Amazon announced a new lineup of tablets called Alexa Tablet, marking a notable shift from its previous Fire Tablet devices. The new devices run Android instead of Fire OS and provide access to Google Play, along with integration of the Alexa+ assistant, with prices starting at $229.99.
A Shift in the Operating System and App Access
Google Play support allows users to install apps such as YouTube, Gmail, and Google Docs, addressing a longstanding limitation of Amazon tablets, which previously relied on a separate app store. The devices support multitasking with multiple app windows, expanding their usefulness for simultaneous tasks.
Alexa Tablet 12 Pro Targets the High-End Segment
The Alexa Tablet 12 Pro starts at $499.99 with 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage. The device features a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 chip and a 12-inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, housed in a 6.5mm-thick aluminum body. It also offers Wi-Fi 6E and four speakers supporting Dolby Atmos, and Amazon says the battery lasts for up to 16 hours of video playback.
A $549.99 version with a Nanomatte display is available, using precision-etched glass developed by Corning to reduce reflections. Memory options go up to 16GB, while the matte display is available with 128GB of storage, unlike the nano-texture option on the iPad Pro, which requires 1TB or 2TB capacities according to the comparison included in the announcement.
Amazon sells the Pro Keyboard for $149.99 and the Pro Pen for $89.99. Both accessories connect magnetically; the keyboard includes a trackpad and does not require Bluetooth pairing, while the pen supports pressure sensitivity and wireless charging.
Two Smaller Models and Options for Children
The Alexa Tablet 11 starts at $329.99 with 8GB of memory and 64GB of storage, along with an 11-inch display with 2.5K resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The 128GB version costs approximately $379.99. The Alexa Tablet 8 starts at $229.99, with an 8.7-inch display, 4GB of memory, and 64GB of storage.
Amazon also announced two versions for children, with 8.7-inch and 11-inch displays, starting at $229.99 and $329.99. The devices include a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, parent-managed access to Google Play, and tools for setting screen-time limits, filtering content, and monitoring activity through the Parent Dashboard available on iOS and Android. The AI-powered Storybuilder feature allows children to create illustrated stories using their voices.
What Changes in Practice?
With this lineup, Amazon combines hardware priced below several iPad models, broader app access, and an integrated voice assistant. However, some Alexa+ functions associated with all Alexa devices require a Prime membership or a separate Alexa+ subscription; access specific to the tablets is included. On-Screen Intelligence is also disabled by default, and visual indicators appear when the assistant's access to on-screen content is enabled.
The devices include a Kindle reading mode that silences notifications and reduces blue light. Amazon advertises up to 20 hours of reading time for the 11 and 12 Pro models, and 19 hours for the smaller model.
Orders opened on October 8, 2026. Shipping begins in the United States, Canada, and Mexico on October 14, followed by the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain on October 19. The children's models arrive in Japan on October 14.