Tablet Comparison: InnoTab MAX vs LeapPad Ultra

Both the InnoTab MAX and the LeapPad Ultra are children’s educational tablets. Each is a 7″ tablet with a 1024×600 pixel resolution screen. The tablet in each case has been designed with children in mind, rather than adapting an existing design by adding a protective bumper. The InnoTab also has an integral cover, which can be used as a stand, and which is also removable.

The InnoTab MAX runs on version 4.2.2 of the Android operating system, whilst the LeapPad Ultra runs on LeapPad’s own operating system. The apps available in both cases are limited to those approved by the manufacturer of the tablet, and which are available in the tablet’s store.

Each has a single speaker, a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microphone. The Ultra has two cameras, a front facing and a rear facing, both with 2.0 megapixel (MP) resolution, whilst the MAX has a single 2.0 MP camera mounted on a swivel, which can be rotated through 180 degrees, so that it will point forwards, backwards, or anywhere in between.

Each tablet comes with 8GB of integral memory. The InnoTab also has a micro SD card slot, which allows the memory to be expanded by up to 32GB. The LeapPad’s memory cannot be increased. Each tablet comes with WiFi; the Ultra can only be used to visit LeapPad approved sites, whilst the approved sites available on the MAX can be increased by the parent using the parental controls. The parental controls on both tablets is strong, with the Ultra’s being higher, but less flexible. Neither tablet can be used as a regular tablet.

Both tablets also have cartridge slots, enabling the use of the relevant company’s cartridges, which include educational software. Both tablets allow a parent to track their child’s progress.

These tablets are intended for similar uses. Both are educational, rather than general purpose, tablets, although entertainment is available on both of them. The LeapPad Ultra is less flexible when it comes to non-educational purposes than the InnoTab MAX is.