Not the cheapest but might be a good deal for someone after an ipad soon and before school starts.
CamelCamelCamel.
I know they went up in price to $549 but unsure how often it's discounted.
Mods, feel free to remove the post.
Fairly often but not almost always. I tried to get one a few weeks ago for this price as I'd seen them down from $549 before and couldn't get one anywhere for $499 or below (unless used). Amazon were out of stock at $499 and so I couldn't get a price match anywhere
Tbh if your after a tablet for browsing/netflix you can't go past the ipad at this price, still rocking a 2018 ipad that hasn't missed a beat
Too bad you can’t have any other browser than Safari or Safari skins.
What? I've not touched safari on my iphone or ipad since perhaps 10 years
read indianregulator and DaiShan's comments above yours.
(and AlBastru's Follow-up comment)
You use Safari every day.
You are just pressing a different icon to get to it.
The underlying browser engine for iOS browsers are Apple WebKit. Essentially, it is tied to iOS. To really upgrade, it will involve updating iOS.
Android is generally better in that regard (in terms of not having browser restriction). However, the down side is, when it comes to GPU hardware acceleration in browser, you will then be courting on those browsers implementing it for a wide range of hardware. Another issue is that while you could download newer versions of Chrome and other browsers, really old Android phones are still tied to certain ancient versions. That is because the latest version of Chrome is not compatible to dated Android OSes.
How so? Am I not actually using Chrome when I click the Chrome icon on my iPad 2019? Am I in the Matrix
Are there any genuine situations where this presents serious problems to an average content consuming zombie like myself?
Most of us aren’t trying to do anything important on it…
I am pretty sure the 2018 ipad will not miss a beat for another 2-4 years.
Few months ago it was $399 on Amazon.
Deal was very popular.
That was the cheapest ever at a lower RRP. Who knows when we will see that ever again.
Yes I saw but I mean a deal for $399.
Problem is, quite a few OZBers got that $399 deal (it was quite popular).
People can wait or people can buy now if they need it. It’s a discount off the current RRP which happens every couple of months from what I gather.
64gb….. standard should be 512 in this day and age
64 is enough for kids at school, prep —y3. Study only.
It’s also enough for many people like me who just use it mainly for casual browsing, banking, shopping (incl. OzB monitoring), etc. In fact I’m using it now, thanks to the $449 Amazon deal in Nov spotted by an OzBargainer (and further saving thanks to a discounted gift card balance). And I managed OK with a 32GB 7th gen before that, though admittedly that was getting a bit cramped.
My MacBook has 512GB which is fine as it’s my main computing device, but I don’t need/want—and no way I’d want to pay for—that much storage on what is designed as an entry level tablet for the masses.
If you use an iPad for work or as your primary home computer, or otherwise require certain additional premium features, then it makes sense to go for one of the beefier Pro or Air models, otherwise those would probably be overkill for most. Just depends what you need it for.
But it is okay for OZBers to post these Android tablet deals recently?
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, Wi-Fi, 32GB / 3GB
Headwolf FPad 2 Tablet (8", Android 12, 4GB/64GB, 4G LTE)
Until 512 becomes the norm for Android tablets, I don't think it is objective to tease Apple (since Android makers seem to follow Apple's footstep).
The difference is both of those (and most android tablets) have microSD slots.
Android tablets with microSD, I have those (cannot install apps to those tablets, as for media files, seriously, you use tablets to play local media files?).
All my old Android tablets are too slow with a few of them won't work with some of the newer apps for years.
@netsurfer: You're the one who's actually turning this into Apple vs Android, because someone mentioned a deficiency with an Apple product. Maybe one of the reasons they didn't comment on the Android ones is because they're not even on their radar and they just want better from Apple, where it would be 100% within their capability. For me it's not so much mininum should be 512gb, just 512gb shouldn't cost so much more than 64gb.
For me it's not so much mininum should be 512gb, just 512gb shouldn't cost so much more than 64gb.
