7 best kids’ tablets for 2017

It has become a mandate for every kid to have a tablet these days. Irrespective of him or her being a 3-year-old toddler or a 7-year-old kid, every child has a tablet of his or her own. If you look out for tablets for kids, you will find tablets in 2 broad categories, one category comprising of tablets specifically for toddlers and another category for kids between 5-12 years of age.

Now, that you have decided to buy a tablet for your kid, but you are unable to answer one question for yourself i.e. how to choose? Though the specifications for a kids’ tablet don’t tell much about its performance. So, to ease the task for you, here is a list of 7 best kids’ you can consider for buying in 2017:

1.    Amazon Fire

amazon-fire-tab

Figure 1: Amazon Fire

Preview

Being termed as the Best Budget Tablet, Amazon Fire is priced at $49.99 when reviewed. Since its release, Amazon Fire has been the go-to choice for many customers. Though these tablets are based on Android but they are not Android tablets. They don’t have any Google App but you can use Google services through Silicon Web Browser. Coming to the range, it is comparatively lower than other tablets with similar specs but you will also see advertisements for products on the lock screen.

Device Colours and Protective Case

The Amazon Fire tablet comes in 4 colors: Black, Tangerine, Magenta and Blue. All the buttons and ports are on the top edge so it is easier to access them even when the tablet is in the case. The lids of the case fold like a picture stand and you can set up the tablet in both horizontal or portrait orientations. You can buy the official Amazon case for Amazon Fire for $19.99. It is available as an add-on on the product page.

Weight, Size and Build Quality

Weighing 313 gram and measuring 7.5”x4.5”x0.4”, these specs don’t matter when you are spending this little. Though build quality doesn’t actually feel good yet it still looks modern and stylish.

Colors & Screen

The Amazon Fire Tablet comes up with an IPS screen i.e. you don’t need to hold to straight on to view the correct colors. With a resolution of 1024×600 for a 6” screen and having a density of 171 ppi, colors look reasonably good on this tablet.

Cameras & Ports

T the Amazon Fire tablet features a front-facing camera of 0.3 MP and a rear-facing camera of 2 MP. Along with the internal 8 GB of storage, you can add up to 128 GB of external storage through micro SD card slot. Along with this, the Amazon Fire tablet also comes up with a single-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and a mono speaker with a built-in microphone.

Performance

Coming with a 1.3 GHz quad-core processor and 1 GB of RAM, the tablet is quicker than you expect. But with the limited amount of RAM, you need to be careful about apps with a heavy load. The battery is said to last up to 7 hours.

Software

Software in a kids’ tablet is equally important as hardware. Coming with Fire OS 5, which is loosely based on Android Lollipop, you can share user accounts just by tapping on the user icon on the lock screen. You can set up a child account and the tablet gives an excellent control to a parent on the usages of the tablet by their kid. You can set goals for each day as well.

Pre-installed apps in this tablet are quite good. Coming with Alexa, a cloud-based voice service where you just need to tap and ask and Amazon Underground, where you get access to thousands of free apps and games (even the paid apps on Play Store are free on Underground).

With great time control available to a parent at this price range along with its features, Amazon Fire ranks #1 in our list of best tablets for kids in 2017.

2.    Amazon Fire HD 6

amazon-fire-hd-6-2017Figure 2: Amazon Fire HD 6

Preview

Coming in at #2, Amazon Fire HD 6 is a 6” tablet under $100. Fire HD 5 can be said a mixture of Kindle eReader along with a fully-fledged tablet with a proper browser, email, skype and other apps. Priced at $69.99 (8GB) and $89.99 (16 GB), this is one of those tablets that definitely deserves your attention.

Device Colours and Protective Case

The Fire HD 6 tablet comes in 5 colors: Black, Citron, Magenta, Cobalt and White. With protective case available at $10.99 as an add-on, the case also provides support like a photo stand and enables a user to easily view it horizontally as well as vertically.

Weight, Size & Build Quality

The Amazon Fire HD 6 is a bit heavy considering that it is a 6” tablet. Weighing around  290 grams along with dimension 6.7”x4.1”x0.4”, the build quality of Amazon Fire HD 6 is quite better than Amazon Fire.

