Samsung has updated the mid-range Galaxy Tab A9 Plus with the launch of a Kids Edition. The new device works similarly to the previous model, although several changes have been made to make it more suitable for children.
The most noticeable change is the brightly colored padded sleeve. It’s made from a lightweight, shock-resistant material, “designed to withstand daily wear and tear.” It covers most of the Tab A9 Plus except for the touchscreen, rear camera, speakers, and ports.
A cable connects the device to one of three included Crayo-Pen styli. The Crayo-Pen doesn't appear to have any unique features. However, it's not as sophisticated as the Galaxy S24 Ultra's S Pen — it's just a simple stylus.
On the software side, the Tab A9 Plus comes preloaded with the Samsung Kids app, which allows parents to create a personalized experience for their children on the tablet. Time limits can be set, access to certain websites can be restricted, and online behavior can be monitored. The same app also offers an online store where children can “interact with age-appropriate content.”
Migrating functions
Aside from these few changes, the Kids Edition is identical to the standard Galaxy Tab A9 Plus. It still has an 11-inch Full HD (1920 x 1200 pixels) display that runs at a 30 FPS refresh rate. On the back is an 8MP camera, and on the front is a 5MP lens. All of this is powered by a 7040mAh battery, and when it’s running low, the tablet supports fast charging.
There is only one clear hardware difference between the two models. The Galaxy Tab A9 Plus Kids Edition is limited to 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, while the standard version can have double the capacity for both.
Samsung's new tablet designed for kids is available for purchase on the company's website in three different colors (blue, red or yellow) for $269.99 and is scheduled to ship on 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 ultimately it depends on what you want.
One of the most popular iPads for kids is the 2021 ninth-generation model. It has a higher-resolution 2048 x 1536 pixel display, and at the time of writing, Apple’s device is cheaper than Samsung’s, selling for $160 on Amazon. However, 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. It has robust parental controls and a thick plastic case to protect it. Like the iPad, the Fire HD 10's display is smaller (10.1 inches) while still maxing out at 1080p resolution.
Samsung's model is certainly the most expensive of the three, but it arguably offers a more complete package than the others with extra features that make it more durable.
While we're at it, be sure to check out TechRadar's list of the best tablets for 2024 if you're in the market for one.
