Apple iPad Pro Apple iPad Pro (32GB, Wi-Fi, Gold) 12.9in Tablet Review

The renewed 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro offers a best-in-class large screen and massive 32GB RAM at a budget price under $250, but it's hampered by very low 32GB storage and the outdated iPadOS 9. It's a fantastic value for artists or media watchers who need the canvas, but a poor choice for anyone needing a modern, general-purpose tablet.

If you're looking for a massive, premium tablet screen for under $250, this renewed 12.9-inch iPad Pro is a tempting deal. It's an older model, running iPadOS 9, but that huge, high-resolution Retina display is still a standout. With 32GB of RAM, it's got more memory than most tablets on the market, which helps keep things smooth. The catch? That 32GB of storage is seriously cramped. This is a classic case of a renewed product: you get flagship-tier hardware from a few generations back at a fraction of the cost, but you have to compromise on some modern features and specs.

The performance here is a mixed bag, which is typical for older, renewed tech. The 32GB of RAM is a beast, ranking in the top 3% of all tablets we've tested. That means multitasking and switching between apps feels fluid, even on older software. The CPU and GPU scores, however, are middle of the pack. You won't be pushing the latest graphics-intensive apps or games, but for everyday browsing, video streaming, and basic productivity, it's solid. The battery life is about average, coming in around the 50th percentile, which matches the 'over 80% of original capacity' guarantee.

At $239, the value proposition is clear: you're paying for the screen and the premium Apple build, not for cutting-edge specs. For someone who just wants a big, beautiful canvas for drawing, reading, or watching movies, it's a steal. But if you need storage for apps and files, or want to run the latest software, you'll feel the pinch. Alternatives like the newer Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 offer more modern performance and storage at similar prices, but they don't have this level of display or accessory ecosystem.

Compared directly to other large tablets, the trade-offs are obvious. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ has a newer, faster chip, much more storage, and a modern OS, but it costs several times more. The Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus is a more direct budget competitor with a great 12.7-inch screen and 16GB of RAM, but its build quality isn't Apple-level. The Microsoft Surface Pro is a full Windows laptop replacement, which this iPad Pro can't match. For the price, this renewed iPad Pro's main advantage is its unmatched screen quality in the budget segment, but you're buying into a platform that's several years behind.

Skip this if you need a tablet for general productivity or business use. The low storage and outdated OS make file management and using modern work apps a hassle. Also skip if you want a tablet for gaming or cutting-edge creative apps, as the GPU is average and the OS is old. Instead, look at a modern Android tablet like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE or a base model new iPad for those needs.

Should you buy this? If your needs are specific and you understand the limitations, yes. This is perfect for an artist or student who wants a giant, accurate screen for Procreate or note-taking with an Apple Pencil, and who doesn't mind managing a tiny storage drive or using older apps. It's also great as a dedicated media consumption device for the living room. But if you need a general-purpose, modern tablet for work, gaming, or storing lots of photos, you should skip it. The storage and outdated OS will become frustrating quickly.