This point is very valid and applies to all Apple products: the premium they charge for extra storage is usually pretty hard to justify.
The difference is also 3x the price for apple budget tablet lol.
64GB is fine as the standard if it supports external microSD cards. Otherwise IMO it isn't.
Most Android tablets have a microsd expansion slot, so internal storage isn't really an issue, but Apple doesnt
I have Android devices. Performance of microSD is subpar. Furthermore, the tablets are generally weaker (in terms of CPU/GPU). It would be really sad if all heavy Android supporters tease iPads and using microSD card as an excuse.
You still have to buy a microSD card and a lot of the el cheap microSD cards are junk.
@netsurfer: The android devices are half if not a third of the price to most base iPad models. Not really a like for like comparison of CPU/GPU
@tg786: Yes, but the thing is storage is not really the most important factor in tablets. Looking at those cheap tablets, you need to deal with:
That's my main gripe with Android tablets nowadays. I support both camps, but Android makers have mostly given up on Android tablets. If half of the price means, inferior screen and much slower CPU (with fewer OS updates) and less tablet optimised apps, then is it really worth it?
Tablets is a quality of life type of item. The point is, Apple's bare minimum is A13 for tablets. Android tablets really should get a move on its bare minimum, rather than go, it supports a microSD card. You know why I don't bother using my old Android tablets which have microSD card support. They are simply too slow (even without using microSD). Android phones, they are competitive. Android tablets, it feels like a lost cause. Google hasn't bothered releasing one for a few years now.
@netsurfer: I have many Android devices too, and the actual ability to add storage is a key selling point, if you want a 512gb ipad your looking at $2k, whereas you can get a samsung S8 for half that.
Also yes, no name brand microsd cards are junk, but you can get official samsung 512gb cards for $62, and I've see SanDisk cards for under $100, so that's a giant price difference
@indianregulator: What exactly do you do with 512GB storage on your tablet? Galaxy Tab S8 is $1099 and there is no 512GB option.
With iPads, you can still play files on your NAS. Those "cheap" SD cards you mentioned have poor 4K random read/write and would you boot your Windows PC from an SD card? Who would use only SD cards (without SSD, without HDD) on their PCs?
The fundamental issue is that this "512GB"+ storage for tablets for Android users are super important? I get the reason for using microSD card on phones. However, honestly, on a tablet? The cameras on the tablets are lousy. NAS is more practical in a family.
Name some Android tablets which are $399 or lower and can beat this iPad in every key aspects (+ microSD card support).
I dont have 512gb on android tab, i have 128 internal, and a 64gb card, but what I do with it is irrelevant; its the fact that I can instantly expand it for cheap
I didnt mention "cheap" SD cards, I mentioned Sandisk and Samsung, arguably the market leaders along with Lexar, and the most used and trusted, and I am not sure what using them with windows has got to do with it. Also we are talking about local storage, a lot of devices can stream from NAS, not just ipads.
Its not whether 512gb is important, its the ability to expand and extend the life of the device instantly and cheaply.
Ipads dont start at $399, they start at $479 for the 2021 model, which will run out shortly, and then the starting price is $749 for the 10th gen, so to compare android tabs at $399 to apple ipads at $749 is like comparing a camry with a tesla.
if you want a 512gb ipad
That's the problem, why do people keep thinking people really want 512GB iPad? We are talking about low end iPad and we are talking about OZBers so we know to avoid upgrading the storage. This iPad carries the least profit margin for Apple and we know it.
I have NAS and honestly, iPad is the weakest Apple device I own. Tablets have its uses, but for real / proper work, why would I want to use a tablet? I have Macbook Pro, I have PCs. This whole storage argument is unbalanced. Low end tablets need large storage? High storage, mid to top end Apple tablets (iPad Pros, iPad Air), they are for professionals. Some people have annual allowance for computer / IT gears.
@netsurfer: Just because you have a NAS (which i have multiple of) doesnt mean there isnt a demand for storage, but once again, you are missing the point, it isnt about the size of the storage, its the ability to externally store files.
