The Amazon Echo Spot, a compact smart speaker with a built-in display, offers a unique blend of features and design. This review delves into the device's strengths and weaknesses, examining its performance, ease of use, and overall value. We explore its sleek design, intuitive setup, and vibrant 2.8-inch display, assessing how these elements contribute to the user experience. Furthermore, we analyze the audio quality, smart home integration capabilities, and its performance as a communication device.This in-depth review considers the Echo Spot's impressive animations, smooth responsiveness, and seamless integration with other smart devices. We also compare its features and price point to competing products in the market, particularly the Echo Show 8, to determine whether the Echo Spot's unique offering justifies its cost. Ultimately, we aim to answer the critical question: Is the Amazon Echo Spot worth the hype?
Pros And Cons
- 2.8-inch display with new animations
- 1.73-inch speaker driver with good sound (10-15 watts output)
- Two far-field mics
- 1GB RAM, 8GB U-storage
- Supports commands in English and Hindi with different animations for each language
- Can control smart home devices
- Can make Drop In calls
- Can be used as a Bluetooth speaker
- Lyrics are not displayed when playing music
- Does not seem like value for money at Rs. 8500 compared to other devices like Show 8
Read more: Top 5 Best Bluetooth Speakers 2025: Ultimate Guide & Reviews
Unboxing and First Impressions
Upon opening the box, the Echo Spot immediately stands out with its compact and sleek design. The included 15-watt power adapter and minimal paperwork kept the unboxing experience clean and straightforward. The device itself feels surprisingly well-built for its size, showcasing a premium polycarbonate build.
The initial setup was quick and easy, aided by clear on-screen instructions. The 2.8-inch display is vibrant and responsive, making navigation intuitive. The standard blue color is appealing, and the overall aesthetic is modern and unobtrusive.
Design and Features
The Echo Spot's design is similar to the Echo Pop, but the addition of a 2.8-inch display sets it apart. The compact size makes it perfect for smaller spaces. The placement of the 1.73-inch speaker driver on the bottom ensures decent audio output.
The top of the device houses volume controls, a mute button, and two far-field microphones (though the website only mentions two). The device weighs approximately 408 grams and features 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, sufficient for its functions.
Display and Animations
The 2.8-inch display is a standout feature, offering new and engaging animations triggered by voice commands. These animations enhance the user experience, making interactions more visually appealing.
Various animations accompany different commands and functions. For example, setting a timer displays a visual countdown, while playing music shows album art. The animations are smooth and responsive, adding a touch of personality to the device.
Smart Home Integration and Call Functionality
The Echo Spot seamlessly integrates with other smart home devices, allowing users to control compatible lights, appliances, and more via voice commands. This convenient integration enhances its utility as a central hub for your smart home ecosystem.
The device also supports Drop In, enabling hands-free calls to other Echo devices or compatible contacts. The call quality is clear and reliable, making communication effortless.
Audio Quality and Bluetooth Connectivity
The Echo Spot delivers surprisingly impressive audio quality for its size, with clear and balanced sound. The 10-15 watts output is adequate for most rooms, making it suitable for both music playback and voice interactions.
Bluetooth connectivity allows users to easily stream audio from their smartphones or other devices. This versatile functionality enhances the Echo Spot's capabilities, turning it into a convenient Bluetooth speaker when needed.
Overall Verdict and Value for Money
The Echo Spot offers a unique blend of features, combining a compact design with a useful display and decent audio. However, at a price of Rs. 8500, it faces strong competition from other smart speakers and displays.
Compared to the Echo Show 8 (available at similar or lower prices), the Echo Spot lacks a larger display and camera functionality. While its animations and voice assistant capabilities are impressive, the value proposition could be improved by lowering the price, especially considering its display limitations.