Apple iPad Apple 9.7in iPad (Early 2018, 32GB, Wi-Fi Only, Review

The 2018 9.7-inch iPad is a budget-friendly tablet for basic tasks like reading and streaming. Its 2GB of RAM and 32GB storage are major limitations, but it's a cheap way to get an iPad. It's best for very light use only.

If you're looking for a cheap iPad for basic stuff like reading, watching videos, or browsing the web, the 2018 9.7-inch iPad is probably on your radar. It's the classic iPad design, with a 9.7-inch Retina display and 32GB of storage. We're talking about a renewed model here, which you can find for around $100-$150, making it one of the most affordable ways to get into the Apple ecosystem. It runs iPadOS, so you get all the modern Apple features, but it's powered by an older A10 Fusion chip and only has 2GB of RAM. For someone who just wants a tablet for light use, it's a tempting option.

Performance is solid for its age. The A10 Fusion chip still holds up for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and light gaming. In our database, its CPU and GPU scores sit in the middle of the pack compared to modern tablets, which means it's not slow, but you'll feel it struggle if you push it too hard. Trying to run multiple apps or more demanding games will lead to some lag. The 2GB of RAM is a real bottleneck here; it's one of the lowest amounts we see in tablets today, and that's what really limits what you can do with it.

At around $103 for a renewed model, the value is clear: it's a cheap iPad. You're trading modern performance and specs for a low price. If your budget is tight and you just need a tablet for the basics, it's a good deal. But if you can stretch your budget a bit, even a newer base model iPad or a modern Android tablet like the Xiaomi Redmi Pad will give you a much better experience for not a lot more money.

Let's name some competitors. The Apple iPad Pro is in a different universe with its M-series chips and is for serious work. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ has a gorgeous screen and much better specs for entertainment. The Microsoft Surface Pro is a full laptop replacement. For a more direct comparison, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 is a similar price but offers a more modern chip, more RAM, and a better screen. Even a newer 10th-gen iPad, while more expensive, has a much better processor and design. This 2018 iPad wins only on price.

Skip this iPad if you need a tablet for work, serious multitasking, or modern gaming. The low RAM and storage make it a poor choice for students doing homework, artists using drawing apps, or anyone who uses more than a few apps at once. If you're in that camp, look at a newer iPad or an Android tablet like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S series.

Should you buy this? Only if your needs are very simple and your budget is extremely strict. This iPad is fine for a kid, for reading books, or for watching Netflix in bed. But if you plan to do anything more—like note-taking, gaming, or using more than a couple apps at once—you'll be frustrated by the low RAM and aging chip. For most people, we'd recommend looking at a slightly more modern tablet. This one is a stopgap, not a long-term solution.