Apple iPad Pro (32GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray) 12.9in Tablet (Renewed) Review: A Long-Term User’s Perspective

For years, I found myself in a constant juggle between my smartphone and a cumbersome laptop, often wishing for a middle ground – a device that offered portability without sacrificing screen real estate or processing power. My old tablet was barely more than a glorified e-reader, and trying to handle productivity tasks or engage with creative apps on it was an exercise in frustration. This gap in my digital arsenal wasn’t just inconvenient; it was genuinely stifling my workflow and making it difficult to pursue digital hobbies effectively. I knew I needed a powerful, versatile solution, and eventually, the idea of an Apple iPad Pro started to sound like the perfect fit.

Apple iPad Pro (32GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray) 12.9in Tablet (Renewed)
  • 12.9in Retina Display, 2732 x 2048 Resolution
  • 8 MP iSight Camera, Four-Speaker Audio
  • 32GB Capacity, Wi-Fi (802.11a, b, g, n, ac) + Bluetooth 4.2

Considering Your Options Before Investing in a Tablet

Before diving into any tablet purchase, it’s crucial to take a moment and reflect on what you truly need from such a device. Tablets excel at bridging the gap between smartphones and laptops, offering a fantastic blend of portability, touch-screen interaction, and sufficient power for a wide range of tasks. They’re perfect for those who want to consume media, browse the web, handle emails, take notes, or even engage in creative pursuits like drawing or light video editing on the go.

The ideal customer for a tablet like the Apple iPad Pro often includes students who need a versatile note-taking and research tool, artists seeking a digital canvas, professionals who desire a portable workstation for presentations or content creation, and anyone who enjoys an immersive entertainment experience. If you find yourself constantly wishing for a larger screen than your phone provides, but a laptop feels too clunky for casual use, a tablet is likely for you.

However, a tablet might not be the best choice for everyone. If your primary need is heavy-duty video editing, complex software development, or extensive graphic design that requires full desktop applications, you’ll still be better served by a traditional laptop or desktop computer. Similarly, if your budget is extremely limited, there are more affordable Android tablets available, though they may not offer the same level of performance, ecosystem, or longevity. When contemplating a tablet, key factors to consider include the screen size (for your intended use), storage capacity (how many apps, photos, and files you’ll keep), connectivity options (Wi-Fi only or cellular), the operating system (iOS/iPadOS, Android, Windows), and whether you’ll need accessories like a stylus or keyboard. For those looking at renewed products, factoring in the potential for minor cosmetic imperfections and the warranty period is also important.

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A Closer Look at the Renewed Apple iPad Pro

When I first encountered the Apple iPad Pro (32GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray) 12.9in Tablet (Renewed), its promise was clear: to deliver a premium tablet experience, renowned for its large display and powerful performance, but at a more accessible price point thanks to its renewed status. This device, a first-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro from 2015, aimed to redefine what a tablet could be, positioning itself as a legitimate laptop alternative for many. Typically, when purchased renewed, you receive the tablet itself and a compatible charger, often a generic one, along with a 90-day limited warranty, providing some peace of mind.

Compared to its contemporary market leaders, which would have been other high-end tablets of its time, this iPad Pro immediately stood out for its sheer size and the quality of its display. While newer iPad Pro models boast features like Face ID, USB-C, and even more powerful chips, this renewed version offers an excellent entry point into the Pro line, especially for those who prioritize screen real estate and the Apple ecosystem without needing the absolute latest technology. It’s particularly well-suited for budget-conscious creatives, students, and media enthusiasts who will benefit from the large screen and capable processing, but perhaps less so for users who demand extensive storage for professional media libraries or who require the raw power of the latest M-series chips for highly demanding tasks.

Here’s a quick rundown of its primary strengths and weaknesses:

Pros:
* Expansive 12.9-inch Retina Display: Stunning visuals and ample workspace.
* Capable A9X Chip: Still handles most tasks, including creative apps, surprisingly well.
* Immersive Four-Speaker Audio: Delivers rich, clear sound for entertainment.
* Robust iOS/iPadOS Ecosystem: Access to a vast library of high-quality apps and secure environment.
* Excellent Value as a Renewed Product: Premium hardware at a fraction of the original cost.

