Inexpensive tablets for children: top best devices for games and cartoons in 2021

Games and communication, music and cartoons, educational programs and dozens of ways to keep a fidget busy while parents are busy - these opportunities are offered by a tablet for children. And even if the baby is very small, the device will perform its tasks. After all, kids master gadgets much faster than adults and confidently use them already in preschool age. And for teenagers, a tablet becomes an indispensable device. Without it, it’s like having no hands: you can’t do your homework, you can’t play with friends.

Which tablet should I buy for a child under 5 years old? What device will please a demanding teenage gamer? And what device won’t hurt parents’ pockets, but can be used as a tablet for games or cartoons? FAN journalist has made a selection of the best devices for children's use.

Which tablet to buy for a child: selection criteria

It is believed that the choice of device is determined only by the financial capabilities of the parents, but this is not entirely true. In fact, no one should buy an expensive device, even if there is such an opportunity: neither a preschooler nor a teenager. The former will not at all appreciate parental investments, and teenagers who grew up surrounded by technology rarely treat it carefully and do not care about its safety.

Therefore, a reasonable decision would be to choose a model in the budget and mid-price segments. Among the inexpensive offers, you can find quite decent options if you focus on the technical characteristics of the devices. Very cheap and low-quality equipment will quickly disappoint, and in addition, it can cause harm to the eyes. In order not to spoil the child’s vision and the nerves of mom and dad, when choosing a device you should focus on several features.

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Screen size

It is measured in inches and can have a diagonal of 7–10.4”. At first glance, the larger the diagonal, the better: it’s more convenient to play on such a device and watch cartoons. But it is important to consider that increasing the screen invariably leads to an increase in the cost of the device. In addition, the larger the gadget, the greater its weight, which means that holding it in the baby’s hands may be uncomfortable.

Advice. The younger the child, the smaller the device should be. The optimal tablet screen diagonal for children over 3 years old is 7–8 inches. For older children, you can choose the traditional format with a 10-inch screen.

How to choose a children's tablet?

The modern market offers a wide variety of children's tablets, both with limited functionality and completely standard devices that are suitable for older users.

But still, when choosing a tablet suitable for a child, you should:

• evaluate the functionality required by the child - after all, a tablet intended for a schoolchild will be very different from a device purchased for a 3-year-old child;
• set an acceptable price limit for the device;
• Decide if you need a shock-resistant case and screen glass that is resistant to accidental damage;
• decide on the weight of the device - it is desirable that the child can independently take out, carry, and put away the tablet without the involvement of an adult;
• study the characteristics of the screen - a children's tablet should have functions to protect the baby's vision and not lead to subsequent problems with eye health;
• built-in functionality - many tablets already contain a so-called “children’s” shell with built-in educational and gaming programs.

Screen resolution

Picture quality is rarely a priority for parents when purchasing, and manufacturers know this very well. Therefore, tablets for children under 6 years of age are often equipped with low-resolution screens. The parameters of 1024x600 are negligible, although this is what popular models in the Kids segment demonstrate.

Poor picture quality increases the strain on the eyes of the child, who has to peer at the elements of the image on the screen. Over time, if your baby plays on the tablet too often, it can lead to vision deterioration.

Advice. In order not to harm your child’s eyes, choose a device with a screen resolution of 1024x800 pixels, and when using it, do not allow your child to bring the device too close to his eyes.

DIGMA Optima Kids 7

Price: 4,170 rub.

The bright children's tablet DIGMA Optima Kids 7 will be an excellent gift for a child who can spend many hours on the device. This is possible because this model has an excellent 7-inch screen with a resolution of 1024x600, which guarantees a bright, colorful image.

The RAM capacity is 1024 MB, and the built-in memory is 16 GB, so you can store all the necessary files. The tablet runs on Android 8.1 OS and also has Wi-Fi support. The body is made of plastic that is resistant to mechanical damage. Even if a child drops the tablet, the device will remain safe and sound.

For reference: the DIGMA brand appeared on the Russian market in 2005, and today users have access to a wide selection of technical devices: tablets, e-readers with E-Ink and TFT screens, digital photo frames and much more.

RAM capacity

This parameter determines the speed and capabilities of the device. The more RAM, the faster the device will work. Therefore, there is no point in buying a tablet for games that only has 1 GB of RAM. It will often freeze and irritate its user. But for models aimed at preschoolers, this is quite enough. Accordingly, when deciding which tablet to buy for a 6-7 year old child, you can give preference to “low-power” devices.

Advice. Decide for what purpose you plan to use the tablet. Video games require more memory - at least 3 GB. If a child needs a tablet for cartoons, 1–2 GB of RAM is enough.

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Rating of the best tablets for schoolchildren

Xiaomi Mi Pad 4

One of the best tablet models for 2021. This device will be an excellent gift for a high school student. A powerful processor will provide the gadget with multifunctionality, and a bright high-resolution display will allow you to watch educational videos and use a variety of programs with comfort for your eyes. The metal body of the device will ensure its shock resistance.

