Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet, 8” HD Display, vs Microsoft Surface 1st Gen, 13.5", Windows 10, Core M3,

Design and Build Quality

The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet features a sleek and lightweight design, making it an excellent choice for portability. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface 1st Gen has a more robust build, designed for durability with its Corning Gorilla Glass. The Fire HD 8 Plus is thinner and lighter than its predecessor, which enhances its appeal for on-the-go use, while the Surface’s 13.5-inch display is paired with a backlit keyboard, catering to those who need a more traditional laptop experience. Both devices are designed to withstand everyday use, but the Surface is built specifically for productivity tasks.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Fire HD 8 Plus is powered by an enhanced hexa-core processor that provides responsiveness, making it up to 30% faster than the previous generation. This makes it suitable for various daily tasks such as browsing the web and streaming media. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface 1st Gen utilizes a 7th Gen Intel Core m3 processor, which is designed for more demanding applications and multitasking. While the Fire HD 8 Plus has 3GB of RAM, the Surface's 4GB RAM gives it an edge in handling more intensive tasks, making it better for users who might run multiple applications simultaneously.

Display Quality

The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus sports an 8-inch HD display, which is great for casual media consumption but may not satisfy users looking for a larger screen. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface 1st Gen features a significantly larger 13.5-inch display that enhances productivity and is better suited for tasks like document editing and design work. The Surface's higher resolution and larger screen real estate make it a more appealing option for professionals who require a high-quality display for detailed work. Thus, the Surface is the clear winner for those who prioritize display quality and size.

Storage Options

The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus comes with either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, with the option to expand up to 1TB via a microSD card. This flexibility is ideal for users who want to store a large library of apps, books, and media. Conversely, the Microsoft Surface 1st Gen has a fixed 128GB solid-state drive. While this is ample for many applications, it lacks the expandability that the Fire HD 8 Plus offers. Therefore, if storage flexibility is crucial, the Fire HD 8 Plus stands out as the better choice.

Battery Life

The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus boasts an impressive battery life of up to 13 hours, which is ideal for long sessions of reading, browsing, or streaming without needing a charge. In comparison, the Microsoft Surface 1st Gen’s battery life, while decent, does not match the longevity of the Fire HD 8 Plus. With the ability to use the Fire HD 8 Plus for an extended period away from a power source, it is better suited for users who are frequently on the move and need a reliable device that won’t run out of power quickly.

Software and Ecosystem

The Fire HD 8 Plus runs on Amazon’s operating system, which supports a variety of apps, including popular platforms like Netflix and Hulu. However, it does not support Google Play, which may limit app availability for some users. The Microsoft Surface 1st Gen operates on Windows 10, providing a full desktop experience and access to a wide range of software applications, including productivity tools. For users who need a versatile device capable of handling a full suite of software, the Surface is the superior option, particularly for those familiar with the Windows ecosystem.

Price Comparison

The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is priced at $104.99, making it significantly more affordable than the Microsoft Surface 1st Gen, which retails for $519.99. This price difference of about 80% makes the Fire HD 8 Plus an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers or those who need a simple tablet for media consumption. However, for users who require a more powerful device for professional tasks, the Surface may justify its higher price tag due to its enhanced performance and capabilities.

Which should you buy?

In conclusion, choosing between the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet and the Microsoft Surface 1st Gen ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you are looking for an affordable, lightweight tablet primarily for media consumption and light tasks, the Fire HD 8 Plus is an excellent choice. However, if you require a more powerful device with a larger display and the capability to run full desktop applications, the Microsoft Surface 1st Gen is the better option despite its higher price point. Assess your usage requirements and budget to make the best decision for your needs.