Just because you dont have a need for it doesnt mean others dont.
@netsurfer: Teasing ipads? This isn't primary school. It's just frustrating that Apple require a hundreds of dollars upgrade to increase the storage to a decent amount, which probably costs them around 1/5 what they charge, and don't allow any other option to increase storage.
@Miss B: I had 3 Android tablets which are collecting dust (because quite a few apps I need no longer run on them). I used to have more. My most ancient iPad Air 2 is still usable.
We are talking about entry level iPad here. Also, I have used Android devices with microSD card. It's easy to hype it up, but when you run into issues, it can be a pain. I used to root some Android devices so I can put apps on microSD card, but when the card played up, lost not just the files, the whole device became wonky.
I really want to like Android tablets, but it is frustrating Android tablets generally get subpar CPUs. To beat the old Apple CPU in this tablet, the Android tablet technically needs Snapdragon 888. Are there lots of Snapdragon 888 tablets available at affordable prices?
@netsurfer: I also have an iPad which is collecting dust for the same reason your Androids are. Unfortunate that they are basically useless now.
https://support.apple.com/en-au/guide/ipad/ipad75b7b23f/ipad…
connecting external storage devices to your iPad.
since Android makers seem to follow Apple's footstep
Do they?
I think it's the other way around.
Android devices seem to have newer technology first whereas Apple seems to be so conservative adopt it later on, maybe the feature is more refined or maybe it's so they can further profit from it (for example NFC/ Apple Pay)
Sometimes the gap isn't very large.
4G
LTE 5ghz wifi
Bluetooth 5
Camera flash
Sometimes it's about 2 years
Fingerprint sensor
And then there are some that Android phones had for about 4 years before Apple did.
Fast charging
Wireless charging
NFC
And then there are some that were on Android probably 7 years before Apple
Dual SIM
eSIM
And then some things that Apple still doesn't have like the industry standard messaging RCS
Android makers don't follow Apple's footstep? I meant the not so good bits.
How about the issues?
@s1Lence: I have Android tablets with microSD card support. I really dislike using that.
I would like to you guys to recommend 1 Android tablet that you believe provide similar quality of life features (and no, that's leave large storage "support" out of it) at a slightly cheaper price.
Also, use $399 as the price comparison, if we are talking about OZB deal vs OZB deal.
I have a Samsung Android phone, no headphone jack, no power adapter included, no microSD card support, (no Wifi6E support, because for that year's model, I must get Ultra if I want that).
1280x800 Android tablets - please, even my oldest 5+ years old Android tablet is better than 1080p. This is my main frustration, don't create these subpar Android tablets. Give people a decent experience.
4G/5G, honestly Apple's 3G/4G/5G band support is generally superior. I still have old Android phones which support bare minimum (and not even all the AUS 4G bands).
Frequencies in Australia tend to be somewhat unique to the rest of the world. Looking just at Telstra.
In 2005 Telstra was one of the first operators in the world to announce the rollout of a 3G network in 850MHz
In February 2011 Telstra was one of the first operators in the world to announce they would deliver 4G LTE in the 1800MHz band – now over 40% of all LTE networks globally operate in this band.
In 2014 Telstra purchased 700MHz spectrum to deploy 4G on to. At the time there was no such thing as a 700MHz 4G phone.
So while your phone might support the 'bare minimum' it might simply be because you are in Australia with a somewhat unique mobile network.
Does an iPhone from the same time as your old 4G Android iPhone support 4G any better?
All manufacturers need to be able to source chipsets that work in the frequencies we use here. That's not always easy when those chipsets don't exist.
14 days no question asked money back return from Apple.
Only if you buy directly from Apple.
Samsung also offers a return period (30 days) if you buy from them
https://www.samsung.com/au/samsungstore/satisfaction-guarant…
The cheap Android tablet deal uses 8" 1280x800 IPS display. That's more "forward" thinking than Apple. There is no way Apple releases a tablet with that resolution.
