Amazon enters Android tablet market with new Alexa tablets: Specs, features and price

Amazon has stepped into the Android arena. The e-commerce giants have launched their first Android tablet series, containing three models—Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, Amazon Alexa Tablet 11, and Amazon Alexa Tablet 8. As by the name, one can guess that AI remains a big highlight of the new series. Amazon, from the regular Kindle, first stepped into the tablet market with the launch of Kindle Fire. Later, the company dropped the Kindle tag to emphasise that tablets are more than e-reading devices.Now, what makes the new Alexa tablets different from their predecessor is the Operating Software. As the Fire tablets run on Amazon's homegrown Fire OS and only allow downloading apps from its own app store, the new tablets, however, offer more flexibility by supporting the Google Play Store.Amazon is not cutting its tablets from its roots either, shipping Alexa Tablets with the Kindle experience. Panos Panay, an Amazon product marketer, says that the device transforms into a “distraction-free reading sanctuary” when the feature is turned on. Notifications are automatically disabled, battery optimisation kicks in for up to 20 hours of reading, and the adaptive display and blue light filter are activated.Alongside the new Alexa Tablet lineups, Amazon also introduced Amazon Kids Tablets, which ship with features like creating original illustrated stories with a child's voice and a redesigned dashboard for parents. Amazon Alexa Tablet series specs and featuresThe Amazon Alexa Tablet series ships with Alexa Plus built into all models. The Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro is the top-end model in the lineup. It features a 12-inch display with a 280 PPI pixel density, a 120Hz refresh rate and a 3:2 aspect ratio. Buyers can choose between a standard display and a Nanomatte display designed to reduce glare and improve readability in bright conditions.The tablet is powered by a 4nm octa-core processor and comes with up to 16GB of RAM. It also features quad Dolby Atmos speakers, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and up to 16 hours of video playback. For users who want to use it for work, Amazon is offering a Pro Pen and a Pro Keyboard as separate accessories. The keyboard attaches magnetically, while the pen supports handwritten notes, sketches and PDF annotations. The Amazon Alexa Tablet 11 is aimed at users who want a tablet for entertainment and everyday tasks. It features an 11-inch 2.5K display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a 16:10 aspect ratio. The device is powered by an octa-core processor paired with 8GB of RAM and promises up to 15 hours of video playback. It also comes with dual Dolby Atmos speakers and is available in Graphite, Amethyst and Matcha colour options.Meanwhile, the Amazon Alexa Tablet 8 is the most compact model in the series. It features an 8.7-inch display and weighs 329 grams, making it easier to carry around and use with one hand. The tablet measures 7.95mm in thickness and is powered by an octa-core processor. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and offers up to 14 hours of video playback. The device is available in Graphite, Rosette and Teal colours.Alexa Plus is a key feature across all three models. Users can access the assistant through voice commands or by tapping the Ask Alexa button. It can answer questions, control compatible smart home devices and offer help based on what is displayed on the screen, provided users enable the relevant feature.Amazon Kids Tablets featuresAlongside the new Alexa tablets, Amazon has introduced updated Kids Tablets in 8.7-inch and 11-inch sizes. The bundles include a tablet, a protective case and a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids Plus.Amazon is offering different versions for children aged three and above and those aged six and above. The versions for younger children come with soft bumper cases featuring designs inspired by franchises such as Paw Patrol and Barbie. The models for older children get slim hard cases with built-in kickstands.The Kids Tablets also introduce new software features. Storybuilder lets children use their voice to create original illustrated stories, while a redesigned Parent Dashboard gives parents weekly insights into what their children are exploring and learning.Amazon Alexa Tablets pricing and availabilityThe Amazon Alexa Tablet series starts at $229.99 (around Rs 22,218) in the US. The Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro starts at $499.99 (approximately Rs 48,302) for the Graphite model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The Nanomatte version starts at $549.99 (around Rs 53,133).The Amazon Alexa Tablet 11 starts at $329.99 (around Rs 31,879) for the variant with 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The Amazon Alexa Tablet 8 starts at $229.99 (roughly Rs 22,218) for the model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.Amazon is also selling accessories separately, including the Pro Keyboard at $149.99 (roughly Rs 14,492) and the Pro Pen at $89.99 (around Rs 8,694).The three Alexa tablets and the new Kids Tablets are available to order in the US, Mexico and Canada, with shipments scheduled to begin on October 14, 2026. Availability in the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain is scheduled to begin shipping on October 19. The Kids Tablets will also ship in Japan from October 14. Amazon has not announced pricing or availability for India in the announcement.- Ends