Amazon Alexa Tablet 8 vs 11 vs 12 Pro: Prices, Specs, Reviews and Which to Buy
Amazon Alexa Tablets compared: 8 ($229.99), 11 ($329.99), 12 Pro ($499.99). Specs, reviews, ads, Fire tablet differences and which to buy.
Amazon's new Alexa Tablets come in three sizes. The Alexa Tablet 8 costs $229.99, the Alexa Tablet 11 costs $329.99 and the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro starts at $499.99 ($549.99 with the anti-glare Nanomatte screen). Unlike Fire tablets, all three run Android with the full Google Play Store, and they have Alexa+ built in. Most people should choose by screen size and RAM. The 12 Pro is the only model that works with the new $89.99 pen and $149.99 keyboard.
Amazon announced the lineup on October 8, 2026. The tablets began shipping October 14 in the US, Canada and Mexico, and October 19 in the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Reviews of the 12 Pro are now out, and searches like "alexa tablet 12 pro review" and "amazon alexa tablet vs fire tablet" are rising ahead of Black Friday on November 27. Here's how to choose.
What are the Amazon Alexa Tablets?
They're Amazon's new premium tablet range, introduced by Kevin Keith, Amazon's vice president of Devices. Every model has an aluminium unibody, runs Android and includes the Google Play Store. That means apps such as YouTube, Netflix, Gmail and Google Docs install directly, alongside Amazon's own Prime Video, Kindle, Audible, Amazon Music, Amazon Quick and Amazon Luna.
This is a real change of direction. As Engadget's review puts it, the tablet runs full Android and the Play Store rather than Amazon's older FireOS. BGR says the move takes Amazon away from its cheap, ad-subsidised Fire strategy and towards the iPad — though, as we explain below, the ads haven't disappeared.
Alexa Tablet 8 vs 11 vs 12 Pro: specs and prices
All specifications below come from Amazon's announcement, unless marked otherwise. Prices are US starting prices.
| Alexa Tablet 8 | Alexa Tablet 11 | Alexa Tablet 12 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $229.99 | $329.99 | $499.99 (Nanomatte $549.99) |
| Base memory/storage | 4GB / 64GB | 8GB / 64GB | 8GB / 128GB (up to 16GB RAM) |
| Display | 8.7-inch | 11-inch, 2.5K, 276 ppi, 90Hz, 16:10 | 12-inch, 280 ppi, 120Hz, 3:2; optional Nanomatte anti-glare |
| Processor | 8-core | 8-core | 4nm 8-core (MediaTek Dimensity 8400, per Engadget and BGR) |
| Speakers | Not specified | Dual Dolby Atmos | Quad Dolby Atmos |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Not specified | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Video playback (Amazon claim) | Up to 14 hours | Up to 15 hours | Up to 16 hours |
| Size/weight | 7.95mm, 329g | Not specified | 6.5mm thin; about 550g (BGR) |
| Pen and keyboard support | No | No | Yes: Pro Pen $89.99, Pro Keyboard $149.99 |
| Colours | Graphite, Rosette, Teal | Graphite, Amethyst, Matcha | Graphite |
All three models have Alexa+, a distraction-free Kindle reading mode that Amazon says lasts up to 20 hours of reading, and Amazon's personalised home screen.
Which Alexa Tablet should you buy?
This decision table is our own, based on the official specs above.
| If you mainly… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Read Kindle books, browse and watch in bed or on the go | Tablet 8 ($229.99) | Lightest (329g), one-handed, cheapest. 4GB RAM is enough for light use but limits multitasking. |
| Stream video and play casual games on the sofa | Tablet 11 ($329.99) | 8GB RAM, a bigger 2.5K 90Hz screen and dual Dolby Atmos speakers for $100 more |
| Want a laptop alternative, handwritten notes or to read outdoors | Tablet 12 Pro ($499.99+) | 120Hz 3:2 screen, quad speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, and the only model that works with the pen and keyboard |
| Read in sunlight or by a window | 12 Pro Nanomatte ($549.99) | Corning-etched anti-glare glass that Amazon says preserves detail and colour |
| Are buying for a child | Amazon Kids Tablet bundle | Includes a kid-proof case and a year of Amazon Kids+ (see below) |
A quick tip: the 11's extra RAM (8GB vs 4GB) matters more than its screen if you keep several apps open. And for the full 12 Pro setup with pen and keyboard, budget about $739.97 at list price ($499.99 + $89.99 + $149.99), or $789.97 with Nanomatte. That's our arithmetic at list prices, before tax; Engadget notes bundles are also sold, so compare a bundle against buying the pieces separately.
What does Alexa+ do on the tablets?
Amazon says Alexa+ is built "into the core" of every model:
- Wake or tap: Say "Alexa" or tap the Ask Alexa button. It opens on top of whatever you're doing.
- On-Screen Intelligence: Ask Alexa about what's on screen — for example, to compare hiking trails on a web page or add a sports schedule to your calendar. Amazon says this is off by default, needs a deliberate opt-in and shows a visual indicator whenever Alexa can see your screen.
- Live sessions: Tap the Alexa icon for a continuous, hands-free conversation without repeating the wake word. You can also share your screen during a live session.
- Personalisation: A "For You" feed and a "Dynamic Tab" on the home screen show what you're watching, reading or playing.
If you're new to Alexa+, our explainer on Alexa+ in Japan covers how Amazon prices it outside the US.
Do Alexa Tablets have ads?
Amazon's announcement doesn't mention ads. But BGR's review (Christian de Looper, October 20) says the home screen's Dynamic Tab "regularly showed me ads for content on Prime Video," and that the two home screen widgets can't be removed. The reviewer argued that "users will expect better from the software when they're paying more cash up front." We haven't seen an official way to switch the Dynamic Tab off, so if you dislike ads, factor that in.
