Guides for Fire Tablet

Fire HD 8 Plus

What’s new in Fire HD 8 2024 (12th Gen)?

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Fire HD 8 2024 (12th Gen)

Fire HD 8 2024 (12th Gen) is an upgraded model (not a new model or a new gen in the product line) of Fire HD 8 20222 (12th Gen). This means the update in this 2024 release is relatively limited.

This Fire Tablet guide explains the new features and upgrades in Fire HD 8 2024, including more RAM, AI features, and an improved rear camera, to help you decide whether this tablet is the right device for you.

If you are considering a Fire tablet, you may check out the Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2025, which covers all Fire tablet models available in the market and the key differences among them.

Additional RAM

Fire HD 8 2024 (12th Gen) now has 3GB RAM for the 32GB storage version and 4GB RAM for the 64GB version. So, compared to Fire HD 8 2022, both versions get 1GB of additional RAM.

For this reason, Amazon claims a 50% increase in RAM (2GB to 3GB). For the 64GB version, the increase is 33.3%.

Although many potential buyers may be disappointed with the ancient CPU, which is identical to that in Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen), it is actually smart to add more RAM if you can only upgrade one of them. The tablet feels smoother when switching between apps, especially for some large apps.

Additional RAM is very likely required for the coming AI features (read on).

5MP rear camera

Fire HD 8 2024 (12th Gen) shares identical dimensions and button layout with Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen). The second upgrade to the tablet is the rear camera sensor.

The rear camera in Fire HD 8 2024 is upgraded to 5MP (from 2MP in the 2022 model).… Read the rest

Fire Tablet Buyer’s Guide 2023

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Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2023

Amazon Fire tablet (Fire 7, Fire HD 8, Fire HD 10, and Fire Max 11) is the most affordable Android tablet on the planet. Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2023 will help you decide:

  • Is a Fire tablet right for me?
  • Which Fire tablet is for me?
  • How to get the best deal on a Fire tablet.

In this Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2023, I will first explain the difference between the Fire tablet and the Android tablet, when you may consider buying a Fire tablet, and when you should not consider the Fire tablet at all. The current (2023) models of Amazon Fire tablets are compared to explain the differences among these available models in 2023. You can then decide whether to get the 7″ Fire 7 or 8″ and 10″ HD or 11″ Fire max tablet based on your budget usage, portability, and special needs.

Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2023 also explains what are the additional features or upgrades in the Plus version for Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 10. Kids edition is also discussed in detail so that you may know whether you should consider it.

This Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2023 finally explains why you should not buy a Fire tablet of the old generation and why you should avoid the refurbished Fire tablet.

Update: Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2024.

Update (latest): Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2025.

Difference between the Fire tablet and the Android tablet

Amazon Fire tablet is not exactly an Android tablet, although it is often quoted as the most affordable Android tablet.

Amazon Fire tablet differs from a “normal” Android tablet in a few aspects, including:

  • No official Google Play Store access.
… Read the rest

Amazon Fire Max 11: A Closer Look at the Top 10 New Features

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Amazon Fire Max 11: A Closer Look at the Top 10 New Features

The Amazon Fire Max 11 is the latest addition (13th Gen) to Amazon's lineup of the Amazon Fire tablet.

With its stunning display, faster CPU and more RAM, 14-hour battery life, improved (8MP) camera sensor, elevated multitasking capabilities, immersive audio, a fingerprint sensor, 64/128GB storage, premium design and build, and keyboard and stylus support, the Amazon Fire Max 11 is designed to be a “premium” Fire tablet. However, it is not the reborn of the discontinued HDX series.

In this post, the top 10 new features of Amazon Fire Max 11 will be discussed to help you understand the uniqueness of Amazon Fire Max 11. The issues and missing features of this tablet will be discussed in this article.

Amazon introduced three generative AI features, Webpage Summaries, Wallpaper Creator, and Writing Assist, with the release of Fire HD 8 2024. Now, all these AI features are available on Fire Max 11.

Stunning Display: Fire Max 11's Immersive Screen

One of the standout new features of the Fire Max 11 is its stunning display.

Amazon Fire Max 11's large (11 inches as suggested by the name), high-resolution (2000*1200) screen offers a wider field of view, allowing users to fully immerse themselves in their favorite movies, games, and online content.

