Apple iPad Pro 12.9 2017, 64GB, 64GB, Cellular, Space Gray

The 2017 iPad Pro 12.9 is still a great drawing and note-taking tablet thanks to its 120Hz display and Apple Pencil support. The 64GB of RAM is overkill, but the 64GB of storage and mediocre battery life hold it back. At $291 refurbished, it's a solid buy for artists and students who don't need the latest and greatest.

The A10X chip sits at the 90th percentile in our database, which is honestly impressive for a 2017 device. It handles drawing apps, note-taking, and media consumption without breaking a sweat. The 64GB of RAM is overkill for iOS, but it means app switching is instant. The 120Hz ProMotion display makes everything feel snappy, even if the underlying hardware is aging. The weak spots are the 32nd percentile battery life and 30th percentile storage. You'll be charging this thing more often than you'd like, and 64GB fills up fast if you're into Procreate or downloading movies for flights.

Against the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11, the iPad Pro wins on display quality and stylus experience, but loses on battery life and modern connectivity. The Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus has a better battery and newer internals, but the iPad's screen is still the one to beat for artists. The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a full laptop replacement, which the iPad isn't, but it costs way more. The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro is the budget alternative with newer specs, but the iPad's refurbished price undercuts it. Honestly, the iPad Pro 12.9 from 2017 is the best value here if you prioritize the display and pencil over everything else.

At $291 USD, this is a solid deal if you want a big-screen iPad for drawing or note-taking without paying current iPad Pro prices. The 50th percentile affordability score confirms it's middle of the pack on price, but the value proposition is strong because you're getting a flagship-tier display and stylus support for less than a mid-range Android tablet. Just know that you're buying into an aging ecosystem. iOS 10 is ancient, and app support will eventually dry up. For the money, though, it's hard to beat if your needs are specific.

The 2017 iPad Pro 12.9 is a weird one in our database. It's got 64GB of RAM, which puts it at the absolute top of the charts, but only 64GB of storage, which lands it near the bottom. That mismatch tells you a lot about this tablet. It's a refurbished unit from Amazon Renewed, so you're getting a 2017 flagship at a fraction of its original price. The big draw here is that 12.9-inch 120Hz display and Apple Pencil support. For students and artists, it's still a compelling package.

But it's not all sunshine. The battery life is mediocre by modern standards, and the storage situation is rough if you plan to load it up with apps and media. The A10X chip still holds its own for most tasks, but this is a seven-year-old tablet at this point. You're buying it for the screen and the pencil, not for longevity.

Skip this if you need a tablet that lasts all day on a charge or if you're a heavy media consumer who wants to store lots of movies and apps locally. The 64GB storage cap and aging battery will frustrate you. Also skip it if you need the latest iPadOS features or plan to use it as a laptop replacement. This is a drawing and note-taking machine, not a productivity powerhouse.

Buy this if you're a student or artist who wants a big, beautiful canvas for notes and drawing without spending $1,000+. The 120Hz display and Apple Pencil support are the reasons to buy. Skip it if you need all-day battery life, lots of storage, or a device that will get software updates for years to come. This is a specialized tool, not a daily driver for everyone.