Apple iPad Air 9.7" 2 Review

This is a renewed iPad Air 2, a tablet from 2014. For $139, you're getting a classic Apple design that still feels solid and runs basic apps. But you need to know what you're buying: it's running iPadOS 8, which is ancient, and app support is going to be a real problem.

Performance is exactly what you'd expect from a 10-year-old tablet. The CPU and GPU scores are in the bottom 10% of all tablets, so it's slow. It can handle web browsing, email, and maybe some very light games, but that's about it. The 9.7-inch Retina display still looks decent, but it's only in the 31st percentile for screen quality today.

At $139, the value is a double-edged sword. You're getting Apple's premium build for a bargain-bin price. But you're also buying into a platform that's essentially obsolete. It's a fantastic deal if you only need a simple web browser or video player, and a terrible one if you need any modern apps.

Don't compare this to a new iPad Pro or a Galaxy Tab S10. That's not the fight. Compare it to a cheap Android tablet like the N-one. The iPad Air 2 wins on build quality and the iOS feel, even an old one. But a new budget Android tablet will have a modern OS and app store. The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro offers a much better screen and modern performance for not much more money. This iPad is for people who want the Apple name and design above all else.

Buy this only if you have a very specific, simple need. It's perfect for a young kid's first tablet, as a dedicated recipe screen in the kitchen, or as a digital photo frame. It's also a good gift for someone who just wants to read and watch videos, as one 5-star reviewer noted about its durability. Do not buy this for a student, for productivity, or if you expect to use popular apps. The 1-star review about faulty charging ports is a real risk with any renewed device this old.