Alexa Tablet 12 Pro review: what critics say
We haven't used these tablets ourselves. Here's what two published reviews we read report:
- Engadget (Nathan Ingraham, Oct 15, score 8.4/10): Engadget called it "a great value, even if Android apps still aren't great on a big screen," and said it "sits in a sweet spot of price and capability." Pros: the Nanomatte display, a reasonably priced keyboard and pen, and full Android. Cons: occasional stutter, and many Android apps aren't optimised for large screens. The reviewer reported nearly eight hours off the charger doing work tasks, and hadn't yet tested Amazon's 16-hour video claim.
- BGR (Oct 20): Liked the solid aluminium build, the 11.95-inch 2800 × 1840 120Hz display, Android 16 with Google Play and the keyboard. Cons: ads, performance behind the iPad Air and Galaxy Tab S12, an IPS LCD with weaker blacks than OLED, 27W charging, mediocre cameras, a graphite-only finish and no clear software-update commitment. Verdict: "quite a nice product" if you like the design, don't mind ads and don't need top performance.
BGR also points out that Amazon's "nearly three times faster processing and nine times faster graphics" claim is measured against Amazon's own earlier tablets, not against iPads.
What we couldn't find: dedicated reviews of the Tablet 11 and Tablet 8, or owner threads on Reddit or forums that we could open and link to. Going by search suggestions, readers are asking "Alexa Tablet 8 review," "Alexa Tablet 11 review," "Alexa tablet for kitchen" and "Amazon Alexa Tablet vs Fire tablet." We'll update this guide when reliable reviews of the smaller models appear.
Amazon Alexa Tablet vs Fire tablet: what's the difference?
| Alexa Tablets (2026) | Fire tablets | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android with full Google Play Store | Amazon's FireOS, per Engadget and BGR |
| Build | Aluminium unibody | Amazon-branded budget designs, which BGR describes as cheaper materials |
| Starting price | $229.99 | Generally lower (Fire tablets have long been Amazon's budget line) |
Amazon's announcement doesn't say whether the Fire tablet line is being discontinued, so don't assume it is. If you mainly need a cheap screen for Prime Video, a discounted Fire tablet during Cyber Monday may still make sense. If you want Google apps without workarounds, choose an Alexa Tablet.
What about the new Amazon Kids Tablets?
Amazon also launched Amazon Kids Tablets in 8.7-inch and 11-inch sizes. These are bundles that include the tablet, a kid-proof case and one year of Amazon Kids+. There are two versions. The pre-K version (ages 3+) comes with soft bumper cases featuring franchises like Paw Patrol and Barbie. The version for kids 6+ comes with a slim hard case with a kickstand. Kids+ also adds Storybuilder, a voice-driven story creator, and a redesigned Parent Dashboard. Amazon's announcement doesn't list Kids Tablet prices, so check your local Amazon store.
Where can you buy Alexa Tablets?
According to Amazon, they're sold on Amazon.com and at select retailers, including Best Buy and Target. They shipped from October 14 in the US, Mexico and Canada, and from October 19 in the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Kids Tablets shipped in Japan on October 14. For prices outside the US, check your local Amazon site — Amazon only published US prices in its announcement.
Editor's take: Running Android with Google Play is the biggest change to Amazon's tablets in years. It removes the main reason people avoided Fire tablets. For most buyers, the Tablet 11 at $329.99 looks like the best value on paper: 8GB of RAM, a 2.5K 90Hz screen and dual Atmos speakers. The 12 Pro is for people who will actually use the pen or keyboard, or who read outdoors and want the Nanomatte screen. Two things would make us hesitate: home screen ads that BGR says can't be removed, and no published software-update promise. Before Black Friday, compare prices with the best Android and iPad deals. Wear a Bee instead of using a tablet for notes? See our Bee Frontier vs Bee Eclipse guide.
FAQ
How much is the Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro?
It starts at $499.99 with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. The Nanomatte anti-glare version starts at $549.99. BGR lists the 16GB/256GB configuration at $679.99.
What is the difference between Alexa Tablet 8, 11 and 12 Pro?
Screen size, RAM and extras. The 8 ($229.99) has 4GB RAM and an 8.7-inch screen. The 11 ($329.99) has 8GB RAM and a 2.5K 90Hz screen. The 12 Pro ($499.99+) has a 120Hz 3:2 screen, quad speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, and pen and keyboard support.
Do Amazon Alexa Tablets have the Google Play Store?
Yes. All three run Android with full Google Play Store access.
Is the Alexa Tablet better than a Fire tablet?
It's a higher-end product, with aluminium builds, Google Play and Alexa+ built in. Fire tablets are Amazon's budget line and run FireOS.
Does the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro come with a pen?
No. The Pro Pen ($89.99) and Pro Keyboard ($149.99) are sold separately and only work with the 12 Pro.
Do Alexa Tablets have ads?
BGR's review reports Prime Video ads in the home screen's Dynamic Tab, a widget it says can't be removed. Amazon hasn't addressed ads in its announcement.
Is the Alexa Tablet available in the UK?
Yes. Amazon says shipping in the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain started on October 19, 2026.
What processor does the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro use?
Amazon describes a 4nm 8-core chip. Engadget and BGR identify it as the MediaTek Dimensity 8400.
Sources
- Amazon: Introducing all-new Amazon Alexa Tablets (Oct 8, 2026)
- Engadget: Alexa Tablet 12 Pro review
- BGR: Alexa Tablet 12 Pro review: Amazon comes out swinging at the iPad
Featured image: Official Amazon product image of the Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, Alexa Tablet 11 and Alexa Tablet 8 (left to right). Source