Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A9 looks set to compete with, and perhaps even surpass, Amazon Fire Kids tablets
Samsung is updating its mid-range Galaxy Tab A9 Plus by launching a Kids Edition. The new device performs on par with the older model, although several changes have been made to make it more kid-friendly.
The most noticeable of these changes is the brightly colored Puffy Cover. It’s made of a lightweight, impact-resistant material “designed to withstand everyday wear and tear.” It encases most of the Tab A9 Plus, save for the touchscreen, rear-facing camera, speakers, and ports.
A tether connects the device to one of the three included Crayo Pen styluses. The Crayo Pen doesn’t appear to have any unique features. However, it’s not as fancy as the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s S Pen – it’s just a basic stylus.
As for software, the Tab A9 Plus comes pre-installed with the Samsung Kids app, which lets parents create a curated experience for their children on the tablet. You can set time limits, restrict access to certain websites, and monitor online behavior. The same app also offers an online store where kids can “engage with age-appropriate content.”
Migrating Features
Aside from those few changes, the Kids Edition is identical to the standard Galaxy Tab A9 Plus. It still features an 11-inch Full HD (1920 x 1200 pixels) display with a 30 FPS refresh rate. There’s an 8MP camera on the back and a 5MP lens on the front. Powering everything is a 7,040mAh battery, and the tablet supports fast charging when you’re running low.
There’s only one notable hardware difference between the two. The Galaxy Tab A9 Plus Kids Edition is limited to 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, while the standard version gets double that amount of both.
Samsung’s new tablet, especially for kids, is available for purchase on the company’s website in three different colors: blue, red and yellow. The price is $269.99. Shipping is scheduled for August 9.
Analysis: Galaxy Tab or iPad?
Now, you might be wondering, is this better for kids than, say, an iPad or an Amazon Fire tablet? The answer to that question is yes in some ways, but it ultimately depends on what you want.
A popular iPad for kids is the 2021 ninth-generation model. It has a higher-resolution display of 2048 x 1536 pixels, and at the time of writing, Apple’s device is cheaper than Samsung’s, with a retail price of $160 on AmazonHowever, the tablet has a smaller screen and doesn’t come with a protective case, making it more vulnerable to damage.
Amazon’s Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet is another great option. This one has robust parental controls and a thick plastic body for protection. Like the iPad, the Fire HD 10’s display is smaller at 10.1 inches but also tops out at 1080p resolution.
Samsung’s model is certainly the most expensive of the three, but it undoubtedly offers a more complete package than the other models, with additional features that make the device more durable.
Also check out TechRadar’s list of the best tablets for 2024 if you’re in the market for a new one.
