Apple iPad 9.7" 5th Generation 2017, A9, 2GB, 32GB, Space Gray
The 9.7-inch Retina display and iOS ecosystem provide a polished, familiar experience for basic tasks, though the 32GB storage is limiting. Its refurbished availability makes it an extremely low-cost entry point into the Apple tablet ecosystem. This device is best for casual readers and those wanting a simple media consumption screen for streaming video.
No current retailer price
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong affordability (86th percentile) 86th
- Strong social proof (81st percentile) 81st
- Strong portability (71st percentile) 71st
- Strong screen (68th percentile) 68th
Cons
- Below average ram (5th percentile)
- Below average gpu (7th percentile)
- Below average cpu (7th percentile)
- Below average storage (9th percentile)
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q2 202672/100
Buyers are generally satisfied with the refurbished iPad's performance and condition, but note slow charging, minor scratches, and poor packaging.
- Product works well and looks good, even refurbished.
- Packaging is flimsy and insufficient for protection.
- Slow charging noted, but device functions fine overall.
- One unit had screen issues and unexpected shutdowns.
- Q4 202580/100
Buyers praised the refurbished quality and low prices, though one noted performance issues for kids.
- Refurbished items look and work like new.
- Prices are lower than other stores.
- One buyer found performance lacking for intended use.
- Overall satisfaction with purchase experience.
- Q2 202567/100
Buyers praised it as a great gift for kids, but one reported missing accessories like a charging cord and manual.
- Great as a first tablet for children, loved by recipients.
- Missing charging cord, manual, and other accessories.
- Lightweight, smart look, and good value for the price.
- Overall okay but incomplete packaging disappointed some buyers.
- Q1 202590/100
Buyers praised the iPad as a great device for kids and college, noting good condition and performance, though one mentioned battery drains quickly.
- Great value and performance for students and children.
- Device works flawlessly with no problems reported.
- Refurbished units are an excellent purchase option.
- Battery life drains somewhat fast.
- Q4 202457/100
Mixed reviews: some praise value and quality, but others report non-delivery, early failure, and poor customer service.
- Great value and performance for refurbished iPads.
- iPad stopped working after 3 days; Best Buy refused to fix.
- Ordered as Christmas gifts but never arrived.
- Loved overall but experienced black screen and reloading issues.
- Q1 202467/100
Most buyers found the iPad good for kids, like new, and a great value. However, some reported freezing, slow charging, or damage on arrival.
- Great condition, like new, good value for kids and students.
- Device freezes and loads slowly when online; Geek Squad can't fix.
- Product arrived cracked or broken; return process needed.
- Battery charging is slow, but acceptable for older generation.
- Q4 202396/100
Buyers in Q4 2023 were extremely satisfied with refurbished iPads, praising their like-new condition and suitability for children. One noted a prior device broke.
- Refurbished iPads arrive in like-new condition with no scratches or marks.
- Great for children, especially ages 4-10, as gifts or daily use.
- Easy navigation, long battery life, and good display quality.
- One buyer reported previous iPads broke down, but current unit was a gift.
- Q3 202387/100
Buyers in Q3 2023 were very satisfied with refurbished iPads and Bose headphones, praising value, condition, and battery life, though one noted minor flaws.
- Great value for refurbished products, especially iPads and headphones.
- Products arrived in good working condition, looking and functioning well.
- Long battery life on Bose headphones and new features on iPads appreciated.
- One refurbished iPad had minor functional flaws, but still acceptable for kids.
- Q2 202372/100
Buyers in Q2 2023 praised the iPad's condition and value for kids, but one reported a charging defect and another noted minimal screen protection.
- Great condition and performance for refurbished iPads, often used as spares or for children.
- Excellent customer service and fast shipping noted by multiple buyers.
- One unit stopped charging after brief use, causing disappointment.
- Some buyers noted lack of screen protection or that the device is older but functional.
