We tested side by side Echo Show 8 ed Echo Show 5, in order to give you our opinion in one review and do a comparison between the two. There are many things in common and both are great value for money. But there are also differences that could affect your choice, depending on how you use these smart displays.
Echo Show 5 & 8 review: which one to choose
Opening the package of both devices gives the sensation of having two identical devices facing each other, just different in size. If you put them in perspective, they practically become twins. The 8-inch version measures 20 x 13,5 x 9,9 cm while that from 5 148 x 86 x 73 mm. But the difference in weight is even more evident: the 5-inch model weighs only 410 grams, less than half of the more massive big brother from one kilogram.
Both have a screen with a rather evident black border, a rounded back to give space to the hardware but also to the speakers (which however sound very differently). Find the button to turn off the microphone, those for volume and a physical switch to turn off the camera. On the back you will find the power input and a mini-USB port.
The power supply of the 8-inch version has more power (30W compared to 15W) but since there is no internal battery, the difference is only in the energy delivered to power the larger screen. Either way the cable is 1,5 meters long. It's not a lot, so choose carefully where to place your devices.
Alexa is always Alexa
By accessing the devices you are faced with the same setup to start chatting with Alexa. Compared to Google's Nests, installation on Android is more cumbersome: you have to enter manually the WiFi password and follow the process until you get to connect it to the Alexa app on your smartphone.
At this point, however, the quality of Amazon's software begins to shine. You can immediately start asking the artificial intelligence for information or follow a short one tutorial to get used to it. Ask Alexa to talk to you of the weather, to show you the news or ask for any information: you will see it on the screen while the Assistant's voice explains everything.
You can also follow recipes step by step on GialloZafferano, look at your own photos, and take new ones on Amazon Photos. Listen to music on Amazon Music but also Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music e TuneIn. If the service provides it, you can also follow the lyrics of the song on the screen. You can watch all the movies you want on Netflix e Prime Video.
The only necessary complaint concerns access to services not included, which however does not depend on the device but on Amazon's commercial agreements. YouTube is not there, although you can reach it via your browser Amazon Silk. The same goes for other video streaming services like Disney + for example.
We also point out that if you have the calendar saved in Outlook or Google Calendar, you will need to link your Amazon account. The same goes for lists and reminders. But once the accounts are linked with the app, the Amazon's software works well and smoothly (while not perfect in understanding words spoken in another language, although we are sure that our accent did not help).
Echo Show 5 & 8 review: a truly smart home
The integration of smart home accessories is perhaps the strong point of the entire Echo range. Connecting switches, thermostats, robot vacuums and smart video intercoms simply works well. By switching from the Alexa app (which may seem confusing at first but has everything you need) you can activate the whole house with your Echo Show.
And if you add the convenience of shopping on Amazon, including movies and music to connect to smart TVs and Bluetooth speakers, you really have a smart home. But all this depends a lot on the degree of "smartization" you already have. Without smart products to connect you will be limited to use the Echo Shows as smart alarms, speakers and displays for music and TV series and to chat with Alexa without unlocking the smartphone. All things that do very well, don't get us wrong. We're just saying this type of device works best with one smart home completa. And to build it, you need to spend time and money buying light bulbs, video intercoms and smart doorbells.
In fact, both Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 also do from security camera or for childrenif you want, although in this review we had some trouble using it. From the smartphone application, by going to Cameras and LiveView, we didn't have any feedback. After trying to make a video call to the device instead we were able to use it normally. We imagine it's a fixable problem with a software update, so it shouldn't be a big limitation.
New Echo Show 8 (2nd Generation, Model 2021) | Screen...
- Alexa can show you even more things - The 8 "HD screen, automatic color adjustment and speakers ...
- Always in the center - The new camera automatically keeps you in the center of the image during a video call ....
- Simplify your daily life - Echo Show 8 allows you to keep an eye on your calendar appointments and ...
Video calling and multimedia make a difference
If Alexa turns out to have the usual (many) qualities and only (few) limits on both devices, there is some difference between the two. But it's not about the power of the device: they both use a MediaTek MT 8183 processor which is sufficiently responsive, if not quite snappy.
The first difference concerns the camcorder. Echo Show 5 has a 2MP sensor which is fine for minimal operations: it connects you but we find it difficult to use it instead of a smartphone. Also because in all likelihood your phone has a larger screen to see the other person. Instead Echo Show 8 has a 13MP camera, which thanks to the software that centers the frame and follows you while you speak offers excellent performance.
The second difference concerns the speakers. On the 5-inch model we find a speaker 1,66 ”full-range. While on the 8-inch one you find 2 x 52mm neodymium speakers and a passive radiator. You don't hear the difference so much in Alexa's voice as in songs and videos. When the volume is turned up to the maximum, the 8-inch model becomes a speaker that fills the room with sound, reproducing with precision and rather deep bass. Given the price at which it is sold, sound really good even compared to "pure" speakers. The 5-inch model, on the other hand, begins to vibrate and lose definition at maximum volume, also due to the low weight.
READ ALSO: Alexa is ready for the kick-off of the European Football ChampionshipsEcho Show 5 & 8 review: which one to choose?
Both devices are great for using Alexa. Especially to manage your smart home: the more devices you have at home, the more we would like to recommend them. The 5-inch version costs 84,99 €, with a quality-price ratio impossible to beat. But the Echo Show isn't that far away - it costs 129,99 €. The $ 45 difference may not be much for some, despite being more than 50% of the price of the 5-inch model.
Discover the best offers of the day on the telegram channel of technologicfansWhat's the best? Without a doubt the 8-inch one. It does everything the Echo Show 5 does but has better speakers and a completely different camera. But these two characteristics are not useful for everyone. So if you are aiming to use your Echo Show to call on Zoom or to listen to music, the advice is to choose the 8-inch version. If you don't use them and the small screen isn't a problem, you can go quietly on version 5 without second thoughts.
But we believe you can also choose to use both devices for different reasons. For instance Echo Show 5 becomes a great smart alarm clock to put on the bedside table, while Echo Show 8 creates the right atmosphere in the living room. Notwithstanding that both are excellent at giving voice to Alexa.
Finally, if you have to choose between this and other smart displays (like the Google Nest Hub, for example), the whole ecosystem makes the difference. If you prefer the Alexa's skill, these are the two smart displays plus convenient and performing that you find in circulation.
PRO
- Both are competitively priced
- The 8 model has a great video camera
- The Amazon ecosystem is complete
AGAINST
- YouTube and other apps are missing
- Some uncertainty in the LiveView
New Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation, Model 2021) | Screen...
- Keep an eye on your day with Alexa - Set alarms and timers, check your calendar, watch a ...
- Put Alexa on the bedside table - Start the day with a routine that turns on compatible lights, or by listening to the ...
- Manage your Smart Home - Find out what happens while you are not at home thanks to the integrated camera and ...
