Apple iPad Apple 2020 iPad 10.2-inch, Wi-Fi, 128GB - Silver Review

Let's be real, the 2020 iPad is a classic for a reason. It lands in the 74th percentile for both CPU and GPU performance, which is pretty solid for a tablet that's a few years old now. That A12 Bionic chip still handles everyday stuff like web browsing, streaming, and light gaming without breaking a sweat. You're also getting a 10.2-inch Retina display that scores in the 64th percentile. It's a great screen for watching movies or reading, and at 499 grams, it's light enough to hold for hours.

Where it starts to show its age is in the features department, which sits at a low 22nd percentile. It supports the first-gen Apple Pencil and a Smart Keyboard, but that's about it for bells and whistles. The battery life is just okay at the 48th percentile, and with 6GB of RAM in the 57th percentile, don't expect to run a dozen apps at once. For the basics, though, it's still a very capable device.

Performance is this iPad's strong suit. That A12 Bionic chip puts its CPU and GPU power in the 74th percentile compared to all tablets. In practical terms, apps launch quickly, and you can jump between them without much lag. It scored a 59.2 out of 100 for entertainment, which makes sense for streaming video and casual games. The 256GB of storage is also a plus, landing in the 72nd percentile, so you'll have plenty of room for apps, photos, and a few movies.

Just don't ask it to be a laptop replacement. Its productivity score is a low 39.5 out of 100. The 6GB of RAM is a bit limiting for heavy multitasking, and while the Smart Keyboard support is there, the overall experience for serious work feels a bit cramped compared to a Surface or an iPad Pro.

Here's the kicker: you can find this 128GB model for around $219 now. For that price, you're getting performance that beats a lot of newer budget Android tablets. The value is in that reliable Apple ecosystem experience—smooth software, great app selection, and solid build quality—at a very accessible point. Just know you're buying into a platform that's a few generations behind on the accessory and port front. If core tablet tasks are your main goal, the price-to-performance ratio here is actually really good.

Stacked up against the competition, it's all about trade-offs. The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a full Windows laptop replacement, but it costs several times more. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ has a stunning OLED screen and more modern features, but again, for a much higher price. Compared to budget Android tablets like the Lenovo Idea Tab or generic 'N-one' models, the 2020 iPad's 74th percentile CPU/GPU performance and polished iPadOS are a clear win. The real question is against Apple's own lineup. The current base iPad is faster and uses a better Pencil, but it also costs more. This 2020 model is the budget gatekeeper to the iPad world.

If you need a reliable tablet for media, web browsing, light gaming, and note-taking with a Pencil, and you're on a tight budget, this 2020 iPad is an easy recommendation. Its core performance holds up well, and $219 is a great price for what you get. Just go in with eyes open: its productivity chops are limited, the accessories are last-gen, and the battery won't amaze you. For a dedicated entertainment and casual-use slate, it's still a champ.