By The Tech Guy
Welcome to our hands-on review of the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)! This latest version of Amazon’s popular smart display promises to deliver a blend of entertainment, connectivity, and smart home management. From its new high-definition camera to its built-in smart home hub, there’s a lot to explore. So, is the new Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) the smart hub your home has been waiting for?
We put the echo show device through its paces, testing everything from video calls to streaming and smart home integration. By the end of this review, you’ll know exactly how it stacks up and if it’s worth the upgrade!
THE RECOMMENDATIONS
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) | Smart Home Hub
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) offers immersive entertainment, improved video calling, a built-in smart home hub, vibrant visuals, and enhanced privacy features.
Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) | Smart Home Display
The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) features a 5.5” display, improved sound, smart home controls, video calls, privacy features, and a sustainable design.
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THE BREAKDOWN
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) offers immersive entertainment, improved video calling, a built-in smart home hub, vibrant visuals, and enhanced privacy features.
- Stunning HD display with vibrant colors and crisp detail
- Enhanced sound quality with spatial audio for an immersive experience
- Built-in smart home hub supporting Zigbee, Matter, and Thread
- Upgraded 13 MP camera with auto-framing and noise reduction
- Easy setup and intuitive controls, perfect for all skill levels
- Great integration with Alexa for voice commands and smart routines
- Limited app support compared to smartphones and tablets
- Spatial audio lacks deep bass for audiophiles
- Requires subscriptions for some streaming services
Sleek, Modern, and Ready to Impress
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) has a sleek, minimalistic design that will complement any room’s décor. It sports a compact 8-inch HD touchscreen that feels just right—neither too big nor too small. The curved edges, matte finish, and unobtrusive footprint mean it blends seamlessly into kitchens, living rooms, or offices.
The front-facing camera is now upgraded to 13 MP, a significant leap from the previous generation. The device also includes physical buttons on top for volume control, as well as a privacy shutter for the camera. Amazon has thought about aesthetics and practicality, delivering a product that looks as good as it performs.
One thing we loved? The fabric-wrapped back panel, which adds a premium touch to the overall build. Plus, with color options like Glacier White and Charcoal, there’s a model to fit everyone’s style. It’s elegant, functional, and perfect for modern homes.
More Than Just a Pretty Face!
The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is brimming with features that make it stand out among smart displays. First up, the 8-inch HD larger screen is perfect for watching your favorite content. Whether you’re binge-watching Netflix, catching up on YouTube tutorials, or enjoying Fire TV Channels, the display quality is crisp and vibrant.
But the visuals aren’t the only thing to rave about—the sound quality has also been amped up. Amazon introduced spatial audio for a more immersive listening experience. So, when you play your favorite tunes on Spotify or Amazon Music, it fills the room with rich, balanced sound.
Another major highlight? The built-in smart home hub. The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) now supports Zigbee, Matter, and Thread, allowing you to connect and control compatible devices directly. No need for extra hubs or complex setups. Lights, locks, and cameras can all be managed with a simple voice command or a tap on the display.
And let’s not forget the upgraded camera. With 13 MP, auto-framing, and noise reduction, video calls are clearer and more natural. It feels like your loved ones are right there with you, making it an ideal device for staying connected. You can even use the Top Connections widget to call friends and family with just a single tap!
Does It Deliver? Absolutely!
When it comes to quality, the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) doesn’t disappoint. The touchscreen is responsive, with smooth navigation between apps and settings. The HD display ensures that images are sharp, while the colors are bright and vibrant.
In terms of performance, it’s a solid performer. We noticed almost no lag during our testing, whether switching between video content or adjusting smart home controls. The adaptive content feature is another nice touch—it adjusts what you see based on your proximity. When you’re far, you get a glanceable view of your calendar and reminders. Come closer, and more detailed information pops up.
The sound quality is also a standout feature. Spatial audio does a fantastic job of making the sound feel expansive. Whether listening to podcasts, streaming music, or watching movies, the Echo Show 8 delivers clear audio with decent bass.
Overall, the combination of strong visuals, rich audio, and reliable performance make it a winner for casual users and smart home enthusiasts.
Everyday Magic with a Tap or Command
The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Setting it up is a breeze—even for beginners. Within minutes, it’s ready to follow your commands, stream content, and control your smart home devices.
Voice commands work seamlessly with Alexa, and the built-in smart home hub eliminates the need for multiple apps. From turning off lights to checking front door cameras, everything is accessible with just a simple voice request or screen tap.
But it’s the little extras that really elevate the experience. The new shortcut icons on the home screen give easy access to your favorite widgets and routines. Need to check the weather? One tap. Want to set a morning routine? Just swipe and select!
The camera’s auto-framing and noise reduction features make video calls a delight. Whether chatting with family or joining a business meeting, you’ll always be in focus and easy to hear.
For those who love to customize, the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) supports adaptive color for Amazon Photos. You can transform your home screen into a vibrant digital frame. And if you’re privacy-conscious, the built-in privacy controls, including the mic mute button and camera shutter, provide peace of mind.
