The Tesco Hudl 2 is a tablet computer produced and sold by the British retail chain Tesco. It was announced in October 2015 as the successor to the original Tesco Hudl, which had been launched in 2013. The Hudl 2 was marketed primarily as an affordable, family‑oriented device and was sold through Tesco’s stores and online channels in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Release and Availability
- Announcement: October 2015
- Availability: Late 2015 through early 2016 in Tesco’s physical locations and e‑commerce platform.
- Discontinuation: Production ceased in 2017, and the device was removed from Tesco’s website thereafter.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 7‑inch IPS LCD, 1280 × 800 pixels |
| Processor | Quad‑core ARM Cortex‑A53, 1.3 GHz |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Storage | 16 GB internal flash, expandable via microSD (up to 128 GB) |
| Operating System | Android 5.1 Lollipop (customised Tesco interface) |
| Battery | 3,800 mAh Li‑ion, advertised for up to 10 hours of mixed use |
| Connectivity | Wi‑Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, optional 4G LTE (carrier‑specific models) |
| Cameras | Rear 5 MP, front 2 MP |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| Dimensions | 199 mm × 124 mm × 8.5 mm; weight ≈ 350 g |
Market Position and Pricing
The Hudl 2 was positioned in the budget tablet segment, priced at approximately £149 – £199 (GBP) at launch, depending on the storage and connectivity options. Tesco promoted the device as “ready for families,” emphasizing parental controls and a “Kids Mode” that limited access to apps and content.
Software and Services
Tesco applied a proprietary skin over Android, integrating its own content ecosystem, including:
- Tesco’s e‑book store and video streaming service (Tesco Video).
- A curated app store with a selection of pre‑approved applications.
- Cloud backup tied to Tesco’s online accounts.
The device also supported standard Android applications downloaded via the Google Play Store, though some features required Tesco’s account authentication.
Reception
Critical reviews highlighted the Hudl 2’s competitive price and respectable performance for its class, while noting limitations such as modest processor speed and a lack of regular Android updates beyond the initial Lollipop release. User feedback often praised the tablet’s build quality and the child‑friendly user interface but criticized the restricted software ecosystem relative to mainstream Android tablets.
Legacy
The Hudl 2 represented Tesco’s last major foray into consumer electronics. Following its discontinuation, Tesco exited the tablet market, shifting focus toward other digital services such as grocery delivery and streaming media. The Hudl series remains a notable example of a large retailer attempting to develop a branded hardware product in the mid‑2010s.