Specifications:

Xiaomi Mi Pad 4

Advantages:

• light weight of the device;
• Excellent value for money and quality;
• user-friendly interface;
• decent quality of photographs;
• high performance;
• powerful battery.

Flaws:

• lack of GPS functions.

Lenovo Tab 4

The device has all the necessary functionality for studying: a bright screen, long battery charge, multitasking, high performance. The low price will be a pleasant addition to your purchase.

Specifications:

Lenovo Tab 4

Advantages

• LTE/4G support;
• light weight and size;
• good sound quality;
• high speed of interaction processes.

Flaws:

• material of manufacture – plastic;
• poor camera quality.

Chuwi Hi9 Air

This model is one of the new products of the Chinese brand. The device has a number of advantages: low price, excellent performance, speed. A pleasant bonus will be the ability to play 3D games. An excellent gadget for schoolchildren of any age.

Specifications:

Chuwi Hi9 Air

Advantages:

• value for money;
• 4G support;
• presence of a slot for two SIM cards;
• high battery capacity;
• light weight and thickness of the device;
• multitasking.

Flaws:

• incorrect color rendering;
• The tablet is not shock resistant enough.

Prestigio MultiPad WIZE 3757 3G

This model will be an excellent find for schoolchildren from 7 years old. An inexpensive tablet with all the minimum necessary functions. The gadget's light weight, ease of use and low cost - this combination is perfect for a child just starting to use technology.

Specifications:

Prestigio MultiPad WIZE 3757 3G

Advantages:

• scratch protection;
• good sensor sensitivity;
• bright screen;
• good color rendering;
• light weight and convenient size.

Flaws:

• Due to the small amount of RAM, the tablet works slowly and may freeze;
• poor wireless internet connection;
• does not hold battery charge;
• The photos are not of very good quality.

Asus ZenPad S 8.0

One of the new products in the Asus line, which is not inferior to Apple products. Stylish design, good camera, high-quality display will make this device an excellent study assistant. Color rendition, viewing angles and sound are at a high level. The only thing to consider is the fact that the tablet will overheat when used for a long time. And this causes a decrease in the speed of the gadget.

Specifications:

Asus ZenPad S 8.

Advantages:

• stylish design;
• performance;
• presence of original cover;
• good camera.

Flaws:

• not very good sound quality;
• the battery discharges quickly;
• Screen brightness is not enough.

Huawei MediaPad M5

This tablet cannot be called a budget option, but its high quality makes up for its cost. It is recommended for high school students to purchase such a gadget. A high-resolution screen, a powerful processor, versatility, a high-quality camera - all this, without a doubt, is worth the money. Such a purchase will last for a single year, and at the same time will not lose its relevance.

Specifications:

Huawei MediaPad M5

Advantages:

• good quality of photographs;
• excellent sound;
• strong body;
• The package includes a stylus for drawing;
• bright display;
• autonomy.

Flaws:

• poor sound of music and videos in headphones;
• not very user-friendly interface;
• The tablet is not durable enough.

Irbis TW39

This is the first tablet on the Microsoft Windows platform on our list today. The main convenience of this device is that you can connect a keyboard to it, turning an ordinary tablet into a convenient netbook. This model is suitable not only for schoolchildren, but also for students. And the compactness of the gadget will allow you to take it with you on trips.

Specifications:

Irbis TW39

Advantages:

• low cost;
• small size;
• possibility of connecting a keyboard;
• The OS allows you to install any programs from your computer.

Flaws:

• small amount of internal memory;
• the screen is easily scratched;
• lack of RAM;
• poor internet connection.

Digma Plane 8.6 3G

A durable tablet with a metal body will be a great find for a first-grader. The performance of the gadget is average, but the bright display, good color rendition and small size make the device an indispensable study assistant.

Specifications:

Digma Plane 8.6 3G

Advantages:

• excellent quality for a low price;
• stable work;
• bright display.

Flaws:

• poor quality of photographs;
• errors in GPS operation.

Internal storage size

Another parameter that requires the attention of parents. The more internal memory, the more games and applications you can install. But you shouldn’t chase too large volumes either. Still, tablets are not computers, and it is not customary to store a lot of information on their internal drives.

Advice. Choose a device with a memory capacity of 8 GB or more. It is preferable that the model supports memory cards. There is no point in overpaying for models with a memory capacity of more than 64 GB.

Means of protection

The younger the child, the better the device should be protected from external factors. If the model is protected from moisture and dust, parents can be sure that they will not have to buy a new device when the baby accidentally spills juice on it or drops cookie crumbs.

An indispensable means of protection for children's tablets is a silicone bumper with thickened corners. Even if the baby drops the device on the floor, it will not be harmed. When it comes to the question of which tablet to buy for a child 8–10 years old, safety of use is not so pressing, but is also important.

Advice. Pay attention to models that come with a protective case. If you don't have it, find a compatible one. Silicone cases, thickened around the perimeter, have shockproof protection. And in the form of a book, they allow you to place the device on the table at an angle and conveniently watch cartoons or films.