Should you buy an iPad on Prime Day

iPad Air
iPad Air (Image credit: iMore)

Should you buy an iPad on Prime Day

Lots of power at a discount

Apple recently introduced an all-new iPad and iPad Air for 2020. These introductions don't mean their predecessors are suddenly bound for the trash heap. Both the iPad (2019) and iPad Air (2019) still pack plenty of power, but because Apple is no longer making them, you'll be able to purchase them for less. The iPad mini (2019), which offers similar specs to the iPad Air (2019) remains on the market, but that doesn't mean you won't still find discounts on the 7.9-inch device.

Why buy an iPad (2019) on Prime Day?

iPad (2019)

iPad (2019) (Image credit: iMore)

Last year's iPad and the latest model are nearly identical, with the same screen size, storage options, cameras, RAM, connection ports, and more. The difference lies with the processor, an A10 Fusion on the earlier model vs. an A12 Bionic found on this year's version. If you find Prime Day deals on an iPad (2019), hit the buy button and never look back. You'll be getting a great discount on a product that's nearly identical to its successor.

Why buy an iPad Air (2019) on Prime Day?

By contrast, Apple made significant changes between last year's iPad Air and the new model. The newest model has a bigger display, better processor and rear-facing camera, support for the second-generation Apple Pencil, 4K video recording, a USB-C connector, and more.

Despite this, last year's model is still worth considering. With a 10.5-inch display, the iPad Air (2019) is larger than the iPad (2019 and 2020), and it still supports an Apple Pencil (first-generation). Plus, the front-facing camera is the same one you'll find on the newer model. If you aren't quite ready to switch to USB-C, keep in mind that the iPad Air (2019) still comes with a Lightning connector.

On price, even without an Amazon Prime Day discount, last year's model is cheaper. The iPad Air (2020) is $100 more expensive across all options.

Why buy an iPad mini (2019) on Prime Day?

iPad mini 5

iPad mini 5 (Image credit: iMore)

The current iPad mini isn't likely to get a 2020 replacement like the iPad (2019) and iPad Air (2019). And yet, Amazon often discounts this model regardless. Though we don't yet know how much Amazon will discount the iPad mini (2019) on Prime Day, it could prove significant. The iPad mini (2019) is best described as an iPad Air (2019), but with a smaller display. Not surprisingly, it makes our list of the best iPads of the year!

Don't wait for Black Friday

This year, Prime Day is very close to Black Friday, which is another day we oftentimes see big sales on iPad devices. What's important to realize is that the sales on Prime Day might affect supplies for Black Friday. Something that is available now, may not be at the end of November. And, shipping times have been sporadic, at best, this past year. If you want to be sure your item makes it to your doorstep before December 25, it'd be smarter to buy now on Prime Day and don't wait until Black Friday.

Bryan M Wolfe
Staff Writer

Bryan M. Wolfe has written about technology for over a decade on various websites, including TechRadar, AppAdvice, and many more. Before this, he worked in the technology field across different industries, including healthcare and education. He’s currently iMore’s lead on all things Mac and macOS, although he also loves covering iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Bryan enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, traveling, and driving around his teenage daughter to her latest stage show, audition, or school event in his spare time. He also keeps busy walking his black and white cocker spaniel, Izzy, and trying new coffees and liquid grapes.