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In this post, I will give you the lowdown on these two very popular Amazon Echo Alexa smart displays. Let’s compare the Echo Show 5 and the Echo Show 8 head-to-head!
Since you may not have the time to read the full details, I’ve provided a quick summary of the major differences between these two devices:
Larger in size, the Echo Show 8 2021 comes with an 8-inch, 1280 x 800-pixel resolution touchscreen. The Show 8 also comes with an upgraded 13MP camera, while the Echo Show 5 has a 2MP camera. The Show 5 has a compact 5.5-inch touchscreen with a lower 960 x 480 resolution.
A Choice Between the 8” or 5” Echo Shows
I have the Echo Show 8 on my bedside table, and I absolutely love it.
Apparently, I am in good company. Market research firm Statistica recently reported that smart speaker revenue worldwide is likely to climb to a whopping 28 billion this year. That is up starkly from 11.8 billion just a few short years ago in 2018.
Granted, my Echo Show 8 is the first-gen (2019) model, so this got me thinking about whether or not it is worthwhile to upgrade to the new Echo Show 8 2021. This, in turn, led to the following blog post that I wrote just the other week: Echo Show 8 2021 vs Echo Show 8 2019.
Being my typical “frugal” and OCD self, I started overthinking things.
What if I can save a few bucks and get the same features by going with the smaller Echo Show 5 model?
Um, think again, Tim. While the Echo Show 5 2021 is a decent upgrade from the Echo Show 5 2019 model, it doesn’t come close to what you get with the Echo Show 8 2021 version.
However, if you want a more compact smart screen for a small space, the Echo Show 5 does provide it, and of course, there is that lower price tag. Decisions, decisions…
I‘m here to help break it all down and ensure you make the best choice for your needs, so let’s start with a side-by-side comparison table.
Echo Show 8 vs Show 5: Tech Specs Comparison
Following are the key technical specifications of the Echo Show 8 2021 vs Show 5 2021, side-by-side.
Better camera (13MP)
Stronger audio
Additional color choice (blue)
Kids Edition available
No Dolby Processing
Low screen resolution.
Better camera (13MP)
Stronger audio
No Dolby Processing
Additional color choice (blue)
Kids Edition available
Low screen resolution.
Last update on 05/14/2023 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Echo Show 8 (2021 Release)
The 2nd gen Echo Show 8 offers superior camera hardware for high-quality video calls. It has a faster octa-core processor that makes it more responsive to your commands.
While the 1280 x 800-pixel resolution seems a bit inadequate for its screen size, it’s a significant upgrade from the Echo Show 5.
Pros:
Cons:
Video Review
Video Credit: TechFlix
- This bundle includes Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) and the adjustable stand.
Echo Show 5 (2021 Release)
The 2nd gen Echo Show 5 is the latest version of Amazon’s smallest smart display. It looks similar to the Echo Show 8 but with a more compact form factor.
It comes with a 2MP camera, so your video calls are now sharper and come with more detail. Amazon has gone further with its Alexa integration, and you’ll be able to use it as a smart home hub and view the camera when you’re not at home.
Pros:
Cons:
Video Review
Video Credit: CNET
- This bundle includes Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) - Charcoal and Blink Mini.
Echo Show 8 vs Echo Show 5 2021: Buyer’s Guide
At first glance, these two devices look incredibly alike, with the Echo Show 5 looking like a compact version of the Echo Show 8. But even though they were released at around the same time this year, there are many differences under the hood.
Let’s take a deeper dive as I explore a few differences that you may otherwise miss.
Design
These smart displays retain the same design theme as the previous versions – a touchscreen on the front with a wedge-shaped rear, allowing them to stand on a flat surface.
However, if you want to be able to tilt and rotate them, I recommended adding a stand. If you want to know more about why check out this blog post on the Best Echo Show Stands.
The Echo Show 5 is the more compact device with a 5.5-inch touchscreen and a 960 x 480-pixel resolution. The Echo Show 8 has a larger 8-inch touchscreen that packs more pixels at 1280 x 800.
The Echo Show 5 is Amazon’s smallest smart display, measuring 5.8 x 3.4 x 2.9 inches, while the Echo Show 8 comes in at 7.9 x 5.4 x 3.9 inches. These two are still small enough to make excellent beside companions or be used as an accessory for your kitchen counter or living room side table.
As for color options, both come in Charcoal and Glacier White. The Echo Show 5 2021 also has a third color option, Deep Sea Blue.
🏆 My Pick: Tie, it depends on the size you prefer.
Camera
The Echo Show 8 2021 has a significant lead here, as it sports a 13MP camera. The Echo Show 5 2021 gets an upgrade compared to its previous model, but it clocks in at only 2MP.
Apart from the hardware, there’s not a lot that separates the two. You’ll be able to enjoy the zoom and pan function on both. This feature allows you to always be in the center of the frame whenever you make video calls, even if you move around.
The two cameras can also act as rudimentary security cameras, allowing you to check in on your home whenever you’re not around. By accessing it via the Alexa app, you should be able to see through the cameras.
If you’re concerned about privacy, both cameras now have physical switches that cut them off so you can be sure nobody can use them to spy on you and your home.
🥈 My Pick: Echo Show 8 2021 (2nd Gen)
Audio
The Echo Show 8, being the larger device of the two, has an advantage in audio capabilities. It comes with much larger 2-inch speakers with a passive bass radiator, offering significantly better sound quality. The Echo Show 5, on the other hand, only comes with 1.65-inch drivers that aren’t as powerful.
These smart displays aren’t really going to be your primary listening devices, so this should not be much of an issue; they’re decent enough for some quick video calls and Alexa queries.
However, the Echo Show 5 does have something that might make you think about choosing it; Amazon did not remove the 3.5mm audio out port, allowing you to link an external speaker.
🥉 My Pick: Echo Show 8 2021 (2nd Gen)
Verdict: And the Winner Is…
Both the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 come with pros and cons. However, as Alexa devices, they come with everything the assistant offers. If you’re looking for a smart display that works with Alexa, you can never go wrong with these two.
Size is a significant factor, though, and it will depend on how you want to use your smart displays apart from Alexa. If you’re looking for a device that you can rely on for video calling, the 13MP and better audio of the Echo Show 8 is going to be the standout.
🏆 Winner: Echo Show 8 2021 (2nd Gen)
Final Thoughts
Both these smart displays are excellent devices. They differ in size and some of their hardware, but they will offer you the complete Alexa experience.
It will all depend on whether you want a smaller bedside smart display or one that you can turn into a video conferencing companion with the added features.
As for me, here’s what I did.
I decided to keep using the earlier generation Echo Show 8 on my bedstand, but I also bought the Echo Show 5 to put on my bookshelf in my living room. I can’t seem to get enough Echos in my apartment here. LOL.
I’ll film an unboxing video of the Echo Show 5 over on my YouTube channel soon. Please subscribe if you haven’t already!
Considering what you are getting, both of these devices are reasonably priced. However, if the price is a concern, I suggest you wait for Amazon’s special deals on Prime Day, Black Friday, or Cyber Monday when these devices are steeply discounted. I got a sweet deal on the Echo Show 5 on Cyber Monday this year.
About the Author
Tim Brennan is a technology blogger and host of the @TecTimmy YouTube channel. He shares insights about smart home tech at oneSmartcrib, home theater systems at UniversalRemoteReviews, and the future of AI in writing at Writeinteractive. A graduate of the Northeastern University School of Journalism, he has written about technology for 30 years. He lives on the ocean in scenic Nahant, Massachusetts.
Please subscribe to my YouTube channel for a fun take on all things tech.