The vibrant colors produced by the Fire Max 11's display add depth and richness to images, bringing them to life in a striking and realistic way. Whether it's the vivid hues of a scenic landscape or the vibrant costumes of characters in a movie, the screen accurately reproduces every shade and tone, creating a visually stunning spectacle.

Surprisingly, the gorgeous display does not support HDR10+.… Read the rest

What’s new in Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen) vs Fire HD 8 2020 (10th Gen)?

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What's new in Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen) vs Fire HD 8 2022 (10th Gen)?

Amazon announced the Fire HD 8 2022, which is the 12th Gen of the Fire Tablet, on September 21, 2022. You can get your hands on it from October 19.

Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen) shares a similar size and design, almost identical display, similar micro SD card support, and identical RAM, compared to the previous generation of Fire HD 8 (Fire HD 2020/10th Gen).

So, what is new in Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen) vs Fire HD 8 2020 (10th Gen)?

This Fire tablet buying guide explains the six changes or improvements in the Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen) vs Fire HD 8 2020 (10th Gen), including Fire OS 8, a Hexa-core processor, 13-hour battery life, swapped locations for the power and volume buttons, 5MP rear camera for the Plus model, and $10 price hike.

Update: the upgrade model, Fire HD 8 2024 (12th Gen), is now replacing Fire HD 8 2022. However, there is no Plus version in the 2024 release.

1. Fire OS 8

Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen) is the second Fire tablet with the latest Fire OS: Fire OS 8.

As explained in this post, Fire 7 2022 (12th Gen) is the first Fire tablet shipped with Fire OS 8.

You can use all new features and improvements in Fire OS 8 with the new Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen), e.g.,

Please note Fire OS 8 does work with the Google Play store.… Read the rest

Fire Tablet Buyer’s Guide 2022

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Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2022

Amazon Fire tablet (Fire 7, Fire HD 8, and Fire HD 10) is the most affordable Android tablet on the planet. Fire tablet buyer's guide 2022 help you decide:

  • Is a Fire tablet right for me?
  • Which Fire tablet is for me?
  • How to get the best deal on a Fire tablet.

In this Fire tablet buyer's guide 2022, I will first explain the difference between the Fire tablet and the Android tablet, when you may consider buying a Fire tablet, and when you should not consider the Fire tablet at all. The current (2022) models of Amazon Fire tablets are compared to explain the differences among these available models in 2022. You can then decide whether you should get the 7″ Fire 7 or 8″ and 10″ HD tablet based on your budget usage, portability, and special needs.

Fire tablet buyer's guide 2022 also explains what are the additional features or upgrades in the Plus version for Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 10. Kids edition is also discussed in detail so that you may know whether you should consider it.

This Fire tablet buyer's guide 2022 finally explains why you should not buy a Fire tablet of the old generation and why you should avoid the refurbished Fire tablet.

The 2023 updated version of this guide is available: Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2023.

Update: Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2024.

Update (latest): Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2025.

Difference between the Fire tablet and the Android tablet

Amazon Fire tablet is not exactly an Android tablet, although it is often quoted as the most affordable Android tablet.

Amazon Fire tablet differs from a “normal” Android tablet in a few aspects, including:

  • No official Google Play Store access.
… Read the rest

How to use the 15 special keys and 11 keyboard shortcuts on the official wireless keyboard for Amazon Fire HD 10 2021 (and Fire HD 10 Plus)?

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use the 15 special keys and 11 keyboard shortcuts on the official wireless keyboard for Amazon Fire HD 10 2021 (and Fire HD 10 Plus)

The official wireless keyboard for Amazon Fire HD 10 2021 (and Fire HD 10 Plus) is one of the most useful accessories if you need to type a lot on the Fire HD 10 tablet. But some owners are confused about the 15 special keys and are not aware of the keyboard shortcuts that can improve their productivity greatly.

This Fire tablet how-to guide explains the meaning and usage of the 15 special keys on the official wireless keyboard for Amazon Fire HD 10 2021 (and Fire HD 10 Plus). The available keyboard shortcuts are also explained to help you improve your productivity.

If you want to know how to pair or configure the keyboard, please check this guide.

You may check Fire Tablet Buyers' Guide to see whether you should buy the Bluetooth keyboard as a productivity bundle.

Fire HD 10 2023 (13th Gen) also has a similar official keyboard cover, which works identically to the one for Fire HD 10 2021. However, due to the differences in dimensions, you cannot fit the keyboard case for Fire HD 10 2021 with Fire HD 10 2023. And vice versa. So, this guide also works for Fire HD 10 2023 (13th Gen). The Fire Max 11 keyboard case also share the same 15 special keys (shortcut keys).

