This 9th-Gen iPad Costs Less Than Some Budget Android Tablets Right Now
And it still handles streaming, browsing, and video calls surprisingly well.
Pradershika Sharma Freelance Writer
Experience
Pradershika Sharma is a tech deals writer for Lifehacker.
She has a Master’s degree in English Literature, a B.Ed., and a TESOL certification. She has been writing professionally since 2018, creating product reviews, affiliate articles, and search ads for global clients while working with Rubix Agency and Cognizant. Previously, she spent a year teaching English at the junior high level.
An avid reader since childhood, Pradershika's idea of extreme sports is staying up to read “just one more chapter.” She lives in India.
September 9, 2026
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Table of Contents
At $154.99 for the Wi-Fi model, Apple’s refurbished 9th-generation iPad lands in the same price range as many budget Android tablets while still offering the polished experience people usually expect from an iPad. The Wi-Fi + Cellular version is probably the better value here since it costs only $15 more—and having built-in cellular connectivity means you are not constantly depending on public Wi-Fi or tethering from your phone, which makes a noticeable difference for commuters, students, rideshare drivers, and frequent travelers.
And since Apple still supports this model with iPadOS 26 updates, you're not immediately stepping into outdated software either. That, combined with the “Grade A” refurbished condition (comes with little to no cosmetic wear) and included one-year warranty, still makes this older iPad a reasonable option for students, parents, travelers, or anyone looking for a dependable secondary device for reading, streaming, video calls, light work, and casual gaming. That said, it is not built for demanding creative workloads like professional video editing or heavy multitasking, but that limitation feels reasonable considering the price. The biggest compromise is the 64GB storage capacity, which works best for people who mostly stream content rather than store large games or video files locally.
What do you think so far?
And while its A13 Bionic chip is older by Apple standards, it still keeps up with everyday use—apps launch quickly, Safari browsing stays smooth with multiple tabs open, and streaming services run without feeling sluggish. The 10.2-inch Retina display also holds up surprisingly well for everyday use, especially for reading articles and ebooks or watching videos. You still get Touch ID in the home button, stereo speakers, and support for the first-generation Apple Pencil for handwritten notes or sketching. Battery life also remains practical, with Apple estimating up to 10 hours of use on a charge, which is enough for a full day of browsing, streaming, and light work. All things considered, this 9th-gen iPad is a great deal.
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