- Q4 202293/100
Buyers praised the refurbished product's value and quality, noting it arrived quickly and worked like new.
- Great value and quality for a refurbished item
- Product arrived quickly and in time for Christmas
- Battery was still charged upon arrival
- Child enjoyed using the product
- Q2 202278/100
Buyers praised the iPad's condition, ease of setup, and value as a refurbished product, with one noting it was a gift.
- Product arrived in like-new condition with no issues.
- Setup was fast and easy, with updates installing smoothly.
- Great value as a refurbished purchase from Best Buy.
- Suitable for kids' homework and daily use.
Based on 84 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Processor
| CPU | Apple A9 |
| Cores | 2 |
| GPU | M9 |
Memory & Storage
| RAM | 2 GB |
| RAM Generation | DDR4 |
| Storage | 32 GB |
| Storage Type | eMMC |
| Expandable | No |
Display
| Size | 9.7" |
| Resolution | 2048x1536 |
| Panel | LCD |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| USB-C | 0 |
| Cellular | No |
Features
| Stylus Support | No |
| Stylus Model | Stylus |
| Fingerprint Reader | Yes |
| Face Unlock | No |
Physical
| Weight | 0.5 kg / 1.0 lbs |
| OS | iOS |
vs Competition
| Spec | Apple iPad 9.7" 5th Generation | Microsoft Surface Pro 11 | Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus ZAEG0096US | Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 | Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro 62751 | BESTTAB T60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Apple A9 | Intel Core Ultra 7 268V | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Mediatek Dimensity 9400+ | 3000 MHz | AMD Ryzen 5 1600 |
| RAM (GB) | 2 | 16 | 16 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Storage (GB) | 32 | 1024 | 256 | 512 | 512 | 256 |
| Screen | 9.7" 2048x1536 | 13" 2880x1920 | 12.7" 2944x1840 | 11" 2560x1600 | 11.2" 3200x2136 | 12" |
| OS | iOS | Windows 11 Pro | Android 14 | Android 16 | Android 14 | Android 16 |
| Stylus | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Cellular | false | false | false | false | false | true |
| Battery (Wh) | - | 47 | - | - | - | - |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | CPU | GPU | RAM | Screen | Battery | Feature | Storage | User Sentiment | Sharpness | Portability | Connectivity | Social Proof | Affordability | Water Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPad 9.7" 5th Generation | 7 | 6.6 | 5 | 67.6 | 32.2 | 36.8 | 9.2 | 41 | 57.2 | 71 | 30.1 | 81.2 | 85.9 | 46.7 |
| Microsoft Surface Pro 11 Compare | 94 | 94.6 | 92.6 | 99.2 | 98.6 | 84.9 | 97.8 | 0 | 78.2 | 21.8 | 92.8 | 81.2 | 3.6 | 46.7 |
| Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus ZAEG0096US Compare | 80.9 | 78.9 | 92.6 | 97.1 | 88.9 | 97 | 83.5 | 69.6 | 87.5 | 42.3 | 92.8 | 90.2 | 21.7 | 46.7 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Compare | 82.1 | 79.9 | 80.8 | 93.5 | 84 | 99.4 | 89.4 | 93.6 | 89.2 | 64.9 | 63 | 93.2 | 13.8 | 97.5 |
| Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro 62751 Compare | 83.8 | 81.8 | 80.8 | 98.5 | 85.3 | 65.9 | 89.4 | 80.6 | 99.3 | 78.5 | 77.3 | 93.2 | 16.1 | 46.7 |
| BESTTAB T60 Compare | 82.4 | 80.3 | 80.8 | 42.6 | 86.9 | 88.8 | 74.7 | 80.6 | 0 | 1.2 | 58.7 | 58.4 | 39.5 | 46.7 |
Usage Scores
- Overall30.6
- Reading53.8
- Student54.5
- Business23.3
- Art Design24.9
- Productivity16.4
- Entertainment32.2
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
