A Comprehensive REVIEW of the Apple 2017 iPad (9.7-inch, WiFi + Cellular, 32GB) – Space Gray (Renewed)

I remember a time when managing my daily tasks, staying connected, and having quick access to information felt like a juggling act between a bulky laptop and a tiny smartphone. I desperately needed a middle ground—a portable device that could handle both productivity and entertainment on the go without weighing me down. The frustration of not having a versatile tool to quickly check emails, read articles, or stream content during commutes was real, and without a solution, I felt my efficiency and downtime enjoyment were constantly compromised. A device like the Apple 2017 iPad (9.7-inch, WiFi + Cellular, 32GB) would have been incredibly helpful back then.

Sale
Apple 2017 iPad (9.7-inch, WiFi + Cellular, 32GB) - Space Gray (Renewed)
  • Network: Wi-Fi + cellular (Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, unlocked)
  • Screen size: 9. 7"
  • Storage: 32GB

2. Before You Buy: What to Look for in a Tablet

Tablets bridge the gap between smartphones and laptops, offering a portable and intuitive experience for a wide array of tasks. People typically seek them out for enhanced media consumption, light productivity, digital art, or simply as a more comfortable browsing device than a phone. The ideal customer for a tablet is someone who values portability and ease of use, needs more screen real estate than a smartphone for reading or viewing, and doesn’t require the full power or complex software of a laptop. Students, frequent travelers, and those who enjoy casual gaming or content streaming often find a tablet indispensable.

However, a tablet isn’t for everyone. If you’re a professional who needs demanding software for video editing, 3D rendering, or heavy-duty programming, a tablet might fall short. Similarly, if your primary need is word processing and spreadsheet management, a laptop with a physical keyboard might be more efficient. For these users, a dedicated workstation or a high-performance ultrabook would be a better investment. Before purchasing any tablet, consider its operating system, screen size, storage capacity (especially important for media or apps), connectivity options (Wi-Fi only vs. Wi-Fi + Cellular), battery life, and crucially, whether a renewed product fits your budget and expectations for condition and warranty.

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3. Unveiling the Device: The Apple 2017 iPad Refurbished Edition

This particular product is the Apple 2017 iPad (9.7-inch, WiFi + Cellular, 32GB) – Space Gray (Renewed). It promises the classic Apple tablet experience with the added benefit of cellular connectivity, all at a more accessible price point due to its renewed status. When you purchase this renewed iPad, it typically comes securely packaged with a charging cable and power adapter (though often not Apple-branded). This model is a 2017 release, meaning it’s a few generations behind the latest iPads but still offers robust performance for everyday tasks. Compared to its newer counterparts, it might lack features like Face ID, ProMotion display, or the raw processing power of an M-series chip, but it significantly undercuts their price while still delivering the hallmark iOS experience.

This specific Apple iPad (Renewed) is perfect for students, casual users, or anyone looking for an affordable entry into the Apple ecosystem. It’s ideal for browsing, streaming, light gaming, and productivity apps. It’s not for power users who demand the absolute latest technology, need to run graphically intensive applications, or require extensive storage beyond 32GB without cloud reliance.

Pros:
* Affordable Entry: Excellent value for an Apple product.
* Reliable Performance: Still capable for most common tasks.
* Retina Display: Sharp and vibrant 9.7-inch screen.
* Cellular Connectivity: Freedom to go online anywhere with a data plan.
* Apple Ecosystem: Access to a vast app library and seamless integration with other Apple devices.

Cons:
* Limited Storage: 32GB can fill up quickly for some users.
* Older Processor: Not as fast as newer models, might show age with very demanding apps.
* Renewed Condition: Potential for minor cosmetic imperfections and non-original accessories.
* Software Updates: Will eventually lose support for the latest iOS versions.
* Battery Degradation: Though often tested, a renewed device’s battery might not perform identically to a brand new one over its lifetime.

4. Deep Dive into Capabilities and Advantages

Having used the 2017 Apple iPad for a considerable period, I can attest to how its various features contribute to a genuinely beneficial user experience, especially considering it’s a renewed model.

The 9.7-inch Retina Display: A Window to Clarity

One of the immediate benefits of this iPad is its 9.7-inch Retina display, boasting a resolution of 2048×1536 pixels. In practical terms, this means everything from text in an e-book to intricate details in a photograph looks incredibly sharp and vibrant. When I first started using it, I was immediately struck by the clarity. This isn’t just a number on a spec sheet; it significantly enhances the user experience. For daily tasks like reading news articles or viewing documents, the text is crisp, reducing eye strain during long sessions. When streaming movies or watching YouTube videos, the colors are rich, and the details are precise, making for an immersive viewing experience. As someone who often uses it for quick graphic design mock-ups or reviewing visual content, the accuracy and brightness of the display have been consistently impressive, allowing me to trust what I see on the screen. It really solves the problem of squinting at a smaller phone screen or dealing with the bulk of a laptop just to enjoy high-quality visuals.

