The South African consumer electronics market has a lot to offer to its consumers just as much as all the other regional consumer electronics market does to their patrons on other parts of the world.
It is thriving so much that South African-based electronic companies have locally produced and market their own mobile phones and tablets that are on par with US and Asian analogues.
However, after extensive research I could only find a few African-made tablets that are also good for kids and it seems that US, China and South Korean-made tablets still dominate the African market.
Seemahale Telecoms was enthusiastic back in 2014 when it announced that it was going to produce its own line of smartphones and tablets, but 5 years later and Seemahale Telecoms’ website is devoid of any smartphone or tablet products and you’ll only see some plans and promos for calls, texts and mobile internet.
Recently BBC reported on the status South Africa’s education system and even the Education Minister herself, Angie Motshekga, is concerned and called the 213,000 out of 800,000 children failing their final exams a “national crisis.”
The need to access information and being able to access it fast is now crucial to the children’s IQ performance, in fact, Google, Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk and a few others have proposed the idea of implanting microchips in people’s brains to help them seamlessly access the world wide web in an instant!
But handheld gadgets like smartphones and tablets, especially tablets as they have bigger displays which help kids read blogs and other important information easily, will do for now.
So without further ado, here are some of the best Android tablets for kids that you can find in the South African consumer electronics market.
The Volkano brand is definitely African, is feature-packed and great for kids! Despite being a 3G tablet it works well for web browsing and streaming vidoes like YouTube, Vmeo and other sites – kids will love researching educational content on it also.
The locally made A730 Android tablet features a 2300mAh battery capacity, dual core MTK8312 1.2 Ghz microprocessor, 512 MB DDR3 RAM and an expandable memory slot of up to 8GB space.
It’s also a dual sim tablet which means you can make audio calls and video calls on Skype which makes it a versatile tablet for a very affordable price at 815 Rands ($59.45).
Huawei MediaPad T3
China is making a headway into the African market just as well as it does in nearly all markets in the world, which is probably why it’s making its US-based competitors feel a little bit jealous. But it seems Africans love Chinese products such as Huawei, because their MediaPad T3 is popular among African adults, teens and kids.
As we took a peek under the hood the MediaPad T3 sports a variety of features like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 (MSM8917) 1.4 GHz quad core processor, Qualcomm Adreno 308 GPU, 2 GB of RAM, 1280 x 800 pixel 157 ppi HD display, 16 GB internal storage space plus an expandable slot of up to 32GB!
It also has a 5 MP and auto focus rear camera and a 2 MP fixed focus front camera, weighs approximately 460 grams and sells for 2,945 Rands ($214.80).
RCT M835 Android 8 Inch Tablet
Here’s another local brand that every African is familiar with – the RCT M835 Android tablet!
This lighweight and nifty 8-inch informative yet fun handheld device is perfect for school kids to get better at their scholarly challenges and ace in their homework with impeccable information that nothing a short Google search won’t accomplish.
And for only 752 Rands ($54.85) you’ll get a lot more for your money’s worth and put a smile on your child’s face when give it to him/her as a gift.
Specs:
Processor – ARM Cortex A7 Quad Core 1.2Ghz
Display – 8 Inches Digital Capacitive Multi touch 1024×768 LED Backlighting Widescreen
RAM – 1GB DDR3
Expandable Memory Slot – 16GB NAND Flash
Camera: Front 0.3MP, Rear 2.0MP camera
Battery – 4800mAh/ 3.7V Lithium-Polyment battery
Weight: 430 grams
Mecer Xpress Smartlife 8″
It’s nice to know that local South African consumer electronics products are thriving in the African market and Mecer is one such electronics company that stays afloat in the dynamic African market.
This 8-inch widescreen tablet is great for kids to use for educational or entertainment purposes, especially if supervised by their parents. The Xpress Smartlife 8 is lightweight and compact and has specs that matches its US and Chinese counterparts!
For example, it houses the MediaTek MT8321 Quad Core 1.3GHz CPU with a compatible graphics adapter, 1GB DDR3 RAM and 1280×800 resolution display makes a great tablet for streaming videos and playing high-end mobile games.
All this computing power in a mid-size tablet for only 1,115 Rands ($80.91). You’re getting way too much for your money’s worth it’s basically a steal. But why charge customers too much if you want them to come back and buy some more items from you, right?
Lenovo TB-7304 7” IPS 1024×600 Multi-Touch Tablet
The Chinese brand, Lenovo is just as popular as the US computer and electronics manufacturer, Apple across regional markets like Africa and today their TB-7304 model made it to our list, which is impressive to say the least.
