Amazon's new Alexa Tablet 12 Pro marks a clear departure from the company's budget Fire tablets. According to Engadget's review, the device is a full-fledged Android tablet with access to the Google Play Store, and its $499 starting price positions it directly against Apple's iPad Air and iPad Pro. The reviewer gave it an 8.4 out of 10, calling it a great value despite some software shortcomings.
The hardware is a big step up for Amazon. The aluminum unibody design, 12-inch 120Hz display, and optional "nanomatte" anti-glare finish drew particular praise. The nanomatte screen, a $50 add-on, was highlighted as a standout feature that reduces glare far better than standard glass, while comparable nano-texture glass on an iPad Pro costs significantly more.
The main weakness is software. Engadget found that Android can stutter on the device, and many Android apps are not designed for larger screens. That limits the tablet's ability to fully compete with Apple's iPad lineup for productivity, even though the keyboard and pen accessories expand its capabilities at a reasonable cost.
For Amazon, the tablet represents a strategic shift from cheap media consumption devices to a more serious productivity play. The review suggests the hardware is compelling enough to make the Alexa Tablet Pro 12 a credible alternative to the iPad, with the caveat that the app ecosystem still lags behind.