The Amazon Echo Show 21 is a significant advancement in smart home technology, offering a comprehensive solution for home automation and entertainment. This device integrates Amazon’s Fire TV capabilities with the Alexa smart assistant, all within a robust 21.5-inch touchscreen display. Designed primarily for wall mounting, it serves as a centralized hub for managing various smart home devices and accessing multimedia content.
Key Features and Specifications
Display
- 21.5-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, providing clear and vibrant visuals.
Audio
- Equipped with two side-mounted speakers, each comprising a 2-inch woofer and a 0.6-inch tweeter, delivering enhanced sound quality.
Camera
- 13-megapixel front-facing camera with a built-in privacy shutter, suitable for video calls and security monitoring.
Connectivity
- Supports Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections.
Voice Assistant
- Integrated with Alexa, allowing for voice-controlled operations and access to a wide range of skills and services.
Dimensions and Weight
- Measures 21.4 x 13.2 x 1.5 inches (54 cm x 34 cm x 3.8 cm) and weighs 10.7 lbs (4.9 kg).
Design and Installation
The Echo Show 21 features a sleek design with an attractive wooden frame, resembling a modern photo frame. It is intended for wall mounting and comes with a metal bracket that supports both portrait and landscape orientations. Installation requires basic tools such as a drill and level, and a paper template is provided to assist with accurate placement. For those preferring a tabletop setup, an optional stand is available for an additional cost.
Performance and Usability
The high-resolution display offers crisp and bright images, making it ideal for streaming content, browsing recipes, or monitoring security cameras. The device’s audio system provides robust sound quality, suitable for both media consumption and voice interactions. The inclusion of a 13MP camera enhances video calling experiences, and the physical privacy shutter ensures user control over camera access.
Users can customize the home screen with various widgets, such as calendars, shopping lists, and weather updates, facilitating efficient daily planning. The Echo Show 21 also supports Matter and Thread protocols, enabling seamless integration with a wide array of smart home devices.
Pricing and Availability
As of its release in November 2024, the Amazon Echo Show 21 is priced at $399.99 in the United States and £399.99 in the United Kingdom. The optional stand is available for an additional $100/£100. While this positions the Echo Show 21 at a higher price point compared to standard smart TVs, its multifunctionality as a smart home hub and entertainment device offers added value.
Considerations
While the Echo Show 21 excels in providing a centralized platform for smart home control and multimedia access, potential buyers should assess their primary needs. For those primarily interested in a device for streaming movies and TV shows, more affordable smart TV options are available. However, for users seeking an integrated solution that combines home automation, communication, and entertainment, the Echo Show 21 presents a compelling choice.
Comparison with Other Models
For a comprehensive understanding of how the Echo Show 21 stands in comparison to other models, consider the following:
| Feature | Amazon Echo Show 21 | Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) | Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.99/£399.99 | $299/£299.99 | $149.99/£149.99 |
| Display | 21.5-inch, 1920×1080 | 15.6-inch, 1920×1080 | 8-inch, 1280×800 |
| Speakers | 2 x 2-inch woofers & 2 x 0.6-inch tweeters | 2 x 2-inch woofers & 2 x 0.6-inch tweeters | 2 x 2-inch speakers with passive bass radiator |
| Camera | 13MP wide-angle with shutter | 13MP wide-angle with shutter | 13MP wide-angle with shutter |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa | Alexa | Alexa |
| Hub Functionality | Yes (Zigbee + Matter + Thread) | Yes (Zigbee + Matter + Thread) | Yes (Zigbee + Matter + Thread) |
| Dimensions | 21.4 x 13.2 x 1.5 inches | 16.1 x 10.1 x 1.4 inches | 7.9 x 5.5 x 4.2 inches |
| Weight | 10.7 lbs | 4.96 lbs | 16.1 oz |
This comparison highlights the Echo Show 21’s larger display and enhanced audio capabilities, making it a superior choice for users seeking an immersive smart home and entertainment experience.
Conclusion
The Amazon Echo Show 21 represents a significant evolution in smart home devices, merging extensive home automation features with high-quality entertainment options. Its large, responsive display, improved audio system, and seamless integration with various smart home protocols make it a valuable addition for users aiming to enhance their connected home environment.
