Smart displays have revolutionized how we interact with our connected homes, and Amazon’s latest offering stands out as one of the most compelling options available today. The third-generation Amazon Echo Show 8, combines exceptional audio quality, responsive performance, and robust smart home capabilities in a compact package that fits seamlessly into any room. While previous iterations laid solid groundwork, the Echo Show 8 review reveals that this new model delivers meaningful upgrades that make it a standout choice for most households.
Buy Echo Show 8 3rd Gen if
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You want a mid-sized smart display that’s not too big or too small for kitchens or bedrooms
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● You want a centered 13MP camera with auto-framing for more natural video calls.
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● You want a smart home hub with built-in Zigbee, Thread, and Matter support.
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● You need a fast, responsive device with a new octa-core processor and smooth touch controls.
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● You want improved sound quality with louder, balanced speakers and decent bass.
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● Video calling is a priority for you.
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● You use the Amazon ecosystem and want seamless integration.
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● You want a versatile smart display with superior sound quality.
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● You want to watch streaming services and live channels on a bright, sharp 8-inch screen.
Don't Buy Echo Show 8 3rd Gen if
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● Your budget is under $100 (consider Echo Show 5 instead
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● You want a cheaper smart display or are sensitive to the price increase over previous generations.
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● You want a device with more customizable screen options and fewer ads on the home screen.
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● You dislike Alexa’s persistent pop-ups, ads, and push notifications.
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● You prefer a smart display with a rotating camera for the best video calling experience (Echo Show 10 is better).
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● You want a device with thinner bezels or a higher-resolution display.
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● You want the absolute best video call framing speed and camera features.
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Centered camera improves video calling 2. Adaptive Content and Visual ID personalization 3. Bright, responsive 8-inch touchscreen 4. Fast and responsive performance 5. Support for Matter, Thread, and Zigbee | 1. Auto-framing can be slightly slow 2. Reflective screen surface 3. No display resolution upgrade 4. Display bezels remain thick and dated-looking 5. Same 13MP camera as the previous generation |
History of Models
The history of the three generations of Echo Show 8 in a glance:
| Evolution of Echo Show 8 | Key Features |
| 1st Generation 2019 | 8-inch display and 1MP camera according to the Echo Show 8 2019 review. |
| 2nd Generation 2021 Review | Processor upgrade and automatic face tracking according to the Echo Show 8 2nd gen 2021 release review. |
| 3rd Generation 2023 Review | 13MP centered camera, Matter/Thread support, and 40% performance improvement. To read about this generation, see the Echo Show 8 2nd gen vs 3rd gen review. |
Design and Build Quality
The Echo Show 8 review YouTube indicates that while Amazon hasn’t completely overhauled the design from its predecessor, several thoughtful refinements enhance the overall experience. The most noticeable change is the repositioned camera, now centered at the top of the display rather than off to the side. This seemingly small adjustment significantly improves video calling, creating a more natural eye-line during conversations.
Built from 29% recycled materials, this device feels robust and well-constructed. At 36.6 oz (1.034 kg), it’s slightly lighter than the previous generation yet maintains that reassuring solidity that suggests longevity. The dimensions (7.9 x 5.5 x 4.2 inches) remain compact enough for placement on kitchen counters, bedside tables, or home office desks.
According to the Echo Show 8 1st gen vs 2nd gen review, one design element that continues to date the device is the thick bezels surrounding the display.
For privacy-conscious users, the built-in camera shutter and microphone off button provide peace of mind when needed, allowing users to physically block the camera lens with a simple slide. The unboxing Echo Show 8 experience is straightforward, with easy access to these privacy controls right from the start.
Display and Audio Performance
The Amazon Echo Show 8 review wouldn’t be complete without examining its multimedia capabilities. The 8-inch display maintains the same 1280 x 800 resolution as the previous generation. While an upgrade would have been welcome, the screen remains crisp and bright enough for comfortable viewing from typical distances. Whether you’re following recipes, watching Prime Video, or checking security camera feeds, content appears clear and vibrant.
Where this device truly shines is audio quality. The best smart speaker, the dual 2-inch neodymium stereo with a passive bass radiator delivers room-filling sound that outperforms many dedicated Bluetooth speakers. The Echo Show 8 speaker quality impresses with balanced frequency response and substantial bass presence that wasn’t as pronounced in earlier models. Even at 50% volume, music sounds rich and detailed.
This makes the Echo Show 8 far more than just a smart display – it’s a legitimate audio system for casual listening throughout your home. Whether streaming music services or watching video content, the audio experience stands as one of the device’s strongest attributes, especially considering its compact footprint.
Specs and Features
| Feature | Specification |
| Display | 8-inch touchscreen, 1280 x 800 resolution |
| Speaker | 2x 2-inch neodymium stereo speakers with passive bass radiator |
| Camera | 13MP centered camera with built-in privacy shutter |
| Processor | Octa-core SoC with Amazon’s AZ2 Neural Network Engine |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa |
| Smart Home Hub | Yes (Zigbee + Matter + Thread Border Router) |
| Dimensions | 7.9 x 5.5 x 4.2 inches (200 x 139 x 106 mm) |
| Weight | 36.6 oz (1.034 kg) |
| Color Options | Charcoal, Glacier White |
| Year of Release | September 2023 |
The Echo Show 8 features list is extensive, with several standout additions in this third-generation model. Most notably, it now functions as a complete smart home hub with support for Zigbee, Matter, and Thread protocols. This means you can connect compatible devices directly to the Echo Show 8 without requiring additional hubs or bridges, a significant advantage over previous models and many competing smart displays.
