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Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs. Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet (2018 - 8th Generation)

Gear Review

The Perfect Video Streaming Companions: Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Amazon Fire HD 8

Finding the middle ground between a smartphone and a tablet for casual viewing.

~3,200
mAh Battery
128GB
Storage
$50
Price
Section I

Introduction

While I love my iPhone 6s, its 4.7-inch LCD screen isn't ideal for enjoying streaming movies or videos. My iPads are too large for casual viewing, so I decided to find something in between and ended up with both a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and an Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet.

Overall, the Fire HD 8 is fantastic for its screen size, but the Note 4 shines with its beautiful display and superior specifications. It’s impressive how the Note 4, released in 2014, still outperforms many modern devices—excluding flagship models.

 

Section II

Evaluation Criteria

When evaluating a device primarily for video streaming, I focus on five key aspects:

Display

Hands down, the Note 4 surpasses most devices regarding screen quality, particularly given its age. However, if your streaming source only supports resolutions up to 480p or 720p, the HD 8 works perfectly fine (e.g., for YouTube). Ultimately, display quality should be the primary focus for a device meant for video watching.

Processing Power

The Note 4 features an Octa-Core processor, while the HD 8 is equipped with a Quad-Core processor. The difference in responsiveness is noticeable, with the Note 4 feeling much quicker. However, both devices lag compared to modern smartphones when navigating their operating systems.

Tip: Fortunately, there are no playback issues when watching videos, which is expected since the Note 4 was a flagship model at its release, while the HD 8 was always positioned as a budget device.
Technical Specifications

Battery life is surprisingly similar for both devices, each boasting a ~3,200 mAh capacity. The Note 4 has better memory specs, with 32GB storage and 3GB RAM, compared to the HD 8’s 16GB storage and 1.5GB RAM—likely contributing to the Note 4's superior speed.

  • →Connectivity — Both devices support Bluetooth and maintain a headphone jack for wired audio.
  • →Navigation — The Note 4 features a physical home button, a significant advantage over the HD 8, where you have to swipe up for the on-screen button.
  • →Expandability — Both devices support microSD cards; I tested them with the same 128GB card without issues.
FeatureSamsung Galaxy Note 4Amazon Fire HD 8
Screen5.7” (1440x2560)8.0” (1280x800)
RAM3 GB2 GB
Storage32 GB32 GB
Camera16 MP / 3.7 MP2 MP / 2 MP
PortmicroUSBUSB-C
Section III

Conclusion

If you're looking for a device with a big screen and are okay with 720p resolution, the Amazon Fire HD 8 is an excellent choice. However, if you want to enjoy 1080p or higher resolution videos, go for the Note 4. In my case, I got the Note 4 for free from a friend who upgraded, and I purchased the Fire HD 8 new for $50. In hindsight, I somewhat regret the purchase, as the Note 4 is truly a gem!

   

Happy streaming, regardless of the screen size you choose.
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