Amazon is taking on Apple's iPad lineup with three new Alexa tablets that pack larger displays, built-in AI features, and prices starting at just $229.99.
The Alexa Tablet 8, Alexa Tablet 11, and Alexa Tablet 12 Pro feature aluminum bodies, upgraded displays, and built-in Alexa+ integration. Preorders opened October 8, with shipping scheduled to begin October 14.
Amazon's new tablets also replace the Fire OS software used on existing Fire tablets with Android and full Google Play Store access.
Customers can download popular apps such as YouTube, Netflix, Gmail, and Google Docs directly from Google's store. They won't need the workarounds previously required to install those apps on Fire tablets.
Three new Alexa tablets at different prices
The Alexa Tablet 8 is the smallest and cheapest model at $229.99. Its 8.7-inch display sits inside an aluminum body weighing just 329 grams, making the tablet small enough for comfortable one-handed reading.
Amazon includes an eight-core processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and Wi-Fi 6 support. The company promises up to 14 hours of video playback, and a 128GB configuration is available for $279.99. Buyers can choose from Graphite, Rosette, and Teal.
Dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support handle audio, while Amazon rates battery life at up to 15 hours of video playback.The Alexa Tablet 11 starts at $329.99 with 64GB of storage, while the linked 128GB configuration costs $379.99. Both versions include 8GB of RAM, an eight-core processor, and an 11-inch 2.5K display with a 90Hz refresh rate.
Dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support handle audio, while Amazon rates battery life at up to 15 hours of video playback. The tablet also supports an optional $59.99 pen and a $79.99 keyboard case, with Graphite, Amethyst, and Matcha color options.
At the top of the lineup, the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro starts at $499.99 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It features a 12-inch 2.8K display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 3:2 aspect ratio, giving users additional vertical space for documents and multitasking.
The larger tablet also includes a 4nm eight-core processor, Wi-Fi 6E, and four speakers supporting Dolby Atmos. Amazon claims up to 16 hours of video playback.
There's also a Nanomatte version with anti-glare glass developed alongside Corning. The entry-level Nanomatte configuration starts at $549.99 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, while the linked 16GB RAM and 256GB model costs $679.99.
The larger tablet also includes a 4nm eight-core processor, Wi-Fi 6E, and four speakers supporting Dolby Atmos.The Nanomatte display uses precision-etched glass to reduce reflections while preserving image detail. It's intended to make the screen easier to see in bright surroundings without relying on a conventional matte coating.
For anyone planning to use the 12 Pro for work, Amazon offers a $149.99 magnetic Pro Keyboard and an $89.99 Pro Pen. The keyboard includes a trackpad, while the stylus supports 4,096 pressure levels, tilt detection, and wireless charging.
The entry-level Tablet 8 and Tablet 11 configurations include sponsored lock-screen advertisements. Amazon also offers versions without the advertisements for an additional charge.
How the new Alexa tablets compare with Apple's iPads
The Alexa Tablet 8 is closest in size to Apple's iPad mini, which starts at $599. Apple's 8.3-inch tablet uses the A17 Pro chip and supports Apple Pencil Pro, while Amazon's slightly larger 8.7-inch alternative costs $369 less.
Amazon's 11-inch model competes more directly with the standard iPad, which starts at $449. The Alexa Tablet 11 costs $119 less in its base configuration and offers a 90Hz display, compared with the iPad's 60Hz screen.
The entry-level Tablet 8 and Tablet 11 configurations include sponsored lock-screen advertisements.Apple's tablet uses the A16 chip and includes 128GB of storage at its starting price, twice the capacity of Amazon's cheapest 11-inch model.
Despite its Pro branding, the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro is a closer comparison to the 13-inch iPad Air than the iPad Pro. Apple's M4-powered iPad Air starts at $949, compared with $499.99 for Amazon's regular 12 Pro.
Amazon offers a 120Hz display at the lower price, while Apple's iPad Air uses a 60Hz panel. The iPad Air also supports Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, with access to Apple's iPadOS software and device ecosystem.
Alexa+ and Kindle features come built in
All three tablets include Alexa+, allowing customers to ask questions, control smart home devices, and interact with Amazon's assistant without leaving their current apps. Users can summon Alexa by voice or through an on-screen button.
An optional On-Screen Intelligence feature lets Alexa examine what's displayed and respond to questions about it. For example, customers can ask the assistant to compare products they're browsing or add dates from a displayed schedule to their calendar.
Amazon says screen access is disabled by default and must be enabled by the user. A visual indicator also appears whenever Alexa can see the display.
The tablets come with a free Alexa+ experience, so buyers don't need a Prime membership just to use the assistant on their new devices. A Prime membership or separate Alexa+ subscription is required for full access to Alexa+ across compatible Alexa and Echo devices.
Readers also get a dedicated Kindle mode that silences notifications, reduces blue light, and offers three display themes. Amazon claims battery life can reach 20 hours while reading.
All three Alexa tablets begin shipping October 14 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Shipping to the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain begins October 19.
