Just weeks after Tesco launched the low-cost and arguably high-performing Hudl tablet, Argos has come out with its own: the MyTablet. Read our Argos MyTablet vs Tesco Hudl comparison review to see how the two of the least expensive tablets on the market compare.
NOTE: This comparison review is based on having used the Hudl extensively for several weeks, but only the specifications and initial impressions for the MyTablet. Once we get our hands on the MyTablet we will update this review with a proper battery life comparison and benchmark results.
MyTablet vs Hudl: Price
Low price tags alone make you consider MyTablet and Hudl over other tablets on the market. Stacked against each other, at face value, the £99.99 MyTablet (which is made by Bush) undercuts the Hudl's sticker price by £20. However, Tesco's Clubcard Boost lets you use any Clubcard vouchers to double their value, potentially only costing you £60 worth of Clubcard vouchers (providing you have them in the first place). Of course, you don't have to pay for the Hudl entirely in Clubcard vouchers, so you could use what you have to reduce the Hudl's price and pay the difference.
MyTablet vs Hudl: Design and build
The MyTablet has a 7in screen just like the Hudl and comes in pink and silver. Argos hasn't yet released specs on the overall dimensions or weight of the tablet.
Coming in at 9.9mm and 370g, the Hudl is very well built for a cheap tablet thanks to a solid and durable construction. Its soft-touch plastic casing on the back of the device feels nice in the hand, though it also highlights your greasy finger prints.
You also get double the colour options with the Hudl: black, blue, red and purple.
MyTablet vs Hudl: Memory and Processor
The Hudl will give you double the storage space with 16GB over the MyTablet's 8GB, but that doesn't mean much when both can support up to 32GB extra via a microSD card.
The Hudl runs a 1.5GHz A9 quad-core processor with 1GB of RAM. The MyTablet's got a dual-core 1.6GHz processor and 1GB of RAM. From initial impressions around the web, the MyTablet feels sluggish whereas we can say with confidence that the Hudl is a nippy little device.
MyTablet vs Hudl: Screen
Although both tablets have the same size displays, the Hudl wins out here with a higher screen resolution and therefore better pixel density. The Hudl's resolution clocks in at 1440x900 with 242ppi over MyTablet's 1024x600 resolution and 169ppi.
More importantly, the Hudl has a higher-quality LCD panel which means more vibrant colours, better contrast and wider viewing angles.
MyTablet vs Hudl: Cameras
On paper the Hudl edges out the MyTablet with slightly higher megapixel counts: 3Mp on the rear camera and 2Mp on the front. Argos' tablet has dual cameras too, but only offers a 2 MP rear camera and measly 0.3MP front camera. Essentially, you won't be taking any great-quality photos on either tablet, but the Hudl is better for Skype calling.
MyTablet vs Hudl: Software
Both devices run on Google's Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean OS. It's worth noting Jelly Bean lets users create multiple accounts, making it easy for families to share the tablet. Both devices have parental control capabilities too - a plus for parents keen on filtering kids' access.
Argos says the MyTablet comes with 19 pre-loaded apps (including the Argos app) and games. Tesco hasn't deviated much from the standard Jelly Bean OS either, beyond a handful of preloaded widgets and a 'T' button shortcut to the supermarket's services including Blinkbox and Clubcard TV.
Both offer access to the Google Play store.
MyTablet vs Hudl: Ports and connections
There's not much to choose between the pair when it comes to connectivity. Both have HDMI outputs, microSD card slots and microUSB. They also pack Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; neither have a GPS receiver.
MyTablet vs Hudl: Battery life
The Hudl seemingly tops the MyTablet in battery life, though it's hard to tell since battery life can depend on various settings and usage. Argos says the MyTablet can last up to 5 hours while Tesco says the Hudl can reach 9 hours. Again, we haven't used the MyTablet to see what we can actually get out of the battery just yet.
From our tests, the Hudl can last around 5 hours when streaming video over Wi-Fi (if you're watching at maximum brightness for comfortable viewing).
MyTablet vs Hudl: Bottom line
As we said at the start, we've based this comparison review on what we know about the Argon Bush MyTablet but we haven't tested one out yet. However, our initial reaction is that the Hudl is well worth the extra £20 because of it's much better screen and quad-core processor. Sometimes you can cut corners and get away with it, but we suspect that you'll regret spending £20 less - cheaper doesn't automatically mean better value.