Technology now accompanies us in all walks of life. And so it is not surprising that even the little ones come into contact with smartphones, tablets & co. at an early age. But which models are suitable for young users?
Tablets, the mini computers in a handy format, have proven to be a good alternative to expensive smartphones and enable children to develop a wide range of hobbies: be it reading books, watching children’s series, listening to music or playing games. However, the question quickly arises as to which tablet offers games, fun and security at the same time. In order to make the decision easier for all parents, TECHBOOK has set out to find the best tablets for children of all ages.
What must tablets for children be able to do?
Children’s tablet or full version of a brand manufacturer? Here opinions differ. Tablets for children are often cheaper because they have less powerful processors and lack functions that kids would not use anyway. At the same time, they offer age-appropriate apps and games and have practical features that, among other things, reduce the usage time or set learning goals.
But even the market-leading technology giants don’t want to miss out on this growing target group and install child safety devices and features in their high-end products, which enable a child-friendly and sustainable use of tablets. Because, as with clothing and traditional toys, little ones quickly outgrow their old age. TECHBOOK has put them together: the five best tablets to playfully familiarize children with the correct use of technology.
Also read: Finding the perfect tablet for kids
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro: the test winner especially for children
With its Kids Edition Fire tablets, Amazon has launched a range of devices designed specifically for kids that still pass as full-featured tablets. It comes with a protective case and plenty of parental backup options like age filters and the ability to set a time limit for (online) use. Also included is a 2-year worry-free guarantee and one year of free use of Amazon Kids+ – an ad-free media library with thousands of kid-friendly games, videos, books and educational apps. Particularly pleasing: The Amazon Fire HD Kids Pro is not only a children’s tablet, but can also be easily converted into a normal Fire tablet for adults “after work”.
Features of the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro
| Amazon Fire GD 10 Kids Pro | |
|---|---|
| tablet type | Children’s tablet, wifi tablet |
| operating system | Fire OS 7.3 |
| screen | Touchscreen display, IPS display |
| processor | Octa Core |
| Storage | 3GB RAM, 32GB internal storage |
| data communication | WLAN, without mobile communications |
| camera | Rear camera 5 PM, front camera 2 MP |
| sound | 2 stereo speakers |
| battery life | 12:00 p.m |
| Weight | 718g |
| Furnishing | Dual band antenna, speaker, accelerometer, brightness sensor |
| Appropriate age | 6-12 years |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro
Rating at idealo: grade 2.5 | 3.5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Child-friendly content
- + 1 year Amazon Kids+
- + Robust protective cover
- + Can also be used as an Amazon Fire for adults
- – Relative expensive
- – Responds a little sluggishly at times.
SoyMomo Tablet Pro: smart tablet with anti-bullying protection
The SoyMomo Tablet Pro has all the features that its electronic competitors have, such as comprehensive parental controls, activity analysis, app protection and time limit configuration. In addition, the remote screenshot function allows recordings of the display to be sent directly to the parent app. However, the SoyMomo Tablet Pro stands out due to its special Internet protection: the so-called cyberbullying detector recognizes insulting and violent messages on Facebook, WhatsApp and Co. as well as inappropriate images and content and blocks them immediately. In addition, a notification is sent to the parents’ smartphone. This function makes the SoyMomo Tablet Pro a particularly childproof tablet option for young and old.
Features of the SoyMomo Tablet Pro
| SoyMomo Tablet Pro | |
|---|---|
| tablet type | Android tablet, children’s tablet |
| operating system | Android 9 |
| screen | 8 inch touch screen |
| processor | Octa Core |
| Storage | 2GB RAM, 32GB internal storage |
| data communication | WiFi, Bluetooth |
| camera | Rear camera 8 PM, front camera 5 MP |
| battery life | 6h |
| Weight | 470g |
| Furnishing | Virtual keyboard |
| Appropriate age | 4 years |
Advantages and disadvantages of the SoyMomo Tablet Pro
Rating at idealo: Grade – | 5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Special anti-bullying protection on the Internet
- + Parental app and access to tablet from your own smartphone
- + Good camera
- – Supplied protective cover a bit slippery
- – No pre-installed apps
Also read: How to properly prepare children for the Internet
Ravensburger Ministeps: tablet toys for the little ones
Strictly speaking, the Ravensburger Ministeps is not actually a tablet, but rather an electronic toy for the youngest. Six learning apps with funny songs and rhymes, animal sounds and a small hidden object game are pre-installed. In no time at all, the tablet turns into a piano, a flute, a drum set or a xylophone and casts a spell over young music enthusiasts. At just 9 grams, it is a lightweight among the Learn Tablets and yet stable enough for small children. Due to the particularly touch-sensitive screen, the Ravensburger Ministeps is already suitable for babies from 9 months and thus offers a playful introduction to tablets with more functions.
