Amazon launches iPad‑inspired Alexa Tablets with Play Store support
Amazon revives its tablet line with the Alexa Tablets, abandoning the Fire name and adding genuine Play Store support for the first time in over a decade.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
Amazon unveils iPad‑inspired Alexa Tablets
Amazon has introduced a new lineup of tablets that abandon the Fire brand and bring genuine Play Store support after more than a decade, according to 9to5Google and Engadget. The devices are designed to compete with iPad, featuring aluminum unibodies and iPad‑esque dimensions.
Three models bring Android, Alexa+ and Kindle integration
All three Alexa Tablets run Android with a custom launcher that emphasizes Alexa+, and they come pre‑installed with the Kindle app, Amazon’s other services, and the Google Play Store. The software shift marks a clear break from Amazon’s previous Android‑less strategy on Fire TV devices, as noted in the source.
The entry‑level model, the Alexa Tablet 8, is priced at $230 for the 64 GB version with lockscreen ads or $250 without ads. It features an 8.7‑inch 60 Hz display, 4 GB of RAM, up to 128 GB storage, and a MediaTek 8189 8‑core processor. More details are available on the product page: [Alexa Tablet 8](https://amzn.to/4i9Mqbx).
The mid‑size Alexa Tablet 11 offers an 11‑inch 90 Hz display, 8 GB of RAM, 64 GB storage (expandable to 128 GB), and the same MediaTek 8189 chipset. It starts at $330 for the base model and adds matcha and amethyst color options. The device is aimed at entertainment, with quad Dolby Atmos speakers and up to 15 hours of video playback. See the listing: [Alexa Tablet 11](https://amzn.to/4AW0TPK).
The flagship Alexa Tablet 12 Pro distinguishes itself with a 2.8K 3:2 120 Hz display, optional Nan matte anti‑glare coating, and a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 processor. It offers 8 GB of RAM (upgradable to 16 GB) and 128 GB storage (upgradable to 256 GB), with a starting price of $500. The device also includes quad speakers, Wi‑Fi 6E, and a battery rated for up to 16 hours of video. Amazon claims it delivers three times faster processing and nine times faster graphics than any previous tablet. The Pro Pen and Pro Keyboard accessories are priced at $90 and $150 respectively. For more information, visit the product page: [Alexa Tablet 12 Pro](https://amzn.to/4i8Fonn).
Premium 12‑inch Pro leads with high‑end features
The 12‑inch Pro’s display is a 280 PPI panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate and a 3:2 aspect ratio. Amazon partnered with Corning to create a sub‑pixel‑level texture that preserves contrast and color accuracy, offering an optional Nan matte version that provides an anti‑glare experience. The device also supports Wi‑Fi 6E and includes quad Dolby Atmos speakers.
Mid‑range 11‑inch model focuses on entertainment
The Alexa Tablet 11 is built around a 2.5K display with a 90 Hz refresh rate and a 16:10 cinematic aspect ratio, making it suitable for media consumption. It houses an 8‑core processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage, with Dolby Atmos speakers and up to 15 hours of video playback. Color options include graphite, amethyst, and matcha.
Entry‑level 8‑inch tablet targets portability
Measuring just 7.95 mm thin and weighing 329 g, the Alexa Tablet 8 is the slimmest and lightest in the lineup, ideal for on‑the‑go users. It features an 8.7‑inch display, an 8‑core MediaTek 8189 chipset, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage, with graphite, rosette, and teal color choices.
Accessories and AI features enhance usability
Amazon offers the $90 Alexa Tablet Pro Pen and the $150 Alexa Tablet Pro Keyboard, both designed exclusively for the 12‑inch Pro. The pen creates friction on the Nan matte screen for a paper‑like writing feel, while the keyboard attaches magnetically without requiring Bluetooth pairing.
AI capabilities are centered on Alexa+’s On‑Screen Intelligence, which can analyze content on the display to answer queries, add events to calendars, or locate products shown in videos. The feature is opt‑in, giving users control over when it is active.
Pricing and availability announced for holiday season
Amazon will begin shipping the new Alexa Tablets in the United States, Mexico, and Canada on October 14, while European markets (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain) will receive them starting October 19. Pricing ranges from $230 for the base 8‑inch model to $680 for the top‑end 16 GB/256 GB variant of the 12‑inch Pro. The devices are positioned as iPad competitors and are expected to be a highlight of the holiday season.
Sources
- 9to5GoogleAmazon’s new Alexa Tablets are an iPad-inspired reboot, complete with the Play Store
- EngadgetAmazon's new Alexa tablets include a 12-inch model with anti-glare screen
Continue chronologically
Related entity coverage
Related stories
Amazon Drops Fire Branding for New Android Alexa Tablets
Amazon introduces its new Alexa Tablet lineup featuring Google-certified Android, the Play Store, and a redesigned unibody aluminum housing.
Amazon Unveils New Alexa Tablets With Alexa+ and Google Play
Amazon introduces a new lineup of Alexa Tablets featuring the Alexa+ AI assistant, full Google Play Store access, and an aluminum unibody design.
Amazon Debuts Alexa Photo Frame and Echo Time Smart Clock
Amazon has unveiled five new Alexa devices, featuring the new Alexa Photo Frame and Echo Time smart clock alongside upgraded Echo hardware.
Amazon Reveals New Echo Hardware and Upgraded Alexa Plus Lineup
Amazon unveiled its new fall hardware lineup at an event in New York City, featuring updated Echo speakers, smart displays, and a 3D Alexa Home Map.
