Apple iPad 9.7' 2017 Review

So you're looking at a refurbished 9.7-inch iPad, the classic model. It's the one with the home button, a 9.7-inch Retina display, and Apple's older A9 chip. At around $110, it's one of the most affordable ways to get into the Apple tablet ecosystem. People often search for a cheap iPad for basic tasks, and this is exactly that. It runs iPadOS, not macOS as listed in some specs, which is good because it's designed for touch. With 32GB of storage and WiFi 4, it's built for simpler times, but it can still handle the essentials like reading, browsing, and watching videos.

Let's be real, the A9 chip is old. Its CPU performance sits in the 39th percentile, which means it's slower than most modern tablets. For basic stuff like scrolling through web pages, reading e-books, or streaming a show, it's perfectly fine. You'll notice some lag if you try to multitask heavily or play demanding games, as the GPU is in the 41st percentile. The benchmarks confirm it's best for reading and entertainment, scoring in the mid-40s out of 100 for those tasks. It's not a workhorse. For business use, it scored a low 33.9, so don't plan on using it as a laptop replacement.

At $110, the value proposition is simple: it's a functional iPad for almost nothing. You're paying for the Apple ecosystem and a decent screen on a budget. The main trade-off is performance and storage. For the same price, you could look at newer Android tablets like the N-one or Lenovo Idea Tab Pro, which might offer more storage and faster chips. But if you specifically want an iPad for iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple's app suite, this is your entry point.

Compared to the modern giants, it's not close. The Apple iPad Pro with an M5 chip is in another universe for performance. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ has a stunning OLED screen and much better speakers. Even the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a full Windows PC. This iPad isn't competing with them. Its real competition is other budget tablets. The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro offers a bigger, higher-resolution screen and more RAM for a similar price. The trade-off is you lose the iPadOS simplicity and app optimization. If you're deep into Android, a basic Samsung or Lenovo might be a better fit. But for a no-fuss, Apple-centric media consumption device, this refurbished iPad holds its ground.

Should you buy this? Yes, but only if your needs are very specific. If you need a super cheap tablet for a kid, a senior family member, or just a dedicated device for reading and Netflix in the kitchen, this iPad is a great deal. It answers the common search 'is there a good iPad under $150?' with a resounding yes. But if you need more than 32GB of storage, want to play games, or plan to use it for any real productivity, you'll be frustrated quickly. For basic entertainment and light web use, it's a trustworthy, affordable pick.