Reading Gets a Bigger, Clearer Screen With Latest Amazon Alexa Tablet Models

Amazon's new Alexa Tablet 12 Pro puts its glare-reducing Nanomatte screen front and centre, offering a 12in, 120Hz display in a slim aluminium body that undercuts Apple's nano‑texture iPad Pro by around £1,300.

Unveiled on 8 October 2026 alongside two smaller Alexa Tablets, the 12 Pro starts at £449.99 in the UK, with the Nanomatte version at £499.99. All three models have aluminium shells, run Android and include access to the Google Play Store.

Why the Nanomatte Screen Stands Out

The tech giant says it worked with Corning to etch a fine texture into the 12 Pro's glass. The texture is aligned with the display's pixels and designed to reduce reflections while preserving detail and colour accuracy, according to the company. Nanomatte is exclusive to the 12 Pro, although buyers can choose the standard display instead.

In a hands-on review for The Telegraph, Chris Hall found that the finish reduced reflections from windows and indoor lights. He reported that the screen remained visible outdoors in direct light, although some glare persisted in the brightest conditions. These were initial impressions, rather than conclusions from long-term testing.

The screen invites comparison with Apple's nano-texture glass. Apple offers this option on higher-storage iPad Pro configurations. Hall priced a 13in, 1TB iPad Pro with nano-texture glass at £1,899, but Apple also lists an 11in, 1TB version at £1,799.

Compared with the latter, Amazon's £499.99 Nanomatte model is £1,299 cheaper. The comparison concerns the screen finish and starting prices, not equivalent computing power or overall capabilities.

Hall also found that his fingers moved smoothly across the screen. Amazon says the surface provides additional friction for its optional pen when writing, creating a feel closer to pen on paper.

What Else the 12 Pro Offers

The 12 Pro has a 12in screen with a 120-hertz refresh rate and a 3:2 aspect ratio, providing more vertical space for reading and documents. Its aluminium body is 6.5 millimetres thick. Amazon claims up to 16 hours of video playback, and the tablet has four speakers supporting Dolby Atmos.

For work and note-taking, Amazon sells a magnetic Pro Keyboard for US$149.99 (£129.99) and a Pro Pen for US$89.99 (£79.99). Hall tried the keyboard and found its trackpad responsive and its keys comfortable to type on. The pen supports pressure sensitivity, tilt detection and wireless charging.

Alexa+ is built into all three tablets. Users can ask the assistant questions about on-screen content, find information or control compatible smart-home devices. Amazon says its On-Screen Intelligence features are off by default and require users to opt in.

A visual indicator appears when Alexa can see the screen, and users can disable the feature in Settings. For Hall, the display was more compelling than the assistant.

When the Tablets Arrive

The other models are the Alexa Tablet 11, starting at US$329.99 (£289.99), and the 8.7in Alexa Tablet 8, starting at US$229.99 (£199.99). Neither offers the Nanomatte display.

Amazon also announced Kids Tablets in 8.7in and 11in sizes. Each bundle includes a protective case and a year of Amazon Kids+. The subscription is adding Storybuilder, a tool that lets children create illustrated stories using their voices. A redesigned Parent Dashboard will also provide weekly insights into children's activities.

Orders are open. Amazon says the Alexa and Kids Tablets will ship from 14 October in the US, Mexico and Canada, and from 19 October in the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. The Kids Tablets are also due to ship in Japan from 14 October.