Apple iPad Pro Apple 10.5in iPad Pro 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray Review

So you're looking at the Apple iPad Pro 10.5-inch, specifically the 256GB Wi-Fi model in Space Gray. This is an older Pro model, but it still pops up on refurbished and resale sites for around $199, which is a pretty interesting price for an iPad Pro. It's got that classic 10.5-inch Retina display, 256GB of storage, and support for the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. If you're searching for a budget-friendly iPad for drawing, note-taking, or just general media consumption, this older Pro is definitely on the radar. It's not the latest and greatest, but for the price, it's worth a closer look to see if it still holds up for what you need.

Performance is where things get a bit more dated. It's powered by the Apple A10X chip, which was great in its day but now lands in the 34th percentile for CPU power compared to modern tablets. In practice, that means it handles basic tasks like web browsing, streaming video, and light apps just fine. But if you're trying to run more intensive creative apps like Procreate with a ton of layers, or do heavy multitasking, you'll start to feel it chug a bit. The GPU is in a similar boat, sitting in the 36th percentile. For casual art, sketching, and everyday productivity, it's perfectly adequate. Just don't expect it to keep up with a new iPad Air or Pro.

At around $199, the value proposition is pretty clear. You're getting the iPad Pro name, a great screen, and Pencil support for a fraction of the cost of a new model. The big trade-off is performance and modern features. For comparison, a new base iPad starts at a higher price but has a much faster chip. So, if your budget is tight and your needs are basic—web, notes, light art, reading—this old Pro can be a smart buy. If you need speed for more demanding apps, you'll want to look at newer options, even if they cost more.

Let's name some names. Compared to a modern base iPad (10th gen), this iPad Pro 10.5 has a better screen and Pencil support, but the newer iPad's A14 chip runs circles around the A10X. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is another competitor in a similar budget ballpark and offers a 120Hz screen and a more recent processor. If you're looking at this iPad Pro for art, the Apple Pencil experience is still top-notch, but the tablet itself won't keep up with complex projects as well as a newer iPad Air with the M1 chip would. For pure productivity, a used Microsoft Surface Go 3 might offer more flexibility with full Windows, though the iPadOS app ecosystem is still a huge draw.

Should you buy this? It depends entirely on your budget and expectations. If you need a capable drawing tablet or a general-use iPad and $199 is your absolute max, this iPad Pro 10.5 is a solid choice. You get a pro-grade screen and stylus support that cheaper tablets can't match. But, if you can stretch your budget a bit, a newer base iPad or a refurbished iPad Air will give you a much faster and more future-proof experience. Think of this as a capable 'budget pro' option that's perfect for students, casual artists, or as a secondary device, but not as a primary machine for heavy work.