5 Apple Devices That Are Better Values for You, According to Tech Experts
Written by
Marc Guberti
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Apple is the largest publicly traded company due to the strong demand for its products and services. The tech giant’s new iPhone resulted in record September quarter revenue.
While many consumers are chasing after Apple’s newest products, you can find great deals if you know where to look. Searching for Apple products released a few years ago can give you more mileage out of your money.
These are some of the top Apple devices, according to tech experts.
iPhone 13 Mini
Roy Benesh, chief technology officer and cofounder of eSIMple, an eSIM technology company, shared a few Apple device recommendations. He started his list with the iPhone 13 Mini.
“For anyone looking for a compact phone that’s powerful, the iPhone 13 Mini is a great choice. Due to its A15 Bionic processor, everything functions well, including social media and gaming. The battery, in my case, lasts up to 17 hours while viewing films. Everything looks fantastic because of the vibrant colors on a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display,” he said.
“I’d say this is a good option if you need a phone that’s portable without compromising functions,” Benesh added.
You can find an iPhone 13 Mini for under $400, while you can end up paying more than $1,000 for an iPhone 16.
iPad 10.9 Inch (10th Generation)
The iPad has been gaining momentum in recent quarters, with net sales reaching $6.95 billion for the segment in Q4 of this year. The 10th generation iPad, which starts at $349, has been a solid producer for the company, but it also presents a great deal.
Seth Geftic, vice president of product marketing at Huntress, keeps a close eye on value-driven tech. He was quick to recommend the iPad 10.9 inch as an underrated Apple product.
“In my opinion, the latest iPad offers exceptional value with its versatility and power, especially for the price point. On the tech side, it features Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, which is all you need whether you just want to do simple tasks like note taking, but also if you want to do more intensive work like light content creation,” Geftic said.
“If you need to get more out of it, say you are a creative or professional, you can get the accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio and upgrade it to a productivity powerhouse,” he added. “I think it’s also the perfect screen size and the battery holds out really well. All in all it’s perfect to use while on the go and as a laptop alternative for lighter tasks, for a great price.”
Ninth Generation iPad
While the 10th generation iPad offers plenty of value, consumers can also consider dropping down to the ninth generation iPad for additional savings — we’re talking $249 for a refurbished one. Benesh recommended this Apple device for deal hunters.
“With the A13 Bionic engine, a 10.2-inch Retina display and support for the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, the iPad ninth generation gets to blend affordability with power,” he said. “This product is ideal for students, note takers and casual gamers who don’t need professional features but still desire a responsive, high-quality tablet for productivity.”
MacBook Air M1
The MacBook Air M1 came out in 2020 and combines strength while being easier to carry than other MacBooks.
“The 2020 MacBook Air is still among the greatest laptops available. The product is best for online surfing, studying, video and photo editing and opening multiple tabs for research. It has an 11-hour battery life — better than many of the more recent devices in its price category. It’s a wise choice for anyone looking for a dependable, quick laptop without breaking the bank,” Benesh explained.
And we mean that — a refurbished 2020 MacBook Air goes for about $1,119.
Mac Mini M2
The mighty, but small Mac Mini M2 came out in 2023, but it’s not as expensive as other new MacBooks — going for approximately $419 in a refurbished state. Geftic recommended this underrated product as an alternative to the MacBook or iMac.
“This guy is a compact desktop powerhouse that provides impressive computing power without the high cost. It comes with the M2 chip, which means it can handle video editing, software development and other intensive tasks,” he added. “It can be used with almost any monitor, which makes it easier to integrate into your existing setup at home or take to the office. Its price point makes it an accessible entry into the Mac ecosystem without the cost of a MacBook or iMac for creatives and small business owners.”
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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