Kids will love this handy yet powerful gadget as it will help them do web research and kill boring moments by simply downloading games from Google’s Play Store.
The TB-7304 which belongs to the 7-incher category of tablets is just perfect for web browsing and viewing movies and other videos as it is neither too small nor too big for them to manipulate.
Its 1.1 Ghz MediaTek MT8735D Quad Core processor makes moving through the screen seamless and fluid with no lapses in its 1GB RAM and 1024×600 resolution HD display. Get it for only 1,690 Rands ($122.64)!
Samsung Galaxy Tab3 7.0 Lite
Apple’s number one competitor which is the South Korean-based electronic manufacturer Samsung is revered in Africa too! The Galaxy Tab3 7.0 Lite is the preferred choice as a study companion for kids in order to not get them addicted to gadgets and keep their focus on their scholastic aspirations and future dreams.
This tablet is a contender that Samsung’s rivals keeps a close eye on, because even if it’s only the lite version of the true Tab3 it sports a great 7-inch TFT LCD (1024×600 WSVGA) display which more than compensates for its medium size compared to other leading brands.
And did I forget to mention that its CPU is a 1.3 Ghz Quad-core too? But its most impressive features are its long battery life which is the 3600 mAh capacity and its dualband WiFi that can connect you to the web in seconds!
SMART+ T10.0 10″ Quad Core
It’s been a long time since people called the tablet a tablet PC, but it seems that the South Africa-based tablet manufacturer is still nostalgic about it.
But you may want to restrain yourself from calling this device old fashioned or outdated as it features technology that rivals other tablet models being sold in the market today.
This 1,610 Rands ($116.75) Android 6.0 Marshmallow tablet is built with the MTK8321 1.3GHz Quad Core Processor which works hand-in-hand with its 1GB RAM and GPU to give you the best web browsing and gaming experience.
Therefore you can help your kids get educated by this device or entertain themselves with this tablet! The 5MP rear camera allows you to take high qualitysnap shots and selfies and share it on social media or email it to your friends.
Its 5,000 mAh Polymer Lithium Battery essentially lets you do important things on the tablet for much longer hours compared to other tablets in this category.
Proline Smart752J 7″ Black Quad Core
The last entry in this list is also an indigenous-made tablet from South Africa and the Proline Smart752J 7-inch tablet is as every bit a techonological wonder as any other leading brand on the market today!
It’s perfect as an educational tool that your children can use to do web research on any school topic or homework that they were asked to do.
You can also guide your child to use the tablet to do research in advanced for topics that will be discussed by their teachers at school. Sooner or later you will find your child being at the top of his/her class and be proud of them.
As for the entertainment part, well, the Smart752J will not disappoint also, because it houses the MT8121 A7 1.3Ghz quad core processor that makes incredible calculations per second, which means you can do a lot of stuff on your tablet without worrying about it slowing down or lagging.
Playing mobile games will also be easy and fun, because the tablet can keep up with high-end games with its 1GB RAM and integrated graphics with the 1280 x 800 resolution display. It has a 2MP front camera and 3 MP rear camera for taking pictures and selfies to build up your social media profiles.
We have seen the tech world expanding rapidly in the past few years and the expansion process does not seem to stop anytime soon. Because of this, many people are being excited by the introduction of new productive devices and gadgets that are worth exploration.
However, we have one gadget, that has become very common amongst the young generation, and everyone desires to own one. There is a possibility that you own one, use one or just have easy access to this gadget – the tablet.
The tablet has become an interesting device since its introduction back in the 90s. Today, it is one of the greatest desires amongst many juniors. Research indicates that most kids interact with tablet computers every day for different purposes.
It also shows that parents do not have an issue with their kids handling this gadget since it has proved to have numerous benefits to their kids. Today, there are several tablets that are very beneficial for kids, and they are helping these kids become tech-savvy as well as keeping them entertained.
Why should you consider buying a tablet for your kid?
Entertainment
Today, there are hundreds of movies, books, music, animation series, games, and applications that can harmlessly entertain your child or even cheer them in case they are moody. Because almost every tablet has an internet connection, your kid can have the opportunity for endless entertainment.
Your kid will have all the current entertainment and amusement to enjoy, just with one device. Additionally, this can be an opportunity for parents to bond with their kids and spend time together as they have some fun from the same device.
Education
Not only do educative move series and books assist your child to learn, but also most of the entertainment stuff mentioned above includes educative purposes. For instance, playing games assist in improving a child’s understanding or thinking of particular things.
