Thanks to Facebook Portal and Echo Show, it has never been so easier to make video calls. They add brilliance to any smart home with their top video calling features and the additional features they support. Finding out which one should be a part of your home comes down to your individual needs. One thing is sure. These gadgets are forever going to change the way video calls make you feel.
Further reading: What Is The Amazon Echo Dot? Everything You Need To Know About Amazon’s Compact Smart Speaker
Can They Call Each Other?
The answer to this question is, unfortunately, no. While Echo Show uses Amazon services for video calling, having Facebook messenger or Whatsapp is mandatory to use Facebook Portal. With Echo Show, you can call people who have Echo Show, Echo Spot, the Alexa app, or Skype.
What is Facebook Portal and Echo Show?
Facebook Portal is a smart display owned by Facebook. Introduced in 2018, it works with Facebook Messenger and Whatsapp to make video calls better than ever. It is “designed to help you feel closer” to friends and family. Portal is powered by AI technology and has an excellent camera that zooms and never lets you go out of the frame even when you are moving.
Portal is equipped with some built-in features to ensure security. The users can disable the microphone and camera if they wish to, and this just needs a single tap. Additional security is offered by encryption of the calls. You can have a digital password to lock the screen, and a camera cover is provided to cover the lens if needed.
The online retail giant Amazon owns Echo Show, the smart display that uses AI technology. There are quite a few gadgets in the Amazon Echo line of devices that are reputed to make your home smart. The first one was released in 2017, and the latest one is the Amazon Echo Show 10.
Since Alexa is Amazon’s own virtual assistant, it is fully integrated into the Echo devices. Unlike Portal, its utility is not limited to just video calls, but it lets you interact with other smart devices in the house.
You may also like: Is It Possible To Watch Sling TV On Your Echo Show
Comparing The Features Of Facebook Portal And Echo Show
Here is a comparison of the main features of the two devices.
Camera
The best camera is inevitable for those superior quality video calls. The Portal has a 13MP camera that is way better than the 5MP camera of the Echo. Additionally, Portal supports AR features using which you can add fun filters to your face while on the call and even tell on-screen stories that will include your face and animations.
Sound
Sound quality is important to listen to your favorite music, and Portal and Echo compete to deliver you the best. Clear sound and rich bass are promised by both the devices to ensure thorough enjoyment. With Portal, music may sound strained, but this is not so in Echo. The Show has an extensive speaker system that supports Dolby processing, dual 10-watt two-inch neodymium drivers, and a passive bass radiator.
Display
Portal has a screen size of 10.2 inches with an HD resolution of 1,280 x 800, while Echo has a 10.1-inch HD screen with 1,280 x 800. The portal, with its adaptive display technology and bigger size, is definitely a head-turner. It gives a feeling that what you are looking at on display is real owing to the screen adjustment that matches the light in the room. In fact, both the devices have crystal-clear displays and are large to make everything on the screen appear real.
Design
The Echo Show is like a tablet attached to a speaker. The speaker is 6.9 inches tall and 9.7 inches wide and comes in two colors – sandstone and charcoal backings. The portal is more like a photo frame, and you can choose between black and white for the frame. It is 7.06 inches tall and 10.25 inches wide. Overall, they look entirely different for two devices used for the same functionality.
Video Calls
If making video calls is your priority, this feature is to be carefully considered. The Portal can be used for making video calls to your dear ones who have either a Facebook or Whatsapp account. So, if you don’t use any of these, this is just a useless gadget for you. Echo Show lets you connect with people who have Echo Spot, Skype, Echo Show, or the Alexa app. In this regard, Echo is slightly more advantageous.
You may also like: The Best Bluetooth Speakers For Your Amazon Fire Stick
Pros And Cons Of Facebook Portal
Pros
- The camera is a one-of-a-kind that can track people’s movement. While in the call, you will never go out of focus.
- Alexa is integrated for voice assistance.
Cons
- It is a relatively new product. So we have to wait and see how it performs in the long run.
- There are privacy concerns.
Pros And Cons Of Echo Show
Pros
- Full Alexa integration is Amazon’s own gadget.
- Echo has been in stores for some time, making it reliable.
Cons
- The device has to be plugged in always.
- If there is a lot of natural light coming into the room, the screen could have a lot of glare.
Choosing between the Echo Show and Facebook Portal can be made easy by analyzing how you will use the device. A detailed understanding of the features mentioned in the article can be of great help. Remember that if you own a Portal, you cannot call the Echo and vice versa. This is a shortcoming that needs to be addressed. Although these fantastic gadgets don’t work together presently, we can hope that they do in the future.