If you’re in the market for a smart display, the Echo Show 10 3rd Gen and 2nd Gen are excellent choices. Hailed as the best Echo Show for years, the second-gen Echo Show was built on the success of the original model. However, it also introduced a larger 10.1-inch screen with a higher resolution. With the release of the Echo Show 8 and 5, the Echo Show has been rebranded to the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) as a way of distinguishing between model sizes.
Like the 2nd Gen, the 3rd Gen takes inspiration from its predecessors. But the latest iteration of Amazon’s top-rated smart display gets a revamped design and hardware, too. Are these changes convincing enough? Below we look at how the two devices fare against each other. And if you’re interested, you can also check out other reviews of the top smart hub devices you can get.
The third-gen Echo Show 10 boasts a motorized base and rotating screen — design components that veer away from the second-gen Echo Show 10.
A look at the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) in Glacier White (left) and Echo Show (2nd Gen) in Charcoal (right).
When the second-gen Echo Show 10 was released in 2018, it brought considerable changes to the lineup. Its screen was 10.1-inches big — three inches larger than the 1st Gen — and came with an upgraded display resolution. The 2nd Gen also brandished a more refined design by housing the speakers at the back. Meanwhile, rounded corners gave the device a clean aesthetic.
On the third-generation Echo Show 10, you’re still getting a 10.1-inch display with a 1280 x 800 resolution. However, it veers away from the trapezoid-like shape of its predecessors and even that of other Echo Show devices. Instead, the 3rd Gen combines a tablet-like touchscreen with a large, round base. The latter houses a speaker where the display can turn 360º.
With this dual-component design, the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) is, as expected, heavier than its predecessor. In fact, it’s the heaviest Echo Show model in Amazon’s catalog. The large base also gives the smart hub a modern appeal. Next to it, the second-gen Echo Show 10 looks slightly outdated.
Hardware
Compared to the Echo Show 10 2nd Gen, the Echo Show 10 3rd Gen is equipped with a better processor, camera, and audio system.
The Echo Show 10 3rd Gen comes with a camera shutter (left) while the 2nd Gen only relies on a camera on/off button (right).
Aside from its design, the third-generation Echo Show 10 boasts hardware upgrades as well. The latest iteration of the hub/display comes with an eight-core MediaTek 8183 processor. This gives the 3rd Gen noticeable improvements in touchscreen feedback and app operations. In contrast, the Echo Show 10 2nd Gen has a capable but slower four-core Intel Atom x5-Z8350.
While the difference in the main processor is clear, it’s the second processor on the Echo Show 10 3rd Gen that truly gives it the advantage. Along with the MediaTek 8183, the 3rd Gen is powered by Amazon’s AZ1 Neural Edge processor. The company shares that the processor is purpose-built to power machine learning applications. This translates to faster speech recognition on voice commands and a reliable motion tracking system.
Beyond processors, the Echo Show 10 3rd Gen also boasts upgrades in its image and audio systems. If you’re opting for the latest model, you’re getting a 13 MP camera with a built-in shutter. On the other hand, the 2nd Gen still comes with a 5 MP camera. There’s no privacy shutter, too, although you still have a dedicated mic/camera off button.
When it comes to the audio, the 3rd Gen gets two one-inch tweeters paired with a three-inch woofer. On the 2nd Gen, you’re settling for dual neodymium drivers and a passive bass radiator.
Photo, Video, and Audio
Whether you’re displaying photos, making video calls, or listening to music, the third-gen Echo Show 10 does it better than its predecessor.
Monitor the room with the 3rd Gen’s rotating screen (left); stream your favorite content with the 2nd Gen (right).
The Echo Show 10 3rd Gen and 2nd Gen both work as digital frames. Their home screens can be used to display your favorite photos, including those from Facebook and Amazon photos. Nonetheless, the 3rd Gen’s photo display looks better than the 2nd Gen. Thanks to adaptive color, it can adjust picture color depending on room lighting.
While the 3rd Gen’s smaller drivers seem less capable than those on the 2nd Gen, it’s hardly the case. The Echo Show 10 3rd Gen’s tweeters are forward-firing and use the environment to direct sound to the listener. Meanwhile, the 2nd Gen’s audio system is rear-firing. While it’s still clear, it lacks the dynamic audio capabilities of its successor.
Lastly, the 13 MP camera on the 3rd Gen allows it to deliver better video calls than the 2nd Gen. Combined with front-facing microphones, talking to someone on the latest Echo Show is a treat, with crisp audio and clear video streaming. You’re always in the focus, too, thanks to motion tracking and a rotating screen that follows you as you move across the room.
Content and Smart Features
The Echo Show 10 3rd Gen and 2nd Gen are packed with content and smart features.
Echo Show devices support a range of voice commands and can connect to other smart home devices.
As expected, the two smart displays are packed with features. There is plenty of content available on the Echo Show 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen. Users get access to Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, and Apple Music. Amazon’s Prime Video and Audible audiobooks are also available on the devices.
Amazon’s Alexa is at the heart of the devices’ smart capabilities. Both the Echo Show 10 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen support a range of Alexa voice commands — from making calls to checking recipes. Voice control also connects the Echo Show displays to other smart home devices, making for a truly integrated household.
If you want a more efficient day, you can set up Routines, too. This groups together several actions that can be activated by a single command. A Start Your Day routine, for instance, may include switching on the lights, getting a traffic update, and reading the news. On the Echo Show 10 3rd Gen, you can even set up motion detection as a trigger for home monitoring, too.
Verdict
Although the Echo Show 10 2nd Gen is still a capable device, the Echo Show 10 3rd Gen has more than enough upgrades that make it the better smart display.
While its turning screen can turn heads, the Echo Show 10 3rd Gen is more than just its design. Under the hood, the smart display is equipped with powerful processors, including Amazon’s first-generation chip, that gives the device its edge. Not only is the 3rd Gen faster, but it’s also smarter. Combined with hardware upgrades to its camera and audio system, it’s arguably the best Echo Show device to get.
Where does this leave the Echo Show 10 2nd Gen? Well, the 2nd Gen is still a capable device. When it was launched back in 2018, it introduced upgrades that are now standard to Echo Show devices. If you opt for the 2nd Gen, you’re still getting an excellent smart display, with access to great content and voice control features. It’s also $100 less than its successor. And for those on a budget, the price makes the 2nd Gen a reasonable purchase.
FAQs
📌 What’s the difference between the Echo Show 10 3rd Gen and 2nd Gen?
The Echo Show 10 3rd Gen comes with a new design that includes a round base and a rotating screen. It also boasts an upgraded camera and audio system, along with a more powerful processor, compared to the Echo Show 10 2nd Gen.
📌 Does the Echo Show 2nd Gen still come with a warranty?
Yes. The second-generation Echo Show comes with a one-year limited warranty.
📌 Given the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) review, is it worth buying?
Amazon’s third-generation Echo Show 10 is one of the best Echo Show devices to get. Not only does it offer a smarter design, but it’s also equipped with some of the most advanced processors on a smart display.
📌 Does the Echo Show 10 3rd Gen offer live views remotely?
Yes. The Echo Show 10 3rd Gen supports the Home Monitoring feature. Homeowners can also look across the room thanks to the rotating screen of the device.
