Echo Show 5 Vs 8 What S The Difference

© Hadrian/Shutterstock.com

The size of the display is an obvious difference between these devices, but it’s not the only one. If you’ve been on the fence between the two, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’re going to take a closer look at the Echo Show 5 and its larger sibling to see how far the differences go beneath the display when you go under the hood.

Echo Show 5 vs. 8: Side-by-Side Comparison

Echo Show 5 vs. 8: What’s the Difference?

There are some similarities between the models, although the differences begin with the design itself.

Echo Show Design

The latest models both have relatively thick bezels and a row of controls across the top including a switch for privacy. They have a slanted design, with the Echo Show 5 being the smaller of the two with a length of 5.8 inches. The larger Echo Show 8 is 7.9 inches long and an inch wider with a weight of 36.6 ounces compared to the 5 at 14.5 ounces.

Neither model will take up much space, although the Echo Show 5 is better suited for smaller areas including nightstands. It also comes in an extra color with Deep Sea Blue whereas the Echo Show 8 is only available in Charcoal and Glacier White.

Audio and Video

With the Echo Show 8, the first and second generations have an 8-inch display with a resolution of 1,280 x 800p. The touchscreens are just as responsive on the new models as they were on the originals considering all four have a MediaTek MT 8163 processor under the hood.

Audio from the Echo Show 5 and Show 8 is clear and they can handle a variety of musical tastes. The Echo Show 8 has larger speakers with dual 2-inch 10W speakers. On the smaller Show 5, there is only one 4W speaker 1.7 inches in diameter.

The Echo Show 8 is the winner whether you choose the original or 2nd generation Echo Show 8. Most users will notice an uptick in resolution and you can certainly tell a difference in the sound systems even if it doesn’t have a woofer like the Echo Show 10.

Cameras

The Echo Show smart speakers are a great way to check a recipe in the kitchen or catch up on YouTube, but they are also popular streaming devices. The speakers and camera allow you to keep in touch with friends and family through video chats, one of the many selling points of the product line.

When you wanted to snap a quick selfie or hop on a chat, the first generation Echo Show 5 and 8 were capable but limited. Both of those smart displays only had 1MP cameras but received an upgrade with the new model in 2021.

The Echo Show 8 has a 13MP camera while the Echo Show 5 has a 1MP camera. All models come with a camera cover, but there’s a significant difference in megapixels with the latest generations. When combined with the larger display and higher resolution, it’s not particularly close if you want to purchase a Show for video calls. The Echo Show 8 is the better option.

Features

A number of new features were added to the second generation of Echo Show devices that weren’t available the first time around. Newer models have a home monitoring function that works through Alexa in case you want to take a peek at things while you’re away.

You can also set motion routines through Alexa using the Echo Show. This allows the speaker to perform certain functions like turning off lights if you leave a room. You can also expand that through smart plugs and other gadgets throughout your home.

Both devices largely have the same features, although the Echo Show 8 can do something the smaller model can’t. The large display and improved camera use auto-framing allowing users to move around during calls and still stay in the frame. You can’t do that with the Echo Show 5-–you have to stay stationary.

Pricing

While there are only a few inches differences in size between the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8, there is a large price difference.

The Echo Show 8 is priced at $79.99 compared to the Echo Show 5 price of $39.99. That’s a $40 price swing on devices that can do the same thing aside from auto-tracking on the Echo Show 8. The bump in resolution, the larger camera, and louder speakers justify the difference, however.

Echo Show 5 vs. 8: Which One is Better?

You really can’t go wrong with either of these smart speakers if you’re looking for an affordable system for video calls or are already invested in the Echo ecosystem. With that in mind, the Echo Show 8 is the best deal if you plan to use the camera or simply want a larger display to work with.

The same apps are available on both devices, but videos and calls are clearer and sound better on the Echo Show 8. It’s only slightly larger than the smaller edition, and the price difference is minimal considering the betters specifications.

The older generations are a cheaper alternative if you’re not interested in an updated camera or new routines. If you’re torn between the Portal and Echo Show, we have that covered as well.

Up Next…

• How to Set Up Alexa in 8 Easy Steps Alexa is a great interactive app to use, but some set up is required. Follow this guide to have Alexa up and running in no time.How to Convert Google Doc to Word in 4 Easy Steps If you prefer creating documents with Google suite, here’s an easy guide to convert it to Word if required.Top 10 EVs With Longest Battery Life Many drivers are switching to electric vehicles. Here’s a list of the 10 with the longest battery life.