Amazon has introduced the new Alexa Tablet line, marking a shift from its budget-focused Fire OS devices to mid-range Android hardware. The new tablets come with the Google Play Store pre-installed, allowing users to access apps without sideloading. The devices feature screen sizes ranging from 8.7 to 12 inches and are priced between $230 and $500.
The Alexa Tablet 8 and 11 models are equipped with the 8-core MediaTek MT8189 processor, featuring two ARM Cortex-A78 and six Cortex-A55 cores, with support for up to 8GB of RAM. In comparison, the previous Fire HD 8 utilized the MT8169A chip with six Cortex-A55 cores. These new models represent a significant hardware upgrade over the older generation.
The Alexa Tablet 12 Pro models feature the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 chip with eight Cortex-A725 cores and offer up to 16GB of RAM. These devices support optional stylus and keyboard accessories. Despite these upgrades, the entry-level models retain lower-resolution displays, USB 2.0 Type-C ports, and basic camera specifications.
While the new tablets offer improved performance and software flexibility, their starting prices are notably higher than previous models. For instance, the Alexa Tablet 8 starts at $230, whereas the previous-gen Fire HD 8 was priced around $100. The devices remain deeply integrated with Amazon services like Alexa, Kindle, Prime Video, and Amazon Music.
