Amazon Launches Alexa Tablets With Google Play and Alexa+, Starting at $229.99

Amazon has introduced a new Alexa Tablet lineup with built-in Alexa+ and full Google Play support, starting at $229.99. The Android devices come in three sizes, alongside new Kids tablets with parental controls and bundled Kids+ subscriptions.

Google Play brings native apps such as YouTube, Gmail, and Google Docs to the tablets, alongside Prime Video, Kindle, Audible, and Amazon Music. Devices chief Panos Panay told Bloomberg that Amazon will phase out the Fire tablet line, while continuing to provide security updates for existing devices.

Alexa Tablets

The Alexa Tablet 12 Pro starts at $499.99 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Its 12-inch display has a 120Hz refresh rate and a 3:2 aspect ratio, housed in a 6.5mm aluminum body. A 4nm eight-core processor powers the device, with configurations offering up to 16GB of RAM, quad Dolby Atmos speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, and rated video playback of up to 16 hours.

An optional Nanomatte version starts at $549.99. Developed with Corning, the etched anti-glare display is designed to reduce reflections while preserving detail and color. The Pro model also supports multiple windows and separate work and personal profiles.

Accessories include a Pro Keyboard for $149.99 and a Pro Pen for $89.99. The keyboard attaches magnetically without Bluetooth pairing, while the USI 2.0 pen supports 4,096 pressure levels, tilt detection, magnetic docking, and wireless charging.

At $329.99, the Alexa Tablet 11 has an 11-inch 2.5K display with a 90Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. It offers dual Dolby Atmos speakers and up to 15 hours of video playback, with Graphite, Amethyst, and Matcha finishes.

The smaller Alexa Tablet 8 starts at $229.99 with an 8.7-inch display, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. It weighs 329 grams, supports Wi-Fi 6, and is rated for up to 14 hours of video playback. Colors include Graphite, Rosette, and Teal.

Across the lineup, Alexa+ can answer questions and control smart home devices without opening another app. The assistant launched nationwide in the U.S. in February. A new On-Screen Intelligence feature lets it use the page or app currently on the display for contextual help, such as adding a schedule to a calendar. Screen access is off by default and shows a visual indicator when active.

Live sessions allow an ongoing hands-free conversation without repeating the wake word. For reading, opening a book in Kindle silences notifications and reduces blue light, with warm, paper-tone, and grayscale display themes and up to 20 hours of reading on a charge.

Kids Tablets

The new Kids lineup comes in 8.7-inch and 11-inch sizes, starting at $229.99 and $329.99 respectively. Each includes a protective case, a year of Kids+, and a one-year limited warranty. Versions for ages 3 and up use a soft bumper, while those for ages 6 and up have a slim hard case.

Parents must approve Google Play downloads through Parent Dashboard, which is also available as a free iOS and Android app. Its controls include screen-time limits, activity monitoring, educational goals before entertainment, and the ability to pause a device remotely. Kids+ adds Storybuilder, letting children use their voice to create illustrated stories and comics that parents can view.

The 11-inch model also has stylus support, a 2.5K display, and 8GB of RAM. After the included year, Kids+ subscriptions start at $7.99 per month for Prime members or $8.99 for non-Prime customers. You can browse Amazon Kids Tablet 8 listings or preorder Amazon Kids Tablet 11 on Amazon.

Preorders are open now, with shipping starting October 14 in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Availability in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain follows on October 19. The Kids tablets also ship in Japan on October 14.

As an Amazon Associate, iClarified earns from qualifying purchases.