Echo Show 8 3rd Gen Review: Smart Display with Impressive Features & Value Editor’s Pick
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Quick verdict on the Echo Show 8 3rd Gen Review: Smart Display with Impressive Features & Value
Quick summary
Introduction If you’re looking to add a smart display to your home that balances screen size, performance, and price, the Echo Show 8 3rd Gen might just be the device you need. Amazon’s Echo Show lineup has long been a favorite for those wanting Alexa-powered smart screens, and this latest iteration steps up with notable upgrades while keeping things accessible. In this review, I’ll walk you through everything you need…
👍 What we liked
- Sharp 8-inch HD display with vibrant colors
- Improved 13 MP camera with smart auto-framing
- Clear, balanced sound from dual speakers
- Comprehensive Alexa integration with extensive smart home support
⚠️ Where it falls short
- Sound is good but not suitable for audiophiles
- Screen resolution is decent but not Full HD
- Limited app ecosystem outside of Alexa functionality
- Camera quality, while improved, still lags behind dedicated video conferencing devices
Introduction
If you’re looking to add a smart display to your home that balances screen size, performance, and price, the Echo Show 8 3rd Gen might just be the device you need. Amazon’s Echo Show lineup has long been a favorite for those wanting Alexa-powered smart screens, and this latest iteration steps up with notable upgrades while keeping things accessible. In this review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this smart display—from its standout features to how it performs in everyday use, and whether it’s worth your hard-earned money.
Key Features & Specs
- 8-inch HD screen: The Echo Show 8 features a vibrant 8-inch touchscreen with 1280 x 800 resolution, offering sharp visuals for video calls, streaming, and smart home control.
- 13 MP camera with auto-framing: The upgraded camera automatically keeps you centered during video calls, enhancing the experience on platforms like Zoom and Alexa Calling.
- Premium sound: Dual 2-inch neodymium speakers deliver clear vocals and balanced bass, making it ideal for music, podcasts, and Alexa responses.
- Built-in Alexa: Hands-free voice control for managing smart home devices, checking weather, setting reminders, and more.
- Privacy features: Physical camera shutter and microphone/camera off button ensure peace of mind when the device isn’t in use.
- Connectivity: Supports dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for streaming and device pairing.
- Dimensions and weight: Compact and lightweight, it fits easily on kitchen counters, desks, or bedside tables.
Design & Build
The Echo Show 8 3rd Gen boasts a sleek and modern design that blends well into most home environments. The screen is surrounded by a slim bezel with a subtle front-facing camera at the top center. The back is covered in a textured fabric that feels premium and helps with sound quality. The device is available in multiple colors, allowing you to choose one that matches your decor.
Physical controls are minimal but thoughtfully placed: volume buttons on the side and a dedicated privacy shutter switch for the camera. The build quality feels sturdy and durable, reassuring for a device that’s meant to be used daily in busy areas like the kitchen or living room.
Performance & Real-World Use
In day-to-day use, the Echo Show 8 3rd Gen performs smoothly and responsively. The Alexa voice assistant responds quickly to commands, whether you’re asking for news updates, controlling smart lights, or requesting a recipe. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate, with a clean interface that’s intuitive for users of all ages.
The upgraded 13 MP camera with auto-framing really shines during video calls, keeping you perfectly centered as you move around. This is a significant improvement over previous generations and makes virtual meetings and family video chats feel more natural.
Sound quality is impressive for an 8-inch device. Music sounds full and clear, and Alexa’s voice responses are crisp. The dual speakers handle a variety of audio content well, though audiophiles might still prefer a dedicated speaker system for critical listening.
Smart home integration is seamless, supporting a wide range of devices and routines. Whether setting the thermostat, viewing security cameras, or checking your calendar, the Echo Show 8 handles it all without hiccups.
Pricing & Value
Priced competitively in the mid-range smart display category, the Echo Show 8 3rd Gen offers excellent value for what it delivers. It slots nicely between the smaller Echo Show 5 and the larger Echo Show 10, giving you a solid screen size without breaking the bank.
This product is best suited for users who want a versatile smart display for everyday tasks — from video calls and entertainment to smart home control — without investing in a premium, higher-priced device. It’s ideal for kitchens, bedrooms, and offices where space is limited but functionality can’t be compromised.
Those who want the absolute best camera or audio experience might look towards higher-end models, but for most users, this hit the sweet spot in terms of features and price.
Pros
- Sharp 8-inch HD display with vibrant colors
- Improved 13 MP camera with smart auto-framing
- Clear, balanced sound from dual speakers
- Comprehensive Alexa integration with extensive smart home support
- Physical privacy controls for microphone and camera
- Modern, attractive design with multiple color options
- Responsive touchscreen and user-friendly interface
Cons
- Sound is good but not suitable for audiophiles
- Screen resolution is decent but not Full HD
- Limited app ecosystem outside of Alexa functionality
- Camera quality, while improved, still lags behind dedicated video conferencing devices
Final Verdict
The Echo Show 8 3rd Gen is a fantastic all-around smart display that balances performance, design, and price effectively. It’s a great choice if you want a mid-sized screen for video calls, entertainment, and smart home control without the premium cost of larger models. The upgraded camera and solid audio make it especially appealing for those who use video chat frequently.
However, if you need top-tier sound quality or a higher resolution display, or if you rely heavily on apps outside of Alexa’s ecosystem, you might want to explore other options. For most users, though, this device offers excellent value and will quickly become a central hub for smart home and hands-free assistance.
Overall, I recommend the Echo Show 8 3rd Gen for anyone looking to upgrade their smart home setup with a reliable, feature-packed smart display that feels like it was designed with your daily needs in mind.
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