Of course they wouldn't release that today, they are a premium brand. That doesn't mean people don't have a need for cheap, budget friendly tablets.
But let's not forget that Apple's new iPad (10th generation) only supports the first generation pencil, not the much newer and better second generation pencil that been around for over 4 years.
Plus you'll also need to have a USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter instead of wirelessly charging if it was a second generation pencil.
So yes they might give you a higher resolution screen, but cheap out elsewhere.
Does an iPhone from the same time as your old 4G Android iPhone support 4G any better?
Yes, I was referring to devices around the same time. My point is this: Our telcos here do want to sell iPhones, and they do work with Apple. There was the "BS" that certain Optus branded Android phones do not support Tel$tra's bands. Likewise, there were Android phones sold by Telstra not supporting Optus 4G bands. There were also a lot of Android phones just supporting 1 Optus/Voda 4G band and still being called "4G" ready by Optus/Voda. Some Android devices are still like that today. Also, the infamous band 28 check when considering Android devices.
let's not forget that Apple's new iPad (10th generation) only supports the first generation pencil
Let's not forget Apple Pencil support is at least in the lowest end iPads now. I don't even know what is the official Android Pen / Pencil standard. Honestly, do most people getting iPad really care about Apple Pencil (go at least iPad Air if you want Pencil support)? Apple Pencil isn't good on iPad (no laminated display). If Apple really put in support for Pencil 2, it would send a message that EU regulators were correct (surely the shrewd Apple would not do that). I bought a proprietary stylus from an US store for one of my Android tablets. It wasn't cheap either (also a rip off price).
You guys are just coming up with excuses. It's really simple, just name 1 Android tablet you recommend instead of this. That's actually what I want to know. You guys keep on assuming things. I just want to know some decent Android tablets that I should consider instead of this. While I have reasonable balance of Android and Apple phones, tablets is one area that's unbalanced so if the situation has changed and there are lots of quality and cost effective Android tablets, I really want to know some. NOT a joke or any other hidden agenda, just lazy and there are just too many to check.
There was the "BS" that certain Optus branded Android phones do not support Tel$tra's bands. Likewise, there were Android phones sold by Telstra not supporting Optus 4G bands. There were also a lot of Android phones just supporting 1 Optus/Voda 4G band and still being called "4G" ready by Optus/Voda.
That's not an Android problem like you are making it out to be.
As I said in my comment, Australian frequencies are somewhat unique compared to the rest of the world.
Also making chipsets which support multiple frequencies is difficult, which is why there have been phones that work better on some carriers than others.
But as technology progresses we keep cramming more frequencies into chipsets and making it work.
Also, the infamous band 28 check when considering Android devices.
I literally covered that off before
In 2014 Telstra purchased 700MHz spectrum to deploy 4G on to. At the time there was no such thing as a 700MHz 4G phone.
Even 2 years ago 700Mhz 'band 28' was not in use in the USA, China, India, Russia, most of Europe and Asia.
It's also one of the most easily sacrificed frequencies to add more bands to a chipset.
700mhz was not an Android problem, it was an Australian problem.
I don't even know what is the official Android Pen / Pencil standard
Android doesnt have one, Android is the OS.
It you look at Samsung it would be their S Pen (which even slides into the phone)
@netsurfer: Excuses and assumptions are not inherently bad. Sometimes, its wise to make a decision with the available data and surrounding assumptions.
The point consistently raised is the principle of having a microSD/expandable storage.
I concede that overall performance/design, the iPad will beat most competitors at similar price points. An example is the Samsung Tab S6 which can be had from DigiDirect for $474. The S6 gives the iPad a run for its money, with fast charging; expandable storage; and slightly lighter.
I won't compare the processors because yes, Apple usually wins.
However, the Samsung comes with the stylus. No, you're not going to take your graphic design career to the next level with this, but as you say, that's irrelevant at this price point. The fact that it includes the stylus is major. The fact that this stylus does not need a ridiculous dongle, or any wires at all, to charge is significant.
