Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro Launches With Full Android Support And Nanomatte Display
Amazon’s new premium tablet runs full Android, features a glare-reducing screen, and aims to compete with Apple’s iPad lineup at a lower price point.
Key points
- The Alexa Tablet 12 Pro runs full Android with access to the Google Play Store, marking a shift from Amazon’s restricted Fire tablet ecosystem.
- The device features a 12-inch 2800 x 1840 panel with a new "Nanomatte" anti-glare coating developed in partnership with Corning.
- Priced starting at $499, the tablet includes optional keyboard and stylus accessories, positioning it as a productivity device rather than just a media consumer.
Amazon has released the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, a premium device that runs full Android and includes access to the Google Play Store. According to Engadget, this represents a strategic shift for Amazon, moving away from its limited Fire tablet ecosystem toward a more open platform that competes directly with Apple’s iPad Air and Pro models.
The 12-inch model is the top tier of a new four-device lineup, which also includes 8-inch and 11-inch options. The Verge notes that the 12 Pro costs $549.99 for the configuration tested, while Engadget states the starting price is $499. Both outlets confirm that these devices offer full Android app support, allowing users to install applications like WhatsApp and YouTube, which were previously unavailable on standard Fire tablets.
Display and Hardware Design
The standout feature of the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro is its 12-inch, 2800 x 1840 resolution panel. Amazon has applied a new technology called "Nanomatte" to the screen, developed in partnership with Corning. The Verge reports that this etching is done at a sub-pixel level to reduce glare without creating the rainbow-shimmering effect common on other matte displays.
Engadget describes the hardware as having an aluminum unibody design that is 6.5mm thin and weighs 1.21 pounds. The tablet features a power button with an integrated fingerprint sensor on one end and a single USB-C port for charging and data transfer on the opposite side. The top edge houses volume buttons and a groove for magnetically attaching the optional Alexa Tablet Pro Pen.
Software and Ecosystem Changes
Unlike previous Fire tablets, the new Alexa tablets provide access to the full universe of Android apps through the Play Store. However, The Verge points out that the devices still come with significant Amazon bloatware. Engadget notes that while the hardware is capable, Android apps are not always optimized for large screens, which may limit the productivity experience compared to Apple’s iPad lineup.
The device includes specific modes that automatically adjust tone and color for reading, along with picture presets similar to those found on televisions. The Verge mentions that while the display is sharp and has excellent viewing angles, it lacks the brightness and deep blacks of an OLED screen, resulting in slightly lit letterboxes during video playback.
What should you do?
Security professionals and IT administrators should evaluate whether the open Android ecosystem of the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro aligns with their organization’s device management policies. Since the device accesses the Play Store, standard Android security controls and app vetting procedures should be applied. Users should verify that the device receives regular security updates and monitor for any vulnerabilities associated with the pre-installed Amazon software.
What to do and how to stay safe: Amazon
- Verify that the device is enrolled in your organization’s mobile device management system to enforce security policies.
- Review the permissions granted to pre-installed Amazon applications to ensure they do not have unnecessary access to sensitive data.
- Monitor for security patches specifically targeting the Android version and Amazon-specific software layers on the device.
- Assess whether the USB-C port and external storage support comply with your data exfiltration prevention policies.
Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro support the Google Play Store?
Yes, according to both The Verge and Engadget, the new Alexa tablets run full Android and include access to the Google Play Store.
What is the Nanomatte display technology?
It is a sub-pixel level etching developed by Amazon and Corning designed to reduce glare on the 12-inch screen without causing rainbow shimmering effects.
Is there a headphone jack on the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro?
No, Engadget reports that the tablet does not include a headphone jack, relying instead on a single USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
