Echo Show 8 1st Gen vs 2nd Gen: An In-Depth Comparison
The Echo Show smart display lineup delivers helpful visual information and entertainment powered by Alexa. With two generations of the mid-sized Echo Show 8 now on the market, many wonder whether to buy the newer 2021 release or opt for the still-capable 2019 original.
In this 2500+ word expert guide, we‘ll compare the Echo Show 8 1st Gen vs 2nd Gen across every key category from design to performance to pricing. You‘ll see an in-depth feature-by-feature breakdown of what‘s new versus what‘s stayed the same. Read on for clear advice on which model best fits your needs and budget.
Echo Show 8 Gen 1 vs Gen 2: Side-by-Side Overview
While four years separates their launch dates, the Echo Show 8 1st and 2nd Generation share a very similar core feature set. But the newer model does make key upgrades in processing power, camera quality and availability.
Here is a high-level overview before we dive into the details:
Echo Show 8 (1st Gen, 2019) Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen, 2021)
Display: 8" HD touchscreen Same 8” HD touchscreen
Resolution: 1280 x 800 Same 1280 x 800 resolution
Processor: MediaTek MT8163 quad-core Upgraded to MediaTek MT8183 octa-core
Front Camera: 1MP Upgraded to 13MP with auto-framing
Speakers: Dual 2", bass radiator Same dual 2" speakers & bass radiator
Dimensions: 7.9”x 5.4” x 3.9” Same 7.9” x 5.4” x 3.9” size
Weight: 36.6 oz Same 36.6 oz weight
Colors: Charcoal, Sandstone Charcoal, Glacier White (replaces Sandstone)
Aux Jack: Yes Removed in 2nd Gen
Release Date: Nov 2019 June 2021
Launch Price: $129.99 Same $129.99 launch price
With their compact footprint and vibrant 8-inch touchscreens, both models strike a versatile balance – bigger than an Echo Show 5 but more affordable and kitchen-friendly than the jumbo Show 15.
However, while physical design remains unchanged, the 2nd Gen Echo Show 8 does upgrade itsprocessors and cameras considerably. Read on to see how these and other changes compare in detail.
Display & Design: Identical Stunning Screens
Echo Show devices live or die based on the quality of their screens. With vivid 8-inch HD displays at an affordable price, the Echo Show 8 series hits a sweet spot for kitchen counters or bedside tables.
Unchanged Screen Excellence
The physical design and displays remain identical across both generations of the Echo Show 8. Key specs include:
- 8-inch touch display with 1280×800 HD resolution
- Sharp images and colors with IPS technology
- Bright display readable even in daylight
- Compact lightweight design at just 36.6 oz
You‘ll enjoy the same stellar visual experience whether you opt for the 1st or 2nd generation device. From displaying recipes to streaming Netflix to controlling smart home gadgets, the Show 8‘s screen beautifully brings Alexa interactions to life.
Identical Sturdy Hardware Design
Beyond the display, Amazon also kept other aspects of the Echo Show 8 body consistent across both models:
- Same physical dimensions: 7.9” x 5.4” x 3.9”
- Identical choice of Charcoal or White color options
- Fabric mesh back for acoustic performance
- Buttons, mic position unchanged
Durability matches as both models use the same scratch-resistant glass front display and sturdy plastic body able to withstand regular kitchen or bedside use.
While visually and physically nearly identical, there is ONE notable change…
Aux Jack Removed
The original Echo Show 8 contains a 3.5mm aux output jack allowing connection to external wired speakers. Unfortunately Amazon removed this aux connection in the 2nd Gen Show 8.
So if you require the ability to connect to your own high-end speakers, the 1st Gen Echo Show 8 still includes this otherwise vanishing aux jack. Consider searching resale sites like eBay for new old stock if the aux output matters for your use case.
Performance: Faster Processor Improves Responsiveness
With the Echo Show 8‘s external design and display unchanged for the 2nd Gen, Amazon clearly invested R&D resources into improving its inner workings instead.
The most significant internal hardware upgrade comes through an all-new processor powering the experience:
1st Gen Echo Show 8
- MediaTek MT8163 quad-core ARM processor
- Comparable to entry-level Android tablets
2nd Gen Echo Show 8
- MediaTek MT8183 octa-core ARM processor
- 2x faster CPU, 5x faster GPU vs 1st Gen
- Premium tablet-grade performance
On paper, benchmarks show the MT8183 scores twice as high in measures like GeekBench CPU performance compared to its predecessor. Real-world use bears this out…
Noticeably Snappier Response Times
Owners universally report a more responsive experience using the 2nd Generation Echo Show 8, especially when accessing rich media like videos, music and graphics-intensive apps.
With 4 extra processing cores and speed optimizations, the Gen 2 Echo Show 8 handles demanding multimedia and smart home workloads without lag, delay or sluggishness.
By contrast, the 1st Gen model running the MT8163 chip can sometimes choke on lots of notifications or API calls from Alexa Skills and smart home devices. Upgrading to the latest-generation silicon keeps things snappy even with expanded features.
Future Proof Processing
The significantly faster chipset also future-proofs the 2nd Gen Show 8 for years. As Amazon and third-party developers enhance Alexa with even richer visuals, voice capabilities and smart integrations, older quads may struggle while the new octa-core keeps pace thanks to dramatic leaps in specifications.
