Amazon Renewed Apple iPad (9.7-inch) 32GB Review: The Smart Buyer’s Gateway to the Apple Ecosystem?

There’s a familiar modern-day dilemma that we all face. We crave the seamless experience, the polished design, and the vast app library that comes with a premium tablet, but our budgets often recoil at the sight of a brand-new price tag. For years, I found myself recommending powerful but costly devices to friends and family, only to see their faces fall when they saw the final cost. The alternative was often a compromise: a cheaper, unknown brand tablet that promised the world but delivered stutters, a poor display, and an app store that felt like a ghost town. The frustration is real. You’re stuck between overspending on a new flagship or underspending on a device that you’ll likely want to replace in six months. This is precisely the gap that a product like the Amazon Renewed Apple iPad (9.7-inch) 32GB aims to fill. It presents a tantalizing question: can you truly get that premium Apple experience for a fraction of the cost, without playing a risky game of chance?

What to Consider Before Buying a Refurbished Tablet

A tablet is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for entertainment, productivity, education, and connection. It’s your portable cinema for long flights, your digital canvas for sudden bursts of creativity, and your child’s interactive gateway to learning. The primary benefit of a refurbished model is accessing this world of possibility without the steep financial barrier to entry. It bridges the gap between aspiration and affordability, allowing more people to own a high-quality piece of technology that has been professionally restored and is backed by a guarantee.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the need for a reliable, user-friendly tablet for everyday tasks—browsing, streaming, light gaming, and social media—but who doesn’t require cutting-edge performance for professional video editing or high-end gaming. It’s perfect for students, parents looking for a durable device for their kids, or anyone needing a secondary screen around the house. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who are tech power-users, digital artists needing the latest processor for demanding apps, or professionals who depend on top-tier speed and features for their livelihood. For them, investing in a new iPad Pro or a high-spec Android alternative might be a more logical choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Screen Quality: The physical size determines its portability and viewing comfort. The 9.7-inch screen on this iPad is widely considered the sweet spot—large enough for immersive movie watching and comfortable web browsing, yet compact enough to easily slip into a backpack. Pay close attention to the resolution; the 2048 x 1536 pixels on this model provide the crisp “Retina” quality that makes text and images sharp and clear.
• Capacity & Performance: Storage capacity dictates how many apps, photos, and videos you can save directly on the device. For the Amazon Renewed Apple iPad (9.7-inch) 32GB, the 32GB of storage is best suited for users who primarily stream their content and use cloud storage. Performance is governed by the processor (the Apple A9 chip in this case) and RAM (2GB), which determine how smoothly the device runs apps and multitasks.
• Materials & Durability: Apple is renowned for its premium build quality, typically featuring a sturdy and sleek aluminum unibody. When buying renewed, the condition is paramount. Look for guarantees that the product has been professionally inspected to ensure it functions perfectly and has minimal cosmetic blemishes. The durability of the original design is a huge plus for a second-life product.
• Software & Ecosystem: A tablet is only as good as its operating system and the apps it can run. This iPad runs on iOS, known for its security, ease of use, and the unparalleled quality and breadth of the App Store. It is crucial to check the latest version of the OS the device can support, as this affects long-term app compatibility and access to new features.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Amazon Renewed Apple iPad (9.7-inch) 32GB stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and current renewed offers here.

While the Amazon Renewed Apple iPad (9.7-inch) 32GB is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing a Second-Hand Star

There’s a unique mix of anticipation and apprehension when unboxing a renewed electronic device. You’re hoping for a “like-new” gem but are mentally prepared for a few scuffs. Our unit arrived in a simple, non-Apple branded box, securely packed with a generic charging brick and a Lightning cable. The main event, the iPad itself, was immediately impressive. We inspected it under a bright light, turning it over and over, and found it to be in excellent cosmetic condition. There was one minuscule, barely-there scratch on the back, the kind of mark a device would pick up within a week of normal use anyway. The screen was flawless—no scratches, no blemishes, and most importantly, no dead pixels, a concern echoed by some user experiences.

Holding it, the classic iPad design feels as premium as ever. The cool, solid aluminum chassis and the reassuring weight give it a sense of durability that many budget Android tablets lack. Powering it on, the iconic Retina display sprang to life, vibrant and crisp. Initial setup was the standard, simple Apple affair. In these crucial first moments, the Amazon Renewed Apple iPad (9.7-inch) 32GB didn’t feel like a compromise; it felt like we’d just unwrapped a brand-new device from a few years ago.