Wi-Fi + Cellular Connectivity: True Portability Unleashed

The inclusion of Wi-Fi + Cellular capabilities (compatible with Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, and unlocked) is a game-changer for on-the-go usage. This feature means I’m not tethered to Wi-Fi hotspots, which has proven invaluable. Whether I’m waiting for an appointment, traveling, or just stepping out for a coffee, I can always access the internet, check emails, stream music, or catch up on social media without worrying about finding a Wi-Fi signal. I simply pop in a SIM card (or activate an eSIM, if supported by the carrier), and I’m connected. This robust connectivity transforms the Apple 2017 iPad from a home-bound tablet into a truly mobile device, crucial for maintaining productivity and entertainment no matter where I am. It effectively eliminates dead zones in my digital life, ensuring I’m always just a tap away from what I need.

32GB Storage Capacity: Manage Your Expectations Wisely

At 32GB, the storage capacity is certainly on the lower end by today’s standards. However, it’s important to approach this with realistic expectations, especially for a renewed device at this price point. For me, 32GB has been sufficient because I primarily use this iPad for streaming services, cloud-based documents, web browsing, and a selection of essential apps. I don’t download many large games or store extensive photo and video libraries directly on the device. For those who rely heavily on cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox), this amount of local storage is manageable. It forces a more disciplined approach to digital hoarding, encouraging regular clean-ups or offloading media to external or cloud solutions. If you plan to download many movies for offline viewing, install graphic-intensive games, or store thousands of high-resolution photos, you will find 32GB restrictive and might need to consider a different model or rely heavily on external storage solutions. It’s a trade-off for the affordability, and for many users, it’s a perfectly acceptable compromise.

Performance with the Apple Processor and iOS 10 (Upgradable)

Powered by an Apple processor clocked at 1.65 GHz and initially running iOS 10, this iPad delivers smooth and responsive performance for its intended use cases. While it’s not the latest A-series chip, it handles everyday tasks—web browsing, email, social media, light gaming, and most productivity apps—with commendable speed. iOS, known for its intuitive interface and robust app ecosystem, runs fluidly. Over the years, I’ve updated the operating system several times, and while it won’t support the absolute latest iOS versions indefinitely, it still runs many current apps without issue. This sustained performance for an older, renewed device speaks volumes about Apple’s optimization. The M9 graphics coprocessor also ensures that graphical tasks, from casual games to photo editing, are rendered smoothly. For someone who doesn’t need to run demanding professional software, the performance of this 2017 iPad remains perfectly adequate and reliable, proving that you don’t always need the newest hardware for a great user experience.

8MP Camera and Multimedia Features: Beyond the Basics

While an iPad’s camera isn’t usually its primary selling point, the 8MP sensor on the back of this 2017 model is surprisingly capable for quick snaps, document scanning, and video calls. It captures decent photos in good lighting conditions and is more than sufficient for FaceTime calls or participating in online meetings. The ability to record video is also a useful addition. Beyond the camera, the iPad includes a built-in microphone and a touch-sensitive screen that works well for navigation and basic drawing. I’ve found the audio quality for video calls to be clear, and the speakers are adequate for casual listening or watching videos. These multimedia features, while not flagship-level, are essential for a complete tablet experience and reliably deliver on their promise, allowing for quick content creation and consumption without needing another device.

Battery Life: A Dependable Companion

Apple states an average battery life of 10 hours, and in my long-term experience, this has held up reasonably well for a renewed device. Of course, heavy usage like continuous video streaming or intensive gaming will drain it faster. However, for a mix of web browsing, email, and occasional video, I can comfortably get through most of a workday or a long travel segment without needing to recharge. When I received my renewed Apple iPad, the battery life was a concern, but it consistently performed as expected. The 29 Watt-Hours Lithium-Ion battery proves robust, demonstrating that renewed devices can still offer excellent longevity. It’s a crucial aspect for any portable device, and this model delivers the dependability needed to stay productive and entertained throughout the day.

5. What Others Are Saying: User Experiences

After scouring the internet, it’s clear that many users share positive sentiments about this renewed iPad. People often highlight the excellent value it offers, remarking on how their devices arrived in near-perfect condition, sometimes even with screen protectors already applied. One user expressed delight, noting their iPad looked “brand new” without a scratch or dent, coming fully charged. Another appreciated getting a great device for specific college tasks like accessing online textbooks and quizzes, mentioning good battery life despite it being an older model. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few users did mention minor issues like the non-Apple charger failing quickly or experiencing occasional glitches and freezing, particularly with Wi-Fi connectivity. Overall, the consensus leans heavily towards a highly satisfactory purchase, especially given the price point.

6. Final Thoughts: Your Gateway to Productivity and Entertainment

In conclusion, if you’re grappling with the dilemma of needing a versatile, portable device that’s more capable than a smartphone but less cumbersome than a laptop, an iPad is the ideal solution. Without one, you might find yourself constantly switching between devices, missing opportunities for quick productivity, or simply not enjoying your media as much. The Apple 2017 iPad (9.7-inch, WiFi + Cellular, 32GB) – Space Gray (Renewed) stands out as a fantastic choice for several reasons. Its clear Retina display makes every visual task a pleasure, its cellular connectivity frees you from Wi-Fi dependency, and its robust performance ensures smooth operation for most daily activities. For anyone seeking a cost-effective entry into the reliable Apple ecosystem, this renewed iPad offers significant value. To discover more about this dependable tablet and see if it’s the right fit for your needs, click here to check it out!

Last update on 2025-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API