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You can get a brand new Apple iPad 10.2-inch for just $249 at Amazon right now

Updated

Amazon has slashed prices on the 9th-gen iPad to a jaw-dropping $249. Sure, the model might be a few years old, but it's still a powerful tablet that delivers tremendous performance on a budget — plus, like all Apple products, it holds its value extremely well. Loaded with the A13 Bionic chip, a 10.2-inch Retina display, and up to 256GB of storage, this is one of the best bang-for-your-buck iPads out there.

Never mind that it's a previous-generation model. iPads hold their value and this iPad is one of the best tablets you can buy, period — especially at this heavily discounted price.

$249 at Amazon
Explore More Buying Options
$269 at Groupon

Why is this a good deal?

A discount of $80 is significant, but that markdown's even more eye-catching when you consider that this model comes with 64GB of storage. This is also one of the lowest prices on record for the 9th Generation iPad. The only time we've seen it go lower was $230, and that was during Black Friday last year. It's probably not going to drop like that until Prime Day or Black Friday of this year — and those sales events are a way off. It's a good time for a spring tech upgrade.

Why do I need this?

This iPad is fast (thanks to an upgraded processor) and equipped with a greatly improved front camera over the 8th generation, the better to participate in video calls. That cam, coupled with Apple's Center Stage feature, automatically keeps the focus on the subject (you) as you move around — and it'll even widen out if someone else enters the frame.

Everything else will seem fairly familiar to past iPad owners. This model still relies on Apple's Lightning connector (rather than USB-C, which higher-end models and the new iPad Mini have embraced). It still employs a home button with Touch ID and still has a fairly chunky bezel along the top and bottom edges.

Apple iPad 10.2 with optional keyboard case and Apple Pencil.
This iPad supports accessories like a keyboard case and the Apple Pencil, thereby increasing your productivity and creativity options. (Amazon)

What reviewers say

The iPad 10.2-inch version has received more than 54,000 ecstatic reviews from fans.

Pros

"Bought this iPad for the fourth and last grandchild, as we had with the last three," wrote an enthusiastic grandparent. "He is enjoying it and FaceTimes us every day. That, we love the best."

Another raved: "This latest and affordable iPad is up-to-date, smooth and easy to navigate. What really [got me] was when I learned that all the data and apps from my iPhone 11 could be transferred to the iPad by following easy-to-understand instructions. I did that, and within about 15 minutes, everything from the iPhone jumped over to my new iPad. How cool is that? I’ve owned earlier iPad versions, but this one leaves those in the dust. It’s well worth the update."

"There are so many different things possible to use this device for. I got mine to start a digital planner and it works wonderfully," one satisfied customer said. "One charge lasts me days. The picture quality is great if you want to watch movies or read an article/blog."

Cons

"The only downside I would say is the battery life. It’s not bad by any means, but I would say it’s not as good as some other tablet options out there. I still get plenty of good use out of it on one charge before needing to plug it in. Overall, really no complaints," said one shopper.

We're not sure how long this deal will last, so grab it while you can.

If you've been eyeballing an iPad, this is the time to act: It's not likely you'll see any bigger discounts (on this model, anyway).

$249 at Amazon
Explore More Buying Options
$269 at Groupon

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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