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There’s no denying this iPad Air 3rd Gen (2019) is a few years older, but at $169.99 for a refurbished, near-mint unit , it fills a different kind of need. Newer models have faster chips and better cameras, but not everyone wants to hand a $700 tablet to a kid or toss one in a bag for travel. That’s when a deal like this makes sense: You’re getting a lightweight 10.5-inch Retina display, solid battery life, and Apple’s A12 Bionic chip—all the basics for streaming, casual web browsing, reading, or even note-taking with a first-gen Apple Pencil or Smart Keyboard (sold separately).
Performance isn’t cutting-edge, but it’s more than enough for everyday use. The A12 chip still runs everyday tasks, and it comes with 64GB of storage (which is fine for apps, documents, and a few downloaded movies, but it might feel tight if you’re juggling larger files or lots of photos). The 8MP rear and 7MP front cameras are fine for FaceTime calls or quick snapshots. Plus, it supports the latest iPadOS 17, so it’s not stuck in past software. For kids’ homework, casual sketching, reading comics, or just having a backup slate around the house, it checks a lot of boxes.
Of course, you’re giving up some modern luxuries. There’s no Face ID or USB-C port, and it charges via Lightning. The bezels are thicker compared to newer models, and if you’re used to blazing-fast refresh rates, the 60Hz screen will feel old. But for a backup device, travel companion, or a kid’s first iPad, it’s more than capable. Grade “A” refurbishment means it’ll show little to no cosmetic wear, and it ships with a 90-day warranty for some extra peace of mind. If you’re looking for something functional and affordable without worrying too much about bumps, scratches, or high replacement costs, this older iPad Air still holds up surprisingly well .
