LeapPad Ultra Review

LeapPad Ultra Review

LeapPad Ultra Review explores Leapfrog’s flagship educational tablet that secured a place on the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2013 list. Designed specifically for children, the LeapPad Ultra combined a tough, kid-proof build with a bright 7-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi connectivity, and access to an extensive library of learning games and e-books. Produced by Leapfrog Toys, it became a go-to choice for parents seeking an engaging, safe, and skill-building tech gift for the festive season.

Want to see how this compares with today’s learning tablets? Visit our best Christmas toys 2025 guide for the latest innovations.

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What’s in the Box?

• LeapPad Ultra Tablet: 7-inch high-resolution screen designed for kids’ hands.
• Rechargeable Battery & Adapter: Long-lasting power for extended play sessions.
• Pre-Loaded Apps: Educational games, an e-book, and creative drawing tools.
• User Guide: Simple instructions for setup and parental controls.

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How It Works

The LeapPad Ultra runs on Leapfrog’s proprietary OS, featuring a colourful, intuitive interface with large icons and clear voice prompts. Children could explore pre-installed content right away, or parents could purchase additional titles from the Leapfrog App Centre. The built-in Wi-Fi, with robust parental controls, allowed for safe browsing of kid-appropriate content and app downloads.

Its capacitive touchscreen offered responsive performance, making navigation feel similar to adult tablets, while the durable casing meant it could handle inevitable drops and bumps. The front and rear cameras added a layer of creativity, letting kids take photos, record videos, and edit them with fun effects.

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Background & Cultural Impact

By 2013, Leapfrog was already a household name in educational toys, with its LeapPad range enjoying strong success. The LeapPad Ultra represented the brand’s most advanced model to date, addressing parent requests for a larger screen, improved graphics, and expanded online capabilities. It competed directly with the VTech InnoTab 3S, sparking plenty of “which is better?” debates among parents that year.

Its marketing positioned it as the ultimate kids’ tablet—a safe, self-contained device that offered the look and feel of grown-up tech without the risks of unrestricted internet access.

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Play Benefits and Skill Development

• Literacy & Numeracy: Games and apps reinforce core reading and maths skills.
• Creativity: Drawing apps, photography, and video tools encourage self-expression.
• Problem-Solving: Puzzles and logic games build critical thinking skills.
• Digital Confidence: Provides a safe introduction to touchscreen and app-based play.

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Festive Play Ideas

• Holiday Storytime: Download festive e-books to read aloud together.
• Christmas Photo Diary: Use the camera to document holiday activities.
• ❄ Winter Drawing Contest: Create snow scenes in the art studio app.

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Advanced Play

• Make a stop-motion holiday movie using the photo editor.
• Download brain-teasing games for family challenges.
• Use safe Wi-Fi browsing to research holiday traditions around the world.

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What Parents & Kids Are Saying

“It feels like a grown-up tablet but safe for kids.”

“Graphics and screen quality are fantastic for a kids’ device.”

“Our son loves the camera features—he’s constantly making videos.”

“The educational content is top-notch.”

“Durable enough to survive being dropped more than once.”

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About Leapfrog Toys

Leapfrog Toys has built a reputation for combining educational value with engaging play experiences. From learning tablets to interactive reading systems, the brand focuses on helping children develop key skills through fun, age-appropriate content.

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Why It Made the 2013 Christmas Charts

With a retail price of around £119.99 in 2013, the LeapPad Ultra was one of the more premium educational tablets available. Its combination of a larger screen, strong app library, and safe connectivity made it a hit among parents looking for a durable and enriching tech gift.

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Best For Ages 4-9

• Young learners ready for interactive education.
• Creative kids who enjoy art and photography.
• Children seeking a tablet experience tailored to their needs.

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Parental Tips & Setup Notes

• Fully charge before gifting for instant fun.
• Preload a few extra apps from the Leapfrog App Centre to surprise your child.
• Set up Wi-Fi and parental controls in advance for a smooth start.

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Where to Buy in 2025

The LeapPad Ultra has since been retired, but can be found on second-hand marketplaces and through educational equipment resellers. Units in good condition with chargers and pre-installed content remain sought after by parents and collectors alike.

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Final Verdict

The LeapPad Ultra remains a high point in Leapfrog’s learning tablet range. Its blend of durability, engaging content, and safe online features made it a must-have tech gift for Christmas 2013, and it’s still remembered fondly by families who owned one.

For more educational favourites, check out our educational Christmas toys page or go directly to the LeapPad Ultra product page.

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