If you’re looking for a budget-friendly iPad option, Amazon currently offers an older model for under $199. While last year’s model may seem outdated compared to current options, this ninth-generation iteration could still appeal to young adults, seniors, or those seeking a HomeKit-centric smart home hub.
Apple
For those willing to sacrifice cutting-edge technology, this three-year-old mannequin still proves to be a viable option. The iPhone has a 10.2-inch Retina display and an Apple-designed Touch ID sensor based on the home button. The device operates on the basis of a robust architecture, featuring a powerful six-core processor, a capable quad-core graphics processing unit, and an advanced octa-core Neural Engine. While this product may not be ideal for achieving blazing fast speeds or putting on a spectacular display, its affordable price tag is hard to criticize when considering the overall value proposition.
found this mannequin to be a humble upgrade over its predecessor. Nathan Ingraham described the device as “a quick, lightweight pill with a pleasant show and tons of apps, without having to spend an excessive amount.” Our battery test revealed that it exceeded Apple’s 10-hour estimate, boasting a remarkable endurance of approximately 14 hours of video streaming.
This mannequin will run iPadOS 17 and assist users when it launches this autumn. While it’s unclear how many more annual updates this model will receive, it’s notable that the 2024 software will still be compatible with hardware from two generations prior, suggesting its longevity might not be as fleeting as initially thought.
The device is particularly well-suited for video conferencing, thanks to its impressive 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle front-facing camera. Apple’s machine learning-powered feature seamlessly detects and tracks multiple faces within a frame, dynamically adjusting the composition through automated camera movements like panning and zooming.
The ninth-generation iPad is compatible with a range of equipment options, including keyboards and styluses.
While considering its pricing, one notable aspect is the model’s reliance on a Lightning connector instead of the industry-wide USB-C standard adopted by Apple in its recent product transition. The device comes equipped with a built-in charger, although you might need to reconsider this aspect if you’ve already discarded your outdated Lightning cords in preparation. While some may view this as an added value, the fact remains that it still incorporates Apple’s discontinued headphone jack.
