Amazon's new Echo Show smart displays are on sale for the first time, starting at $55

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Earlier this year, shortly before Prime Day, Amazon took the wraps off new versions of its popular Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 smart displays. Here's hoping you decided to wait before buying, because both models just went on sale for the first time.

Here's the scoop: For a limited time, you can get the 2nd-generation Amazon Echo Show 5 for just $55, a $30 savings.

Also available: The 2nd-generation Amazon Echo Show 8 for $100, also a $30 savings. Which one should you choose? Read on for my recommendations.

You might think the devices are identical save for screen size: 5.5 and 8 inches, respectively. Physically, that's true, but the Echo Show 8 offers a faster processor and much-improved front camera, one that can follow you around during video calls so you don't have to stay rooted in front of the screen.

Ultimately, I think the Echo Show 5 makes a good nightstand companion, where it's a fancy bedside clock that can wake you up with news, weather and all that good stuff — all controlled by voice commands (or screen taps).

The Echo Show 8 is better in the kitchen, where the larger screen makes for easier viewing of things like recipe videos. Bigger is also better for video calls with friends and family, to say nothing of better sound from the larger speaker.

Both products have overwhelmingly positive ratings from Amazon customers. Want to learn more? Read Engadget's Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 review.

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