Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen, 2021)

Camera keeps user in frame on video calls ; Vibrant adaptive display ; Superb room-filling sound

Recycles same design as before

“The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2021) gives you the freedom to move around on video calls thanks to a new pan-and-zoom camera.”

Loud, full sound Wide range of features Improved camera

Few video streaming options Software is still voice-first Some video calling bugs

The new Echo Show 8 doesn’t redefine what a smart display can be, but it’s still a very good virtual assistant with a screen for an attractive price.

Bright, colorful screen Powerful audio for the size Higher-resolution camera than previous model Digital pan and zoom

Very few changes aside from camera

Amazon's second-generation Echo Show 8 smart display offers just the right balance of price, performance, and size, with an updated camera for an even better video chat and home security experience.

Camera auto-tracking is smooth and effective ; Stereo speakers have punch to fill a room ; Alexa keeps getting more abilities ; Easily-controlled privacy

Auto-framing does have limits ; A dedicated speaker sounds better for the price ; Limited services that the clever camera works with

13-megapixel camera Bright, crisp, 1280 x 800-resolution display with adaptive color Video calls with up to 7 people Alexa, and everything that brings to the party in terms of smart home control

Google Assistant remains far smarter when it comes to general knowledge inquiries Still no elegant way to watch YouTube Costs $30 more than the Nest Hub (2nd Gen)

The Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is a great smart display for not a lot of money that’s useful for video calls, home security, entertainment, and—above all—smart home control.

Perfect size for most spaces ; Dramatically improved camera ; Best affordable video-calling device

Display and camera don't rotate ; Only two color options ; Can't play Amazon Music HD content

Not much has changed from the first to the second generation of the Echo Show 8, but that is actually a good thing. The 13MP camera is vastly superior to the 1MP shooter on the previous model, as is the new panning feature that keeps you in the frame...

Display feels more responsive ; Auto-framing works well ; Good sound for size ; Comes with Amazon Sidewalk

Wish it offered more upgrades

I will say the speaker seems less impressive than it did in the first-generation model, but maybe I’m just disappointed Amazon didn’t beef it up this time around. Beyond the 13-MP camera with auto-framing, there’s little that makes this new version...

Excellent dual speaker system ; Improved responsiveness ; 13MP camera captures excellent video ; Affordable price

Unintuitive software ; Buggy camera software ; Occasional echo in calls ; No audio out port ; $129.00 at Amazon ; Rs7,499.00 at Amazon India ; £119.00 at Amazon

The Echo Show 8 is an excellent smart display for those invested in the Amazon device ecosystem. Despite the improved responsiveness, the display feels underutilized by the unintuitive and occasionally buggy software. Overall, though, the Echo Show 8...

Display ; Sound Quality ; Camera

Same old design ; Limited support for video calling apps

Perfect size ; 8″ clear display ; Built-in controls for volume and privacy ; 13MP front camera ; Responsive to voice commands for controlling smart home devices

Same design, same display ; Not worth the upgrade if you don’t use the camera at all

The Echo Show 8 is still the best Echo Show display in terms of size, functionalities, and prize. The second generation adds a faster processor and a huge bump in the camera department