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Amazon’s voice assistants have been the most popular and widespread voice computers on the market for several years now. Besides the classic Echo devices without a display, the devices of the Echo Show series are especially popular. With the help of a large display, the content of the Echo can be transmitted and illustrated even better.
The Echo Show 8* and Echo Show 10* only differ in a few points at first glance. The number in the name always stands for the display size of the Show devices. However, the mentioned devices differ in much more points than just the display diagonal.
Both devices have their advantages and disadvantages, resulting in different application purposes for each device.
The biggest difference between the Echo Show 10 and the Echo Show 8 is that the Echo Show 10 can automatically rotate its display and is therefore always perfectly aligned with the listener/spectator. This results in many new functions, such as tracking during a phone call.
The speakers installed in the Echo Show 10 have also become better and clearer compared to the Echo Show 8. Not least because of the slightly larger casing, which gives the speakers more mass and volume.
However, not only the hardware has changed, but also the software has been updated and adapted to the new Echo Show 10 with numerous features.
Table of Contents
Echo Show 8
As the name suggests, the Echo Show 8* has a built-in 8-inch display. Thanks to a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, it can display typical content, such as videos, sharply. The color reproduction and color accuracy of the Echo Show 8’s display are also impressive.
The speakers sit behind a fabric cover, have a diameter of 51 mm and are 10 watts strong. Similar to other Echo devices, the volume can be controlled with two buttons on the top of the device. The Echo Show 8 has several microphones for speech recognition.
If Alexa is not supposed to respond, the mute button can be used to turn off the microphones.
At the top of the screen is a camera that can be used for both taking photos and making video calls. Meanwhile, it has 13 megapixels and can thus take very high-quality photos and videos.
In video calls, zooming and shifting the center of the image can keep the person in view, even if he or she moves a bit.
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Echo Show 8 Features, Specs, Pros & Cons
Echo Show 10
The Echo Show 10* is newer and has an eye-catching 10-inch display. It is mounted on the front of the Echo’s casing so that it can move freely. The resolution is also 1280 x 800 pixels, so videos and photos can be rendered very nicely and sharply here as well.
The color brilliance and brightness are also on a very high level. Therefore, this display can also be used perfectly for consuming content.
Two tweeters with a diameter of 25 mm and a 76 mm woofer are installed in the Echo Show 10 for audio output. This results in a very differentiated sound that has its strengths, especially in the bass and midrange. The automatic alignment of the speakers to the user also improves the sound quality.
The quality of photos and videos taken with the Echo Show 10 is extremely high. However, the video quality during calls is also very convincing thanks to the built-in camera, which has 13 megapixels. The possibility to swivel the camera 360 degrees additionally makes it ideal for use as a surveillance camera.
Hardware – Echo Show 8 vs. Echo Show 10
The quality of many components, such as the camera or the display, are identical and very high in both products. Nevertheless, there are some minor differences, but they are quite noticeable in total.
The speakers of the Echo Show 10 are much more detailed and voluminous compared to those of the Echo Show 8. Especially the larger casing contributes significantly to the difference.
In addition, the speakers in the Echo Show 10 are divided into two mid-range speakers and a woofer. This enables a more differentiated control of the speakers and results in a better sound.
The Echo Show 8 is much more compact than its bigger brother with dimensions of 200 x 135 x 99 mm. The latter has dimensions of 251 x 229 x 170 mm and is thus much larger.
However, the difference in size is not as noticeable due to the visually floating display. The Echo Show 10 looks more elegant and less bulky in comparison.
However, the biggest difference is probably the installation of the display. In the Echo Show 8, it is simply integrated into the compact casing. In the Echo Show 10, it is mounted on the side and above the base casing, which is cylindrical. This allows the display to rotate 360 degrees, which can be very useful in everyday use and brings many new functions with it.
The two devices do not differ in terms of camera either. Both have 13 megapixels, so they can deliver high-quality pictures and can be covered with a flap.
