Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) Review
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen)
A mid-range smart display from Amazon featuring an upgraded camera and processor for improved video calling and smart home control.
How This Score Is Calculated
- Sources analysed: 9 reviews
- Explicit scores: 0 sources
- Sentiment-only: 9 sources (weighted 1.0×)
- Split: 7 Positive · 2 Mixed · 0 Negative
- Raw weighted average: 7.6
- Formula: Σ(score × weight) ÷ Σ(weight)
- Review period: 2021-2022
- Value sources: 9 of 9 mentioned price or value
- Final score: 7.6/10 (clamped, rounded to 1 decimal)
Algorithmically calculated from source data. No manual adjustments.
- Most reviewed featureCamera (9/9)
- Most praised13MP Camera
- Most criticisedNo YouTube App
- Reviewer consensus levelHigh
- Value for moneyGood Value (7.8/10)
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) stands out as the most balanced smart display in Amazon's lineup, excelling primarily as a video-calling device due to its significantly upgraded 13MP camera. While it offers a zippy processor and effective smart home integration, it is held back by a dated design and a lack of native YouTube support. It is best suited for users already deeply invested in the Alexa ecosystem who prioritize video communication over advanced media consumption.
🔧 Key Specifications
Specifications sourced from reviewer mentions. Verify with manufacturer for complete details.
- Display: 8-inch, 1280 x 800 resolution
- Camera: 13MP with auto-framing and pan/zoom
- Processor: Upgraded octa-core processor
- Audio: Dual speaker system
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Missing Features: No 3.5mm audio jack, No Zigbee hub
- Build: Uses recycled materials
💲 Price Range
₹7,499 – ₹12,500
Prices sourced from reviews. Check current retailer pricing.
📊 What Reviewers Say — Feature by Feature
5 features evaluated across 9 sources.
👍 Key Strengths
- Excellent 13MP camera for video calling
- Effective auto-framing and zoom
- Fast, responsive processor
- Strong Alexa smart home integration
- Good value for the price
👎 Key Weaknesses
- No native YouTube app support
- Unintuitive and bloated software interface
- Missing 3.5mm audio jack
- Lacks built-in Zigbee smart home hub
- Dated physical design
💰 Value for Money Analysis
Reviewers consistently identify the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) as the best value proposition in Amazon's current lineup, striking a balance between performance and cost. Most agree it offers more utility than the Echo Show 5 without the high cost of the Echo Show 10.
9 of 9 sources commented on price or value.
⚡ Where Reviewers Disagreed
The following areas saw meaningful disagreement across sources.
- Audio Quality: 4 sources praised the audio as solid or excellent, while 2 sources specifically criticised it as mediocre or in need of improvement. The discrepancy likely stems from varying expectations of smart display audio versus dedicated speaker performance.
🎯 Who This Product Is For
Reviewer recommendations for different target audiences and use cases.
🛠️ Best Use Cases
- Video CallingThe 13MP camera with auto-framing and pan/zoom makes it superior to most alternatives for home-based video chats.Great
- Smart Home HubExcellent for controlling connected lights, locks, and cameras, especially with new motion-trigger automation capabilities.Good
- Multimedia/YouTubePoor suitability due to the lack of a native YouTube app and limited third-party video service support.Poor
🔀 Alternatives Mentioned by Reviewers
- Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) — Frequently compared as the primary rival. While reviewers note it has a more intuitive interface and better general knowledge, it is often seen as less capable in hardware terms (audio/camera) compared to the Echo Show 8. Best for those who prefer the Google ecosystem.
- Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) — A premium, rotating smart display. Reviewers generally find it too expensive and novelty-focused, suggesting the Echo Show 8 is a better value proposition for most users unless the rotating screen is a necessity.
- Amazon Echo Show 5 — The entry-level, smaller sibling. Reviewers consistently recommend the Echo Show 8 over the 5 because the 8 offers significantly better screen resolution and audio performance for a relatively small price jump.
- Google Nest Hub Max — A larger alternative to the Nest Hub. It is noted for superior sound quality and screen resolution compared to the Echo Show 8, but it is also more expensive.
Alternatives sourced exclusively from reviewer mentions.
🛒 Buyer's Guide
✅ Buy This If…
- You prioritize high-quality video calling in a mid-sized smart display.
- You are already committed to the Amazon Alexa ecosystem.
- You want the best balance of features and price in the Echo lineup.
❌ Skip This If…
- You rely heavily on YouTube for your daily media consumption.
- You are deeply invested in the Google ecosystem.
- You require advanced audio output options like a 3.5mm jack.
⚠️ Things to Check Before Buying
- Consider whether you need a Zigbee hub, as this model lacks one.
- Be aware that the design is identical to the first generation, so don't expect a visual upgrade.
📈 Sentiment Trends Over Time
Reviews span 2021-2022. The following changes were detected:
- Hardware Perception — While the camera saw a major upgrade, the general sentiment remained that the device is an iterative update rather than a revolutionary change from the 1st Gen.
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is a solid, reliable smart display that hits the "sweet spot" of the current market. Its standout 13MP camera makes it an exceptional tool for video calls, and its responsive performance makes it a great smart home companion for Alexa users. While it is hampered by a lack of YouTube and a dated design, its value for money remains unmatched in the category. If you need a smart screen primarily for communication and home control, this is the one to get.
Top Alternative: Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) — Choose this if you prefer a more refined interface and are already integrated into Google services.
