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
Maximise this list. Include EVERY single competitor, rival, or alternative product mentioned in any of the source reviews. Do not omit any. More alternatives and longer lists are better.
- 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.
Reviewer Perspectives & Source Breakdown
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) review: A worthy mid-range smart display | ...
Price: Approximately ₹10,000
The Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is an excellent mid-range smart display that excels at video calls, entertainment, and home automation. It offers great value, though those deeply invested in the Google ecosystem may find it less suitable.
Pros
- High-quality 13-megapixel camera
- Bright, crisp 1280 x 800 display
- Supports video calls for up to 7 people
- Excellent smart home control features
Cons
- Google Assistant has better general knowledge
- No elegant way to watch YouTube
- More expensive than Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) Review: The best Echo Show gets better - Ph...
Price: Approximately ₹10,800
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is a fantastic smart display featuring a clear 8-inch screen and a high-quality 13MP camera. While its interface can be unintuitive and lacks a native YouTube app, it remains a superior mid-range choice over the smaller Echo Show 5.
Pros
- Clear 8-inch display
- High-quality 13MP camera with auto-framing
- Excellent library of Amazon Alexa Skills
- Solid audio performance with punchy bass
Cons
- No native YouTube app support
- Unintuitive touchscreen interface
- Design feels dated with large bezels
- Bass can cause unwanted vibration
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd-gen) review: This smart display just got smarter...
Price: ₹12,500
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd-gen) is the best Alexa smart display for the price, featuring a vastly improved camera and useful new motion-sensing capabilities. While it lacks a Zigbee hub and native YouTube app, its balanced size and versatile performance make it an excellent smart home companion.
Pros
- Improved video calling quality
- Intuitive touch screen smart home controls
- High-quality 13-megapixel camera
- Digital pan and zoom capabilities
Cons
- No native YouTube app support
- Underwhelming touch screen user experience
- Lacks a built-in Zigbee smart home hub
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd gen) review: Alexa smart display for everyone - ...
Price: Rs. 7499
The Echo Show 8 is an excellent, responsive smart display for those already in the Amazon ecosystem. However, its unintuitive software and limited utility prevent it from being a must-have purchase.
Pros
- Excellent dual speaker system
- Improved device responsiveness
- High-quality 13MP camera
- Affordable price
Cons
- Unintuitive and bloated software
- Buggy camera software features
- Occasional echo during calls
- No 3.5mm audio output port
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) review | Stuff - stuff.tv...
Price: Approx. ₹12,350
The second-generation Echo Show 8 is a minor update that improves the camera quality and processing speed but offers little new over its predecessor. It remains a capable smart display, though its value depends on your reliance on supported streaming services.
Pros
- Improved 13MP camera
- Faster processor
- Easy setup process
- Uses recycled materials
- Good audio performance
Cons
- Limited third-party service support
- No built-in YouTube app
- Lacks 3.5mm audio output
- Same design as previous generation
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) review: Follow you, follow me - pocket-lint...
The second-generation Echo Show 8 is the best value smart display in the lineup, offering a significant camera upgrade and zippier performance. While software limitations like the lack of a native YouTube app persist, it remains a superior middle-ground choice compared to the Echo Show 5 and the more expensive Echo Show 10.
Pros
- Much-improved 13-megapixel camera
- Effective pan and zoom tracking
- Decent audio performance
- Faster processor than previous generation
Cons
- No native YouTube app
- Patchy support for some third-party skills
- No 3.5mm audio jack
- Software feels voice-first rather than touch-optimized
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd-gen) review: Great upgrades for video callers, g...
Price: Approx. 10,700 INR
The second-generation Echo Show 8 is a worthwhile upgrade primarily for frequent video callers due to its improved camera and auto-framing features. While it lacks a new physical design, its internal processor bump and new automation capabilities make it a solid smart home addition.
Pros
- Hugely improved camera quality
- Pan and zoom centers video call subjects
- Person detection triggers useful smart home automations
- Loved ones can share photos to home screen
Cons
- Adaptive display quality is only middling
- Physical design remains unchanged
- Best new features only benefit video callers
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd gen) review: Still the smart screen to get | And...
Price: ₹8,999
The second-generation Echo Show 8 is an excellent iterative update that remains the best value in the Echo Show lineup. It features a significantly improved camera, making it a fantastic and affordable device for video calling.
Pros
- Perfect size for most spaces
- Dramatically improved camera
- Best affordable video-calling device
Cons
- Display and camera do not rotate
- Only two color options
- Cannot play Amazon Music HD content
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) review | TechRadar - techradar.com...
Price: ₹8,999
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2021) is a functional smart display featuring a superior 13MP camera and a faster processor. However, it is held back by mediocre audio quality, a low-resolution screen, and the removal of useful features like the aux-out jack and Zigbee hub.
Pros
- New 13MP camera for video calls
- Cheaper than the Echo Show 10
- Easy to group speakers together
- Fun photo booth mode
Cons
- Audio quality can still be improved
- Only a 1280 x 800 resolution
- No built-in Zigbee hub
- No aux-out port