This week, Amazon unveiled a new line of Alexa tablets. They no longer run a proprietary OS with a custom App Store, but instead embrace Android with a stock feel, while still offering the Play Store. This is a big change in direction for Amazon. The tablets also look great, whereas previous Fire tablets felt cheap. I think they have the opportunity to do well.
First, I want to clarify that I’m not saying the iPad is doomed or anything close to it. However, I think the Alexa tablet provides a real form of competition to the iPad that the iPad generally lacked.
New Alexa tablets pose strong competition
Amazon puts a lot of attention into these tablets that other Android manufacturers don’t, and while these tablets are priced lower, they certainly punch above their weight class.
There are three Alexa tablets to start the line: an 8.7″ model for $229, an 11″ model for $329, and a 12″ Pro model for $499. To me, the middle one is the most interesting.
It offers 8 GB of RAM, a 90 Hz display, a slim design and an equally sharp screen. That compares to the budget iPad, which costs $120 more with less RAM, a smaller screen, and a thicker design. Granted, the iPad has the A16 chip, which probably feels a lot faster than the MediaTek chip that powers it. The iPad also starts at 128GB, compared to 64GB on the Alexa tablet. Once you upgrade the Alexa tablet to 128GB, there is only a $70 difference.
Hardware-wise, the Alexa tablets seem pretty competent. Obviously, Android on tablets isn’t going to be quite perfect, but given its tie-in with Alexa and the fact that the tablet price is pretty good, I could see a lot of people wanting to buy them, even if they potentially would have considered iPads. Of course, one of Amazon’s strengths is the Kindle experience, and these Alexa tablets offer a reader mode that cuts blue light.
Conclude
Only time will tell, but Amazon could make a pretty big dent in the tablet market with its new entries. Even the $499 12″ Pro seems like a really interesting product. At the very least, I’m hoping strong competition means Apple will be less complacent with its iPad upgrades. For example, the iPad Air has largely only received chip upgrades since its last redesign in 2020.
I’m personally excited to try one out and really put it to the test. Right now, Amazon is also offering 20% off any trade-in, making it an even better deal.
What do you think of these new Alexa tablets? Would you consider gifting one to a friend or family member this holiday season? Sound off in the comments.
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