The Alexa Tablet 12 Pro has strong Alexa+ integration — but it’s the hardware that won me over

Amazon's Alexa Tablet 12 Pro has impressed me with its seamless integration of Alexa+ and its impressive hardware. This Android tablet, priced at $499, is the flagship of the new Alexa tablet line, replacing Amazon Fire tablets. Built to work seamlessly with Alexa+, the tablet runs on Android and rivals Apple's entry-level iPad.

The sturdy aluminum unibody design feels premium, while its slim and lightweight build makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The standout feature is the 12-inch 2.8K display, which, while not OLED, delivers bright and colorful visuals. The optional Nanomatte anti-glare option enhances the viewing experience, especially in bright environments.

Running full-blown Android, the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro brings Google Play services to an Amazon tablet for the first time, making it a strong replacement for high-end Kindles. After using it as my daily driver for a week, I can confidently say it's one of the best Android tablets and best tablets available today. While it may not be for everyone, Alexa users or those seeking an anti-glare screen will find it hard to go wrong with this device.

The Alexa Tablet 12 Pro costs $499 for a model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, with optional upgrades to $679 for 256GB storage and the Nanomatte display. A productivity bundle, including the Alexa Pro Keyboard and Pen, is available for $799. The tablet impresses with its sleek aluminum design, vibrant display, smooth performance, and long-lasting battery life.

However, the high cost of upgrading storage and opting for the Nanomatte model, as well as the pricing of peripherals, are notable drawbacks.