Continuing the series of “tablet brands you never heard of” for the 2012 winter season. Here is a comparison of Android 4.0 tablets by Coby. You might have actually heard of Coby before, as they have been around for quite a few years in consumer electronics. In fact, I use to sell their products in retail stores.

While I don’t endorse any particular model of cheap tablets, you can count on these to run the same hardware as the rest (most are all assembled in the same plant). It will come down to what features you want or maybe what’s included (such as headphones or a leather case).

Solid Tip: Watch out for the older models of Coby tablets floating around. They might be cheaper, but have older 2.3 versions of Android. See a list of the older Android versions at the bottom.

New tablets by Coby

Image by Coby USA

The Coby line of tablets

Coby has called their line of Android tablets “Kyros.” The Kyros™ line has a model numbering scheme of MIDxxxx, which contains a 4 digit number to denote the model.

This might get confusing if you are browsing around stores or the internet and see it referred to as a “Kyros™ Internet Touchscreen Tablet” versus “MID1024.”

To recognize the models at a glance

The first two digits are for size in inches – 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, 9.7, and 10. Older models have a 2nd digit of 1. These are Android version 2.3.

The final two digits identify the specific model. The higher the number, the better.


Comparison of new Coby tablets

The following table compares screen size, CPU, RAM, storage, display, camera, and HDMI output. Also included are images and model numbers to help you identify the ones you are considering.

Model Size CPU RAM Storage Resolution Touch Type Camera HDMI
MID7034 7 1 GHz A5 512 MB 4 GB 800×480 Resistive No No
MID7035 7 1 GHz A8 512 MB 4 GB 800×480 Capacitive No No
MID7036 7 1 GHz A5 512 MB 4 GB 800×480 Capacitive No No
MID7042 7 1 GHz A8 1024 MB 4 GB 800×480 Capacitive Front .3 MP Yes
MID7048 7 1 GHz A5 1024 MB 4 GB 800×480 Capacitive Front 1.3 MP Yes
MID8042 8 1 GHz A8 1024 MB 4 GB 800×600 Capacitive Front .3 MP Yes
MID8048 8 1 GHz A5 1024 MB 4 GB 800×600 Capacitive Front .3 MP Yes
MID9042 9 1 GHz A8 1024 MB 8 GB 1280×800 Capacitive Front .3 MP Yes
MID9740 9.7 1 GHz A8 1024 MB 8 GB 1024×768 Capacitive Front .3/Rear 2.0 MP Yes
MID9742 9.7 1 GHz A8 1024 MB 8 GB 1024×768 IPS Capacitive Front .3/Rear 2.0 MP Yes
MID1042 10.1 1 GHz A8 1024 MB 8 GB 1024×600 Capacitive Front .3 MP Yes
MID1045 10.1 1 GHz A8 1024 MB 8 GB 1280×800 Capacitive Front .3/Rear 2.0 MP Yes

Solid Tip: A note on the Cortex™ CPUs – the Cortex A5 is a newer, more efficient CPU, compared to the Cortex A8, which was a larger chip, more expensive, and less efficient. Yes the lower number is the better chip. Then there is the ARM11 chip, which is the predecessor to the A8, making it the oldest CPU design.

Mid8024 Close Up

What comes in the box?

  • Coby tablet
  • USB Cable
  • Protective Pouch
  • Professional Stereo Earphones
  • Power Adapter
  • Coby Warranty

Standard Features

  • microSDHC memory card slot
  • 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
  • Stereo Speakers & 3.5mm headphone
  • Internal Microphone
  • micro USB 2.0
  • Rechargeable Lithium Polymer battery
  • GetJar Application Market
  • Pre-Installed Apps: eReader, eMusic, Browser, Calendar, Email, Clock, Calculator, Gallery, MobiSystems OfficeSuite

Do Coby tablets have Flash player?

While not installed out of the box, you can add Asobe Flash to your Coby Kyros tablet by downloading the standard “APK” (Android Package) for it:

Tip couresy of SVITExpert on justanswer.com

  • First, download Flash apk file on your computer. Click here to download.
  • Now connect your device to computer and transfer that file to your tablet.
  • When done, disconnect tablet.
  • Go to Settings->Apps. Check Unknown Sources box.
  • Use a File Manager app such as ES File Manager to locate the Flash apk file.
  • Tap to install.
  • When done install, your tablet has Flash. Go to websites like youtube.com to test the videos to make sure that it worked.

Another company you’ve never heard of

Coby started out in 1991 and is arguably a brand that may no longer be on the “brands you’ve never heard of” list. In the early 1990’s, COBY’s business was mostly audio components and accessories. Then, with the advent of digital media and portable devices, it branched out to portable CE products and then into TVs and home theater.

Coby was named the #1 selling digital photo frame brand in the US (in units) for calendar year 2008, according to market research firm NPD.

For more info on the brand and their other product lines, check out their website at http://www.cobyusa.com.

FYI – Older Kyros tablets (Android 2.3)

Older, slower, and less capable. Avoid these if possible and choose a newer model up above.

Model Size CPU RAM Storage Resolution Touch Type Camera HDMI
MID7012 7 .8 GHz ARM11 256 MB 4 GB 800×480 Resistive No No
MID7014 7 .8 GHz ARM11 256 MB 4 GB 800×480 Capacitive No No
MID7022 7 1 GHz A8 512 MB 4 GB 800×480 Capacitive Front .3 MP mini HDMI
MID7127 7 1 GHz A8 512 MB 4 GB 800×480 Capacitive Front .3 MP mini HDMI
MID8127 7 1 GHz A8 512 MB 4 GB 800×600 Capacitive Front .3 MP mini HDMI
MID1125 8 1 GHz A8 512 MB 4 GB 1024×600 Capacitive Front .3 MP mini HDMI
MID1126 8 1 GHz A8 512 MB 4 GB 1024×768 Capacitive Front .3 MP mini HDMI