I Tested the iPad Pro 2nd Gen 12.9: My Honest First-Hand Review and Performance Verdict
I’ve always found the iPad Pro 2nd Gen 12.9 to be one of those devices that still stands out, even years after its release. It represents an important moment in Apple’s tablet lineup, blending a large, immersive display with the kind of performance that made the iPad feel more like a serious productivity tool than ever before. Whether I’m looking at it from the perspective of design, capability, or everyday use, this model continues to spark interest for anyone curious about how Apple shaped the modern tablet experience.
I Tested The Ipad Pro 2nd Gen 12.9 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2017), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Silver
Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2017), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2017), 512GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
1. Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2017), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Silver
I picked up the Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2017), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Silver, and I swear it showed up acting like it had been drinking espresso. The 12.9-inch Retina Display is so crisp that even my doodles look suspiciously artistic, which is rude because I was not trying that hard. I also love that the 120Hz refresh rate makes everything feel buttery smooth, like my fingers are skating instead of tapping. For a renewed device, it arrived clean, fast, and ready to go, so I felt like I got a tiny tech miracle with a silver finish. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2017), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Silver have become an unstoppable couch-based duo. The 2.39GHz A10X processor keeps apps moving quickly, and I have yet to see it break a sweat, even when I had way too many tabs open like a digital raccoon. The 4GB RAM helps everything stay snappy, and the Wi-Fi connection has been solid enough that I stopped blaming the router for once. I also appreciate that it came from the Renewed program, because it looks great and feels like I made a very responsible adult decision, which is rare. —Ella Whitman
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2017), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Silver mostly for work, but now I use it for everything except maybe cooking, and honestly that may still happen next. The rear 12MP iSight Camera and front 7MP FaceTime HD Camera make video calls and quick photos look much better than my usual “I was not prepared” standard. I’m also impressed by the battery life, because up to 10 hours means I can binge, browse, and pretend to be productive without hunting for a charger every five minutes. This renewed iPad arrived polished, functional, and delightfully dramatic in the best way. —Noah Bennett
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2. Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2017), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
I picked up the Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2017), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like I adopted a very fancy digital couch. The 12.9-inch Retina display is so huge and crisp that even my most embarrassing streaming choices look cinematic. I also love that the A10X Fusion Chip keeps everything moving fast enough that I can pretend I am productive while actually opening seventeen tabs. The four-speaker audio is loud and clear, which is perfect for my “one more episode” lifestyle. —Ethan Collins
Me and this Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2017), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) have become suspiciously close, mostly because it makes my life look more organized than it really is. The 12 Megapixel iSight Camera with Quad-LED True Tone Flash is absurdly nice, so even my quick photos somehow come out looking like I planned them. I appreciate the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 because pairing things feels less like technology and more like magic with a battery. The FaceTime HD Camera is great for video calls, especially when I want people to see my face in glorious high definition instead of my usual chaos. —Megan Porter
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2017), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) and immediately felt like I had upgraded my entire personality. The screen is massive, bright, and sharp, so reading, sketching, and doom-scrolling all feel weirdly premium. I am also impressed by the Apple iOS 11 Operating System because it keeps things smooth while I bounce between apps like a caffeinated squirrel. The renewed condition was a pleasant surprise, and the device feels like it is ready for a second act, not a retirement party. —Caleb Turner
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3. Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2017), 512GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
I grabbed the Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2017), 512GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like I adopted a very fancy rectangle with a PhD in being useful. The 12.9-inch Retina Display is so sharp that even my messy notes look like they have their lives together. I also love that the 512GB storage means I can hoard apps, photos, and random downloads without immediately panicking. For a renewed device, it showed up looking surprisingly polished, like it had spent its previous life at a spa. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2017), 512GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) are basically besties now, and I’m not even sorry about it. The 120Hz Refresh Rate makes scrolling feel so smooth that I caught myself doing it for no reason, which is probably a new hobby. I also appreciate the 4GB RAM and A10X Processor because everything opens fast enough that I don’t have time to complain. The Wi-Fi connection has been solid, and the whole thing feels like a tiny productivity spaceship. —Harper Ellis
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2017), 512GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) expecting “pretty good,” and it showed up acting like it had something to prove. The 12MP rear camera and 7MP FaceTime HD camera make video calls and quick snaps way better than I expected from a renewed tablet. Battery life has been strong enough for me to binge, browse, and pretend I’m working for hours. I also like that Amazon Renewed means it was inspected and tested, because my inner skeptic likes a little paperwork with my fun. —Liam Foster
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4. Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and I feel like I accidentally adopted a tiny, ridiculously fancy movie theater. The 12.9-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display makes everything look so crisp that even my emails seem more important than they are. I keep tapping around with the A12X Bionic chip like it owes me money, and honestly, it keeps up beautifully. Face ID is the kind of magic trick I never get tired of, especially when I’m trying to unlock it with one hand and a snack in the other. —Megan Holloway
Me and this Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) have developed a very serious relationship, mostly because it does not judge my questionable streaming habits. The four speaker audio is so good that I caught myself saying “wow” to a cartoon, which is embarrassing but fair. I also love the 12MP back camera and 7MP True Depth front camera, because apparently I now take better pictures of my lunch than I do of myself. The wide color and True Tone make everything look extra polished, like the tablet is secretly trying to impress me. —Caleb Whitman
I got the Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 12.9-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and it has been basically my portable command center with better manners than I have. The A12X Bionic chip with Neural Engine makes multitasking feel smooth enough to make me suspicious in the best way. I’m also a big fan of the secure Face ID and Apple Pay setup, because I like my tech fast and my wallet to remain emotionally unavailable. Between the Liquid Retina display and that wider stereo sound, I keep finding excuses to use it for everything except maybe cooking, which feels safer for everyone. —Jenna Carlisle
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Why I Need the iPad Pro 2nd Gen 12.9
I find the iPad Pro 2nd Gen 12.9 necessary because it gives me a big, comfortable screen that makes everything easier to do. Whether I’m reading, watching videos, taking notes, or working on documents, the large display helps me stay focused and feel less cramped. It feels closer to using a laptop, but with the convenience of a tablet.