Of course for simpler needs like kitchen timers and casual listening, either Echo Show 8 handles core requests just fine. But buyers wanting maximum responsiveness for gaming, video calls or controlling next-gen IoT gadgets gain an advantage from the 2nd Gen model’s upgraded engine.
Cameras & Video Calling: Major Camera Upgrade
Visual communication makes up another key use case for Echo Show smart displays with their always-listening mics and front-facing cameras.
While the two Show 8 models otherwise look identical, Amazon gave the 2nd Gen a MASSIVE front camera upgrade…
1st Generation: Just 1MP
The first-generation Echo Show 8 disappoints with only a single megapixel front camera sensor. At just 1280 x 720 resolution, visual quality lags well behind even bargain smartphones.
Choppy motion and lack of sharpness during video calls remain chief complaints around the otherwise stellar 1st Gen device. Fine details blur together utterly unlike modern expectations.
2nd Generation: Beautiful 13MP Shots
By contrast, the 2021 release Echo Show 8 sports a high-quality 13MP front camera. Shared with the flagship Echo Show 10 rotator, the Gen 2 Show 8 now captures video calls, selfies and home monitoring at full 1920 x 1080 HD.
Besides 4x more raw resolution, the new image processing provides autofocus and auto white balance absent before. This makes a world of difference for living room dance parties or chatting with grandparents across the country.
Amazon also uses the 13MP feed to enable its signature “Auto Framing” feature. The Show 8 now automatically pans and zooms to follow users as they move about for fluid video conversations.
Overall the gulf in camera quality goes from grainy postage stamp shots to crisp clear portrait images – no contest!
Audio Quality: Same Great Speakers
One area unchanged between generations is the Echo Show 8‘s impressive audio system:
Identical Stereo Speakers
Both the 1st and 2nd Gen Show 8 pack…
- A pair of 2" neodymium stereo speakers
- Bass radiator for surprisingly deep lows
- Crisp mids and highs
- Audio auto-adjusts to environment
Premium Sound
This well-balanced setup carries over from past Echo models. Expect vivid stereo separation perfect for podcasts, Spotify tunes or watching films.
Dialogue comes through clear as a bell for easy communication or following along during tutorials. Plenty loud to hear notifications across the house too.
And the angled design throws audio towards listeners even off-axis. Despite compact form, sound easily fills smaller rooms or kitchen spaces.
While serious audiophiles may still prefer connecting an external audio system, either Show 8 satisfies with impressive built-in punch.
Smart Features: Conversational Alexa
Of course the real power behind Echo Shows lies in Amazon‘s Alexa smart assistant. Both generations come equipped with the same helpful voice-controlled feature set.
These include beloved Alexa staples like:
- Music & podcast playback via Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music + more
- Audiobooks from Audible
- Weather and traffic updates
- News, sports scores and schedules
- Home automation controls
- And 50,000+ skills with new ones added constantly!
Plus handy kitchen helpers such as:
- Grocery lists
- Timers
- Unit conversions
- Nutrition info
- Restaurant info
- Meal inspiration and step-by-step recipes
Identical capabilities between models means you’ll enjoy the full Alexa experience regardless of generation. Both Show 8 versions unlock thousands of voice commands at your fingertips.
Pricing: Gen 2 Worth Cost Premium
With the Echo Show 8 2nd Gen delivering mostly incremental yet meaningful improvements, how do prices compare between old and new models?
1st Gen Pricing
Initially $129.99 at launch, today the 1st Gen Echo Show 8 sells between $50-$100 depending on condition, supply and sales.
Gen 2 Pricing
The just-released 2nd Gen model officially retails around $129.99 MSRP, though often discounted $20-30 off.
ConsideringIncremental upgrades beyond the base experience, we feel paying up to a $50 premium makes sense to gain the Echo Show 8 2nd Gen‘s improved performance and camera.
Beyond that price difference, closer scrutiny of specs should guide your decision:
- On a budget? The 1st Gen still satisfies
- Want a chassis aux jack? Seek out 1st Gens
- Video calls a priority? The 13MP Gen 2 excels
- Smart home central control? Gen 2 keeps up better
Which Echo Show 8 Is Better? Conclusion & Recommendation
So when considering the Echo Show 8 first generation vs second generation, which model prevails?
Overall: 2nd Gen Echo Show 8
Thanks to much zippier speeds, vastly sharper 13MP camera and smarter software enhancements exclusive to the new model, we declare the Echo Show 8 2nd Generation the definitive winner – albeit by an incremental margin alone.
The Gen 2 updates keep Amazon‘s mid-sized smart display feeling fresh against rising competition, while retaining everything owners loved about the intuitive original.
However with nearly matched form factors and visual specs otherwise, if found at a significant discount the 1st generation Echo Show 8 still brings plenty to the table. Just beware laggy performance or grainy video calls.
For shoppers eyeing their first ever Alexa-enabled smart hub, spring for the latest Echo Show 8 2nd Gen if budget allows. You‘ll gain those slight but meaningful feature bumps that help justify the investment.
On the other hand if seeking a temporary supplemental screen around the home or a kid’s secondary device, scoring a used 1st generation Echo Show 8 can save big.
So determine the key factors most important for your use case – raw savings, aux jack needs or sharper video calls. Let your priorities guide deciding between the Echo Show 8 Gen 1 and Echo Show 8 Gen 2 in making the optimal choice.