The Echo Show has the MediaTek 8183 processor installed and is thus very powerful. Commands can be implemented quickly and responses can be output quickly. However, the Echo Show 8 also has this processor and is therefore very fast and reliable.
Software – Echo show 8 vs. Echo Show 10
Besides the few changes in the hardware, it is mainly the software that has changed. This results in many new functions, which, for example, access the 360-degree rotation of the display. Thus, the Echo Show 10 has some additional features that the Echo Show 8 does not have.
If a video call is started via the Echo Show 10, the follow-up function is activated automatically. In this mode, the user is always kept in view by the Echo device. Thus, the user can walk freely through the room and still remain in the center of the picture.
The Echo Show 8 can also track the user during a phone call. However, this feature is based on the software and is not supported by the rotation option like in the Echo Show 10.
That is why this function can only be used to a limited extent here. As soon as the person moves a bit more in the room, the camera is no longer aligned appropriately.
The new rotating function can also be very handy when cooking with Alexa. No matter where you are in the kitchen, the display of the Echo Show 10 is always perfectly aligned. Thus, it can be read ideally at any time when cooking with a recipe.
However, it cannot be said that the display of the Echo Show 8 is difficult to read while cooking. The good viewing angles of the display also make the Echo Show 8 very practical for cooking. Nevertheless, the Echo Show 10 can show its advantages here and clearly score in combination with new software.
However, there are also new features regarding security. Thanks to an update, all cameras of the Echo Show devices can now be used for monitoring in absence. However, the rotating function is also extremely useful here, as it can also be controlled remotely.
Thus, you can look around the entire room via the app. Thanks to the built-in microphones and speakers, it is also possible to communicate directly via the Echo Show device if necessary.
This means that the room can usually only be monitored with the help of an Echo Show device. Integrating the camera into a smart home system is also no problem with either device. But there are many more functions of the Echo devices that enrich the smart home.
Smart Home Integration – Echo show 8 vs. Echo Show 10
Even though not every Echo Show user has their own smart home, this is a very important area where both Echo devices offer a lot of options and features.
Both Echo devices feature the Alexa voice assistant, which executes individual commands. For example, lamps or shutters can be easily controlled by voice. Answering everyday questions or transmitting weather data, for example, also works flawlessly with both devices.
For the direct integration of smart devices without the use of a so-called bridge, both devices also have a Zigbee 3.0 radio transmitter. This enables the Echo to communicate directly with the individual devices. This simplifies the setup of a smart home considerably.
Smart speakers are another essential component of a smart home. Usually, these are directly integrated into the network. This allows them to be controlled from anywhere and music can be played in all rooms simultaneously.
A big advantage of the Echo Show 8 and the Echo Show 10 is that they already have such a speaker built in. Thus, music can also be controlled remotely or from other rooms via the Echo’s speakers.
The aforementioned function that music can be played in all rooms at the same time is also possible with both devices. However, the Echo Show 10 is much better suited than the Echo Show 8 because of the better speakers.
The sound of the Echo Show 8 is rather only meant for smaller rooms. In contrast, the sound of the Echo Show 10 is also sufficient for somewhat larger rooms.
Many users of a smart home who are interested in technology will also want to permanently display relevant content on the Echo Show. The classic Alexa app is suitable for this, for example. It can already display a lot of information and functions clearly.
However, it is also possible to display a visualization of your own smart home created and managed with Io-Broker, for example.
In both cases, the Echo Show 10 is more suitable. The larger display has more space for viewing and can be read more comfortably. The Echo Show 10 is also much more convenient to use.
Also very popular are the routines that the Echo devices can trigger. These are configured in the Alexa app and then executed automatically. All common smart home devices can be integrated into routines.
There are many more functions. One example would be the installation of special skills that make Alexa even smarter or provide it with even more functions. However, it would go beyond the scope of this article to name them all.
If you only look at the smart home area, the Echo Show 10 is clearly superior to the Echo Show 8. Nevertheless, the Echo Show 8 already offers many possibilities and can be used as a smart home control center without any problems.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The features and functions of the two devices have now been mentioned. But what are the respective advantages and disadvantages that one device has and the other does not?