A Smart Display That’s Easy to Love
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) offers excellent value for its price. It’s perfect if you’re looking to upgrade your smart home experience. An ideal choice for families, tech enthusiasts, anyone who wants a single device that can handle entertainment, communication, and home control.
Its versatility and ease of use make it a standout among smart displays. The improvements in camera quality, sound, and smart home connectivity justify the upgrade from older models. If you’re in the market for a device that seamlessly fits into your digital life, the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is a top contender.
THE COMPETITION
The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) features a 5.5” display, improved sound, smart home controls, video calls, privacy features, and a sustainable design.
- Compact design fits anywhere, but still big on functionality
- Improved sound with deeper bass and clearer vocals make music and media more enjoyable
- Smart Home Integration to seamlessly control lights, cameras, and more
- Privacy features like the camera shutter and mic-off button give peace of mind.
- Eco-friendly design, made from 100% recycled materials, it’s a win for the planet
- At just 2 MP, the camera is good for basic video calls, but don’t expect HD quality
- While the 5.5-inch display is great for quick glances, it’s not ideal if you’re looking for an immersive movie-watching experience
The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is a compact, versatile smart display designed for small spaces. It features a 5.5-inch screen, perfect for quick glances at the weather, news, or video calls. Despite its small size, the sound quality has been significantly improved, offering deeper bass and clearer vocals for streaming music, podcasts, and shows.
One of the key benefits of the Echo Show 5 is its ability to control smart home devices like lights, cameras, and thermostats. This hands-free control adds convenience to any home, especially when combined with its built-in Alexa voice assistant. It also includes privacy features, such as a physical camera shutter and a microphone-off button, giving users added security. Eco-conscious buyers will appreciate the sustainability efforts Amazon has made. The device is constructed from 100% recycled aluminum and fabric, and its packaging is fully recyclable. This makes it a great choice for environmentally minded consumers.
Compared to the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen), the Echo Show 5 is smaller and more affordable. The Echo Show 8 has a larger 8-inch screen and better overall audio quality, making it a superior choice for entertainment purposes. However, the Echo Show 5’s compact design makes it ideal for smaller rooms like bedrooms or kitchens.
The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) provides excellent value for those seeking an entry-level smart display that offers smart home control, video calling, and basic entertainment features. While the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) offers a more immersive media experience, the Echo Show 5 shines in smaller spaces and budgets.
Overall, the Echo Show 5 is an affordable, eco-friendly, and feature-packed smart home hub perfect for daily convenience.
THE FINAL VERDICT
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) may not revolutionize smart displays, but it does perfect them. From the immersive display and room-filling audio to the robust smart home control, it’s a device that truly earns its spot in any home. It’s great for entertainment, productivity, and staying connected with loved ones through video chats.
Whether you’re a smart home enthusiast or just starting out, the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is a fun, reliable addition to your space. It combines style, performance, and convenience in a compact package.
If you’re thinking of adding a smart hub to your home, this device is an easy recommendation!
THE FAQ
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What are the main features of the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)?
Key features include an 8-inch HD screen, spatial audio for immersive sound, a built-in smart home hub supporting Zigbee, Matter, and Thread, a 13 MP camera with auto-framing for video calls, and compatibility with streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
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Does the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) support video calls?
Yes, it has a 13 MP camera with auto-framing and noise reduction for clear, natural video calls. You can use it for hands-free calls through Alexa or tap-to-call using the new Top Connections widget.
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Can I stream content on the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)?
Absolutely! You can stream content from popular platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Fire TV Channels. Some services may require subscriptions.
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How is the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) different from its predecessor?
The 3rd Gen model features a higher-quality 13 MP camera, enhanced sound with spatial audio, and a built-in smart home hub that supports more standards, including Zigbee, Matter, and Thread.
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What smart home devices can I control with the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)?
You can control lights, cameras, locks, thermostats, and more. It supports devices compatible with Zigbee, Matter, and Thread, as well as those that connect via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
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Is the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) easy to set up?
Yes, it’s very user-friendly. Just plug it in, follow the on-screen prompts, and connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
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Can the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) be used as a digital photo frame?
Yes, you can use Amazon Photos to turn your screen into a digital photo frame. It also features adaptive color, making your photos look vibrant in any lighting.
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How does the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) protect my privacy?
The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) has multiple privacy features, including a physical camera shutter, a mic mute button, and the ability to manage your privacy settings via the Alexa app.
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What connectivity options are available on the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)?
The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) connects via Wi-Fi and also supports Bluetooth for pairing with external speakers or compatible devices.
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Can I use the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) in multiple rooms?
Yes, you can use it in any room with a power outlet and Wi-Fi connection. You can also pair multiple Echo devices for a whole-home audio or smart home experience.
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Does the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) have a battery?
No, it needs to be plugged in to function. It does not have a built-in battery.
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Can I access the internet using the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)?
While you can use the Silk or Firefox browsers to browse the web, it’s not a replacement for a tablet or laptop.
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Is it suitable for use in the kitchen?
Definitely! The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is great for following recipes, setting timers, watching cooking tutorials, and playing music while you cook. Its size is perfect for a kitchen countertop.
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