Amazon recently announced new versions of its Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 smart displays. Each of the model refreshes includes an upgraded camera and the latest Alexa features, but the hardware specifications—and intended user bases—differ. Let’s take a look at the changes.
What’s different about the new Echo Shows?
The Echo Show 8 gets a much better camera
This updated version of the Echo Show 8 smart display has a lot in common with the 2018 version: the same physical dimensions, an 8-inch 1280x800 resolution screen, and 2-inch stereo speakers. However, the 2021 version’s front camera has been upgraded from a measly 1-megapixel camera to a much more impressive 13-megapixel camera, so video call quality should be considerably better.
The new camera also uses the same auto-framing technology as last year’s Echo Show 10’s camera, which dynamically adjusts itself to keep your face in the shot.
The new Echo Show 8 is available for preorder starting at $129.99.
The Echo Show 5 gets a slightly better camera (and more colors)
Amazon also announced a model refresh for the Echo Show 5. Like the new Echo Show 8, the 2021 Echo Show 5’s biggest changes are to its camera, but the upgrades aren’t as robust.
The 2021 Echo Show 5’s camera is now 2 megapixels, a slight boost from the 1- megapixel camera found in the 2019 model. The new model also comes in a new “Deep Sea Blue” color option to go along with the existing Glacier White and Charcoal. The new Echo Show 5 will cost $84.99 ($5 cheaper than the original Echo Show 5’s launch price), and you can preorder it now.
Amazon’s kid-friendly Echo Show 5
Along with the new standard Echo Show 5, Amazon unveiled the Echo Show 5 Kids. The Echo Show 5 Kids’ “Chameleon” theme sets it apart from the standard Echo Show 5 visually, but hardware-wise, both models are identical.
It’s the same size, and its camera, screen, and speakers are the same. The Echo 5 Kids’ pre-installed parental controls and focus on child-friendly content is what sets it apart from the other models.
Customers get a year of Amazon’s family-friendly streaming service, Amazon Kids+ (normally $2.99 per month for Prime members) that includes apps, games, books, movies and TV shows for kids. There’s also a 2-year “worry-free guarantee” for a free replacement if the Echo Show 5 Kids breaks for whatever reason. These extras are included in the device’s $94.99 price tag.
Older Echo Show 5 and 8 models get price cuts
The new Echo Show 8, Echo Show 5, and Echo Show 5 Kids are available for preorder now and will ship in the coming weeks, but the previous generation of Echo Show devices are still available now, at reduced prices.
The 2018 Echo Show 8 model is now $110 (a $20 price cut), and the 2019 Echo Show 5 is down from $89.99 to just $49, while supplies last. It might be worth grabbing one of these Echo Show models if you don’t mind their modest camera technology; otherwise, they’re mostly the same as the updated versions.