The principle of the microSD, and the fact that it has it, is significant at this price point. Students should not feel pressured to buy a larger storage model because they won't be able to upgrade later. SD performance is not comparable to SSD performance, but it gives the option of more storage should you need it for videos/photos (maybe you want to download some movies before a flight or bus trip); maybe for textbooks; maybe for whatever Apps that you don't mind running slower.
Its the empowerment of the consumer, something that Apple has a reputation for subsiding.
"Android makers seem to follow Apple's footstep"
You are kidding right? Apple took ages just to get NFC or wireless charging, they have not been the innovator for years now.
What on earth do you put on a iPad to take up that much space. Get a laptop!
I am looking for a travelling tablet. One i can take on the road with me.
Then they should halve it and ask more for the courageous move:)
oznotthecheapest.com.au
I love the Apple/Android wars here. Go for what eco system suits you best. Me, my Apple watch and iPad suit me me fine. I like the fact you still get iOS upgrades five years down the track. I have an iPad Pro, 11” first gen and it still does, exactly, what I want it to. I have an Apple Watch 5 and iPhone XS and I won’t be looking to upgrade for the next couple of years. I like that the Apple Store has plenty of free games I can play.
If Android floats your boat then bully for you. The Android people seem to be, very, insecure with having to plaster any Apple deal with go for the Android alternative.
Who is offering alternatives here? The person who started comparisons was the Apple fanboy, who linked to Android tablets that, combined, cost less than this… The irony is palpable.
If the standard is 512GB as mentioned by strong Android supporters, then shouldn't there be lots of dirt cheap Android 512GB tablets (no, microSD card support doesn't count)?
Also, if cheap means much inferior screen (seriously, if all iPads are retina display now), Android tablet deals with less than full HD is still being posted?
I want Android tablets to do well (to give Apple some much needed competition). However, the sad reality is that other than Samsung (because they make key parts themselves), other Android makers are NOT able to sell enough tablets to make something really competitive. Just because you want a cheap Android tablet, doesn't mean you cannot even get a full HD. Why do I want a low res tablet with 512GB sd card support?
It is really annoying to see so many mid range and low end Snapdragon chips in Android tablets. Apple doesn't do that, Apple simply used older flagship CPUs.
Also, are we seeing 512GB microSD card deals getting hundreds of + votes?
Who said 512GB is the standard? Please quote it as I have not seen any such claim be made by anyone except you.
Again, nobody came out offering alternatives from Android.
Who said 512GB is the standard? Please quote it as I have not seen any such claim be made by anyone except you.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/13213923/redir
Again, nobody came out offering alternatives from Android.
Yes, and that's the problem.
@netsurfer: They said "64gb….. standard should be 512 in this day and age"
They aren't saying 512GB is the standard, they are saying it should be… Come one dude, did you even finish primary school?
No point in arguing with someone who can't comprehend basic English, I'll leave you to your Apple crusade now.
@s1Lence: Come on…
if the standard is 512GB… If does not equal to it is now the fact or the official current standard.
So why do you care? I don’t trawl through Android deals to try to talk up Apple. Honestly this is just such a waste of time.
I generally support as many camps as possible. I have Apple and Android devices. While I think for mobile phones, there is decent competition, on the tablet side, getting a good Android tablet is not that easy (unless you want to buy Samsung).
iOS updates, unfortunately, are generally needed. Otherwise, a lot of latest apps won't run. It's less of an issue for Android. Apple does have a tighter control on devices. Apple remotely zapped my iPhone 6S Plus, my only device that was able to run 32-bit iOS apps. It force me to upgrade to latest iOS in order to use it (otherwise it is officially a door stop). It was a pain because it was a remote kill, which meant, I had to put it in DFU mode, get iTunes running, download the latest iOS on a computer, then upgrade via iTunes.
Android people will remind Apple users of the Apple Tax, but I think just mention the Apple Tax is enough. This twisting 512GB being so essential for tablets is far stretched.