Also, it is important for a teenager to access school books, do homework or make a presentation with a tablet. When a child has a tablet that is capable of doing all these things, they always feel more confident. In addition, it assists them to learn how to manage and value their own time.
Development
This is an important aspect for babies and toddlers that are dynamically exploring the world. With several games and applications, a baby is able to develop its reactions. In addition, a baby can easily learn how to use their hands and also manage things using finger swipes.
Movies or animations for kids showing things in motion help in delivering ample emotions to the babies and also help them to discover how the world is. Unlike pictures, movies assist a child to see and understand how something happens.
Tech capability
Today, we have seen various technologies being introduced and getting implemented across all gadgets and also in our lives. That’s why it is advisable to allow our kid to use a tablet since it keeps them up to date with the current trends in technology. Just by using a tablet and its functions, a kid can learn how to change the settings, and configure them to suit their needs.
This is a considerable step for kids who need future success as well as seamless adaptation to society. Now, since gadgets have become an important part of our social life, it is essential for our kids to learn how to use and manage these gadgets.
As we have seen, there are several positive benefits why kids should be allowed to use a tablet. Also, there are several reasons why parents should get one for their kids and allow them to use it. These reasons include:
They are not so expensive – today’s tablets come with multiple features, which are important and very useful. Things like internet connection, TVs, books, game consoles, mp3 players, and other features make tablets to be very useful devices. With this set of valuable features, a tablet that is 10 or 20 times cheaper than a computer becomes a good substitution for a PC.
Lightweight and portable – since tablets come in low weight and comfortable size, it makes it easy for kids to them around. Today, kids can access almost everything they would expect to find in a laptop or PC.
Faster and long battery life – at times, it’s essential for parents to keep their kids entertained for a considerable amount of time. For kids who attend school, it is absolutely important for them to access the information they want as quickly as possible, and for as long as they want, therefore, tablets are the ideal gadgets that can save time for both parents and their kids.
The ability to monitor kids – most tablets provide a great opportunity for parents to monitor their children’s lives and also to control a number of things. For example, you can install an app on the tablet just to monitor their location. Also, you can choose to block some apps and sites that are inappropriate for your kids. Basically, a tablet gives you numerous options as a parent.
Unlimited expandability – today’s tablets have turned out to become an important part of our lives, especially because of their unlimited abilities to add more features and application from the internet. In addition, the addition of USB ports, HDMI port, and also micro SD card slot has made it possible for tablets to accommodate most of these features.
A chance to get together – most tablets have amusing and useful specialties that assist parents and children to bond. learning new things, playing games or watching videos together present the perfect opportunity for parents to connect with their kids.
Once you realize the benefits of tablets for kids, it will be hard for you to resist buying one for your kid. However, it is important to understand that a tablet can also have negative effects on your kids, especially if you fail to monitor or control how they use the device. However, this small device can educate, entertain, and improve the tech skills of your kids.
So what are the best tablets for kids?
My iPad for Kids
My iPad for kids is designed to assist kids to get the most out of iPad2, iPad mini operating on Ios6, or iPads 3rd and 4th generation. My iPad for kids uses step-by-step, full-color tasks, that assists kids to learn how to use an iPad either at school, home or just for fun.
In addition, its grade-specific chapters designed for grades 4 through 7 give information on applications that are good resources for things like spelling, math, art, and music homework.
Furthermore, my iPad for kids has ease of usability, especially when it comes for setting up and configuring the features in your iPad. This included connecting networks, setting up and managing email accounts, how to download and install apps and using Siri.
Also, this tablet for kids allows safe surfing of the internet, downloading music and videos, playing games, taking and sharing photos, and troubleshooting problems.
My iPad for Kids allows kids to:
Surf the internet safely using the iPad to research for school projects and assignments
Stay in touch with family, friends, and teachers through texting, chat apps, and email
Use Skype and FaceTime video chatting to do school group projects
Use Siri to assist you in writing emails, searching the web, and launching apps
The iPad is suitable for schools and doing homework. It has 4 suggested chapters for grade specific applications which can assist your kid to do well in the class
Play your favorite musing using its built-in music application
Watch TV shows and music from iTunes as well as YouTube videos (only after homework is completed)
Take photos and videos using the iPad’s in-built camera. The Photo Booth application can even make these photos interesting and a bit crazy
Play games that are available at the App Store
Discover learning apps through recommendations
Learn how to become a tech geek by learning how to troubleshoot problems with the iPad and maintaining the iPad.
