Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) Review: Bigger Sound and Better Looks (Clearer Sound and Bigger Camera)

The Echo Show 8 2nd generation stands out as a versatile centerpiece in Amazon’s smart display lineup, striking a balance between size, features, and price. With its compact 8-inch HD touchscreen, it’s ideal for video calls, streaming content, and smart home control. The device also offers responsive Alexa integration and a vibrant display which makes it a practical and feature-rich addition to any smart home setup. If you’re considering adding a smart display to your home, this Echo Show 8 2nd generation review will help you decide if this device is the right fit for your needs.

Is Echo Show 8 2nd Gen Right For You?

Pros	Cons
✓ Excellent 13-megapixel camera ✓ High-quality 8-inch HD display ✓ Superior microphone performance ✓ Auto-framing feature for video calls ✓ Room-filling stereo sound ✓ Improved processor over 1st generation ✓ Intuitive touch interface ✓ Privacy features (camera shutter, mic kill switch) ✓ Good value for the price point ✓ Seamless Alexa integration	✗ Sound doesn’t project forward ✗ Proprietary charging cable required ✗ Limited web browsing experience ✗ Requires voice for some functions ✗ Larger footprint than Echo Show 5 ✗ No 360° rotation like Echo Show 10 ✗ Some video services need workarounds ✗ Limited video streaming options ✗ Not as feature-rich as premium tablets ✗ No thinner bezels

Design and Build Quality: Sleek Yet Substantial

The Amazon Echo Show 8 2nd gen boasts a refined design that would look at home in any modern living space. Available in glacier white and charcoal variants, this smart display strikes a perfect balance between eye-catching and understated. The 8-inch screen is framed by reasonably slim bezels (not too slim) while the back and sides feature an attractive mesh fabric that not only enhances aesthetics but improves acoustics as well.

At first glance, you might notice how the Echo 8 second generation improves upon its predecessor with more premium materials and thoughtful design touches. The device sits securely on surfaces thanks to its anti-slip base, preventing accidental toppling during touch interactions. For those seeking optimal viewing angles, the separately sold Echo Show 8 2nd gen stand provides additional positioning flexibility.

Privacy-conscious users will appreciate the physical camera shutter and microphone mute button, offering peace of mind when needed. These tactile controls make it crystal clear when the device’s eyes and ears are truly off, a feature that’s become increasingly important in our connected homes.

Display Quality: Crisp Visuals for Every Task

The heart of the Echo 8 2nd generation is its vibrant 8-inch touchscreen with 1280×800 resolution. This HD display delivers sharp visuals whether you’re checking the weather forecast, following recipes, or scrolling through family photos. Colors appear natural with good contrast, making everything from vacation pictures to video calls pop with lifelike quality.

The adaptive brightness feature on the Alexa Show 8 the 2nd intelligently adjusts screen intensity based on ambient lighting, ensuring optimal visibility without being blindingly bright in dark rooms or washed out in sunlight. Viewing angles are impressively wide, allowing family members to gather around and still see content clearly, perfect for shared viewing experiences. Touch responsiveness has been noticeably improved over the first generation model, with minimal lag when navigating through the interface. This makes the Echo Show 8 second generation feel more premium and responsive during daily interactions.

Audio Performance: Surprising Sound in a Compact Package

Don’t let its size fool you! The Amazon Show 8 2nd gen packs a serious audio punch. Equipped with dual stereo speakers, this smart display produces rich, room-filling sound that punches above its weight class. Music sounds full and balanced, with respectable bass response that handles most genres admirably.

The Echo Show 8 2nd generation sound quality particularly shines with vocal clarity, leading to both music and voice calls sound natural and present. Volume scaling is well-implemented, maintaining clarity at lower levels for bedside use while delivering distortion-free output when cranked up for kitchen dance parties or podcast listening.

One minor drawback is that sound projects primarily from the sides rather than directly forward, which can feel somewhat disconnected when you’re positioned directly in front of the device. Nevertheless, for most casual listening scenarios, the Alexa Echo 8 2nd generation delivers audio that will exceed expectations.