Cons:
* Limited 32GB Storage: Can quickly fill up, especially for power users or those with large media libraries.
* Potential Cosmetic Imperfections: As a renewed product, minor dents or scratches are possible.
* Battery Life Variability: Some users report less than optimal battery performance.
* Older Generation Hardware: Lacks features like Face ID, USB-C, and the absolute latest processing power of newer models.
* Initial OS (iOS 9): Requires updating to a newer iPadOS for modern features and app compatibility.

Deep Dive into Features and Their Benefits

Having spent a considerable amount of time with my renewed iPad Pro, I can confidently say that its core features continue to deliver a compelling user experience, even years after its initial release. Let’s break down what truly makes this tablet shine and where it shows its age.

The Expansive 12.9-inch Retina Display

One of the most immediate and impactful features of this iPad Pro is its magnificent 12.9-inch Retina Display. With a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, every image, every line of text, and every video is rendered with incredible crispness and vibrant colors. From the moment I started using it, the sheer size of the screen felt transformative. It’s like having a portable canvas or a small TV screen right in your hands.

For my work, which often involves reviewing documents side-by-side or sketching ideas, this expansive display has been invaluable. Multitasking with Split View genuinely feels useful here, as each app window gets enough room to be fully functional. When consuming media, whether it’s watching a movie or browsing high-resolution photos, the immersive quality is simply unmatched by smaller tablets. This feature is important because it directly enhances productivity, making tasks that would feel cramped on a smaller screen much more comfortable and efficient. For digital artists, it provides a significantly larger workspace, minimizing the need to zoom in and out constantly, which greatly benefits the creative flow. The clarity and color accuracy also make it excellent for light photo and video editing, allowing for a more detailed preview of your work.

Power Under the Hood: The A9X Chip

At its heart, the 1st Generation iPad Pro is powered by Apple’s dual-core A9X chip with quad-core graphics. While not the latest silicon from Apple, this chip was a powerhouse in its day, and it still holds up remarkably well for most common tasks. I’ve found it to be surprisingly snappy when launching apps, navigating the interface, and even running more demanding applications like graphic design software or light video editors. There’s a minimal amount of lag, and for everyday browsing, email, and social media, it’s indistinguishable from much newer devices.

The significance of the A9X chip lies in its ability to maintain a high level of performance and responsiveness over time. This means that even as a renewed product, the tablet doesn’t feel sluggish or obsolete. It allows for smooth multitasking, enabling me to switch between applications seamlessly without frustrating delays. For anyone looking for a device that can handle both entertainment and a decent amount of creative or professional work without a hefty price tag, the A9X chip provides a solid foundation, ensuring that the device remains a capable tool for years to come.

Immersive Audio: Four-Speaker System

Another feature that consistently impresses me is the Apple iPad Pro’s four-speaker audio system. Unlike many tablets that rely on tiny, tinny speakers, this iPad delivers surprisingly rich, clear, and powerful sound. The system intelligently adjusts the sound based on how you hold the tablet, ensuring that the high frequencies always come from the top speakers.

This superior audio quality significantly enhances the entertainment experience. Watching movies, TV shows, or even listening to music on this device is genuinely enjoyable without necessarily needing headphones or external speakers. For video calls or online conferences, the clarity of voices makes communication much more effective. This feature might seem minor, but it greatly contributes to the overall premium feel of the tablet, transforming it into a self-contained entertainment hub that’s perfect for casual use around the house or on the go.

Camera Capabilities: 8 MP iSight Camera

The Apple iPad Pro comes equipped with an 8 MP iSight Camera on the rear and a FaceTime HD camera on the front. While you wouldn’t typically reach for a 12.9-inch tablet to take professional-grade photos, these cameras are more than adequate for their intended purpose. The rear camera captures decent photos in good lighting conditions, making it suitable for quick snaps, scanning documents, or even some basic augmented reality (AR) applications, although the older hardware might limit the most advanced AR experiences.

The front-facing camera is perfect for video calls, which has become an essential part of modern life. Whether it’s connecting with family and friends or participating in remote meetings, the camera delivers clear video, making you look your best. The benefit here is convenience and utility; it means you always have a capable camera on hand for those moments when your phone isn’t readily available or when you need the larger screen for framing or interacting during a call.

Connectivity and Storage: Wi-Fi and 32GB Capacity

Connectivity-wise, this iPad Pro supports Wi-Fi (802.11a, b, g, n, ac) and Bluetooth 4.2. The Wi-Fi performance has always been reliable and fast, ensuring quick downloads and smooth streaming. Bluetooth connectivity is solid for pairing accessories like wireless headphones, keyboards, or the Apple Pencil (1st Gen).

