TLDR Review: Echo Show 8
Pros
- •The upgraded processor delivers faster, more responsive Alexa interactions and smoother overall performance.
- •Excellent stereo sound quality with spatial audio and room analysis makes music and voice playback impressively clear and rich.
- •The 8" HD screen offers amazing picture quality with sharp resolution, ideal for video calls, recipes, and displaying largrint lyrics during music playback.
- •Builn Zigbee hub extends smart home compatibility beyond Amazon devices, allowing control of lights, AC, sprinklers, cameras, and more through voice commands.
- •Sleek, modern design with improved top control buttons and an upright “small TV” form factor for comfortable viewing angles.
- •Camera is centrally positioned for better usability, including a physical privacy cover and support for family recognition and selfies.
- •Setup is straightforward and mostly just requires Wi credentials, with an intuitive touchscreen and effective voice controls suitable for users with limited dexterity.
- •Stable Wi connectivity performs well even in challenging areas like outdoor spaces, maintaining reliable communication.
- •Handree voice assistant functionality supports calls, music control, and smart home management hands-free, adding convenience.
Cons
- •The device is quite large and takes up notable counter or tabletop space, which could be a dealbreaker in smaller kitchens or rooms.
- •Touchscreen limitations occasionally necessitate repeated inputs and may complicate setup, especially without a detailed user manual.
- •The angled screen position makes it difficult to see pets or lowengle subjects during video calls.
- •Some users report frustrating app interactions, such as audio conflicts where music cuts out or switches unpredictably between apps like Apple Music and Sirius XM.
- •Apple Music can behave unreliably, sometimes requiring Bluetooth streaming which limits simultaneous phone use.
- •The device may require patience to fully adapt to its quirks, with occasional troubleshooting needed for smooth operation.
Bottom Line
The Echo Show 8 (3rd Generation) in Charcoal is a stylish, powerful smart display that combines sharp visuals, impressive stereo sound, and enhanced smart home integration through its Zigbee hub, making it a standout choice for anyone looking to upgrade their smart home hub or multimedia assistant. However, its sizeable footprint and occasional touchscreen/setup frustrations mean it’s better suited to users who appreciate robust connectivity and can tolerate a learning curve. If counter space or seamless music app integration are your top priorities, you might also consider other Echo Show models or complementary devices to find the perfect fit for your needs.
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