Audio Metrics	Specification
Frequency Range	~60Hz–20kHz (estimated, typical for 2″ drivers with passive radiator)
Audio Input/Output	No 3.5mm aux-out port; supports Bluetooth audio streaming (A2DP)
Supported Audio Sources	Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Audible, Bluetooth devices
EQ Adjustment	Customizable bass, mid, and treble via Alexa app

Camera and Video Calling: A Quantum Leap Forward

Perhaps the most significant upgrade in the Echo Show 8 gen 2 is its impressive 13-megapixel camera. When comparing Echo Show 8 1st and 2nd generation models, the camera upgrade alone justifies consideration for those who use video calling regularly. This enhancement transforms video calling from merely functional to genuinely enjoyable, delivering crisp, detailed video that makes conversations feel more natural.

What makes the 2nd gen Echo Show 8 unique is its smart auto-framing feature, which digitally pans and zooms to keep you centered during video calls, a capability previously found only on the more expensive Echo Show 10. During the Echo Show 8 2nd generation video call, you can prepare meals, tend to children, or simply get comfortable without constantly repositioning the device.

The Echo Show 8 2nd generation camera also doubles as a security camera when you’re away, allowing you to check in on your home through the Alexa app. This dual functionality adds significant value, essentially giving you a home monitoring system as a bonus feature.

Camera Features	Specification
Sensor Resolution	13 megapixels
Sensor Type	Likely fixed-focus CMOS (not officially specified by Amazon)
Lens	Wide-angle lens (field of view not officially specified)
Digital Features	Digital pan and zoom (auto-framing to keep subject centered during video calls)
Person Detection	Yes, triggers Alexa routines when someone enters/exits the frame
Privacy Control	Physical camera shutter; electronic camera/mic off button
AR Effect	Supports in-call animations and augmented reality backgrounds
Placement	Camera located at the top right of the display
Cover Mechanism	Manual slider above the lens for physical shutter
Software Platform	Runs on Fire OS 7 (based on Android 9 Pie)

Specifications Table

Feature	Specification
Display	8-inch touchscreen with 1280 x 800 resolution
Camera	13-megapixel with auto-framing capability
Processor	MediaTek MT8183 (octa-core)
Speakers	Dual 2-inch neodymium speakers
Microphones	Dual-microphone array with far-field technology
Dimensions	7.9″ x 5.4″ x 3.9″ (200.4 mm x 137.2 mm x 99.1 mm)
Connectivity	Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
Weight	36.6 oz (1037 g)
Color Options	Charcoal, Glacier White
Power	30W power adapter (included)
Privacy Control	Physical camera shutter, microphone off button
Release Year	Echo Show 8 2nd generation release date: 2021
Storage	On-device processing, cloud storage for photos/videos
Voice Assistant	Amazon Alexa
Compatible Services	Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video
Accessibility	VoiceView screen reader, screen magnification, color inversion/correction, closed captioning
Material	10% recycled plastics, 100% recycled fabric, 50% recycled plastic in power adapter
Smart Home Control	Supports Alexa-compatible smart devices (lights, plugs, AC, TVs, etc.)
Energy Efficiency	Low Power Mode when idle, energy dashboard via Alexa app

Smart Features: Alexa at Your Command

At its core, the 2nd generation Echo Show 8 is powered by Amazon’s increasingly capable Alexa voice assistant. Voice recognition shows noticeable improvement in this model, with the device able to pick up commands even in noisy environments or when speaking from across the room.

The Echo Show 8 2nd gen features shine brightest in daily utility scenarios. Morning routines can automatically display your calendar, weather forecast, news headlines, and commute information. Smart home control is intuitive with both voice and touch interfaces, allowing you to adjust lights, thermostats, security cameras, and other connected devices with ease.

