Apple iPad Pro 10.5 2017, A10X Fusion, 4GB, 64GB, Space Gray

The iPad Pro 10.5 is a 2017 Apple tablet that still delivers a smooth 120Hz display and solid Apple Pencil support for around $166-$180 refurbished. It's great for drawing, reading, and light browsing, but the 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage hold it back for anything more demanding. If you want a budget creative tablet, this is a steal. If you need a work machine, skip it.

The A10X Fusion chip was a monster when it launched, and it still handles everyday tasks without much drama. In our database, the CPU lands around the 55th percentile compared to all tablets, which sounds mediocre until you remember this is an eight-year-old device competing against much newer hardware. Web browsing, streaming, and drawing apps all run smoothly. The 4GB of RAM is the real constraint here, sitting at the 31st percentile. You'll notice apps reloading more often than on newer iPads, especially if you're jumping between Procreate, Safari, and a few other things.

The 120Hz display is the star of the show. It's in the 85th percentile for screens, and that high refresh rate makes scrolling and Apple Pencil input feel responsive in a way most budget tablets can't match. The 600 nits of brightness is solid for indoor use, though direct sunlight will still wash it out. GPU performance is middle of the pack at the 56th percentile, so light gaming is fine, but don't expect this to crush modern 3D titles.

Stacked against the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, the iPad Pro 10.5 looks tiny and underpowered. The S8 Ultra has a massive 14.6-inch AMOLED display, way more RAM, and modern connectivity. But it also costs several times more. The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 runs full Windows, which makes it a better laptop replacement, but it's heavier and pricier. The Xiaomi Pad 7 and Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus are newer Android options with better specs on paper, but neither has the Apple Pencil ecosystem or the sheer longevity of iPadOS app support.

For pure drawing and note-taking on a budget, the iPad Pro 10.5 still holds its own against these newer competitors. The 120Hz display and Pencil latency are genuinely good. But if you need a tablet that can double as a work machine, the Surface Pro 7 or a newer iPad Air will serve you better.

At $166 to $180 for a refurbished unit, the iPad Pro 10.5 is one of the cheapest ways to get a 120Hz tablet with Apple Pencil support. Newer budget Android tablets like the Xiaomi Pad 7 or Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus cost significantly more and don't always match the display quality. But you're also buying into an aging ecosystem. The 64GB storage is tight, and iOS updates stopped a while back, which means some newer apps won't run. If you just want a tablet for reading, drawing, and light browsing, this is a steal. If you need something for work or long-term app support, you'll outgrow it fast.

The iPad Pro 10.5 is Apple's 2017 flagship tablet, and it still shows up in refurbished listings for around $166 to $180 these days. That's a pretty wild price for a tablet with a 120Hz display, Apple Pencil support, and an A10X Fusion chip. People searching for a cheap iPad for drawing or note-taking will keep running into this model, and honestly, there's a reason it refuses to die.

At 454 grams with a 10.5-inch 2224x1668 IPS panel, this thing sits in a sweet spot between the smaller standard iPads and the bigger 12.9-inch Pro. The screen hits 600 nits and runs at 120Hz, which was a big deal in 2017 and still feels smooth today. You get 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage in this configuration, plus a 12MP rear camera and a keyboard connector for the Smart Keyboard.

Is the iPad Pro 10.5 still good in 2025? For reading, drawing, and light productivity, mostly yes. For heavy multitasking or anything that needs modern connectivity, it's starting to show its age. We'll break down exactly where it shines and where it stumbles.

Skip the iPad Pro 10.5 if you need a tablet for business or productivity. The 47.5 out of 100 business score in our database reflects the aging hardware, limited multitasking, and lack of modern connectivity. If you're a student who needs to run multiple apps side by side or a professional who wants a laptop replacement, look at the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 or a newer iPad Air instead. Also skip it if you need lots of storage, 64GB fills up fast with apps, photos, and downloaded media, and there's no expandable storage option.

Should you buy the iPad Pro 10.5 in 2025? If you're an artist or student looking for a cheap drawing tablet with a great screen and Apple Pencil support, yes. The 120Hz display alone makes it worth the $166-$180 asking price. It's also a solid choice for reading, streaming, and casual browsing.

But if you need a tablet for work, heavy multitasking, or anything that requires modern connectivity, look elsewhere. The 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage will frustrate you, and the business score of 47.5 out of 100 in our database tells the story. This is a specialized tool for creative and casual use, not a productivity workhorse.