What are the 15 special keys on the official wireless keyboard for Amazon Fire HD 10 2021 (and Fire HD 10 Plus)?

There are 15 special keys on the official wireless keyboard for Amazon Fire HD 10 2021 (and Fire HD 10 Plus). 13 of them are located in the top row, and the other two are left to the space bar, as illustrated below.… Read the rest

Fire HD 10 Plus vs. Fire HD 10 2021 vs. Fire HD 10 2019

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Fire HD 10 Plus vs Fire HD 10 2021 vs Fire HD 10 2019As a refreshed version of the Fire HD 10 tablet, Fire HD 10 2021 (11th Gen) offers a moderate update over Fire HD 10 2019 (9th Gen). 

Fire HD 10 Plus is the first “Plus” version of the Fire HD 10 series, apparently inspired by the moderate success of the Fire HD 8 Plus.

This Fire tablet guide explains the new features of Fire HD 10 2021 (11th gen) compared to Fire HD 10 2019 (9th Gen) and the difference between Fire HD 10 Plus vs. Fire HD 10 2021 to help you decide whether you should get the new Fire HD 10, or the new Fire HD10 Plus. The productivity bundle for the 11th Gen Fire HD 10, Fire HD 10 Kids,  and Fire HD 10 Kids Pro are also explained.

Update: Fire HD 10 2023 (13th Gen) was released. Please check this guide on the new features(e.g., Fire OS 8 and active stylus support)  and improvements in the 13th-generation Fire HD 10.

Fire HD 10 2021 (11th Gen) vs Fire HD 10 2019 (9th Gen): what's not changed?

The 11th Gen of Fire HD 10 is not a significant upgrade to the 9th Gen. A lot of key features and specs (and the price) still remain unchanged.

Chipset (CPU/GPU)

The tablet is still powered by the same MediaTek MT8183 (64-bit octa-core). It is a decent entry-level mobile chip and is probably still the fastest processor for a tablet under $150.

Anyway, for most Fire HD 10 tablet owners, the chipset should be sufficient.  You may get a bit frustrated if you play heavy games or render videos on the tablet.

Fire OS 7

Both Fire HD 2021 (11th Gen) and  Fire HD 10 2019 (9th Gen) were released with Fire OS 7, which is based on Android Pie (Android 9).… Read the rest

The ultimate guide of USB-C fast charging on Fire HD 10 2019, Fire HD 8 2020, and later devcies

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USB-C fast charging on Fire HD 10 2019, Fire HD 8 2020, and Fire HD 8 PlusThe addition of a USB-C port on Fire HD 10 2021 (11th  Gen), Fire HD 10 Plus, Fire HD 10 2019 (9th Gen), Fire HD 8 2020 (10th Gen), and Fire HD 8 Plus makes these Fire tablets support 15W USB-C fast charging and be compatible with more USB accessories. This Fire tablet how-to guide explains what USB-C fast charging  (PD) is, how to use it to charge your Fire HD tablets faster, and known problems and caveats of using fast charging on Fire HD tablets.

Please note, that this guide only applies to Fire HD tablets with a USB-C port.  Currently, Fire HD 10 2021 (11th Gen), Fire HD 10 Plus, Fire HD10 2019 (9th Gen), Fire HD 8 2020 (10th Gen), and Fire HD 8 Plus, Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen), Fire HD 8 Plus (2022), Fire HD 10 2023 (13th Gen), and Fire Max 11 (13th Gen) have the USB-C Port. Older generations and Fire 7 only have a micro USB port. Fire 7 2022 (12th Gen) has now also switched to the USB-C port, and therefore, this guide also applies to the 12th Gen Fire 7 (2022)

You may check the latest edition of the Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide to get more info,

What is USB-C fast charging (USB PD)?

For the 10th gen Fire HD 8 (Fire HD 2020), Amazon stated:

Fully charge in under 5 hours using the USB-C cable and 5W power adapter included in the box. Fully charge in under 4 hours with 9W adapter (sold separately), and under 3 hours with 15W adapter and USB type C to C cable (adapter and cable sold separately).

Essentially, you can fully charge Fire HD 8 2020 or Fire HD 8 Plus (and Fire HD 10 2019 and Fire HD 10 2021) within 3 hours with fast charging.… Read the rest