Apple's basic iPads fall to record $249 for Amazon Prime Day

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Amazon Prime Day offers one of the year's best opportunities to grab a new iPad at historically low prices. Both the 9th and 10th generation standard iPads are discounted for just the first day of the sale.

The 64GB 9th generation iPad, typically valued at $329, is now just $249, tying its lowest-ever price. For those who need more space, the 256GB variant is available for $389, matching its previous record low.

Meanwhile, the newer 10th Generation iPad is making its own waves. The 64GB model is on offer for $379, a full $20 under its previous lowest price, while the 256GB variant is now available for $529, beating the year's best price by an impressive $20.

The best Apple iPad Prime Day deals

The base iPad is enough for binge-watchers and children

Most people don't need more iPad than the cheapest one—we still think the latest model is the best iPad overall for sheer value. The standard iPad has enough power to easily run productivity apps, play games, and binge your favorite YouTube channels and Netflix shows. Its cost makes it an ideal purchase for younger children.

But how do you decide which version to get? One of the biggest differences between the 9th and 10th generation is USB-C. If you use a lot of peripherals and accessories, you'll want the newest iPad.

The 10th generation model is also the best to snag if you anticipate heavy typing work, as it's compatible with the trackpad-equipped Magic Keyboard Folio. The 9th generation is only compatible with Apple's Smart Keyboard. Either is usable with a wealth of non-Apple alternatives.

The newer model has 12MP cameras with Center Stage, making it more comfortable for video calls. With Center Stage, the camera will always recenter you within the frame, minimizing the occasional positional readjustments you'd need to make.

Need more screen real estate? Get the 10th generation iPad. Its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display (packed into Apple's new sleek form factor) isn't massively bigger than the 9th gen's 10.2-inch Retina display, however, and some may prefer the smaller size. (If that's you, consider the comparably value-rich iPad Mini instead—it's even more petite, a little more powerful, and also on sale for Prime Day.)

Another big consideration is whether you want to use the Apple Pencil. Both models are compatible with the 1st generation Pencil, but it charges and pairs using Apple's Lightning connector. As the 10th gen iPad has USB-C, you'll need an extra adapter to charge the Pencil.

The chipsets don't differ much. You get the A14 Bionic on the iPad 10th gen compared to the 9th gen's A13 Bionic, but you'll be hard-pressed to find discernible differences between the two in practical usage. Both can run most App Store apps with varying fluidity and speed, save for power-hungry video editors like Final Cut Pro.