Apple iPad 5th Gen 9.7-inch WiFi 32GB Refurbished Space Gray Review: Pros, Cons & Rumors Debunked

Apple iPad 9.7′ with WiFi, 32GB, Space Gray – MP2F2LL/A (Renewed)

Experience stunning visuals on a 9.7-inch Retina display with True Tone and wide color, powered by an A9 chip and M9 coprocessor for seamless multitasking and smooth performance.
Certified Refurbished with rigorous testing and cleaning, includes all accessories and a 90-day warranty. Enjoy FaceTime HD video calls with 1.2MP camera and 32GB storage in sleek Space Gray.

This Renewed Apple iPad delivers solid performance and value but buyers report frequent battery and charging issues.
Several users encountered model mislabeling (advertised as 6th gen but actually 5th gen), causing Apple Pencil incompatibility.
Display and cosmetic quality generally meet expectations, with occasional reports of non-OEM screens and minor scratches.
No widespread rumors or safety recalls found, but a pattern of miscategorized listings suggests extra caution is warranted.

All units undergo functional testing, inspection and come with a 90-day warranty.
Key specs include a 9.7-inch Retina display, A9 chip, and 1.2 MP FaceTime HD camera.

Table of contents

Product Overview
Apple iPad 9.7-inch (5th Gen, 32 GB, Space Gray, Renewed) Review: Honest Findings
Positive Feedback & Highlights
Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis
Who Should Consider Apple iPad 9.7-inch (5th Gen, 32 GB, Space Gray, Renewed)?
Conclusion: Final Verdict

Product Overview

The Apple iPad 9.7-inch (5th Gen, 32 GB, Space Gray, Renewed) is certified refurbished, tested to look and work like new. Amazon’s refurbishing process involves functionality testing, basic cleaning, thorough inspection, and repackaging. Each unit ships with all relevant accessories—charger, cable, and screen protector—and includes a minimum 90-day warranty. Buyers should note that the device may arrive in a generic box rather than official Apple packaging. This model features a 9.7-inch Retina display with True Tone technology, an A9 third-generation chip with 64-bit architecture, M9 motion coprocessor, and a 1.2 MP FaceTime HD camera, offering a reliable experience for everyday tasks.

The Certified Refurbished program on Amazon is restricted to sellers who maintain high performance metrics. Although the listing sometimes mislabels the product as a 6th generation iPad, investigative details from user feedback confirm it is the 5th generation iteration (model MP2F2LL/A). Buyers looking for Apple Pencil (1st gen) support should verify compatibility, as the 5th gen iPad only pairs with original Apple Pencil of earlier models. Overall, this iPad promises the core Apple experience—smooth web browsing, video streaming, e-book reading, and light productivity—at a discounted premium.

Delivers satisfactory everyday performance for browsing and media consumption.
Recurring user concerns on battery longevity and accessory quality.

Apple iPad 9.7-inch (5th Gen, 32 GB, Space Gray, Renewed) Review: Honest Findings

In real-world usage, this renewed iPad handles standard tasks—web browsing, social media, streaming, and digital note-taking—with ease thanks to the A9 chip and optimized iOS performance. Most users report quick setup and intuitive navigation straight out of the box. Reviewers frequently highlight the tablet’s widescreen portability as a key advantage over smartphones for reading e-books and watching videos. From a value standpoint, the device’s price point undercuts new models significantly while retaining core functionality.

However, common user feedback points to battery health as the primary pain point. While many units arrive in excellent working condition, a notable segment of buyers encounter battery degradation or charging components that fail to meet expectations. Additionally, accessory quality—particularly third-party screen protectors or replacement chargers bundled with the unit—varies by seller. Buyers should review seller ratings and return policies closely before finalizing the purchase.

Users appreciate the crisp Retina display and overall value for price.
Setup tends to be straightforward, often arriving ready to use.

Positive Feedback & Highlights

A significant majority of reviewers praise the Renewed iPad for its excellent condition and performance parity with brand-new units. One user noted, “Works great and stays charged for a long time. Love it!” highlighting the overall satisfaction with battery life on fresh units. Another pointed out the benefit of a well-sized screen for web browsing and Kindle reading without sacrificing portability. Commenters also applaud the device’s ease of setup, with plug-and-play functionality after minor initial iOS updates.

Many buyers find the price-to-feature ratio extremely compelling. For instance, a teacher purchasing the iPad for notetaking remarked, “I use it mainly to take notes. It works perfectly, came with a screen protector and charger, and the battery life is very good.” Several customers were surprised by the near-pristine cosmetic state—comments such as “Love it! It’s like new” and “Super happy with this purchase!” reflect positive first impressions. Overall, when units arrive free of defects, the Renewed iPad outperforms expectations for a discounted refurbished gadget.

