Apple iPad Apple iPad with WiFi, 32GB, Silver (2017 Model) Review

So you're looking at a renewed 2017 iPad for about $89. It's the classic 9.7-inch model with 32GB of storage, WiFi only, and it runs on the A10 Fusion chip. For under a hundred bucks, it gets you into the Apple ecosystem, which is the main draw here. People often ask, 'Is this iPad still good for basic stuff?' The short answer is yes, but with some very clear limits. It's a solid pick if you just need a simple tablet for reading, watching videos, or light web browsing, and you don't want to spend much. Think of it as a dedicated media consumption device, not a workhorse.

Performance is where this iPad shows its age. The A10 Fusion chip lands in the 10th percentile for CPU power, and the GPU is even lower at the 14th percentile. In practice, that means it's fine for one app at a time. You can stream Netflix, read an ebook, or scroll through social media without much fuss. But try to multitask or play anything more demanding than a simple puzzle game, and you'll notice the lag. The 32GB of storage is also a major constraint, sitting in the 8th percentile. You'll be managing your space constantly, especially if you want to keep more than a couple of apps and movies downloaded.

At $89, the value proposition is straightforward. You're paying for the Apple brand and a decent screen at a rock-bottom price. The main alternative at this price point is a budget Android tablet, which might offer more storage or a newer OS but often has a worse screen and build quality. If your budget is absolutely capped under $100 and you want a tablet for very light, simple tasks, this is a defensible choice. Just know you're making big trade-offs on performance and future-proofing.

Let's compare it directly to a few options. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ is in a completely different league—faster, with a better screen, and much more storage, but it costs several times more. A more relevant comparison might be a newer base model iPad, which starts around $250-$300. For that extra money, you get a much faster processor, longer software support, and often more storage. Even some mid-range Android tablets from Lenovo around the $150-$200 mark will feel snappier and have more room for your files. This 2017 iPad wins on price alone, but loses on almost every other spec.

Should you buy this renewed 2017 iPad? Only in one very specific scenario. If you need a secondary tablet for a kid to watch cartoons on a road trip, or a dedicated e-reader for the bedside table, and you cannot spend a penny over $100, then it's okay. The customer reviews praise the value but also warn about battery issues, which is a real concern. For anyone thinking of using this for school, productivity, or as a main device, I'd say save up a bit more for a newer model. This iPad is a budget entry ticket to Apple, but it comes with an expiration date that's already pretty close.