The new Amazon Echo Show 21 is its largest smart display to date and features an upgraded sibling, the Echo Show 15.

Amazon has unveiled its largest smart display to date: the Echo Show 21. This device combines a 21-inch screen with significant enhancements to its features, including superior audio. Next to it is the Echo Show 15, which has also received updates.

The Echo Show series encompasses a variety of screen sizes, starting with the 5-inch model. However, the new models stand out not only for their dimensions of 15 and 21 inches but also because they are designed to be wall-mounted, making them ideal for kitchens with limited space.

The original Echo Show 15 was launched in September 2021 but has been upgraded with several functionalities that have also been incorporated into the new Echo Show 21. One of the most notable criticisms of the previous model was the sound quality, which has been addressed by replacing the 1.6-inch speakers with 2-inch woofers and 0.6-inch tweeters, delivering a more robust sound. Additionally, noise reduction technology and improvements in automatic framing have been included, optimizing video calls.

Both devices now offer double the field of view compared to the first one and 65% more zoom, although it is a digital zoom. In terms of connectivity, they feature Wi-Fi 6E, which promises better speeds and lower latency, enhancing the experience for watching content on platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and Prime Video.

Furthermore, the Echo Show 15 and 21 come with an integrated smart home hub that supports Matter, facilitating connection with other smart devices via Wi-Fi, Thread, or Zigbee. Both models are powered by an octa-core processor along with Amazon's AZ2 neural engine.

However, the prices of these new devices have increased compared to the original Echo Show 15. The new Echo Show 15 is available for $299 / £299, representing a $50 increase, while the Echo Show 21 costs $399 / £399.

In the competitive space of wall-mountable smart devices, it has been rumored that Apple plans to launch its own smart display in early 2025. With these new additions, Amazon seems to be ahead of the competition, providing options that allow for video calls, watching videos, and controlling smart home devices from a single central station.

Although they have improved in many aspects, such as audio quality and video call capabilities, some aspects remain uncertain, such as the future evolution of voice assistants on these devices. Nevertheless, Amazon continues to lead the smart display market, and on paper, the Echo Show 15 and 21 are its best models to date.