Numerous complaints regarding slow charging and rapid battery drain.
Misadvertised gen designation led to widespread compatibility confusion.

Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis

Charging & Battery Health Concerns

One of the most common themes in negative feedback is poor battery performance. Numerous users report that the iPad either charges extremely slowly or fails to hold a charge beyond a couple of hours. Examples include comments like “It charges overnight and still shows only 1%” and “Battery life from 100% to 0% in under two hours.” Some customers attempted to mitigate the issue with a fast charger from their iPhone, which improved charging time, but the underlying battery degradation remained evident. In a few extreme cases, buyers received devices that would not power on without continuous connection to a charger, suggesting potential battery or power-management defects.

Given that these are certified refurbished units, purchasers assume all components—including the battery—have been inspected or replaced. However, Amazon’s 90-day warranty may not cover gradual degradation beyond that period, as one customer discovered when Apple Support refused warranty service due to an expired manufacturer warranty. Overall, buyers should test the charging and battery function immediately upon receipt and utilize the return window if issues arise.

Model Mismatch & Apple Pencil Compatibility

A significant source of confusion stems from the product listing’s mislabeling. While advertised as a 6th generation iPad, feedback confirms it is the 5th generation (2017 iPad 5). This discrepancy leads to frustration for those expecting Apple Pencil (1st gen) compatibility. Reviews such as “I bought this for pencil support, but it wouldn’t pair with any Apple Pencil I tried” illustrate the problem. Despite some sellers updating descriptions post-review, initial misadvertising fuels rumors of a different device altogether.

For users requiring stylus input, this mislabeling is a serious red flag. Although some third-party styluses may work, official Apple Pencil integration is not supported on the 5th gen. Prospective buyers must read product details carefully, check the model number (MP2F2LL/A), and confirm compatibility before purchase. Failure to do so can result in wasted expense on incompatible accessories.

Screen & Cosmetic Issues

While many customers applaud the refurbished iPad’s visual condition, isolated reports detail non-OEM screens and minor physical blemishes. One reviewer stated, “The screen they used is obviously not OEM. Brightness is lower and there’s a cloudiness that obscures the display.” Others mention minor scratches on the front glass or scuffs on the metal back. Packaging in a generic box sometimes correlates with these imperfections slipping through quality checks.

Fortunately, most cosmetic issues are superficial and do not affect functionality. However, purchasers concerned with display clarity or prone to finger injuries from rough edges should inspect the screen carefully upon arrival. If any scratches or cloudiness are present, the 90-day return policy should cover replacement or refund requests.

Ideal for users seeking a budget-friendly tablet for reading, streaming, and light productivity.
Not recommended for those needing long-term battery reliability or Apple Pencil support.

Who Should Consider Apple iPad 9.7-inch (5th Gen, 32 GB, Space Gray, Renewed)?

This renewed iPad appeals most to budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable media consumption device. Students and casual users can benefit from the crisp Retina display and competent A9 processor for note-taking, browsing, and video calls. If your use case involves reading e-books, checking email, or streaming content, this iPad offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio compared to new models.

Conversely, power users or artists requiring precise stylus input and consistent battery performance should consider alternative options. Newer iPad generations or official refurbished units from Apple carry higher price tags but guarantee full Apple Pencil compatibility and fresher batteries. Buyers prioritizing long-term device longevity and premium warranty coverage may find those options a better fit.

This refurbished iPad can be a cost-effective choice if you verify model details and inspect battery performance promptly.
Check Amazon return policy and seller credentials to safeguard against potential inconveniences.

Conclusion: Final Verdict

The Apple iPad 9.7-inch (5th Gen, 32 GB, Space Gray, Renewed) offers a compelling blend of price and performance for casual users, delivering a near-new experience at a reduced cost. However, a pattern of buyer reports—centered on battery health, charging glitches, and model mislabeling—cannot be ignored. Prospective purchasers should exercise diligence by confirming the generation, testing battery function immediately, and leveraging Amazon’s 90-day return policy if issues arise.

There are no widespread safety rumors or recalls associated with this model, but the presence of isolated defects suggests that buyer vigilance is essential. For those seeking an affordable entry point into the Apple ecosystem—focusing on reading, streaming, and light tasks—this Renewed iPad can be a solid choice. If your priority is long-term reliability, official Apple warranty coverage, or advanced stylus support, investing in a newer model or factory-refurbished device directly from Apple may ultimately save time and frustration.