Tesco launches bargain Hudl seven-inch tablet computer

Tesco’s Hudl is set to rival the Kindle Fire, iPad Mini and the Google Nexus 7 2. We take a look at how it stacks up against the competition.

Tesco has entered the seven-inch tablet market with a low-cost Android device dubbed Hudl.

It will cost £119 and will be available from 30th September in-store and online.

Tesco Clubcard holders will be able to get the Hudl for just £60-worth of vouchers via Clubcard Boost.

Philip Clarke, Tesco’s Chief Executive, said the low-cost device would make tablet technology accessible to the 75% of UK households that do not own one.

“Being online is an increasingly essential part of family life and whilst tablets are on the rise, usage is still quite limited. The digital revolution should be for the many, not for the few,” he said.

Social crusade aside, is the Hudl any good?

The specs

The seven-inch Hudl comes in four colours; red, black, blue and purple.

It’s loaded with 16GB of memory, which can be expanded up to 48GB with a Micro SD card. You also get a speedy 1.5GHz quad-core processor that runs the Andoid Jelly Bean 4.2.2 operating system.

In terms of picture the Hudl offers a high-definition display with a decent 1440 x 900 resolution, providing a pixel density of 243 pixels per inch.

The device can run for up to nine hours based on video play.

It also features dual band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and a Micro HDMI port for video output. But you won’t be able to get on-the-go data via 3G or 4G.

Tesco’s entire range of digital services are available via a pre-loaded app. This includes Blink Box and Clubcard TV, which offers free films and TV programmes to Clubcard holders. It also bundles in banking and, of course, Tesco shopping for groceries, clothing, homeware and more.

However, you also get a range of other in-built apps, including YouTube and Google Chrome, while users get access to the Google Play store where there are thousands of apps to choose from.

How it compares

Tesco says it has designed the Hudl "from scratch", tailoring it to its customers' needs.

So how do the specifications compare to other big names?

Below is a table outlining the basic features of the Tesco Hudl alongside its closest competitors; Amazon’s Kindle Fire, the Google ASUS Nexus 7 2 and the iPad Mini.

As you can see Tesco hasn’t compromised on the specifications of its low-cost tablet compared to its rivals and is, as Clarke says, "competitive on all fronts".  The device is being made in a factory in China, which also manufactures well-known products for Microsoft, HP, Blackberry and Sony, so you won't get a compromise on build quality either.

It costs £20 more than a Kindle Fire, but the Hudl boasts a better display, faster processor, more memory, and better connectivity via Bluetooth as well as the addition of front and rear cameras for taking snaps or using Skype.

And it’s not only the Kindle Fire it can compete with. The iPad Mini is priced at £269 - a whopping £150 more - but has less RAM, a slower processor and a poorer display. You also won’t be able to expand the memory like you can with the Hudl.

The only real competitor in this space is the newest Nexus 7, which boasts more RAM and a better display than the Hudl. But at £80 more, price alone might be the deciding factor.

Verdict

It seems Tesco has come up trumps with its new gadget.

The Hudl outshines the iPad Mini and Kindle Fire as well as turning out to be a real contender for the Nexus 7 2.

With a bargain price tag to boot, savvy shoppers may soon forget the pull of the name-brands in the run-up to Christmas.

The device has been designed to be a one-stop-shop for all our digital needs. In other words it's designed to get you to spend more with Tesco than other retailers.

But that's not a reason to discount it. After all Amazon made a similar move with its Kindle devices.

The only thing stopping me from getting one is I have already ordered the Nexus 7!

Are you tempted by the Hudl? Let us know what you think in the Comment box below.

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