Apple famously keeps prices rock-solid on its own website and retail locations but they quietly use Amazon to move inventory with actual discounts. Right now, during Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days ending Wednesday night, the 11-inch iPad with 128GB storage and Wi-Fi has dropped to $279, down from $349. That’s a record low for this model that just launched in March, and it brings a premium Apple tablet down to the price point of mid-range Android alternatives.
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This iPad strikes that lovely middle note between power and portability. With the 11-inch Liquid Retina display, you’ve got enough screen real estate that you can multitask or watch things without ever feeling like you’re lugging around a laptop. Display tech gives you clear text and deep colors with the True Tone technology that automatically changes the display’s color temperature based on the environment you’re in.
Power that Makes Complete Sense on Everyday Use
Under the hood, the A16 chip powers everything smoothly: This is the same processor that debuted in the iPhone 14 Pro series which means you’re getting serious performance for demanding apps or even casual gaming. The chip handles video editing in apps, complex photo adjustments in Lightroom or running multiple apps simultaneously without the sluggish performance you might experience on cheaper tablets.
The camera system covers both ends with front and back 12MP sensors. The front camera is compatible with Center Stage, Apple’s brilliant feature that keeps you automatically positioned in the middle of the frame on video calls even if you get up and move around. The back camera takes decent shots and 4K video, making this proficient enough when scanning in documents, recording short video messages, or even making content when the phone isn’t convenient.
Wi-Fi 6 connectivity translates into accelerated speed and improved performance in busy networks, a valuable feature if you work in coffee shops or live with bandwith-sharing roommates. Touch ID in the power button enables fast, secure unlocking without the need for Face ID, and works consistenly even when the tablet is stationary on a tabletop. All-day battery life actually comes true, generally providing approximately 10 hours of real use for internet browsing or streaming movies, such that you can work through the day or binge-watch through the season without searching for outlets.
At $279, the new iPad is cheaper than many budget laptops but you get a more centralized and touch-optimized experience when you want that content consumption and creative exploration. Amazon’s offer is gone Wednesday night, so this all-time low price won’t be around forever.