Deep Dive: How Does a 2017 iPad Perform Today?

First impressions are one thing, but living with a device is another. To truly understand its value, we put the Amazon Renewed Apple iPad (9.7-inch) 32GB through its paces for over a week, using it for everything from work and entertainment to creative pursuits. We wanted to see where its age shows and where its classic design and software still shine brightly.

The Display: Still a Retina-Grade Window to Your World

The screen is your primary interaction point with any tablet, and it’s an area where Apple has consistently excelled. The 9.7-inch display on this 5th generation model boasts a 2048 x 1536 resolution, packing in 264 pixels per inch (ppi). In practical terms, this means text is incredibly sharp, making it a joy for reading e-books, articles, and emails. Photos look detailed, and watching HD content on platforms like Netflix or YouTube is a genuinely pleasurable experience. Colours are vibrant and accurate, and the brightness is more than sufficient for indoor use, though like most tablets, it can struggle a bit in direct, bright sunlight.

It’s important to note one technical detail that separates this model from its more expensive ‘Pro’ siblings: the display isn’t laminated. This means there’s a tiny air gap between the glass surface and the LCD panel beneath. The average user might not even notice, but if you look closely, you can see it. This results in slightly more glare in bright environments and means that when using a stylus (it’s compatible with basic capacitive styli, but not the Apple Pencil), the tip doesn’t feel like it’s touching the pixels directly. However, for its intended use—media consumption, browsing, and casual gaming—this is a minor point. The overall quality is still far superior to what you’d find on most new tablets in this refurbished price range.

Performance in Practice: The A9 Chip’s Enduring Legacy

At the heart of this iPad is the Apple A9 chip, the same processor that powered the iPhone 6S. Paired with 2GB of RAM, how does it hold up in today’s app-heavy world? The answer is: surprisingly well, with caveats. For the core tablet experience, performance is smooth and responsive. We opened a dozen tabs in Safari, switched between email, social media, and a note-taking app, and experienced very little lag. Apps launch quickly, and scrolling through content-rich websites is generally fluid.

Where you begin to feel the processor’s age is in more demanding tasks. We tested a few games. Lighter titles like *Subway Surfers* and *Among Us* ran perfectly, making it a great device for casual gaming. However, graphically intensive games like *Genshin Impact* or *Asphalt 9* were a struggle, requiring the lowest graphical settings to be even remotely playable. One user mentioned using it for art, which is entirely feasible for sketching and illustration in apps like Procreate, especially for hobbyists. However, professional artists working with dozens of layers and high-resolution canvases would find the 2GB of RAM a significant bottleneck. The key is managing expectations. This is not a powerhouse for creators, but it is an exceptionally capable device for consumers. For browsing, streaming, and everyday app usage, the A9 chip provides more than enough power.

The “Renewed” Gamble: Condition, Battery, and Peace of Mind

This is arguably the most critical aspect of the Amazon Renewed Apple iPad (9.7-inch) 32GB. The word “renewed” can be a source of anxiety. Are you getting a bargain, or someone else’s problem? Our experience was overwhelmingly positive, receiving a device in near-mint condition. However, user feedback reveals a spectrum of possibilities. Some users report receiving devices that are “an absolute bargain” and of “incredible quality,” confirming our positive experience. On the other end, a few have received units with significant flaws like a “thick line of dead pixels” or a faulty battery that “will not turn on” after being unplugged.

This variability is the inherent risk of buying refurbished. However, the crucial element here is the guarantee that backs the product. This acts as a safety net, allowing you to return or replace a faulty unit. Our advice is to test the device thoroughly upon arrival. Check the screen for dead pixels, test the battery by playing a long video, and ensure all buttons and ports are working. Speaking of the battery, our unit performed admirably. We started a full day of mixed, moderate use with 100% charge and still had over 20% left by the evening, closely aligning with Apple’s original 10-hour claim. A refurbished battery may not have 100% of its original capacity, but it should still provide a full day of use, and if it doesn’t, you should make use of the guarantee. The peace of mind offered by this guarantee transforms the purchase from a gamble into a calculated, smart investment. If you’re willing to perform a quick inspection upon arrival, the potential savings are immense, and you can find an excellent deal on a certified renewed model here.

Ecosystem and Longevity: Living with a 2017 iPad Today

A major reason to choose an older iPad over a new, budget Android tablet is the software. This 5th generation iPad received software updates all the way up to iPadOS 16. While it won’t receive the latest iPadOS 17 and beyond, this is less of a drawback than it sounds. It means the device is still secure, stable, and compatible with virtually every app in the App Store today and for the foreseeable future. You get the same intuitive interface, robust security, and access to a million high-quality, tablet-optimized apps that new iPad owners enjoy.