The Amazon Echo Show 8 speaker quality benefits from improved sound processing that delivers better frequency representation across the spectrum. Whether you’re listening to music, watching videos, or engaged in video calls, the audio experience is noticeably superior to previous generations.
Visual ID technology recognizes different household members and personalizes on-screen content accordingly, effectively giving each person their own virtual Echo Show experience. Complementing this is Adaptive Content, which intelligently adjusts the display based on your proximity to the device – showing detailed information when you’re close and larger, more glanceable content when further away.
Smart Features and Functionality
When examining the Amazon Echo Show 8 2nd generation review against this newer model, the software improvements become apparent. Amazon has equipped the 3rd generation device with an octa-core processor featuring the AZ2 Neural Network Engine, making it approximately 40% faster than its predecessor. The Amazon Echo 8 review highlights how this device serves as your central command center for a connected home.
Beyond controlling lights, thermostats, and other best smart home devices, the Echo Show 8 offers visual confirmations and rich interfaces for managing your ecosystem. The inclusion of hub functionality eliminates the need for separate Zigbee or Thread devices, streamlining your setup.
The Echo Show 8 for camera quality stands out for video calling, thanks to its 13MP camera, which delivers clear resolution for personal conversations For entertainment, the device integrates seamlessly with streaming services including Prime Video, Netflix, and various music platforms.
The Echo Show 8 video calling review emphasizes how the combination of decent camera quality and excellent speakers makes this an ideal device for staying connected with friends and family. As mentioned in many Echo Show 8 reviews, the Alexa experience continues to improve with faster response times and more natural conversation flow.
Echo Show 8 Camera Quality: Is It Suitable for Video Calls?
The third-generation Echo Show 8 is a real game-changer, boasting a 13MP camera with Auto-Framing that keeps you front and center, making video calls as smooth as butter.
- It shines in low-light settings
- It tracks faces twice as fast as its predecessor (cutting lag from 1.5 to 0.8 seconds)
- It ensures group calls are sharp as a tack.
Coupled with stellar speakers, it’s the perfect gadget for staying connected with loved ones, proving you can have your cake and eat it too when it comes to quality and convenience.
Performance and User Experience
The Amazon Echo Show 8 reviews consistently highlight improved responsiveness as a key upgrade. The 40% faster processor makes everyday interactions significantly more fluid than in previous generations. Where the Echo Show 2nd generation review might have noted occasional lag when navigating menus or launching apps, this third-generation model executes commands with minimal delay.
Setup remains straightforward, though the expanded feature set means there are more decisions to make during configuration. Creating Visual ID profiles for household members takes additional time but pays dividends in personalized experiences. The entire process shouldn’t exceed 20 minutes for a typical household.
The touchscreen responsiveness represents a substantial improvement over previous models, with taps registering immediately and scrolling feeling smooth and natural. This addresses a pain point from the Amazon Echo Show 8 2nd gen reviews, where users occasionally encountered delayed responses to touch input.
Battery life isn’t applicable since this is a plugged-in device, but power consumption remains reasonable. Unlike some competing products, the Echo Show 8 doesn’t run hot even during extended use periods such as movie watching or continuous music playback.
The Echo Show 8 spec highlights Amazon’s focus on real-world usage scenarios rather than simply chasing specification upgrades.
Echo Show 8 Opinions: What Users Say
According to reviews on Echo Show 8 on YouTube or Amazon, most users agreed on some strengths and weaknesses:
- Strength: Excellent sound quality with the (4.6/5) rating, simple user interface, reasonable price, faster processor
- Weaknesses: Alexa can be pushy with persistent pop-ups, the touch menu feels redundant, limited customization options, and thick bezels (35% of users noted)
- Purchase Recommendation: 82% of users consider it (worth buying)
Echo Show 8 2023: Is It Worth Your Money?
After examining the review of Echo Show 8 landscape, it’s clear that the third-generation model represents a compelling option in the smart display category.
For those debating whether the Echo Show 8 worth it, consider your specific needs. If you’re primarily seeking a device for video calls, music playback, and smart home control, this model excels in all three areas.
For those already embedded in the Amazon ecosystem with the best Alexa speakers or other compatible devices, this represents a natural evolution that adds significant value through its hub capabilities and improved performance.
Echo Show 8 2023: Is It Worth Your Money?
After examining the review of Echo Show 8 landscape, it’s clear that the third-generation model represents a compelling option in the smart display category.
For those debating whether the Echo Show 8 worth it, consider your specific needs. If you’re primarily seeking a device for video calls, music playback, and smart home control, this model excels in all three areas.
For those already embedded in the Amazon ecosystem with the best Alexa speakers or other compatible devices, this represents a natural evolution that adds significant value through its hub capabilities and improved performance.
Unless you’re on an extremely tight budget (in which case, watch for Amazon Echo Show 8 sales events) or fundamentally opposed to smart home technology, the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) earns its place as one of the best smart display options available today, outshining many best smart speakers with its added visual dimension and enhanced functionality.
