The Best of 7-Inch Kids Tablets in 2014

Kid’s tablets have really exploded over the last few years, with many parents considering them a must-have toy for their youngsters. It is important that kids be exposed to a wide, rich variety of toys, of which kids tablets play an important example.

Tablets help kids become accustomed to using digital technologies which will inevitably play an important role in their later lives. Additionally many of the apps run educational software that is capable of developing a child in many key areas such as problem solving, math and language.

If you’re looking for some great seven inch tablets for kids in 2014, perfect for when you're on-the-go because of their smaller size, then take a look at our top selection right here, suitable for every kind of budget.
 

4. Kurio 7

Despite being another tablet that was released in 2012, the Kurio 7 is a great cheap alternative and a perfect “first” tablet for kids just getting into the gadgetry scene.

It has a lower specification when compared to other tablets on this list, but with that comes a cheaper price tag. The robust, antishock casing and basic 800x480 resolution across its 7 inch screen highlights that this budget conscious tablet is squarely aimed at younger kids who have not owned a tablet device before.

If you’re worried about handing an expensive tablet to a kid who is just as likely to throw it down the stairs as he is to play with it, then the robust and incredibly cheap Kurio 7 is possibly best suited.

Despite its relatively basic display and hardware innards, the Kurio 7 is more than capable of playing games that help develop children with many early learning skills, and the Kurio store which can be accessed online has plenty of apps and games to ensure younger kids will keep themselves occupied until they outgrow the tablet.

The Kurio 7 is perfect for introducing kids to technology and tablet devices, with its easy going interface, and with plenty of features including a music player, touch screen and Internet access, kids will enjoy their very first tablet and be ready to progress when the time is ready. 

The cheap price tag means that this tablet can act as a short-term introduction tablet for a year or two, between the ages of 3-5 years would be ideal.

 
 

3. Fuhu Nabi 2

 

Despite being released in 2012 making it one of the oldest tablets on this list, the hardware specifications of the Fuhu Nabi 2 still make it a formidable tablet in terms of performance.

Successor to the original Nabi, the Nabi 2 features a 1.3GHz Quad Tegra processor with 1GB memory and 8GB storage space, providing it with the capability to play and store some of the most demanding apps. Fuhu boast that the Nabi 2 is the world’s first full-featured Android based tablet aimed specifically at kids, and considering the surplus of Android tablets coming out on the market now, it has to be said the Nabi 2 is quite the trendsetter!

The deisgn of the Nabi 2 resembles an etch-a-sketch, with a simplistic red design and robust cover making the Nabi 2 hard-wearing against accidental drops. The software provided is intuitive and kid friendly, with parental controls provided.

Being an Android tablet, you have access to the Google Play store, providing a wide selection of games and apps to choose from – the kids mode in Google Play ensures that children are not exposed to inappropriate content – all apps are vetted!

The display is more than enough, with a 1024x600 pixel display across the 7 inch display.

The Fuhu Nabi 2 is a fantastic, powerful tablet, and with access to the Google Play store there will always be plenty of software to play and download. The interface and design of the console make it more appealing to younger kids, from around 3 upwards to about 6/7 years. If little one is looking for something a little more mature however, other tablets on the list may be more appropriate.
 

2. LeapFrog LeapPad Ultra

The much-anticipated LeapPad Ultra hit the toy stores during 2013 and inevitably became a bestseller during the Holiday season that year.

LeapFrog are one of the leading companies in the troy industry, especially when it comes to anything digital, and given the success of the Ultra’s predecessor the LeapPad 2, it is no wonder that this substantially updated tablet has been selling so well in both 2013 and 2014.

The 7” display is much larger than previous models, and the general design and look & feel of the tablet gives off a much more sleek, mature first impression. The display itself is much better, with a 1024x600 resolution giving the tablet a brilliantly sharp display for that of a kids tablet.

The inside has also been given an overhaul from previous models too, with a brand new 800Mhz processor doing the behind-the-scenes work, as well as 8Gb of storage space, meaning the tablet is going to be responsive and be able to tackle more demanding software. Two cameras allow for photo and video taking fun.

But what really makes a tablet like the LeapPad Ultra worth the money is the kid friendly software that comes with the tablet. A specially designed touch-screen-enabled operating system allows kids to effortlessly find their way around, making their way through the various applications that come pre-included, like an MP3 player, an art studio, games and even to the online App Center.

The quality of the games that are available, either to download or to purchase separately, are perhaps amongst the best for any kids tablet on the market today. Yes, the Ultra is backwards compatible with games for older LeapFrog tablets, and each game or app is produced by LeapFrog themselves to the highest possible standard.

Whilst you cannot run software from third party companies on the LeapFrog, it won’t matter because the number of games is so large, each one aimed at either keeping kids entertained or helping them develop any number of key skills.

Certainly one the leading kids tablets for 2014, the LeapPad Ultra comes highly recommended, and added features such as a music player and Wi-Fi will allow the tablet to appeal to more older children too – a recommended age range of 4-9 years. Available in two colours – green and pink.

 
 

1. Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Kids Edition (7-Inch with Orange Bumper Case)

With the rise of kids tablets becoming increasingly popular with families around the world, manufacturers of adult tablets are taking notice, especially Samsung, who have released a child-friendly version of their adult tablet the Samsung Galaxy 7inch.

The hardware inside and design is identical to the adult version of the tablet. This means you’ll be looking at one of the fastest and most responsive tablets on the market in 2014, considering it’s designed for adults. However the operating system has been given a child-friendly interface, including software that comes shipped with the tablet that is suited for kids.

And to boot, providing you get the tablet from the right place, it comes included with a bumper case to provide the tablet protection against bumps and drops.

Inside the Samsung Galaxy 7 is a 1.2GHz processor and 1GB of memory, meaning in terms of hardware performance, the Galaxy 7 is always going to come out on top. Of course on the flip side it does make the tablet the more expensive on the list, above the Ultra by about $50. But of course being an adult tablet inside this was only to be expected.

Also to be expected was an above average display, with a great 1280x800 196ppi screen, making games and videos look great across a modest 7.7 inch screen.

In terms of software, there are plenty of great choices. Whilst losing out slightly to the fantastic supply of games and apps for the LeapPad Ultra, there is still a lot of choice from the Samsung Kids Center that allows children to surf and choose from a wide range of kid-friendly software, adding them to their “wishlist” – from there, parents can decide which apps to purchase.

However there is plenty of pre-installed software, including several games that should keep kids occupied from the moment they turn on the tablet. Two cameras (front and rear) also allow for photos and video, which can be edited in creative software.

Adults will also be pleased with the tablets ability to switch to the adult interface for parental play! This allows the tablet to be the perfect “share” tablet for kids and adults.

The Samsung Galaxy Kids edition is the best performer on the list, albeit with the higher price tag, yet still great value for what you get. There is plenty to do and explore, making the tablet one of the best choices in 2014.

If an adult choice tablet takes your fancy but you’re looking for another option, the Kindle Fire HDX 7”, updated for 2014, makes another great choice for little hands.

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