Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
The Verdict
Amazon's Fire HD 8 targets budget-conscious users with a compact 8-inch 1280x800 display and modest MediaTek MT8169A processor, delivering basic functionality at an exceptional $99 price point. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ commands a $529 investment but provides substantially more: a larger 12.4-inch 2560x1600 display with 90Hz refresh, superior Exynos 1380 processor with up to 8GB RAM, larger 10090mAh battery for 20-hour video playback, S Pen support, and cellular connectivity. Performance-wise, the S9 FE+ significantly outpaces the Fire HD 8's 3GB RAM configuration. Display quality favors Samsung's higher resolution and refresh rate, though both use LCD panels. Fire OS's Amazon-centric ecosystem contrasts with Android's broader app availability on the Tab S9 FE+. For light reading, streaming, and casual use, the Fire HD 8 represents outstanding value. However, those needing a productivity device for drawing, multitasking, or content consumption should choose the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ despite the higher investment.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) if…
- →Incredible value at $99 for a capable 8-inch tablet
- →13-hour battery life is excellent for reading and streaming
- →MicroSD expansion up to 1 TB compensates for limited storage
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ if…
- →Large 12.4-inch display is great for multitasking and media
- →S Pen included in the box at no extra cost
- →IP68 water and dust resistance — rare for mid-range tablets
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024)
Pros
- Incredible value at $99 for a capable 8-inch tablet
- 13-hour battery life is excellent for reading and streaming
- MicroSD expansion up to 1 TB compensates for limited storage
- Wi-Fi 6 is fast for the price
- Compact and lightweight — perfect for kids and e-reading
Cons
- 1280x800 resolution looks soft — this is a 2024 device
- Fire OS lacks Google Play Store — sideloading required
- 3 GB RAM is very limited for multitasking
- Cameras are barely functional for video calls
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
Pros
- Large 12.4-inch display is great for multitasking and media
- S Pen included in the box at no extra cost
- IP68 water and dust resistance — rare for mid-range tablets
- MicroSD card expansion up to 1 TB for extra storage
- 10090 mAh battery provides excellent endurance
Cons
- TFT LCD panel has weaker colors and contrast than AMOLED
- Exynos 1380 is a mid-range chip — struggles with heavy tasks
- 90Hz refresh rate is behind the 120Hz on Galaxy Tab S9
- No AMOLED display at this price point is disappointing
- 627 g is heavy for extended handheld use
Full Specifications
| Spec | Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Fire OS 8 (based on Android) | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 337 g | 627 g |
| Dimensions | 201.9 x 137.3 x 9.6 mm | 285.4 x 185.4 x 6.5 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 13 hours reading | Up to 20 hours video playback |
| Capacity | 4750 mAh | 10090 mAh |
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | 5 MP | — |
| Front camera | 2 MP | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 8 inches | 12.4 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 1280 x 800 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 90Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 32 GB, 64 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 3 GB | 6 GB / 8 GB |
| Chipset | MediaTek MT8169A (hexa-core) | Samsung Exynos 1380 |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in tablets, see all Amazon products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+.