Apple iPad Pro 10.5" 2017, A10X, 4GB, 256GB, Cellular, Space Gray

The iPad Pro 10.5" is a 2017 tablet with a killer 120Hz display and 256GB of storage for under $250. Battery life is the biggest gamble on refurb units, and there are no more iOS updates. If you want a cheap Apple tablet for reading, streaming, and light work, this is a solid deal.

The A10X 8-core chip sits at the 64th percentile in our database, which is honestly impressive for a tablet this old. It'll handle web browsing, video streaming, and even some light photo editing without much fuss. The 4GB of RAM is the weak link here at the 31st percentile, so don't expect to keep a million apps open at once. The 120Hz display is the real star, it makes scrolling and Apple Pencil input feel buttery smooth. Battery life is a mixed bag. The 30Wh cell ranks at the 96th percentile for capacity, but real-world reports mention fast drain on some refurb units. Your mileage will vary depending on the specific battery you get.

Against something like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, this iPad gets absolutely destroyed on raw specs, screen size, and software support. But the Tab S8 Ultra costs way more, so it's not really a fair fight. The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a better pick if you need a full Windows machine, but again, you'll pay for it. The Xiaomi Pad 7 and Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus are newer Android options with better specs on paper, but they don't have the Apple ecosystem or the polish of iPadOS. For the price, this refurb iPad Pro is competing with budget Android tablets, and it beats most of them on display quality and build feel.

Prices are all over the place right now, ranging from $180 to $240 across five US listings. That's a $60 spread, so shop around before you pull the trigger. At the low end, this is a fantastic deal for a tablet with a 120Hz display and 256GB of storage. At the high end, you're getting close to newer Android tablets that'll get software updates for years. The refurb quality is generally good, and customer service from the major vendors is solid if you get a dud. Just know that you're buying an old device, and the battery is the biggest gamble.

The iPad Pro 10.5" is a 2017 tablet that still punches above its weight in 2024, mostly because of that 120Hz ProMotion display. You're getting a 256GB model here, which is plenty of room, and the A10X chip still handles everyday tasks without breaking a sweat. It's a refurb, so condition varies, but most buyers report getting units that look basically new.

The catch is that this is an eight year old device at this point. iOS support has ended, the battery is a 30Wh cell that's seen better days, and some units have quality control issues. If you want a cheap Apple tablet for reading, streaming, and light note-taking, this is a solid deal. If you need something future-proof, keep scrolling.

Skip this if you need a tablet that'll get software updates for years to come, because this one is done. Also skip it if battery life is a dealbreaker, since refurb units are a coin flip on battery health. And if you need serious multitasking power, the 4GB of RAM will frustrate you. Power users, gamers, and anyone who wants a future-proof device should look at newer iPads or high-end Android tablets instead.

This is a great buy for someone who wants an Apple tablet on a budget and doesn't care about having the latest software. Students, casual readers, and anyone who wants a big, beautiful screen for streaming will be happy. The 120Hz display alone makes it worth the price of admission. Just go in with realistic expectations about battery life and the fact that this thing is old. If you get a good unit, you'll love it. If you get a bad one, the return process is usually painless.