Quick answer: The Alexa Tablet 12 Pro is a 12-inch Amazon tablet that runs full Android with Google Play Store access. The Verge praised its glare-fighting Nanomatte screen and build quality, but marked it down for Amazon bloatware, a weak Alexa Plus, and middling specs, giving it a Verge Score of 6.
Key Takeaways
- The Verge reviewed the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro and praised its 12-inch, 2800 x 1840 Nanomatte screen for cutting glare.
- The tablet runs full Android and can use the Google Play Store, so it works with a wide range of Android apps.
- The reviewer's main complaints were Amazon bloatware, a disappointing Alexa Plus, and some middling specs.
- The Verge Score was 6, and the reviewed model cost $549.99 in a lineup that runs from $229.99 to $679.99.
- TechRestore in Louisville offers a free diagnostic for tablets, with mail-in repair available nationwide.
What makes the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro screen stand out?
The screen is the main draw. According to The Verge’s review, the 12-inch display has a 2800 x 1840 resolution and a new anti-glare etching Amazon calls Nanomatte. The reviewer found it cut reflections without losing sharpness, which helps if you read or watch video near windows or outdoors.
What Nanomatte does
Most glossy tablet screens act a bit like a mirror in bright light. Matte coatings fix that by scattering the reflection. The catch is that some matte screens add a faint rainbow shimmer.
Amazon says it worked with Corning to etch the glass at the sub-pixel level. A pixel is one tiny dot on the screen, and a sub-pixel is a smaller piece of that dot. The reviewer said the result handled glare well and kept the picture crisp, even outdoors.
Brightness and viewing angles
The review called the viewing angles incredible. That means the picture stays clear when you look at it from the side, which is handy when two people share a tablet on the couch.
The reviewer wanted a slightly brighter display. Still, people mostly turn brightness up to fight glare, and this screen already does much of that work.
Why a big screen needs extra care
A 12-inch panel gives you lots of room, but it also gives a drop more surface to hit. We see this often at our Louisville store: the bigger the glass, the more a bad fall can spread a crack. A sturdy case and a screen protector are cheap insurance for any tablet this size.
Is the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro a real Android tablet?
Yes. The Verge reports the tablet runs full Android and can use the Google Play Store, so you get access to the huge range of Android apps. Amazon adds its own apps and Alexa features on top, and the reviewer found that layer heavy-handed.
Access to the Play Store
This is a big deal for anyone who has tried Amazon’s older tablets. Those were harder to fill with the apps you actually wanted. According to the review, this lineup is built around the full Android app store instead.
That means your banking app, streaming services, note-taking tools and games are far more likely to be there. Always check that your must-have apps are available before you buy.
Where Amazon adds its own layer
Amazon puts its own services front and center. The review points to a lot of preinstalled Amazon software, plus Alexa Plus, the company’s upgraded voice assistant. If you already shop, read and watch through Amazon, that may feel handy. If you do not, it can feel like clutter.
The lineup and price range
The review says four new Alexa Tablet models exist. Prices run from $229.99 for an 8-inch model to $679.99 for a 12 Pro with the Nanomatte coating and extra memory. The model The Verge tested cost $549.99. Prices come from the review and can change, so check the current price before you decide.
What are the downsides of the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro?
The main complaints are Amazon bloatware, meaning preinstalled apps you did not choose, a so-so Alexa Plus assistant, and some middling specs. The reviewer still praised the screen, build quality and design. The Verge Score landed at 6. Read the full review before you buy.
Bloatware and Alexa Plus
Extra apps take up storage and attention. They can also make a new tablet feel less like yours. The review lists Amazon software and an underwhelming Alexa Plus as two of the biggest letdowns.
Middling specs
The review describes this as a midrange tablet, with some specs that are only average. That is fine for streaming, reading and browsing. If you plan heavy multitasking or demanding games, test a tablet in person first.
A quick pre-purchase checklist
Use this table to size up any new tablet, not just this one.
| Check this | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Your key apps in the app store | A tablet is only useful if your daily apps run on it. |
| Screen in bright light | Glare makes reading and video tiring. |
| Preinstalled apps | Extra software can crowd your storage and home screen. |
| Case and screen protector | Large glass breaks more easily when dropped. |
| Repair options nearby | You want a local team you can call if something goes wrong. |
How can TechRestore help with your tablet in Louisville?
We start with a free diagnostic. A certified technician inspects your tablet, explains what they find, and reviews repair options before you approve any work. You can visit our Louisville store or mail your device in from anywhere in the country. Call (502) 398-6456 to confirm we can help with your model.
What happens when you bring a tablet in
- You drop off the tablet in Louisville, or you mail it in.
- We run a free diagnostic and tell you what is wrong.
- We walk through your repair options in plain language.
- You approve the work you want, and we get started.
Our repairs are warranty-backed, and we have served customers since 2004. That history is a big reason people trust us with their screens, batteries and charging ports.
Cracked screen help
A cracked screen feels stressful, but it is usually fixable. Same-day screen repair is available for select repairs, starting at $79. Pricing and times vary by device model, part availability and damage, so we will confirm everything after the diagnostic.
Buying smart: trade-ins and pre-owned
A new tablet is not the only route. Our certified pre-owned devices go through a 25-point inspection and are tested before sale. If you are upgrading, you can ask about a trade-in for eligible devices, and we recycle old gear responsibly. Eligible customers can also look at financing options, and terms apply.
Programs for schools
Schools and districts weighing tablets against laptops can also lean on us for volume repairs. We are WISE Chromebook Certified and a Lenovo Authorized repair provider. Our Chromebook repair program for schools and districts includes a free repair pilot with free shipping.
Ready to get started? Choose Get a Repair Quote or call (502) 398-6456. You can also run the free quick device health scan on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro?
It is a 12-inch Amazon tablet reviewed by The Verge. It has a 2800 x 1840 display with an anti-glare coating called Nanomatte, and it runs full Android with Google Play Store access. It belongs to a four-model Alexa Tablet lineup, according to the review.
Does the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro run Google Play apps?
Yes, according to The Verge, it runs full Android and can use the Google Play Store. That gives you access to a wide range of Android apps. It also comes with a lot of preinstalled Amazon software, which the reviewer found excessive.
What is Nanomatte on the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro?
Nanomatte is Amazon's name for an etched anti-glare screen treatment. Amazon says it worked with Corning to do the etching at a very small, sub-pixel level. The reviewer said it reduced reflections without the rainbow shimmer some matte screens show, and without losing sharpness.
What are the downsides of the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro?
The Verge listed Amazon bloatware, a disappointing Alexa Plus assistant, and some middling specs as the weak points. Bloatware means apps preinstalled that you did not choose. The review gave the tablet a Verge Score of 6, while praising the screen and build.
Can TechRestore fix a cracked tablet screen in Louisville?
TechRestore repairs tablets at our Louisville store and by mail-in from anywhere in the country. We start with a free diagnostic and explain your options before you approve work. Same-day screen repair is available for select repairs, starting at $79, but pricing and times vary by model, parts and damage.
Is a certified pre-owned tablet a good alternative to buying new?
It can be a smart choice if you want to spend less. Our certified pre-owned devices get a 25-point inspection and are tested before sale. Ask us about eligible trade-ins and financing, with terms that apply, to see what fits your budget.
