Amazon's new Alexa Tablet 12 Pro starts at $499, runs full Android, and one reviewer says its screen and build rival the best iPads.
Amazon's new Alexa Tablet 12 Pro is getting early praise, mostly for its hardware. A Tom's Guide reviewer calls it one of the best Android tablets right now after about a week of daily use. It starts at $499 and is the top model in a new Alexa tablet line that effectively replaces Amazon's Fire tablets.
The biggest change is the software. This is the first Amazon tablet to run full Android with Google Play, so it can use the same app store as other Android tablets. It is also built to work with Alexa+, Amazon's assistant. The reviewer says it can also stand in for a Kindle e-reader.
The reviewer's favorite part is the 12-inch display. It has a sharp 2800 x 1840 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes motion look smoother. It is not an OLED screen, but the review says colors look vivid and contrast is excellent. Display test numbers were comparable to the Apple iPad 11.
An optional Nanomatte finish cuts glare. On the review unit, it gave the screen a slightly rough, paper-like feel. The reviewer found it good for reading and especially for digital comics, and said it softened color less than similar screens on other devices.
The body is a thin, light aluminum slab in all black. Speakers on both sides handle voices well. Music can lack bass but still sounds punchy and clear.
The reviewer says it is best for watching videos and reading books. The Alexa features add the most for people who already own Alexa devices or a Kindle. Anyone else would mostly be buying a good Android tablet with a standout screen.
The review also mentions optional accessories that can boost productivity, though the available text does not say what they are or what they cost. Battery life is described as long, but no hours are given.
The Alexa Tablet 12 Pro looks like a strong $499 tablet for video and reading, and Alexa features matter most if you already use Alexa or a Kindle.
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