However, the 32GB storage capacity is where this specific model shows its primary limitation for many modern users. For light users who primarily stream content, browse the web, and use a handful of apps, 32GB might suffice. But for anyone who downloads a lot of games, stores high-resolution photos or videos, or works with large project files, this space can fill up surprisingly quickly. This limitation means you’ll need to be diligent about managing your files and leveraging cloud storage. It’s an important consideration because it directly impacts how much content and how many applications you can comfortably keep on the device at any given time, potentially leading to compromises if you’re not careful. For heavy users, it’s a definite disadvantage that requires workarounds.

The iOS 9 Experience (and Beyond)

This iPad Pro originally shipped with iOS 9, which at the time was revolutionary for tablets, introducing features like Split View multitasking. What’s fantastic is that Apple has provided excellent long-term software support, allowing this 1st generation iPad Pro to be updated all the way to iPadOS 16. This means it benefits from a more modern, tablet-optimized operating system that brings significant improvements in multitasking, widgets, and overall user experience compared to its initial release.

The benefit of running a recent version of iPadOS is immense. It provides access to the vast and continuously updated App Store, ensuring compatibility with the latest applications and security features. The intuitive interface and seamless integration with other Apple devices make it a joy to use. The ability to run up-to-date software fundamentally extends the useful life of this renewed tablet, making it a much more viable option than many other older devices that cease to receive major OS updates.

The “Renewed” Factor and Longevity

Opting for a “renewed” product like this iPad Pro is a strategic choice, primarily driven by value. While the performance has been largely excellent, the nature of a renewed device means there are some trade-offs. As some user reviews indicate, there’s a possibility of minor cosmetic blemishes, like small dents or screen discoloration. My experience has been mostly positive, but it’s a gamble that pays off with significant cost savings.

The key benefit here is gaining access to premium Apple hardware and the iPadOS ecosystem at a fraction of the price of a brand-new model. The 90-day warranty provides a safety net against immediate issues. While some renewed units might have slight imperfections or slightly degraded battery health (which can sometimes be a concern, as noted by some users experiencing shorter battery life), the core functionality and user experience typically remain strong. It’s an excellent way to get a powerful, large-screen tablet without stretching your budget too thin, provided you manage expectations regarding its pre-owned status.

What Users Are Saying

I’ve scoured the internet to see what other long-term users think about this particular renewed iPad Pro, and the feedback largely mirrors my own experience. Many users express immense satisfaction with the tablet’s overall quality and the ideal screen size for tasks like sketching, watching movies, or general productivity. They often highlight the great value it offers for its price, praising its speed, software performance, and responsive touch screen. Some were delighted to find their renewed unit looking practically brand new, without any visible damage, making it a perfect fit for their needs in terms of size and storage. However, a common point of contention revolves around battery life, with some finding it struggles to last beyond 5 hours off the charger. There are also mentions of occasional screen glitches and, for some, the “renewed” label didn’t prevent the device from arriving with noticeable dents or screen discoloration, which was a slight disappointment regarding aesthetics. Despite these minor drawbacks, the consensus points to a highly functional and enjoyable tablet, especially given the cost savings.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the need for a versatile, portable device that offers a substantial screen without the bulk or price tag of a high-end laptop is a common challenge for many. Without such a solution, you risk stifled productivity, limited creative outlets, and a less immersive entertainment experience, constantly swapping between smaller screens or lugging around heavier equipment.

The Apple iPad Pro (32GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray) 12.9in Tablet (Renewed) is a superb fit to solve this problem for several compelling reasons. First, its expansive, high-resolution 12.9-inch Retina Display provides an unparalleled visual experience for both work and play, making multitasking a breeze and media consumption a joy. Second, powered by the robust A9X chip, this renewed tablet still offers more than enough performance for most daily tasks and creative applications, delivering remarkable value for its price point. Finally, gaining access to the mature and powerful iPadOS ecosystem, with its vast array of apps and intuitive interface, allows you to enjoy premium Apple functionality without the premium cost of a brand-new device. If you’re ready to elevate your digital experience, don’t hesitate. Click here to explore the Apple iPad Pro (Renewed) and see what it can do for you!

Last update on 2025-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API