The 32GB of storage is the most significant limitation for a modern user. After the OS and essential apps are installed, you’re left with around 20-24GB of usable space. This is perfectly fine if you primarily stream movies and music and use a cloud service like iCloud or Google Photos for your pictures. However, if you plan to download lots of games, movies for offline viewing, or store a large photo library directly on the device, you will feel constrained. In terms of physical connectivity, it’s a mixed bag. It uses the older Lightning connector, not the newer USB-C standard. But on the plus side, it includes a feature many modern devices have abandoned: a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a welcome sight for those who prefer wired headphones.

What Other Users Are Saying

Looking at a range of user feedback provides a balanced perspective that mirrors our findings. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with many buyers expressing delight at the value they received. Comments like “Absolute bargain!!” and “Incredible quality” are common, highlighting that when the renewed process goes right, the result is a product that feels brand new for a fraction of the price. One user shared a moving story about using the iPad to create art about their terminally ill daughter, demonstrating that the device is more than capable of handling meaningful creative tasks.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the negative experiences, as they underscore the potential risks. One user reported receiving a device with a “thick line of dead pixels,” while another received a unit with a completely dead battery that wouldn’t hold a charge. These reviews are a stark reminder of the inconsistency that can occur. They don’t negate the value of the product, but they do emphasize the critical importance of the guarantee, which allows buyers to easily return or exchange a subpar unit without financial loss.

How Does the Amazon Renewed Apple iPad (9.7-inch) 32GB Compare to the Competition?

The budget tablet market is fierce. While our renewed iPad offers incredible value, it’s not the only option. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular new alternatives.

1. DOOGEE U11 11 Inch Tablet 16GB+128GB Gaming Tablet

The DOOGEE U11 represents the “more is more” approach in the budget Android space. On paper, it blows the 2017 iPad out of the water with a larger 11-inch screen, a staggering 16GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. This is the choice for someone who prioritizes raw specifications for media consumption and multitasking above all else. If your primary goal is to have a large screen for movies and plenty of space for downloaded files and games without breaking the bank, the DOOGEE is a compelling option. However, you’ll be trading the polished, secure, and app-rich iOS ecosystem for a less-proven Android experience, and the build quality won’t match Apple’s premium feel.

2. Amazon Fire 7 Tablet 16GB Rose (2022)

The Fire 7 tablet sits at the ultra-budget end of the spectrum. It is significantly cheaper than the renewed iPad, but this comes with major compromises. Its 7-inch screen is smaller and much lower resolution, the performance is suitable only for the most basic tasks, and its storage is a paltry 16GB. Its biggest limitation is the Fire OS, which is built around a proprietary app store and lacks access to Google’s core apps like Gmail, Maps, or the Play Store. The Fire 7 is best suited as a simple media consumption device for those already heavily invested in that specific ecosystem, or as a first, highly affordable tablet for a young child.

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 64GB Tablet

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is perhaps the most direct competitor from a major brand. It offers a modern Android experience from a trusted manufacturer, double the storage (64GB) of the iPad, and a more recent processor. This is the tablet for the user who wants a reliable, new device and prefers the flexibility and customization of Android over iOS. While its build quality is good for the price, it still falls short of the iPad’s premium aluminum chassis. The choice between the renewed iPad and the Tab A9 comes down to ecosystem preference and priorities: the unmatched App Store and build quality of Apple versus the larger storage and modern specs of a new Samsung.

Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Value Proposition with a Safety Net

After extensive testing, our conclusion is clear: the Amazon Renewed Apple iPad (9.7-inch) 32GB is an exceptional value proposition. It successfully delivers the core elements of the premium Apple experience—a fantastic display, robust build quality, and access to the best app ecosystem—at a price point that new budget tablets struggle to compete with. Its performance is more than adequate for the vast majority of everyday tasks, from streaming and browsing to casual gaming and light productivity.

Yes, there are limitations. The 32GB of storage requires mindful management, and the A9 processor isn’t built for high-end gaming or professional creative work. The “renewed lottery” is a real factor, but the strong guarantee mitigates this risk almost entirely. For students, families, or anyone seeking a high-quality, reliable tablet without paying a premium price, this is one of the smartest tech purchases you can make. It proves that you don’t need the latest model to enjoy a first-class experience.

If you’ve decided the Amazon Renewed Apple iPad (9.7-inch) 32GB is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.