Design and Build

The Apple iPad 7, the top-selling and affordable model, comes with a 10.2-inch Retina display and an aluminum shell 7.5mm thick and with a weight of 483g (Wi-Fi). You can find it in the colors of Space Gray, Silver, and Gold. It is compatible with the 1st-gen Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, so that makes it the best iPad for students and professionals on a budget. It's not waterproof, but the build quality is equal to that of the more expensive units considered water-resistant..

• Aluminum body, 7.5mm thick
• 483g (Wi-Fi model)
• 10.2-inch Retina display
• Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard support

Display

The iPad 7 has a 10.2-inch Retina display that offers 2160 x 1620 resolution at 264 PPI, providing the best and brightest colors and the maximum sharpness of images for gaming, streaming, and note-taking. The display with ~500 nits of brightness, which is also oleophobic, will be the top choice for students and creatives. However, ProMotion has not been included, and its big screen and lack of frame outperform the iPad 6 in terms of a more immersive experience.

• Retina display, 2160 x 1620, 264 PPI
• ~500 nits brightness
• Oleophobic coating
• 60Hz refresh rate

Performance and Software

Powered by the A10 Fusion chip (quad-core, 2.34GHz), 3GB RAM, and 32GB/128GB storage, the iPad 7 can effortlessly manage multitasking, gaming, and productivity apps. Being on iOS 13 (the software can be upgraded to iPadOS 17), this product ensures that it's also compatible with iCloud and Apple Pay, part of the Apple ecosystem. This is surely an exceptional selection for the people who demand a budget-friendly but still powerful iPad for either job or entertainment purposes.

• A10 Fusion, quad-core
• 3GB RAM
• 32GB/128GB storage
• iPadOS 17 support

Battery and Charging

The iPad 7’s 8827mAh battery provides up to 10 hours of video playback or web browsing, ideal for long workdays or travel. Its 12W Lightning charging takes ~4 hours to fully charge. While it lacks fast charging, its stamina and Smart Keyboard support make it a top budget iPad for productivity and entertainment.

• 8827mAh battery
• Up to 10h video playback
• 12W Lightning charging
• No wireless charging

Pricing Details

The 32GB Wi-Fi variant was available early in September 2019 for a retail price of $329. This is when the iPad 7 was first introduced and it has continued to be a great budget-friendly product in 2025. The cost of refurbished models ranges from $150 to $250, and these are really ideal for people who need a budget yet high-powered iPad for studying or work. The bigger screen and the possibility of additional accessories make this the best of low-cost iPads that can be used in many different ways.