Tablet Comparison: Sprout Channel Cubby vs InnoTab MAX

The Sprout Channel Cubby and VTech’s InnoTab MAX are both 7″ tablets designed for children, but how do the two tablets differ? Both have the same screen resolution, 1024×600 pixels. The Cubby has a protective bumper that is intended to reduce the chances of damage if the tablet is dropped or knocked, but the MAX has a case that is custom-designed for children and also has a removable screen cover as well as a stand.

Both tablets are Android tablets, with the InnoTab running 4.2.2 Jelly Bean whilst the Cubby runs the more recent 4.4 KitKat. The Cubby comes with 16 gigabytes (GB) of internal memory, double the 8GB that the MAX has. Both tablets can have the available memory expanded by using memory cards in the micro SD card slot, which will take cards up to 32GB in size.

The Cubby has stereo speakers, whilst the InnoTab only comes with one. Both have a 3.5mm headphone jacks and a built-in microphone. Both the Cubby and the MAX have a micro USB port for connecting to other devices and charging, but the Cubby also has an HDMI port which can be used to connect the tablet to suitable televisions and display the output on them. Both have WiFi, for connecting to the internet, and the Cubby also comes with Bluetooth, allowing it to be connected to other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Although both tablets are Android tablets, the Cubby, outside of Cubby Mode, can access Google Play, allowing it access to a wide range of Android apps. The InnoTab MAX gets its apps from VTech’s curated app store, meaning that the range of apps available is much lower but, on the other hand, all have been manually approved to be suitable for children. The InnoTab also has a cartridge slot allowing it access to the InnoTab cartridge library. Both tablets have parental controls, although those on the MAX are probably stronger, given that children have less access to content.

The Cubby comes with two cameras, one front facing and one rear facing. Each of these cameras has a 2 megapixel (MP) resolution. The InnoTab only comes with one camera, which also has a 2.0MP resolution. This camera is swivel mounted, meaning that it can be front facing, rear facing, or anywhere in between.

The primary difference between the two tablets is there intended use. The Cubby is a general tablet aimed at children, with some educational uses. The InnoTab is a children’s educational tablet, and is consequently less flexible in its role. The case of the MAX is undoubtedly more damage resistant, and is more suitable for young children. The InnoTab is also more expensive. The Sprout Channel Cubby is a better general purpose tablet, with some educational uses, whilst the InnoTab MAX is an educational tablet that is more resistant to damage.