The cheapest iPad that still draws strong interest in 2026 is not hard to identify. The choice comes down to whether buyers want the lowest entry price or a more premium-feeling tablet with stronger mobility.
At Rp6.549.000, the iPad 9 WiFi remains the most affordable option in the lineup discussed here. At Rp9.849.000, the iPad Mini 6 WiFi asks for more money, but it also brings a clearer jump in portability and hardware.
The budget choice is still the iPad 9 WiFi
The iPad 9 WiFi 10.2-inch 64GB is positioned as the most economical iPad that still makes sense for many daily tasks. It suits online learning, assignments, document reading, and digital entertainment.
Apple equips it with the A13 Bionic chip, 3GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage. That combination is still enough for productivity apps, video streaming, web browsing, and video calls to run smoothly.
Its 10.2-inch Retina display with a 2160 x 1620 pixel resolution remains one of its main selling points. True Tone support also helps the screen adapt to surrounding light for more comfortable long sessions.
Support for the first-generation Apple Pencil keeps the model appealing for students and college users. It makes digital note-taking and simple sketching easier without pushing the price much higher.
The battery is claimed to last up to around 10 hours of use. That endurance makes it practical for a full day away from a charger.
Why the iPad Mini 6 feels more worth buying
For users who care more about mobility, the iPad Mini 6 WiFi 8.3-inch 64GB offers a more flexible form factor. Its compact body makes it easy to carry and comfortable to use while traveling.
Although it costs Rp9.849.000, the higher price is paired with more noticeable upgrades. Apple gives it the A15 Bionic chip, a 5-core GPU, and 4GB of RAM.
Those specs make it better suited for multitasking, photo editing, and high-graphics gaming. For buyers who want a small tablet with stronger performance, the value proposition is clear.
The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with a 2266 x 1488 pixel resolution also delivers a sharper and more modern look. The size works well for reading e-books, watching films, taking notes, and joining video conferences.
Another advantage is support for the second-generation Apple Pencil. It attaches magnetically to the side of the device and charges automatically, which feels more practical in everyday use.
The 12MP Ultra Wide front camera also supports Center Stage. During video calls, the feature keeps the user centered in the frame, which is useful for virtual meetings and remote classes.
Quick comparison of the two cheapest iPads
| Model | Price | Chip | Display | Apple Pencil Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad 9 WiFi 10.2-inch 64GB | Rp6.549.000 | A13 Bionic | Retina 10.2-inch | First generation |
| iPad Mini 6 WiFi 8.3-inch 64GB | Rp9.849.000 | A15 Bionic | Liquid Retina 8.3-inch | Second generation |
Both models are said to last up to around 10 hours under normal use. That leaves buyers with a straightforward decision between the lower price of the iPad 9 and the smaller, faster, more modern iPad Mini 6.
The choice ultimately depends on whether the priority is saving money or getting a tablet that feels easier to carry and more capable in daily use.
