Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch 256GB Cellular Renewed Space Gray Review: Pros, Cons & Rumors Debunked

2018 Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed)

Experience the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion, True Tone, and wide color, powered by the A12X Bionic chip for seamless multitasking and stunning visuals.
Unlock with Face ID, enjoy secure Apple Pay, crisp 12MP rear and 7MP TrueDepth front cameras, four-speaker audio, all-day battery, and lightning-fast Wi-Fi + Gigabit LTE for productivity on the go.

This renewed iPad Pro delivers impressive performance and a near‐new feel at a discounted price.
Most users praise its long battery life and vivid screen, though reports of charging defects and cosmetic blemishes persist.
No widespread rumors of stolen or counterfeit units, but isolated cases of carrier‐locked or non-functioning cellular models were flagged.
Recommended only for buyers comfortable with a solid return policy and possible minor flaws.

Renewed 12.9-inch iPad Pro offering flagship specs at a refurbished price.

Table of contents

Product Overview
2018 Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (Renewed) Review: Honest Findings
Positive Feedback & Highlights
Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis
Who Should Consider 2018 Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (Renewed)?
Conclusion: Final Verdict

Product Overview

The 2018 Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (Renewed) features a stunning edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display with Promotion for 120Hz refresh, True Tone for natural color, and wide color gamut. Powered by the A12X Bionic chip with Neural Engine, it delivers laptop-level performance for multitasking, graphic-intensive apps, and gaming. Face ID unlocks the device securely and supports Apple Pay. Imaging includes a 12MP rear camera and a 7MP TrueDepth front camera, both capable of high-quality photos and video calls. Audio is handled by four speakers for immersive stereo sound, while connectivity comes via 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Gigabit LTE on cellular models, and up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge. Renewed units are inspected and tested by qualified technicians, often showing minimal wear and restored functionality at a fraction of the original price.

Users report a balance of strong performance, cosmetic variability, and accessory inconsistencies.

2018 Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (Renewed) Review: Honest Findings

Across dozens of verified customer reviews, the renewed iPad Pro generally meets the expectations set by Apple’s original specs. Many buyers found the unit in “excellent condition,” with only micro-scratches detectable under direct light. The A12X chip handled pro apps, gaming, and multimedia tasks smoothly, often rivaling entry-level laptops. However, battery health reported by users varied—from around 60% up to 90%—indicating that battery longevity depends heavily on the refurbishing process. Charger authenticity was inconsistent; several customers received third-party adapters that charged slowly or intermittently. Overall, while the core hardware performance remains solid, peripheral issues like defective cables and cosmetic dings were the most common pain points.

Reliable refurbished condition with powerful specs.
Reports of excellent battery life and vibrant display.

Positive Feedback & Highlights

Many users praised the purchase as a fantastic value. One customer rated the screen 9.5/10, body 10/10, and battery 8.5/10, noting only minor micro-scratches visible under flashlight. Another highlighted that the 12.9-inch size was ideal for sheet music markup, document editing, and media consumption—tasks that previously spanned multiple devices. The A12X chip received high marks for handling video editing and AR apps without hiccups. Several buyers were thrilled that their renewed units were indistinguishable from brand-new models, with flawless screens and no scuffs on the body. Packaging and delivery were frequently praised: overnight shipping arrived on time, and protective cases often accompanied the tablet. Overall, performance consistency and the beautiful Liquid Retina display were the standout positives, making this a worthwhile purchase for productivity and entertainment.

Key highlights from positive reviews include:

All-day battery life that lasted through work, study, and streaming sessions.
Excellent packaging—fast delivery and secure bubble-wrap kept the iPad in pristine shape.
Firm and accurate Face ID unlocks and seamless Apple Pay integration.
Four-speaker audio delivering clear, rich stereo sound for videos and music.

Main complaints involve charging defects, cosmetic blemishes, and rare carrier-lock issues.

Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis

Charging & Battery Problems

The most frequent negative feedback concerns chargers and battery health. Several customers received third-party USB-C adapters that defaulted to a trickle-charge mode, causing the iPad to gain only 1% every 10 minutes. In contrast, a genuine 29W Apple charger delivered 5-10% in the same interval. Some units’ built-in battery health hovered around 60%, leading to quick drain under heavy use. One user noted it took over 10 hours to charge from 0 to 100%, negating the cost savings when considering convenience. A handful reported dead charge ports that only worked when the cable was held at an angle—a clear sign of rushed refurbishing or wear on internal connectors.

Cosmetic & Build Concerns

Despite many units arriving in near-mint condition, isolated cases of dents, scratches, and screen yellowing have surfaced. A customer described a rear aluminum dent so pronounced it could be felt easily, along with horizontal yellowing on the display edges—likely due to improper reassembly. Others received units with cracked screens, smudges that wouldn’t clean off, and bent frames. While these issues do not affect core functionality, they harm the premium feel and may indicate subpar quality control from some refurbishers.

Cellular Activation & Carrier Blocks

A few buyers attempting to activate the cellular SIM faced surprise roadblocks. One iPad appeared on a carrier’s “Non-Pay” list, meaning the original owner hadn’t paid for the device, causing the cellular feature to be permanently deactivated. This rare but serious issue left the tablet functioning on Wi-Fi only, despite paying for “Wi-Fi + Cellular.” It highlights the importance of checking IMEI status before purchase or choosing a seller with a verified track record.

Return & Seller Service Frustrations

Compounding hardware issues, some customers found themselves paying out-of-pocket to return defective units, as sellers did not qualify for Amazon’s free returns. One buyer spent $12.79 on return shipping after receiving a broken screen. Others reported languishing beyond the 30-day window due to slow replacement processing, losing their right to refunds or replacements. While not a product flaw per se, seller reliability significantly impacts the risk profile of buying renewed electronics.

Ideal for power users on a budget and large-screen multimedia work.
Not recommended for buyers needing brand-new accessories or guaranteed flawless cosmetic condition.

Who Should Consider 2018 Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (Renewed)?

If you require a desktop-class tablet for drawing, video editing, sheet music markup, or light laptop replacement, this renewed model offers top-tier specs at a lower cost. Professionals and students who prioritize a large, color-accurate display and robust performance will appreciate the A12X chip and Face ID convenience. Casual media consumers and gamers will enjoy the four-speaker audio and smooth visuals thanks to the Promotion display. However, those who demand factory-sealed packaging, a perfect cosmetic finish, or mission-critical cellular connectivity should opt for a brand-new device to avoid the risk of charger defects or carrier-lock issues. Always verify seller return policies and consider purchasing an extended warranty to guard against intermittent hardware problems.

Renewed iPad Pro offers a compelling balance of power and affordability.
Ensure a robust return policy and inspect accessories upon arrival.

Conclusion: Final Verdict

The 2018 Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (Renewed) is a strong value play for users seeking flagship tablet performance without the brand-new price tag. While the majority of buyers report near-perfect hardware, the risk of charging defects, cosmetic wear, and rare cellular activation problems cannot be ignored. Mitigate these risks by choosing reputable refurbishers, verifying IMEI status for cellular models, and keeping within Amazon’s return window. For power users, creatives, and students on a budget, this renewed iPad Pro delivers the features and speed to replace light laptops and enhance productivity—provided you accept the trade-off of potential minor flaws.