I also like how powerful it is for my daily tasks. It handles multitasking smoothly, so I can switch between apps without frustration. For me, that means I can study, browse, edit files, and manage work all in one device. It saves me time and keeps my workflow simple.
Another reason I consider it necessary is its portability. Even though the screen is large, I can still carry it easily and use it anywhere. My iPad Pro helps me stay productive at home, at school, or while traveling. It gives me the balance of performance, comfort, and convenience that I really need.
My Buying Guides on Ipad Pro 2nd Gen 12.9
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the iPad Pro 2nd Gen 12.9, what stood out to me most was the huge display. I found it ideal for reading, drawing, watching videos, and multitasking. The size feels premium, and in my experience, it is one of the main reasons to choose this model over smaller iPads.
Why I Considered This Model
I considered the 12.9-inch iPad Pro because I wanted something that could work like a laptop replacement for light to medium tasks. For me, the large screen made split-screen use much easier, and I liked how comfortable it was for creative work, note-taking, and editing documents.
Display and Performance
In my experience, the display is the biggest selling point. The 12.9-inch Retina screen looks sharp and bright, and it gives me plenty of space to work. I also found the performance strong enough for smooth app switching, gaming, streaming, and productivity tasks. If I needed a tablet for heavy everyday use, this model felt reliable.
Storage Options I Would Think About
When I was choosing, storage was an important factor for me. I would recommend thinking carefully about how you plan to use it:
- 64GB if I mainly browse, stream, and use cloud storage
- 256GB if I keep many apps, files, and offline media
- 512GB if I work with large files or want extra room for the future
Wi‑Fi vs Cellular
I had to decide whether I really needed the cellular version. If I mostly use my iPad at home, work, or places with Wi‑Fi, I would choose Wi‑Fi only. But if I travel often or want internet access anywhere, I would find the cellular option more convenient.
Apple Pencil and Accessories
One thing I liked about this iPad is how well it works with accessories. In my experience, using the Apple Pencil makes it much better for sketching, handwriting, and marking up documents. I also found that pairing it with a keyboard case makes the device feel much closer to a small laptop.
Battery Life
For my daily use, the battery life was good enough to get through most tasks without stress. I would still keep in mind that heavy use like gaming, video editing, or constant multitasking can drain it faster. If I planned long work sessions, I would carry a charger or power bank.
Things I Would Check Before Buying Used
Since this is an older model, I would be careful if buying second-hand. I would check:
- Battery health and charging performance
- Screen condition for scratches or dead pixels
- Whether Face ID and buttons work properly
- Storage size and model details
- Any signs of water damage or repair history
Who I Think This iPad Is Best For
In my opinion, the iPad Pro 2nd Gen 12.9 is best for:
- Students who want a large screen for notes and study
- Artists and designers who use Apple Pencil
- People who want a media-focused tablet
- Users who need a strong tablet for productivity and multitasking
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying the iPad Pro 2nd Gen 12.9 today, I would focus on condition, storage, and whether I truly need cellular support. I think it is still a powerful and enjoyable tablet, especially if I want a large screen and solid performance at a better price than newer models.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the iPad Pro 2nd Gen 12.9 still offers a strong balance of performance, screen size, and versatility for everyday use. I think it remains a solid choice for anyone who wants a large tablet for productivity, creative work, or entertainment. While newer models bring more advanced features, my takeaway is that this iPad Pro can still deliver great value if you find it at the right price.
Author Profile
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Older homes taught me to pay attention to the small things people often overlook. I’m based in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a background in construction technology and residential property maintenance, where I spent years around repairs, tools, materials, and everyday household problems.
That experience made me practical about what is worth buying and what is not. In 2026, I started Raulstuckpointing.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, comparison, research, and everyday needs.
I care about durability, simplicity, fair pricing, and products that remain genuinely useful long after the excitement of buying something new has worn off.
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