FUN4KIDS children android tablet
Well, everyone knows that kids are very flexible when it comes to learning new things in life. The Fun4kids android tablet allows kids to access thousands and thousands of informative, educational, and fun applications that are available from the internet – for free. The designers of this iPad had kids on their mind, thus they ended up creating a technological marvel for kids.
This tablets targets kids with 2 years and above. It assists them with alphabet, languages, numbers, science, history, math, and geography among other subjects. Allyou need to have is a reliable internet connection and you will be good to go.
Specifications:
7 inch HD screen
Quadcore processor
Rugged design
Android 6.0
8gb Internal Memory
1gb RAM
3000 mAH battery
Wi-Fi
Dual camera
In-built apps
Accessibility to the Google Play store
Samsung Galaxy Tab E SM-T561 9.6″ Quad-Core Tablet with Wi-Fi & 3G (White)(Android 4.4)
Stylish and ergonomic design – this tablet is very portable, with a thickness of 8.5 mm and a weight of 495 g. The Samsung Galaxy Tab E couples incredible practicality and a sleek-appearance design. It has a unique and non-slip fabric-style back cover that gives you a comfortable and secure grip.
Practical camera – the Samsung Galaxy Tab E has a camera with advanced features, which assists you to capture some of your most memorable moments. The Tab E has a powerful 5 MP rear camera and also an easy-to-use 1 click video and photo controls. You can also toggle a nonstop shot mode just by pressing down the camera button.
Improved multi-tasking – one interesting feature about these tablets is its multi-window feature, which allows you to maximize your productivity and time. This feature gives you the opportunity to use two applications at the same time. You can just move into the split-screen mode, which can give you the opportunity to multitask easily.
Better memory options – you can expand the memory capacity of your tablet. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about where you can store your favorite music, films, and books, as you can always carry them with you. The Galaxy Tab E can support up to 128 micro SD memory card, which can allow you to convert your tablet into an entertainment center.
Smart tutor – you don’t need to worry whenever you have a challenge in understanding most of the functions of this tablet. The Samsung Smart Tutor application is a remote-controlled assistance that is offered by a team of technical expert. The smart tutor can assist you to navigate through your tablet.
Child-friendly functions – the kids mode offers a lot of educational and fun apps for your kids. In addition, it comes with adorable and cute icons and characters. This tends to attract a lot of young people to use the Tab E. in addition, the Tab E allows you to monitor what your kids are doing, and you can block any apps that seem unsuitable for the kids. In addition, you can set a time limit on how the kids can use the tablet.
WinFun Kids Learning Pad
The WinFun Kids Learning Pad is an educational game that is very useful for preschoolers. One notable thing about this learning pad is that it comes with mathematical calculations and questions, entertainment, learning questions, games, and music. This learning pad has 30 activities just to keep your kid busy. This can be the perfect gift for your kid if he or she loves gadgets. In addition, this kids tablet is portable, which means you can carry it around without any problem. Therefore, make a point of buying this tablet for your smart kid.
Features:
Ideal for ages 3 and above
Music and games
Comes with a mathematical question
Learning questions
An educational game
Kindle Fire 7″ WiFi Tablet – Black (Includes Special Offers)
Fast & responsive – the Kindle Fire tablet has a quad-core processor, that consists of 4 high-performance cores. This assists in the quick launching of apps, smooth videos and games and exceptional overall performance. In addition, this kindle supports Wi-Fi, which means you can use it surf the internet.
Don’t worry about the memory space – you can expand its memory by up to 256GB with a microSD card. Therefore, you can keep all your favorite photos, music, and apps on this tablet.
Capture life’s memorable moments – the Kindle Fire 7 comes with a 2 MP rear camera which allows you to take photos and record HD videos. Its front camera is ideal for Skype video calling with family and friends.
IPS display – this tablet has a 1024 x 600 IPS display, which has 171 PPI for a bright display. In addition, it has whiter whites that improve the viewing experience from different angles. This new version of the Kindle 7 has an enhanced display that offers sharper text and higher contrast.
Durable battery – the Kindle 7 has a long-life battery, which can allow you to use the tablet for up to 8 hours. This gives you the freedom to use the tablet throughout the day.
Meet Alexa – Alexa is now on the Fire Tablets. Alexa allows you to easily access the entertainment you need, and this includes games, music, and audiobooks among others. In addition, Alexa can answer some of your questions, check your calendar, give you sports scores and even get news. What your kids need to do is just to press and ask their favorite question.
Features:
The best-selling Kindle Fire tablet
Now lighter, thinner, improved display, and a longer battery life
7 inch IPS display with sharper text and higher contrast
1.3 GHz quad-core processor
Battery life of up to 8 hours
Internal memory – 8GB
Expandable memory of up to 256 GB
With Alexa now, your kids can easily access all the educational information they want. Play music, watch videos and ask questions. In addition, they have the opportunity to enjoy Kindle eBooks, games and apps.
