Save $60 on a Base-Model Apple iPad

Somewhere between a laptop and a smartphone lies the humble tablet—portable, user-friendly, and amenable to add-on accessories.

And while there are plenty of models to choose from, Apple’s 2021 base iPad delivers strong performance at a palatable price—made even more appetizing by Amazon’s almost-20% discount(Opens in a new window) during the Prime Early Access Sale.

Measuring 9.8 by 6.8 by 0.3 inches (HWD) and a mere 1.1 pounds, the updated tablet features a bright, 10.2-inch screen with visible bezel—enough room for a Touch ID sensor. It’s powered by the same A13 Bionic core used in the iPhone 11 series, giving it a 20% boost in processing power versus the A12 in the 2020 edition. Apple claims this iPad will last up to 10 hours between charges. In our battery drain test, which streams HD video over Wi-Fi at full brightness, we managed 5 hours and 18 minutes before our test tablet conked out, so your mileage might vary.

Perhaps most exciting, though, is the new 12MP ultra-wide front-facing camera with a 122-degree field of view; ideal for taking selfies and video chatting, Center Stage keeps you in the frame as you move about. The rear 8MP camera sensor remains unchanged from the 2020 model.

And while the 2021 iPad is the last holdout with a Lightning charging port, Apple thoughtfully includes a 20W adapter and USB-C-to-Lightning cable in the box. Users can also tap into the 3.5mm headphone jack and Bluetooth 4.2 support for wireless listening.

The Wi-Fi-only 64GB iPad is a PCMag Editors’ choice pick among Apple’s tablet lineup, as well as under-$500 tablets in general. Grab one for $269—18% off the $329 list price(Opens in a new window).

Amazon Prime Early Access Sale
You can get great deals, but only if you know where to look and how to compare prices.