Amazon just announced the Alexa Tablet lineup, three Android 16 tablets with full access to the Google Play Store. That’s the fix Fire tablet owners have wanted for years: no more sideloading or workarounds to get the apps you actually use.
Alexa Tablet prices and specs
Here’s what the three models cost in the US:
| Model | Screen | Starting config | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexa Tablet 8 | 8.7 inches | 4GB RAM, 64GB | $229.99 |
| Alexa Tablet 11 | 11 inches | 8GB RAM, 64GB | $329.99 |
| Alexa Tablet 12 Pro | about 12 inches | 8GB RAM, 128GB | $499.99 |
There’s also a Nanomatte version of the 12 Pro, with an anti-glare screen, from $549.99 and up to 16GB of RAM. According to GSMArena, the 12 Pro has a 120Hz display, four Dolby Atmos speakers, a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 chip and battery life of up to 16 hours of video. The 11 and 8 use a MediaTek MT8189.
The 11 and the 8 are ad-supported, with ads on the lock screen. Turning them off costs an extra $20. The 12 Pro has no lockscreen ads.
Alexa+ and the Play Store
All three tablets ship with the Alexa+ assistant built in. You can talk to it or use the “Ask Alexa” button. An optional feature called On-Screen Intelligence lets Alexa+ look at what’s on your screen, for example to compare information or add an event date to your calendar. It needs your permission and is off by default.
Amazon promises five years of security updates. That’s not the same as five new Android versions.
Keyboard and pen for the 12 Pro
The 12 Pro has an optional Pro Keyboard for $149.99, connected directly rather than over Bluetooth, and a Pro Pen sold separately. It’s Amazon’s pitch for a productivity tablet, a space dominated today by the iPad and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab line.
When can you buy it?
Sales start in the US, UK and Germany this month, though sources differ on the exact day. France, Italy, Spain and Japan are also on the list, with Alexa+ depending on local availability.
If you’re an Alexa user, our Echo Dot setup guide covers the basics of the assistant. And for a look at how Android apps behave once they leave the phone, see our story on Intel Googlebooks.