Hard to get excited with recent iPad 9th gen deals after Amazon did this last year:
Apple iPad 9th Gen (2021) 64GB Wi-Fi $399 Delivered @ Amazon AU
Unfortunately, Apple elected to do an up yours EU regulators response for iPad 10th gen (for the upcoming USB-C mandate), meaning we don't get a cheapish 10th gen iPad to push 9th gen's price down.
A bit iify?
iPad apps are designed for tablets with better overall experience with out of the box functionality, Android doesn't even come close except maybe Samsung tablets.
There is no point in having better hardware features if Android apps fails in scaling & display it like 80's CGA resolution instead of using native tablet resolution and other such bothersome issues of mucking around with migrating compatible Android apps from internal to external storage.
Apple has dedicated iPad OS for tablets and it has now led to increase in the user experience gap between the two platforms.
Read some of it here: https://www.xda-developers.com/editorial-apple-widens-ipad-l…
Android developer dealing with scaling complexities: https://developer.android.com/training/multiscreen/screenden…
Cloud storage with family sharing option is more than enough for any storage needs, assuming there is WiFi access available when extended storage needs arise.
iPad does have external wireless storage from third party options if external storage is really required.
Storage is expensive in Apple devices because NVMe storage controller is built into SoC using NAND flash resulting in better random R/W I/O instead of using UFS 3.x which is better for sequential R/W I/O. Apple's architecture with preference for better random R/W I/O is better suited for real world use cases.
I am in both camps, personally use Android phone and iPad tablet.
I find apple is the preferred choice for old people or people who aren't too capable with tech. I bet they would sell a lot less if the schools didn't mandate their use.
Yes of course they will sell less if schools didn't mandate their use, but there is a reason why mandate was put in place for a consistent learning experience and why iPad was the chosen device for it.
A lot of corporates have Apple as preferred mobile devices for similar reasons.
Yes I appreciate that. I notice Apple is way less common where people have a choice, probably due to cost, lacking some features or other reasons.
Typecasting, much. If it makes you feel better to say so then go right ahead. I know a lot of IT people and the vast majority prefer the Apple gear.
I think the phrase is stereotyping. I know plenty in IT and I was just speaking from personal observation. It makes me feel no different either way TBH, sorry if it upset you.
I bought Apple 10th gen for $640 last week. It is 64gb model.
Are the newer ipads with an M1 processor overkill for basically just reading academic papers and textbook excerpts for work? Would probably also use it for general streaming and browsing and stuff as well. Ideally would want something that lasts >4 years. Big focus on weight, speed (I won't use it if it's laggy) and longevity really. Would also be super keen to use it as a secondary display to my laptop if that's possible.
I would say yes it’s overkill. 9th gen would suffice or go for 10th gen to last slightly longer and slightly bigger screen. That’s what I did. I use it same as you.
If you are planning use iPad as a secondary display, I'd go with iPad Pro for a larger screen size. Also, if you read textbook/PDFs side by side, even 11" can be bit small.
Officeworks price beat to get a further 5% off?
Yes $640 was after price beat
same price
Can anyone recommend an affordable keyboard option to go with this ipad?
Need one for my daughters ipad for school this year.
Thanks in advance
So what's the diff between a regular ipad and an ipad air?
Is it worth the price difference?
https://www.lifewire.com/ipad-comparison-chart-1994214
Swipe across the charts to see all options.
Personally I would not buy one with a physical button. It is a waste of screen space and you can select a soft button.
Cheers, I already have an Ipad Air 1 (2013) that still works OK but might want updating one. I guess any generation after that would be an improvement. :)
I’ve still got some old Apple technology that just keeps ticking along. I’ve got an iPad Mini 4th gen. Back then the pricing was really reasonable for those. I’d like to get a new one, without the button, but Apple has gotten a bit hungry. I’ve got a first gen iPad Pro 11”. I will keep going with that until it is too slow or the battery dies.
isn't this at this price almost always