Colors and Screen

The Fire HD 6 tablet comes up with a 1280×800 resolution which is actually good considering the price range and the screen size of 6”. With a pixel density of 252 ppi and an IPS screen, colors look right on this tablet and contrast is also acceptable.

Cameras & Ports

Same as Amazon Fire, the Fire HD 6 has two cameras. A front-facing camera at 0.3 MP and a rear-facing camera at 2 MP. Though it does not have a memory card (micro SD card) slot to expand the memory, it comes with 2 models: One with 8 GB internal storage and another with 16 GB internal storage. With USB 2.0, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi available, the Fire HD 6 completes all requirements of a basic tablet.

Performance

Considering that no expandable storage is available, 5 GB (available to the user, out of 8 GB) is not really sufficient. Even though there are only some minor improvements as compared to Amazon Fire, but if you are buying it for a child, they will definitely appreciate it. With a quad-core processor running up to 1.5 GHz along with 1 GB of RAM, loading time of apps is lesser than compared to the Amazon Fire.

Software

In Amazon Fire HD 6, you can add up to 4 kids’ profiles. With FreeTime being launched and included in this version, you can now set different time limits for apps, games, and books. The Fire OS of Amazon Fire HD 6 is based on Android KitKat and you can also side-load Android Apps. With a new weather app and improvements in Email, contacts, and calendar and notifications now appearing on the lock screen, there are some behind-the-scene updates which have been done to load the apps quicker than usual.

Though it is not perfect but if you need a good screen resolution tablet with such functionalities, you can’t get better than Amazon Fire HD 6. Though there are no Google Apps, but the Amazon Underworld suffices for them.

3.    Kurio Tab 2

kurio-tab-2-for-kidsFigure 3: Kurio Tab 2

Preview

Needless to say, tablets for kids are drastically improving with now being proper tablets instead of being just toy tablets. Kurio states that it has come up with the best kids’ tablet in the form of Tab 2. Kurio further states that it is the safest tablet for kids. Priced at around $99 when reviewed, it ranks third in our list of best tablets for kids in 2017.

Device Colours and Protective Case

Kurio Tab 2 comes up with a single color as can be seen in the above image. The protective case of the Kurio Tab 2 is more streamlined than usual. It is said to protect the tablet and its edges from all the inevitable bumps the tablet is going to be hit by. A removable plastic cover at the back divides the bumper in two places that offer 2 viewing angles.

Weight, Size and Build Quality

Kurio Tab 2 is a decent looking 7” tablet which comes with a protective rubber case. This tablet weighs a bit more (581 grams) with the rubber case and comes with a measurement of 9.4”x6.6”x2.3”

Colors and Screen

It’s been a long sustaining problem with the tablets for kids i.e. resolution. Though the resolution is same as that of Amazon Fire (1024×600), Kurio Tab 2 doesn’t have an IPS screen which means colors don’t look right unless you hold the tablet straight on.

Cameras & Ports

Kurio Tab 2 shares the same specs for cameras with Amazon Fire. With a 0.3 MP front camera and a 2.1 MP rear camera, the photo and video quality are not that acceptable. Coming to ports, it has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a micro HDMI output. There is also a mono speaker, a headphone jack, and a micro SD card for adding up to 32 GB of external storage, apart from 8 GB internal storage. It also supports USB OTG and you can have an output of your tablet on your TV through HDMI port.

Performance

The performance of Kurio Tab 2 is neither good nor bad. It comes with a 1.3 GHz quad core processor which is speedy enough considering that the tablet will be used by a kid, sometimes apps take a long time to load and the screen is not that much sensitive as you would expect.

Software

Kurio Tab 2 comes with a few pre-loaded apps, games and Ebooks which means that once you have set up profiles for you and your child, the tablet is ready to be used for hours before the fun ends and you need to install any new apps. It comes with a Kidoz TV app which provides select content from YouTube suitable for kids. On the same lines, Kidoz Buzz is a curated stream of online videos from home-recorded clips of animals doing funny things.

