB and the better screen but I'm bummed by the lower processor

[tubemonkey]

An interesting graphic from AFTVnews:

Amazon’s tablet strategy of Less is More

The new Fire HD 8 has a weaker CPU, poorer camera’s, and slower WiFi than last year’s model, but it’s better for it. Amazon is pushing the new tablet as a media consumption device and has made hardware changes that best suit that task while reducing the device’s cost.

Amazon increased specs where it helps media consumption most. RAM was bumped up a bit to 1.5 GB, which helps when browsing through seemingly endless thumbnails while trying to find something to watch. Doubling internal storage to 16 GB means you can store twice as many movies and TV show episodes for offline viewing as before. Lastly, increasing battery life by 50% is obviously great for binge watching on long roadtrips or layovers.

Reducing specs that will go unnoticed, while increasing specs that matter, and knocking 40% off the retail price is a great direction for Amazon’s tablets.

[Josieb1]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

An interesting graphic from AFTVnews:

Amazon’s tablet strategy of Less is More

Thanks for that Tubemonkey. My worry about the processer is that its the same one as the basic Fire, which I have, and that lags now especially when downloading and opening new booksersonal documents (which most of my books are) so the new Fire 8 is going to be the same.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Josieb1

Thanks for that Tubemonkey. My worry about the processer is that its the same one as the basic Fire, which I have, and that lags now especially when downloading and opening new booksersonal documents (which most of my books are) so the new Fire 8 is going to be the same.

The 2016 HD 8 actually uses a newer generation 64-bit processor that's more efficient than the processors used in previous Fire HDs. I suspect they'll use this one for future HDs.

[booklover6]

I didn't realize they only included a 90 day warranty for this model. Wow. Maybe that explains the price cut more than anything else.

It's still a good buy for those who need a good 8" tablet. But not for me, I don't regret having the 1st gen. Mine is still under warranty until next Feb, and that is a good feeling

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by booklover6

I didn't realize they only included a 90 day warranty for this model. Wow. Maybe that explains the price cut more than anything else.

It's still a good buy for those who need a good 8" tablet. But not for me, I don't regret having the 1st gen. Mine is still under warranty until next Feb, and that is a good feeling

Just like the 7" Fire. Amazon wants you to buy a 2-year warranty for $20.

[Josieb1]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

Just like the 7" Fire. Amazon wants you to buy a 2-year warranty for $20.

In the UK we always get a years warranty minimum. I bought my basic Fire from John Lewis and they offer a two year warranty as standard for electronic device, sometimes even three years.

[Josieb1]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

The 2016 HD 8 actually uses a newer generation 64-bit processor that's more efficient than the processors used in previous Fire HDs. I suspect they'll use this one for future HDs.

Thanks again for this, I wasn't aware.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Josieb1

In the UK we always get a years warranty minimum. I bought my basic Fire from John Lewis and they offer a two year warranty as standard for electronic device, sometimes even three years.

You have better warranty laws than we do.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Josieb1

Thanks again for this, I wasn't aware.

YW

For those interested, here are the chips Amazon is using in the HD 8 (2016) and HD 8 (2015). The page linked below has full detailed specs for all 14 Fire tablets Amazon has released to date.

Fire HD 8 (2016)

• SOC --> MediaTek MT8163V/B
• CPU --> ARM Cortex-A53 (64-bit quad-core processor 1.3GHz (V/B))
• GPU --> ARM Mali-T720 MP2

Fire HD 8 (2015)

• SOC --> MediaTek MT8135
• CPU --> Quad core (dual-core ARM Cortex A15 1.5GHz, dual-core ARM Cortex A7 1.2GHz)
• GPU --> PowerVR G6200

[cicsos2]

Initially ordered on in Blue but the case would have comed 2 weeks later so changed to Black and both are promised on the 21st. I've finally decided to replace my old but fairly reliable original 8.9 Kindle Fire. I consider myself to be very lucky in that I've never had to replace any of my Kindles due to failure (I did replace one of the covers with the built-in light from years ago). Some were replaced long after their warranty period but all but 1 were given to other family members. That one I sent in to be recycled.

So, I have high hopes for this new 8" 2016 model.

[Snow Sciles]

tubemonkey, thanks for posting the comparisons. I read about the downgrade and was bit disappointed. But it looks like they have indeed refined the model and improved the more important areas. I'll take more RAM over the camera and ac wifi.

I wish they had other colours though.

[Josieb1]

I had a look at the existing Fire HD8 in Currys today and the screen did look much better than my Fire 7 so I'm seriously looking at getting the 32GB model. I want more internal storage as personal documents don't save to the SD card, plus the Dolby stereo will be better for audiobooks. The 32GB only comes in black but I'll get the Tangerine case.

[booklover6]

I don't think you will be disappointed. I don't much like the screen on the basic 7.

[Barbara1955]

The Intro gives the impression the case is included! Then come to find out it $30! Add that to the cost of warranty... Just not worth giving up my Fire 10
Soo tempting because the battery good for 12 hours instead of 8