Echo Show 5 vs. Echo Show 8 – Clearly, we’re opting for one of them…

The use of smart speakers has grown over time, and we recognize that we have grown to like it as we use them. And, in our opinion, the Echo Show, which are Amazon’s smart speakers, are one of the best value for money. Today we want to focus on two models that are from the same range but between which there are numerous differences: Echo Show 5 vs Echo Show 8. 

When we saw the Echo Show 8, we literally threw our hands up. At first glance we could already see that Amazon wanted to break with what had prevailed until now in its range, starting with the design. The Echo Show 8 is a big speaker, more like an iPad than a home device. For its part, the Echo Show 5 maintains a more compact size. Obviously, this difference also has an impact on the price, but we should not stop at that alone.

It is important to compare the differences in terms of aspects such as the screen, the processor, the speakers, the connectivity or the compatibility with more devices, among other issues. In addition, before making the assessment, it is convenient that you are clear about the needs that you want to cover beforehand, because this will determine your search priorities. And, to help you, we show you our conclusions after having tested both smart speakers. Do not miss it!

Echo Show 5 vs Echo Show 8 – Comparison Table

Next, we include in a table the main technical characteristics of the two Amazon smart speakers, so that you can get an idea about their differences:

The difference in size is the most shocking

We are not going to deny that the first reaction we had when we saw the Echo Show 8 was to get closer to the screen to check that we were seeing well. The Echo Show 5 has a 5.5-inch screen, compared to the 8-inch screen of the Echo Show 8.

As you can see, it has almost the same measurements as an iPad, and the difference is very noticeable compared to the Echo Show 5. However, this also means that it is less light and that it is less comfortable to carry it anywhere, since it occupies almost double the space.

The screen resolution is another important difference between both Echo Show. While the 5 enjoys a resolution of 960 x 480 pixels, the 8 raises it to 1280 x 800 pixels. This difference is noticeable in practically everything, but especially when making video calls, the quality of which is much better in the Echo Show 8.

The processor is almost the same

Another of the key pieces in a smart speaker, and in almost any electronic device, is the processor, because it acts as its “brain”. In this case, the Echo Show 5 has the MediaTek MT 8163, a version that is updated to the MT 8183 in the Echo Show 8. Actually, from a practical point of view, the differences are hardly noticeable, so we can say that we are facing almost the same processor.

In addition, both speakers have the virtual assistant Alexa and have the same content platforms and applications to choose from, except for one, which we will cover later.

The resolution of the cameras, the other great variation

If the size is the difference that is most noticeable to the naked eye, the resolution of the camera is one of the most relevant internally. We went from the 2 MP camera to the 13 MP camera of the Echo Show 8. Both maintain the camera cover, with which we can open or close it. In fact, apart from the obvious difference in size, this is the other reason why the Echo Show 8 is an ideal device for video calls and video conferences, since the image quality is practically the same as what it has a laptop.

Speaking of video calls, you should know that only the Echo Show 8 can make video conferences from Zoom, an application that the Echo Show 5 is not compatible with.

Don’t forget the sound

Whenever we value an audiovisual device, we have a certain tendency to focus only on the image and leave the sound somewhat forgotten, when both have the same importance. And, in this regard, we must tell you that the Echo Show 5 has only one speaker, while the Echo Show 8 has two. In any case, this makes sense insofar as being nearly twice the size requires twice the sound projection.

What additional functions do they have?

Let’s see, now, the accessibility functions that our two protagonists have, which we must say are the same. Both have the ability to activate Alexa subtitles (being from Amazon, they both integrate this virtual assistant), but they can also enlarge images or launch the VoiceView screen reader to describe the audio that sounds.

And, if we talk about privacy, you already know that Alexa registers and saves your requests by default, but in either of the two it is possible to delete the query history. Finally, it should be noted that only the Echo Show 8 has the option of personalization with visual ID. 

Echo Show 5 vs Echo Show 8: Which smart speaker do we stay with?

Actually, and to be completely honest, this decision has not cost us anything. It is evident, just by looking at both models, that the Echo Show 8 is more expensive than the 5, but we must admit that we expected a larger difference. Above all, taking into account that it practically doubles its size and, above all, that it integrates a camera with 6 times better quality.

So much so that the Echo Show 8 is equally useful for us to listen to music, to check the weather or to make high-quality video calls, something that we cannot say the same about in the case of the Echo Show 5. On the other hand, the Echo Show 8 has the same features as its rival, but adds some more advanced ones, such as the ability to customize thanks to the visual ID, or the addition of one more microphone.

In other words, the only reason why we could consider choosing the Echo Show 5 would be because it is easier to transport and lighter, but it seems to us that the criteria that should govern this decision is not that. And, in terms of technical features and, above all, audiovisual, there is no color between the Echo Show 5 and the 8. In short, the price difference in this case is more than justified, but, as always, you have the latest word.