Equipment of the Ravensburger Ministep
| Ravensburger mini steps | |
|---|---|
| tablet type | Learn tablet |
| screen | touch screen |
| battery pack | 3 × AAA batteries |
| Weight | 9g |
| Appropriate age | from 9 months |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Ravensburger Ministep
Rating at idealo: – | 5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Specially developed for the little ones
- + Relatively cheap
- + Preinstalled learning apps
- + Transforms into a musical instrument via app
cons
- – Too boring for older children
- – Limited features
Also Read: Properly Securing Your Kids’ Homeschooling Laptop
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8: full tablet for older kids and teens
Children’s tablet with a colorful rubber case or would you prefer a branded model at a steep price? Some of the older kids and teens will thank their parents if the tablet version with a safety bar and baby animal games is no longer under the Christmas tree. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 proves to be a good transition with stylish design and solid tech – all at a fraction of the price of the iPad Pro and the newer Samsung Galaxy products. However, standard tablet functions do not have to be dispensed with, as there is no explicit parental control installed. Therefore, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is recommended as a successor model if the child has already learned how to use the technology properly.
Features of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 | |
|---|---|
| tablet type | Android tablet |
| operating system | Android 9 |
| screen | LCD display, touchscreen display, widescreen display, multi-touch |
| processor | quad core |
| Storage | 2GB RAM, 32GB internal storage |
| data communication | WiFi, Bluetooth |
| camera | Rear camera 8 PM, front camera 2 MP |
| battery life | 1 p.m |
| Weight | 313g |
| Furnishing | Dual band antenna, card reader |
| Appropriate age | no |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
Rating at idealo: Grade 2.1 | 4 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Good workmanship and regular updates
- + Beautiful design
- + Medium price
- + Full tablet
cons
- – Low memory
- – Technical performance not at the level of other devices
Apple iPad (2021): high quality, high price
If parents want to prevent the children’s tablet from ending up useless in the corner after a few years, they should rather opt for quality and consider investing in an Apple iPad. Although it is a relatively expensive purchase for children, the well-known high standard of Apple products convinces with regular updates, relatively long battery life and a wealth of features. In addition to comprehensive parental control, there are also many games and applications for children of all ages in the App Store. The use of the Apple iPad with the Apple Pencil, which enables writing, painting and drawing on the tablet, is particularly worthwhile for creative minds. In short: If you rely on the quality you are used to and want your children to grow with the device, you will like the Apple iPad.
Features of the Apple iPad (2021)
| Apple iPad (2021) | |
|---|---|
| tablet type | iOS tablet |
| operating system | iPad OS 15+ |
| screen | IPS display, LED backlight display, touchscreen display, retina display, true tone display, multi-touch |
| processor | Apple A13 |
| Storage | Control via app, wireless charging with charging transport box |
| data communication | WiFi, Bluetooth |
| camera | Rear camera 8 PM, front camera 12 MP |
| sound | 2 stereo speakers |
| battery life | 6h |
| Weight | 487-498g |
| Furnishing | E-compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer, brightness sensor, fingerprint sensor |
| Appropriate age | no |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Apple iPad (2021)
Rating at idealo: grade 1.6 | 4.5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Good Apple product for beginners
- + Can be used separately by child and parents
- + Comprehensive parental controls
- + App Store
- + Regular updates and innovations
cons
- – Not specifically designed for children
- – Child protective cover as an extra purchase
- – Relatively expensive purchase
Conclusion
At the latest when their own child reports that the others in the class already have an iPhone, parents are under pressure. Digital technology is part of everyday life, and it starts with the youngest. The main concern for parents is that the child only has access to child-friendly content, while the offspring hopes for excitement and action.
Whether it’s a special children’s tablet or the high-end brand model for the future, technology providers give kids access to exciting apps and features. At the same time, they ensure playful, responsible use of technical devices such as tablets, laptops, etc. and the Internet. A relief for parents, who can use the additional 10 minutes of screen time for a little breather or their own tablet use.
More worth knowing articles about tablets for big and small
For more information about tablets, whether for the young or the young at heart, TECHBOOK has put together a large number of articles, guides and product tests that make it easier to decide on the next purchase.