Apple iPad Pro 12.9-Inch (6th Generation) 2022, M2, 8GB, 256GB, Space Gray

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro with M2 is still the best tablet display and GPU combo we've tested, ranking in the 92nd and 91st percentiles respectively. At $649-695 renewed, it's a serious value play against new flagships. The 8GB RAM and renewed quality control are the main concerns. Buy it for creative work, skip it for casual browsing.

The M2 chip in this iPad is a known quantity, and it's still impressive. In our database, the GPU performance lands in the 91st percentile, which means it handles graphics-intensive tasks better than almost everything else out there. The 10-core GPU makes a real difference in apps like Procreate, LumaFusion, and even some games. The CPU sits at the 64th percentile, which sounds less exciting, but that's because it's being compared against laptops and desktops with active cooling. For a fanless tablet, the sustained performance is remarkable.

The 8GB of RAM is the base configuration, and it's fine for most workflows. But if you're the type who keeps 40 Safari tabs open while editing 4K video and running a second display, you might feel the ceiling. The 256GB storage is a solid starting point, landing in the 84th percentile. Thunderbolt support over USB-C is the unsung hero here. Transferring large video files or connecting to an external display is dramatically faster than standard USB-C, and that's something you don't appreciate until you're waiting for a 50GB file to move.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra 14.6-inch is the most direct competitor. It has a bigger screen and comes with the S Pen included, which Apple makes you buy separately. Samsung's AMOLED display is gorgeous, but Apple's XDR panel with ProMotion still edges it out in our screen rankings. The iPad Pro also has better app optimization for creative work. Samsung's advantage is the included stylus and a more flexible Android file system.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is the other serious option, especially if you need a real desktop OS. It runs full Windows, which means actual desktop apps like Photoshop and Visual Studio. The iPad Pro runs iPadOS, which is more limited but also more polished for touch. The Surface Pro has better business scores in our database, while the iPad Pro dominates in reading, art, and entertainment. If you need a laptop replacement for office work, the Surface makes more sense. If you want a creative tool that's also great for media consumption, the iPad wins. The Xiaomi Pad 7 and Lenovo Idea Tab Plus are budget alternatives that can't match the display or GPU performance, but they cost significantly less.

At $649 to $695 for a renewed unit, this iPad Pro is a compelling deal. You're getting a tablet that originally sold for well over $1,000, with a display and GPU that still rank near the top of our database. The 256GB storage is enough for most people, and the Thunderbolt port future-proofs it for external drives and docks. When you compare that to what $650 gets you in the new tablet market, it's hard to argue against the value here.

The risk is the renewed part. Our customer review data shows a 4.3 out of 5 rating across 404 reviews, which is good but not great. Some buyers report units that won't even power on. That's the trade-off. You save hundreds of dollars, but you're rolling the dice on quality control. If you buy from a seller with a solid return policy, the risk is manageable. Just don't expect the unboxing experience of a brand new Apple product.

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro with the M2 chip is Apple's no-compromise tablet. It's the one you buy when you want the biggest, brightest screen and enough horsepower to make most laptops nervous. This is the 6th generation model, and while it looks nearly identical to the previous version, the internals got a serious bump. The M2 chip brings an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, and that's paired with the Liquid Retina XDR display, which is still the best screen we've seen on any tablet in our database.

Who's this for? Artists who want the Apple Pencil experience with minimal lag, video editors who need Thunderbolt transfer speeds, and anyone who treats their tablet like a primary computer. The 12.9-inch size makes it less portable than the 11-inch model, but the extra screen real estate matters when you're working in split view or drawing for hours. At 682 grams, it's not a featherweight, but it's manageable.

What makes this interesting is the renewed market. You can find this exact model for $649 to $695 in the US, which is a big discount from what it sold for new. That changes the value equation significantly. You're getting a tablet that ranks in the 97th percentile for features and 92nd for screen quality, at a price that undercuts most new flagship tablets. The catch is you're buying renewed, and our customer review data shows that experience can be hit or miss.

If you're buying a tablet for casual browsing, streaming, and reading, this is more tablet than you need. The 12.9-inch size and 682-gram weight make it awkward for one-handed use, and you're paying for GPU power you'll never touch. An iPad Air or even the base iPad would save you money and be more comfortable to hold. The reading score of 85.5 is good, but the weight works against it for long sessions.

Business users should also look elsewhere. The 73.8 business score is the weakest area for this tablet, and iPadOS still has real limitations for office work. If you need full desktop apps, a proper file system, or compatibility with enterprise software, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is the better choice. It runs Windows, has better business scores in our database, and the keyboard cover is more laptop-like. The iPad Pro is a creative tool first, and a work machine second.

For artists and designers, this is still the tablet to beat. The Apple Pencil 2 experience on the 120Hz XDR display is unmatched, and the M2 GPU chews through layers in Procreate without breaking a sweat. The 12.9-inch size is the right call for drawing and photo editing. If you're buying renewed and get a good unit, you're getting a professional tool at a mid-range price.

For casual users who mostly browse, stream, and read, this is overkill. The 11-inch iPad Pro or even an iPad Air would serve you just as well for less money. The 682-gram weight gets tiring for extended reading sessions, and the 12.9-inch footprint isn't great for using on the couch. But if you want the best screen and the most power in a tablet, and you're willing to gamble on a renewed unit, this is hard to beat.