Kurio used Android profiles instead of using an interface of its own so it is easier to switch between profiles and manage content. Coming with a Kurio Genius interface from where you can control app management (authorize apps for a kids’ use), time control (for allowing access to a specific category a specific period of time), web access (for web filtering and web list) and profile settings.

Overall, the Kurio Tab 2 is a great tablet. It combines the power of a proper android tablet with child control and management interface.

4.    LeapFrog Epic

leapfrog-epic-kids-tablet-for-2017 Figure 4: LeapFrog Epic

Preview

Epic is the most recent tablet launched by LeapFrog. Epic stands for Explore, Play, Imagine, Create. The tablet comes with a stylus and an intelligent software that changes as your child grows. Priced at $91.96 when reviewed, it is a 7” tablet and let’s explore it further.

Device Colours and Protective Case

The Epic comes with a silicon case and that case actually decides the color of the tablet. The silicon case prevents the body of the tablet and its corners from the damages due to inevitable bumps. This tablet is available in 2 colors: Green and Pink.

Weight, Size & Build Quality

Coming with dimensions of 10”x7.2”3.5” and weighing 635 grams (includes the weight of the silicon case), but it lacks a good quality. It comes with a hardware that is already outdated.

Colors and Screen

The Epic comes with a resolution of 1024×600 but you would expect a bit better at this price. Leapfrog opted for TN technology for screens instead of IPS and hence very limited viewing angles are available.

Cameras & Ports

The Epic comes with 2 cameras, a front camera, and a rear camera. Both of these cameras are not good enough. It comes with Wi-Fi though not with Bluetooth.

Performance

Running on an OS based on Android 4.4 with a quad-core 1.3 GHz processor, the Epic is not as fast as it should be but it is also not sluggish like Leapfrog’s previous launches. It has an internal memory of 16 GB and further 32 GB can be added through micro SD slot.

Software

While LeapFrog’s Epic doesn’t have a competitive hardware, it has focused on its software really well. Coming with a child-safe browser where only specific websites can be added, the remaining system is kept as locked down and safe for kids to use on their own. The Home Screen is really interactive which is not the case with other tablets. Along with these features, there are various pre-installed apps like calculator, clock, notepad, PetPadParty, Stretchy Monkey etc. There is no way to access the underlying Android 4.4 and install apps from Google Play.

The software is all fine and good in the LeapFrog Epic but not the software. To conclude, it is a good tablet considering its interface.

5.    iPad Mini 2

ipad-mini-2-children-editionFigure 5: iPad Mini 2

Preview

Priced at $237.99 when reviewed, iPad Mini 2 is a tablet in every sense. Though it features a resolution of 1024×768 and a retina display with the brand tag of Apple, iPad Mini 2 ranks at #5 in our list of best tablets for kids in 2017.

Device Colours and Protective Case

iPad Mini 2 comes in 2 colors: Black and White. Though it does not come with a protective case, there is an array of options available to an iPad Mini 2 user to choose from.

Weight, Size and Build Quality

Weighing 331 grams and measuring 7.87”x5.3”x0.29”, it is slightly thicker than iPad Mini. The extra weight is barely noticeable. Coming with a retina display, holding iPad Mini 2 in hand for longer periods of time is not that difficult.

Colors and Screen

Considering that Apple markets itself as premium tech-brand, the resolution of iPad Mini 2 sits as just 162 ppi. Even budget tablets lie Kindle Fire HD and Nexus 7 feature a better pixel density. Compared to its predecessors, iPad Mini 2 displays a sharper screen and characters and lines are not fuzzier anymore.

Cameras and Ports

Coming with a 5 MP iSight rear camera which is capable of recording 1080p video and an improved and better version of the front camera, there is less noise in photos even though they were clicked in the night. You would see a clear difference in photos due to the presence of retina display.

Performance

Having a 64-bit 1.3 GHz dual core processor with A7 processor chip and an M7 motion coprocessor, battery life gets prolonged when you are using a fitness or activity tracking app. As usual, Apple has not disclosed the RAM in this iPad but this is a lot faster than iPad Mini.