Lenovo TAB 7 Essential 7″ Wi-Fi Tablet – Black
The Lenovo TAB Essential gives you the real value for your money. Do not be fooled by its unbelievable price, as this elegantly designed product comes with the latest Android operating system. In addition, the Lenovo TAB 7 essential can be shared with everyone in your family, including the kids.
Features and specifications:
1.3 GHz Quad-Core processor
7 inches IPS resolution – 1024 x 600
1GB RAM
Internal memory 8 GB
Expandable memory of up to 128 GB
Li-on Battery – 3450 mAH
Rear and front camera 2 MP
Samsung Galaxy Tab3 Lite 7″ 3G & WiFi – White
Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Tab 3 Lite, which gives you the portability you need for all your traveling and day to day activities. This device is powered by a durable battery, which offers extended playback for your multimedia. In addition, the Tab3 lite allows you to experience seamless multimedia and faster downloads. The Galaxy Tab 3 lite has been designed for infinite entertainment, and it offers various camera features, which helps you to share photos with your family and friends. This tablet has different options for easy sharing of content and different applications, which make the Galaxy Tab 3 Lite is the tablet of choice for many people.
Features:
Light and slim design that allows easy portability
Exceptional multimedia experience
Sharable and fun service
7-inch WSVGA LCD display (1024 x 600)
A7, Quad 1.3 GHz
1 GB ram
8 GB internal memory
Expandable memory of up to 32 GB
Connex CTAB-1044 10.1″ WiFi & 3G Tablet PC
The Connex CTAB-1044 allows you to have an exceptional experience, particularly because of its keyboard bundle. It comes with the needed essentials, which ensures your compatibility. It has an internal memory of 16GB and a RAM of 2GB, as well as a handy camera. One notable thing about this Connex CTAB-1044 is its 10-point touch 1280 x 800 IPS screen and Quad-Core 1.2GHz processor. It comes with a 5MP rear camera and 2MP front camera. This tablet has a 6000 mAh lithium battery, which allows you to use the tablet for an entire day without any need to recharge it. It runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop, and has an expandable memory of up to 32 GB.
Features:
Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11
More fun with style and power – the Huawei Media Pad T3 comes with a vivid display, which has been designed for ultimate comfort. It comes with 1 GB RAM and 16 GB internal memory. Its design offers a beauty experience by touch and visuals. Its vibrant 7-inch display and the ultra-narrow 6.1mm bezel designs will make your world to feel and look right.
Strong design in an elegant package – the Huawei Media Pad will delight and surprise you with its function and form. It weighs only 245 grams and measures a thickness of 8.6 mm, which makes it feel like a device from the future.
Solid, sleek style – this Media Pad has a stylish and strong appearance, and its body is superbly designed from anodized aluminum. Its metal casing has been designed in a manner that will make you feel and appreciate the power of design whenever you hold the Huawei Media Pad in your hands.
Lag-less connection – the Huawei Media Pad uses the power or the today’s 2.4 GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi connection, making sure that your data flows smoothly. With this pad, you can enjoy the uninterrupted flow of torrent data, no matter where you are.
Smart app access – this allows you to take your family along. The smart app access gives you full control over the devices, which means it allows you to let other people use the device in a manner that hands you over full control. Basically, you are the master, whether it comes to sharing the device, allowing your kids to use the device or even prevent yourself from being distracted.
Features:
Network – standards: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n at 2.4 & 5 GHz, supports Wi-Fi Direct | 3G+ Wi-Fi
2MP for both rear and front camera (with fixed focus)
The Prestigio Tablet combines the advantages of portability with an amazing view that is provided by its IPS display. In addition, it has a recommendable performance of Dual Core – 1.5 GHz speed. You can enjoy remarkably bright, vivid and crisp images with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. In addition, you get to enjoy full HD movies as well as play dynamic 3D games.
Features:
Android 7.0 OS
GPS
7” display
1 GB RAM
8 GB internal memory
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth 4.0
2 MP rear camera
0.3 MP front camera
Proline H7835M LTE 7″ Android Tablet
This is considered to be one of the best tablets, operating on Android 7.0 Nougat. Every detail about this tablet feels smooth, fluid, and fast. You can easily move between the home screen, and even switch apps in an effortless way. Its performance is just phenomenal. This tablet is affordable and stylish, and your search for your kid’s tablet might end here.