Echo Show 8 – Advantages
The Echo Show 8 can score points over the Echo Show 10 with its compact dimensions. The Echo Show devices are often placed in places that are often in the field of vision. Therefore, it is visually advantageous if the device is not too conspicuous, but rather blends discreetly into the overall picture.
The display is directly inserted into the frame or case. Therefore, it is more robust and stable than the Echo Show 10’s. This is an advantage, especially for touch operation and makes a higher-quality impression.
The last big advantage of the Echo Show 8 is its comparatively low price. Since the Echo Show 8 has been on the market for a longer time, it is discounted more often than the Echo Show 10.
Echo Show 8 – Disadvantages
Due to the design of the Echo Show 8, the display can only be read comfortably from one direction. Unfortunately, this device does not have a rotation function.
The display is not the biggest at 8 inches, but it is still big enough for many users to watch videos comfortably. Unfortunately, series from Netflix cannot be watched due to the software. YouTube can also only be opened via the browser, which limits the user’s comfort considerably.
Echo Show 10 – Advantages
The main advantage over the Echo Show 8 is the rotatable display, which can be read from all directions thanks to this feature. It also makes the monitoring options more diverse.
Thanks to multiple speakers, the sound of the Echo Show 10 sounds significantly better than that of the Echo Show 8. By automatically measuring the room using reflections, the Echo Show 10 always adapts the sound to the room. This improves the sound quality even more.
The 10-inch display offers more space for displaying content and is easier to read.
Echo Show 10 – Disadvantages
The large and eye-catching design quickly makes the Echo Show 10 stand out in the home decor. This can please some, but it can also be annoying.
Related Questions
Will the Cameras Limit Privacy?
Both Echo Show devices have a camera that can be used for surveillance. However, the cameras can be disabled mechanically. They can be hidden with the help of a built-in cover flap.
Do I need an Amazon Account to Use the Echo Devices?
An Amazon account is required to use all Echo devices. However, this account is free of charge and is independent of the Amazon Prime subscription. However, Spotify Premium, for example, is required for music playback.
What Data does Alexa get from Me?
This depends on how much you reveal about yourself. For unrestricted use, however, your name and address are stored. This way, Alexa can, for example, directly announce the weather from your location and does not have to ask where you are every time.
Is Alexa Listening in all the Time?
Alexa only records when the activation word has been mentioned. Alexa then stores the mentioned information. According to Amazon, however, these are very well secured.
Can the Rotation Function of the Echo Show 10 be Turned Off?
Yes, the turn and follow function can be disabled in the Echo Show 10. This can be done either via the app or directly with a voice command.
How much Power do the Echo Show 8 and 10 Consume?
The Echo Show 10’s power consumption in standby mode is 4.2 watts. This can increase up to 14.1 watts during music playback via Spotify, for example. The Echo Show 8’s power consumption is lower at 1.4 watts in standby and up to 7.1 watts during music playback.
Conclusion
In summary, both devices are very functional and of high quality. Although many components are exactly identical, both the Echo Show 8* and the Echo Show 10* have their own fields of application. The Echo Show 10’s field of application is undoubtedly larger than that of the Echo Show 8.
But for whom is the surcharge for the Echo Show 10 worthwhile? If you want to install the Echo in a place that can be reached from several sides, the surcharge for the Echo Show 10 might be worth it. Also, if you want to do a lot of recipe cooking with the Echo, you will definitely benefit from the larger display.
Nevertheless, the Echo Show 8 is completely sufficient for the vast majority of users and also offers a very simple and convenient operation. Especially in terms of price-performance ratio, the Echo Show 8 is currently unbeatable.
For those who consciously choose to have the products with the most features and the latest hardware, the Echo Show 10 is ideal. So which Echo Show device suits you best depends on your needs and how much you are willing to spend.
Attention: When installing electronic equipment, please be sure to observe the manufacturer’s safety instructions. You have to take care of your own safety. The information on this site only helps you to learn.
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