If you are in the market for an affordable tablet to watch videos and browse the internet, the RCA and Amazon Fire models are worth checking out. Both RCA and Amazon Fire models have multiple screen sizes and storage sizes available. And the RCA allows you to choose between an Android operating system or a Windows operating system.
The more expensive models have better screen resolutions and sleeker designs. And while both brands have models with keyboards, the RCA model is the only one that has an operating system that allows it to double as a laptop. The best way to find out which tablet is right for you is to look at its features.
AdvertisementRCA is a US-based consumer electronics company that has been manufacturing electronics since 1919. While they do not have any high-end tablets, their devices can perform basic tasks like surfing the internet and running lite versions of apps.
Besides being one of the most affordable tablets in the market, RCA tablets also allow access to the Google Play Store. There are plenty of third-party apps to choose from in the Google Play Store, including Super Mario Run and Power Rangers Legacy Wars. The models that run the Windows 10 operating system can double as a laptop and have a built-in kickstand so you can use them on a desk.
AdvertisementThey also have high-definition screens up to 12 inches, which is great for watching videos or reading digital magazines. Depending on the model, RCA tablets have built-in storage starting at 16-32GB. However, you can expand your storage to 128GB with a microSD card. This will give you adequate space for apps and downloaded videos.
With an average battery life of only six hours, RCA tablets need to be connected to a power outlet for you to play games or surf the web for more than four hours. Another issue is their Intel processors and RAM are not powerful enough to prevent lag when swiping and tapping, especially on the cheaper models.
Less expensive RCA models tend to be thick and heavy. They have an unattractive plastic casing, and their low-resolution displays offer poor viewing angles.
There are several RCA tablet models, and they range in price from $60-$160. Pricing is based on storage size, display size, processors and more. The cheaper versions are smaller and have fewer features compared to the expensive ones.
RCA Atlas 10 Pro: available atAmazon
The most-current RCA Atlas 10 Pro has a 1.3 GHz quad-core processor that can carry out basic tasks seamlessly. It has a good display size with an acceptable screen resolution. The Cambio also has expandable storage (up to 128GB), supports wireless connections via Bluetooth and comes with a detachable keyboard.
RCA Galileo Pro: Available atAmazon
Largely due to its impressive 1.3 GHz quad-core processor and 1GB DDR3 RAM, the Galileo Pro has no trouble managing various applications and tasks. You can use its detachable keyboard to update your social media quickly, compose emails and create spreadsheets.
RCA Voyager 7: available atAmazon
This 7-inch device is compact, fast and runs apps such as Netflix and Youtube. It also works with a detachable keyboard. Its 2MP camera is sufficient for casual social media photos, which you can store directly on the tablet or on a microSD card.
The giant online retailer Amazon makes its own tablet called Amazon Fire tablets. They run a custom Android operating system called Fire OS and offer the Amazon Play Store instead of Google Play for apps and games. Unlike Samsung tablets and iPads, Fire tablets work best for entertainment purposes.
The main things that distinguish the various Amazon Fire tablet models are their screen sizes, features and designs.
With an Amazon Fire tablet, you have easy access to Amazon Services such as Amazon Prime videos, music and books. While all the models have great sound quality, only the pricier models have 1080p screen resolution. This resolution makes your videos and social media imagery look gorgeous.
They have between 32GB-64GB of adequate built-in storage for your digital books, apps, videos and other downloadable content. But you can always expand the storage with a microSD card.
Of all these features, the Alexa assistant capability makes these tablets stand out among competitors. Alexa digital assistant can answer your questions, control compatible smart devices with voice control, make calls and more.
Since these tablets don’t come with Google Play Store, you are limited to the hyper-curated apps on the Amazon App Store. While you have the option of installing Google Play Store on your Fire tablet, the apps may not work as well as they would on a device with Google built-in. And many popular apps are not available on the Amazon App Store.
While having access to Amazon Prime and other Amazon services is a nice perk, you still need to pay for these services every month. And even if you don’t mind paying for a subscription, their screens are only seven or eight inches big, which is pretty small for a device geared towards entertainment.
The 10-inch Amazon Fire model is harder to find but a better option for reading digital books and watching videos.
Amazon tablets range in cost depending on size, storage and features. Tablets with 7-8 inches and lower resolution displays cost between $50-$150. The cheapest model within this price range has 32GB storage, but you can pay more to get 64GB storage. If you want a bigger screen with high-definition displays and a more powerful processor, you’ll want Fire tablets within the $150-$200 price range.
Amazon Fire HD 10: available atAmazon
This is the latest Amazon Fire model and it comes with a powerful and fast octa-core processor. It has 3GB of RAM for easy swiping and a battery that lasts for 12 hours after a single charge.The 10.1-inch display offers 1080p resolution and has powerful built-in apps such as Disney Plus, Spotify and Prime Video. This tablet is a great option for users mainly interested in entertainment.
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus: available atAmazon
The HD 10 Plus is an improved version of the Fire HD 10. It has more RAM and bigger built-in storage. Other features include wireless charging and a USB-C 2.0 port for faster data transfer and faster charging. Apart from the Amazon Wireless Charging Dock, it is compatible with any Qi-certified charger.
AdvertisementAmazon Fire HD 8 Plus: available atAmazon
AdvertisementIf you are not satisfied with the base 32GB storage, you can always upgrade to the 64GB version. It has a decent 2.0GHz processor and adequate RAM to run popular Amazon Fire apps such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, Tiktok and others.
If you want an affordable device to run basic tasks, both tablet brands are a great choice. RCA tablets are cheaper, but the latest Amazon Fire tablets have more advanced features. So, if you need a device for both entertainment and work, go for an Amazon Fire tablet. Michael Rodgers is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
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