The larger and more expensive Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) has a 13MP camera and privacy controls, but it costs more. This is an excellent buy if you want a better camera, display resolution, and speakers.
At Amazon, it's $95.
Great compromise size.
The camera has a visual ID.
There is a switch for microphones.
And camera.
Similar to the larger and more expensive Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen).
No processing of the sound.
You need a stand to adjust.
The second generation of the Echo Show is an update of the first generation, bringing an improved camera and new color options to the table. It is a great companion device, but it may not be enough if you only have an echo show.
At Amazon, it's $45.
The design can fit anywhere.
There is a switch for microphones.
And camera.
The camera was improved over the first generation.
It's not well-tuned.
If you only want an echo with a clock, that's all you'll get.
The dot is almost half the price.
The first and second generation of Amazon's Echo Show devices were introduced in the last two years, with the second generation making some improvements to the speakers. The design language continued with the introduction of the first Echo Show 5 in the spring of 2019. The company introduced the third generation of the show in late 2020 and in May of 2021. Now that Amazon has given us a three-bears family of new smart screen sizes, let's take a look at which one is right for our child.
The small showdown between the Echo Show 8 and the Echo Show 5.
Amazon has an image of the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen).
These two devices have the same features. The screen and speaker sizes are the only differences. Here is how they compare.
The Echo Show 8 is the second generation.
The show is called the Echo Show 5.
Size.
7.9 x 5.4 x 3.8 inches.
5.8 x 3.4 x 2 inches.
The weight.
36.6 ounces.
The ounce is 14.5 oz.
There is a screen.
The 8.0-inch has a resolution of 800 x 800.
The resolution is 960x480.
There are speakers.
2 x 2 inches.
1 x 1.7 inches.
The processing of a song.
No.
No.
A camera.
13MP.
2MP.
The camera has controls.
The camera has a built-in shutter and microphone.
The camera has a built-in shutter and microphone.
The support for the voice-controlled device, Amazon's Alexa.
Yes.
Yes.
The first-generation Echo Show 5 filled a niche left vacant by the lack of an update to the small-screened Echo Spot, and Amazon recognized that it shouldn't mess too much with a good thing for the second-generation device. You wouldn't be able to tell that this is a new device, as it has the same dimensions, speakers, and display.
The new edition has an improved camera, an updated camera cover, and three different colors, including the original Graphite, Glacier White, and Deep Sea Blue. The Echo Show 5 is a nice device that can be put in smaller spaces and serves as a great monitor for smart cameras or a glanceable display for quick information. It's not the best experience for viewing video content.
If you want a device that will fit your desk or bedside, you should pick up an echo dot with clock. The speakers in the Dot aren't as good as the Show 5 (2nd Gen), but the clock is better. There is no camera to worry about. The cost of the Dot with Clock is less than the Echo Show 5.
If you want a really nice side table or bedside Echo device with the ability to monitor your smart home security, get text responses to the weather and time, and catch a few videos, the Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) is a great device. The Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) is often bundled with other smart home products for even more savings, as it is priced where it is almost an impulse buy.
If you're thinking of getting an Echo Show device for your child, you might want to check out the all-new Echo Show 5 Kids version. It comes with additional privacy and parental controls.
Amazon has a picture of the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen).
Since the original Echo Show 8 came out two years ago, we have called it the Goldilocks of smart screen devices. It sits between the two devices, but it seems to have made the right tradeoffs when it comes to its specifications.
The Show 5 has a larger screen and additional speaker, while the Show 10 has an improved 13MP camera. You'll soon be able to add animated background to your video chats with that camera. Amazon added visual id to the echo show 8 to recognize each user Don't worry, it's an opt-in feature. The Show 8 (2nd Gen) only comes in two colors, though hopefully, Amazon will add a Deep Sea Blue variant later on down the line.
The speakers on the Show 8 (2nd Gen) are better for their size and better than the single 1.7-inch, 4W speaker available on the Show 5 (2nd Gen). The Show 8 (2nd Gen) has a better screen resolution than the Show 5 (2nd Gen) at 960x480, which should translate into sharper images on your video calls, when viewing streaming media, and while browsing personal photos.
Which smaller show should you get?
It's pretty obvious which is the best speaker to use for your voice assistant, the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen). It's not as big as the Show 5 or the Show 10, but it's smaller than the Echo Show 10, so it's noticeable in real-life usage. The Show 5 is a great device if you want to use it as a secondary smart screen. Both Show 5 and Show 8 have a camera shutter and a button for better privacy controls. Both of them have on-screen access to the Privacy Hub so that you can take control of your digital privacy.
Not big or little.
The Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is a more natural size that is easier to place than the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) but is still comfortable to watch videos and recipes.
Your personalized portal to the internet.
The smaller Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) is a manageable device that fits practically anywhere in your home.
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