The Alexa Tablet 12 Pro is almost the Android tablet we needed
Amazon’s Alexa Tablet 12 Pro is a $549.99 Android tablet whose standout feature is a 12-inch anti-glare display. The review finds its screen unusually good for reading, browsing and outdoor use, making the device an appealing midrange option despite trade-offs elsewhere.
The 2800 x 1840 display has a 120Hz refresh rate and a textured “Nanomatte” coating developed with Corning to reduce reflections while retaining sharpness. It can show some shimmer, has less deep blacks than an OLED iPad, and could be brighter; its reading modes are limited to the Kindle app. The MediaTek Dimensity 8400 handles everyday use, but benchmarks far below current iPads, with the 13-inch iPad Pro scoring about nine times higher in one graphics test.
- The Nanomatte screen is the tablet’s standout feature.
- It costs $549.99 and offers a 12-inch, 120Hz display.
- Performance trails current iPads, though everyday use is fine.
New here? Start with this
Android tablets are touchscreen computers that run Google’s Android software, with models ranging from basic devices to high-end alternatives to Apple’s iPad. Amazon sells tablets and other devices under its own brands, while MediaTek makes chips used in many phones and tablets.
A tablet’s screen can affect how comfortable it is to read, browse the web or use outdoors, while its processor helps determine how smoothly it handles demanding apps and games. Buyers often weigh those qualities against price: midrange tablets generally cost less than premium models, which tend to offer faster performance and other high-end features.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
At $549.99, the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro offers a distinctive 12-inch anti-glare display that makes reading, browsing and outdoor use more comfortable, while its processor is adequate for everyday tasks. For buyers who value screen comfort and a midrange price over top-tier performance, those strengths could make it a compelling Android tablet.
The case against
The screen’s anti-glare coating can introduce shimmer, and it is less bright and produces less-deep blacks than an OLED iPad; reading modes are also limited to Kindle. Its processor trails current iPads by a wide margin in benchmarks, so buyers who prioritise demanding apps, graphics performance or a more versatile reading experience may find the trade-offs too significant.