Amazon has recently updated its tablet lineup with a new entry that represents a significant shift in its hardware strategy. I purchased the Amazon Alexa tablet 11 to see how this device bridges the gap between Amazon’s traditional ecosystem and the broader world of Android. Unlike the previous Fire tablets, this model now includes Google services, making it a hybrid device that functions as both an Amazon product and a Google-integrated tablet.
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This 11-inch model occupies the middle of the current lineup. It sits between an 8-inch version that costs a little bit less and a 12-inch Pro version that sells for a lot more (compensated affiliate link).
Consistent with Amazon’s previous marketing strategies, the base price includes advertisements on the lock screen, though these can be removed for an additional fee. While the inclusion of the Google Play Store means users no longer need to sideload apps, there is a caveat for long-time users: apps previously purchased through the Amazon App Store will not transfer to this device.
The experience of using the tablet feels like navigating two different worlds. During the initial setup, I had to agree to separate terms of service for both Amazon and Google. I encountered several hurdles during the first hour of use, including mandatory updates for the Silk browser and multiple permission requests for the Alexa app to function. This results in a setup process that is less streamlined than previous generations, requiring more patience to get the device fully operational.
On the hardware side, the build quality is sturdy with an all-metal chassis and a high-quality glass front. It weighs approximately 16.4 ounces, making it feel substantial but portable. The 11-inch 2.5K display is a strong point, offering 276 pixels per inch, which provides clear detail for reading and viewing photographs. Amazon has also implemented a 90 Hz refresh rate, intended to smooth out movement on the screen. However, I noticed that the internal processor occasionally struggles to keep pace with the interface, leading to moments where the experience does not feel as fluid as the display specs suggest.
The internal specifications include a MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of built-in storage. There is no microSD card slot for expansion, so users requiring more space for media will need to opt for the 128 GB model at the time of purchase. Connectivity is limited to a single USB-C 2.0 port which handles charging and data but does not support video output. There is also no headphone jack, though a fingerprint reader is integrated into the side button for quick access.
In practical use, I found the web browsing experience to be snappy, whether using the Silk browser or Google Chrome. However, the tablet lacks sophisticated palm rejection. If my thumb rested even slightly over the bezel while holding the device, the screen often became unresponsive to scrolling or triggered unintended menus. This is an area where other modern tablets have generally seen more refinement. For multitasking, the device handles split-screen mode well, allowing for simultaneous browsing and video playback.
When it comes to gaming, the performance is mixed. Popular titles like Roblox run adequately, though lag is noticeable in more complex environments. Benchmark testing puts the performance of this tablet roughly in line with Amazon’s 11-inch offerings from two or three years ago, trailing behind competitors like the entry-level iPad (compensated affiliate link) or more powerful offerings from brands like Walmart’s Onn line. One bright spot for Prime members is the inclusion of Amazon Luna, which allows for cloud streaming of high-end PC games. Using a Wi-Fi 6 connection, I was able to stream titles at 1080p with manageable latency, provided the internet connection remained stable.
One notable omission in this new model is the “Show Mode.” Prior Fire tablets could function as an Echo Show when docked or locked, displaying visual information and smart home controls. This device lacks that visual interface when locked; it will respond to voice commands, but it does not provide the full visual dashboard found on older models. This may be a side effect of the transition to a more standard Google-based operating system. When the device is unlocked visual responses appear inside of the Alexa widget that pops up over the interface.
The choice here depends largely on how much one values the integration of Google and Amazon services in a single piece of hardware. While the display and build quality remain competitive, the stagnant processor performance and the loss of specific Amazon features like Show Mode suggest a device that is still finding its footing. Given that you can get the more powerful iPad and Onn tablet for around the same price, this one is a tough sell.