The Amazon Show 8 2nd generation serves as an excellent digital hub for your connected home. Its visual interface adds valuable context to Alexa’s responses. Seeing a weekly weather forecast, browsing shopping lists, or following step-by-step recipe instructions is significantly more helpful than audio-only interactions.

User Experience: Daily Life with Echo Show 8

Once set up, which is refreshingly simple, the Amazon Echo Show 8 quickly becomes a seamless part of everyday life. The interface is intuitive enough for tech novices while offering enough depth for experienced users to customize their experience.

The Echo Show 8 2nd gen 2021 release particularly excels as a kitchen companion. The combination of hands-free operation via voice commands and visual feedback makes following recipes a breeze, especially when your hands are occupied with food preparation. The screen’s size strikes the perfect balance, large enough to read comfortably from a distance but not so large that it dominates counter space.

Communication features like Drop-In and Alexa Calling make the Alexa Echo Show 8 2nd gen an excellent tool for staying connected with family members. The aforementioned camera improvements make these interactions feel much more natural and engaging than previous generations.

Entertainment options on the Echo Show 8 2nd generation YouTube capability work through the built-in Silk browser, though it’s not as seamless as dedicated apps. Similarly, the Echo Show 8 2nd generation Netflix experience is functional but not as refined as on dedicated streaming devices. Still, for casual viewing while cooking or before bed, it’s perfectly adequate.

Performance and Reliability

The Echo Show 8 handles everyday tasks with aplomb, thanks to its capable MediaTek processor. Interface navigation is smooth, voice commands are processed quickly, and video streaming performs well with minimal buffering. This generation’s improved hardware ensures it should remain capable for years to come.

Battery life isn’t a consideration since the Amazon Echo Show 8 gen 2 requires constant power through its included 30W adapter. This limitation is offset by reliable performance. The device maintains stable connectivity and responds consistently to commands without the anxiety of battery depletion.

For those curious about the Echo 8 2nd gen release date, this model hit the market in 2021, representing a significant evolutionary step in Amazon’s smart display lineup. The Amazon Model c76n8s (its internal designation) or simply Echo c76n8s benefits from lessons learned from previous iterations.

User Reviews and Ratings

The Echo Show 8 2nd generation review consensus across major retail and tech platforms is overwhelmingly positive. On Amazon, the device consistently maintains a 4.7/5 star rating from thousands of reviews, with users particularly praising the improved camera quality and auto-framing feature.

Tech review sites generally award the device scores between 8-9/10, highlighting the impressive value proposition of the Amazon Echo Show 8 2nd gen review unit’s capabilities relative to its price point. The speakers receive particular recognition for their room-filling ability despite the compact form factor.

✓ Great camera quality, speakers, price, and performance (4.7)

✗ Slightly slow (2.6)

⭕ Recommendations to purchase (4.8)

Accessory Ecosystem

The Echo Show 8 2nd gen adjustable stand charcoal and black accessory enhances usability by allowing for better viewing angles and providing flexibility in positioning the device.

For those concerned about protection, several third-party cases and screen protectors are available for the charcoal Echo 8 model, though the device’s stationary nature means these are less necessary than for portable devices.

The Amazon Echo Show 8 2nd gen stores availability is excellent, with the device available directly from Amazon as well as major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and others. The Show 8 2nd generation price typically ranges between $100-130 depending on sales and promotions.

Conclusion: A Stellar Mid-Range Smart Display

The Echo Show 8 2nd generation how to use experience proves remarkably intuitive, making this device accessible to tech enthusiasts and novices alike. Its thoughtful design represents excellent value in the best smart display category. While not without minor limitations, the Amazon Echo Show 8 2nd gen details reveal a product that’s been thoughtfully refined based on user feedback.

Whether as your first smart display or an upgrade from a previous generation, this device demonstrates Amazon’s commitment to improving their products with each iteration. If you’re seeking a versatile smart display that balances size, features, and value, Echo Show 8 is the Goldilocks option in Amazon’s increasingly impressive smart display lineup.