Software

iPad Mini 2 comes with iOS 7 and entitles you to iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand etc. Everything is all fine and good in an iPad Mini 2 but there is no such thing called kid’s interface. Also, you do not get slow-motion video mode in camera app or the burst mode for taking photos quickly.

6.    LeapFrog LeapPad3

leapfrog-leappad-3-is-for-childrenFigure 6:LeapPad3

 

Preview

Priced at $68.99 when reviewed, LeapPad3 is different from typical tablets. They are built specially for kids. Recommended for kids between 3-9 years of age, this tablet is more robust than fragile adult tablets. The LeapPads are much cheaper than other tablets although their educational software is certainly more expensive.

Device Colours & Protective Case

LeapPad3 comes packed with a protective case that is good enough to save the tablet from the bumps. The protective case here is of either green or pink and hence, this tablet is available in two colors: Green and Pink.

Weight, Size & Build Quality

Unlike other tablets, LeapPads are built to survive destructive kids and yet they are responsive to a child’s touch. There are impact zones that protect the screen and the tablet. Measuring 7.5”x5.2”x1” and weighing around 400 grams, this tablet ranks at #6 on our list.

Colors and Screen

Coming with a resolution of 480×272 for a 5” screen which is relatively lower considering the price range, the tablet needs to be held on straight on to correctly view the colors as it features an LCD screen.

Cameras & Ports

The camera in the LeapPad3 supports 480p video recording but the quality is not that good which is the case with tablets for the kid in this price range. There is a USB Port through which charging and connecting to a PC can be done.

Performance

Coming with 4 GB internal memory and 1 GHz processing chip, these specs are quite sufficient considering its use by a kid, there is no such lag found while we tested the device.

Software

LeapPad3 is not one of those tablets where you can just start your tablet and play. It needs to be set up from leapfrog.com after the creation of a parent’s account. There are 10 inbuilt apps like Music Player, Pet Pad Party, Pet Char, Photo Fun Ultra etc. along with basic utilities like Calculator, Notepad, Clock, Calendar and Voice Memo.

Young children will actually like LeapPad3 due to its smaller size. While the hardware is cheaper than normal tablets, software for LeapPad3 are actually a bit more expensive. The only advantage of LeapFrog’s educational software is that it has been built by educational PhDs with both fun and learning in mind. Also, browsing in LeapFrog is safer than most adult tablets but it is limited in its scope.

7.    VTech InnoTab Max

2017-kids-tablet-vtech-innotab-maxFigure 7: VTech InnoTab Max

Preview

Coming in at #7 is the VTech’s InnoTab Max. Being a direct competitor to LeapPad3 priced at $69.99 when reviewed, it is a tablet made specifically for kids with built-in child-safe features. Unlike LeapPad3, you can add your own movies and music to InnoTab Max.

Device Colours and Protective Case

InnoTab Max comes in two colors: Blue and Pink. The cover protects the screen and also works as a stand for better viewing angles. The said cover can be removed if you like a classic tablet view.

Weight, Size and Build Quality

Weighing around 1.3 kg with measurements of 15”x11.1”x2.3”, the build quality is hard and touch to complete its purpose of being a child tablet.

Colors and Screen

Featuring a resolution of 480×272 for a 4.3” single-touch capacitive screen, the resolution is not as great as you would like but same is the case with most of the tablets for kids. As the screen used is LCD, you might experience a problem in viewing colors as the tablet needs to be held straight on for viewing correct colors.

Performance

Featuring a processor with speed 360MHz and internal memory of 4GB, there is no such lag while using the pre-installed apps. But at times, you might experience frustratingly long waiting time.

Software

The InnoTab Max helps a child with basic maths, English and pattern recognition with other games present to increase a child’s spatial sense, observations etc.

The InnoTab Max is best suited to children between ages of 3-6 years. They also include fun and creative games and an excellent messaging feature that kids love. Though the browsing needs a bit parental monitoring but it is more expensive than LeapPad3. Though at times it is slow to load but it is a good choice for a child’s first computer.

Conclusion

So, this was our list of 7 best kids tablet for 2017. Feel free to check out these tablets and choose the one which is the most suitable one for your kid. Just in case you have any questions, feel free to drop us a text.

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