Coles releases bargain iPad Mini 4 range from Boost Mobile as part of Black Friday sales

Australians facing tech delivery delays before Christmas can now get the iPad they want — with an even cheaper price tag.

Australians facing tech delivery delays due to chip shortages and global supply issues can now get the iPad they want — with an even cheaper price tag.

Coles and Boost Mobile’s partnership is bringing a range of refurbished iPad Mini 4 (128GB) devices to supermarket shelves as part of its Best Buys program to rival Aldi and Woolworths.

The refurbished devices, which will be available in around 400 stores, are part of Coles’ early dip into the Black Friday retail wars.

Boost Mobile’s refurbished devices are checked with a 72-point process that ensures aesthetic standards and functionality without altering or fixing the device to protect its integrity and quality.

The iPad Mini 4 features a 7.9” LED-backlit IPS touch-sensitive display with 2048 x 1536 resolution (321ppi) and antireflective coating. With 1.2MP Face Camera and 8MP rear camera, it can record 1080p video.

Boost Mobile founder, Director and Executive Chairman of Boost Mobile Australia Peter Adderton said the deal enables people to get the “social status” and experience of Apple “without going broke at the same time”.

Boost Mobile has launched a range of refurbished iPad 4 Minis in Coles. Picture: Supplied

“We are trying to give value to customers, and through Coles we give customers a 12-month warranty and 30-day satisfaction guarantee,” he said.

“We were hugely successful when we sold iPhones through Coles, in fact they sold out in three days.

“If you go look at the Apple store, there’s hardly any of them left, the stores are almost just a display case, you can’t buy much … and we want to give kids the experience of having a device like this that is not an inferior product.”

Boost Mobile has launched a range of refurbished iPad 4 Minis in Coles. Picture: Supplied

Mr Adderton said the refurbished iPads will retail at just $359, making it more affordable for shoppers who would normally get brand new Apple Mini iPad costing upwards of $750.

Boost will also be selling refurbished iPhone 8s for $279 at Coles Best Buys stores from today.

They will sell them nationwide from November 24 and the Boost Mobile Refurb Shop online will offer 10 per cent off site wide in addition to a range of SIM offers.

Coles General Manager for Health and Home Jonathan Torr said Coles’ deal was exclusive to its customers, just in time for Christmas.

“Telco is a growing category at Coles, and we’re constantly looking at ways to expand our mobile offer and provide the best value for our customers,” he said.

“ … Customers can now pick up a fully refurbished iPad Mini 4 and iPhone 8 while doing their weekly shop – and at great prices.

“This is a fantastic way we can deliver value for our customers in a more sustainable way.”

Black Friday sales across Australia are expected to break new records, with new research from ING showing more than half of all adults (64 per cent) are more likely to take advantage of the sales now, compared to previous years.

More than two in three (69 per cent) are expecting a larger discount, and one in five (21 per cent) admit they have grown to expect more for less in the past year.

Forty per cent of shoppers are looking to bag a tech bargain and expect an average discount of 37 per cent with one in five (21 per cent) even anticipating discounts of more than 50 per cent.

Fifty one per cent of shoppers are using comparison websites for the cheapest deals, and many want to buy from retailers who have free delivery and no hidden costs (47 per cent). Some are partnering with a friend to buy in bulk (15 per cent).

ING Australia Head of Banking George Thompson said: “As the sales get bigger every year, it’s great to see so many are striving high when it comes to discounts and getting smart with navigating the best deals.”