The Ultimate Budget iPad: A Deep Dive into the Renewed Apple iPad 9.7-inch (2017)
In the ever-evolving world of consumer electronics, a new model seems to drop every few months, leaving behind a trail of perfectly capable, but "outdated," devices. The Apple iPad 9.7-inch (2017) Renewed is a prime example of a product that has found a second life, offering a compelling blend of classic Apple design, reliable performance, and an unbeatable price point. For anyone looking to enter the Apple ecosystem, find a device for basic media consumption, or equip a student without breaking the bank, this renewed iPad presents a tempting proposition. But does a tablet originally released nearly a decade ago hold up to the demands of 2025? In this comprehensive review, we'll peel back the layers to see if this budget-friendly option is the smart buy it seems to be.
What Exactly is a "Renewed" iPad?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the device itself, it's crucial to understand what "renewed" means. This isn't just a used or pre-owned iPad. According to Amazon and other suppliers, renewed products have been professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned by qualified technicians. They typically undergo a full diagnostic test, replacement of any defective parts with new or "like-new" ones, and a thorough cosmetic cleaning. The result is a device that looks and functions, as the marketing claims, "like new."
One of the biggest benefits of a renewed product from a reputable seller like Amazon is the guarantee. This iPad comes with a minimum 90-day supplier-backed warranty, which is a significant safety net for a renewed purchase. This warranty covers a refund or replacement if the product doesn't perform as expected. This level of confidence is something you won't get from a private, peer-to-peer sale on a site like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, making the renewed option a much safer bet. When you're considering a renewed device, make sure to look for sellers who offer this type of guarantee, which often means they are Amazon-qualified suppliers Check Price on Amazon.
Design and Display: Classic Apple Aesthetics
The design of the 2017 iPad is a testament to Apple's enduring aesthetic. It’s immediately recognizable with its iconic Home button featuring Touch ID, chunky bezels, and the familiar Space Gray aluminum unibody. While modern iPads have adopted a more minimalist, edge-to-edge screen design, there's a certain comfort in the classic form factor. At 7.5mm thin and weighing just over a pound (469g for the Wi-Fi model), it's a lightweight and durable device that's easy to hold for extended periods, whether you're reading an e-book or streaming a movie.
The star of the show, however, is the 9.7-inch Retina display. With a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels at 264 ppi (pixels per inch), the screen delivers sharp, vibrant visuals. This is the same resolution and pixel density that was a hallmark of earlier iPad models and remains more than sufficient for everyday tasks.
- Clarity and Detail: Text appears crisp and clear, making it a joy to read books, browse the web, and tackle schoolwork.
- Color and Brightness: While it lacks the wide color gamut and True Tone technology of newer models, the display is still bright and produces good color accuracy for watching videos and viewing photos.
- Durability: The screen features a scratch-resistant glass with an oleophobic coating to resist fingerprints.
For a renewed device at this price, the quality of the display is arguably its single greatest selling point. It’s a huge step up from budget Android tablets and provides a truly premium viewing experience.
Performance: The A9 Chipset in a 2025 World
Under the hood, the 2017 iPad is powered by the Apple A9 chip with a 64-bit architecture and an M9 motion coprocessor. When it was released, this dual-core chip was a powerhouse, but how does it stack up now?
The A9 chip, along with 2GB of RAM, still provides a surprisingly snappy experience for most common tasks.
- Web Browsing: Navigating Safari, opening multiple tabs, and scrolling through content is smooth and responsive.
- App Performance: Daily apps like Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and social media platforms run without a hitch.
- Multitasking: The iPadOS 16.7.7 software supports Split View, Slide Over, and Picture-in-Picture, allowing you to use two apps at once or have a video play in a small window while you work. The A9 chip handles these tasks fluidly for non-intensive applications.
- Gaming: For casual games like Candy Crush or older, less graphically demanding titles, the A9's six-core PowerVR GT7600 GPU still delivers a good experience. However, for the latest graphic-intensive games, you'll notice slowdowns, lower frame rates, and longer loading times.
The key thing to remember is that this iPad isn’t designed for heavy-duty tasks like professional video editing or graphic design. It's a reliable workhorse for everyday use, and in that role, the A9 chip holds its own. Its performance is a significant reason why this renewed device is still a viable option and not just a dated relic. You can find this model available through various channels, and it's essential to check for a strong warranty before you buy Check Price on Amazon.
Software and Longevity: A Timely Upgrade Path
One of the most critical factors for any older Apple product is its software support. The 2017 iPad originally shipped with iOS 10.3 and is upgradable to iPadOS 16.7.7. This is a major win for this device. It means you still have access to the latest security patches, app updates, and many of the modern features that define the iPad experience.
- App Compatibility: Access to the latest versions of millions of apps on the App Store is crucial. Since this model supports iPadOS 16.7.7, you can download and run the vast majority of current apps.
- Security: Staying up to date with software updates is vital for security. iPadOS 16.7.7 includes important bug fixes and security improvements that protect your personal information.
- Features: With iPadOS 16.7.7, you get access to a range of features like the redesigned Home screen, widgets, improved multitasking, and enhanced privacy controls.
While Apple has a strong track record of supporting its devices for many years, the 2017 iPad is at the end of its official software update cycle. It’s highly unlikely to receive iPadOS 17 or later. This is a key consideration for future-proofing your purchase. However, for a device that costs a fraction of a new one, getting nearly a decade of software support is remarkable Check Price on Amazon. It will still be a functional and secure device for several more years for basic tasks, even without the newest OS.
Cameras and Connectivity: Simple, but Effective
The cameras on the 2017 iPad are basic by today’s standards, but they are perfectly capable for their intended use.
- Rear Camera: The 8MP rear camera with autofocus and HDR features records 1080p video at 30fps. It's suitable for scanning documents, taking photos of lecture notes, or capturing casual moments. Don't expect iPhone-level quality, but for a tablet, it's more than adequate.
- Front Camera: The 1.2MP FaceTime HD camera is designed for video calls. It records at 720p@30fps. While it won't produce a perfectly sharp image, it's fine for FaceTime calls with family or participating in Zoom meetings.
In terms of connectivity, the Wi-Fi-only model features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 4.2. The Wi-Fi is dual-band and supports fast data transfer speeds up to 866 Mbps, ensuring a stable and quick connection to your home network. The Bluetooth 4.2 is compatible with a wide range of accessories like Bluetooth headphones, keyboards, and mice. The lack of a cellular modem (which can be a pro or con depending on your needs) keeps the price down, and for most users who will be using it at home or in Wi-Fi-enabled locations like coffee shops and libraries, it's a non-issue.
For additional peace of mind on a renewed product, you can often add a 2-year protection plan for a minimal cost, which is a great option to consider Check Price on Amazon.
The Renewed Value Proposition: Why the 2017 iPad is a Smart Buy
The primary reason to consider this renewed iPad is the incredible value. For a price that often hovers around $90-$100, you are getting a premium device with a durable build and a beautiful Retina display. This is a device that originally sold for $329, and a renewed model today costs less than a quarter of that.
- Student-Friendly: For students, this iPad is a fantastic tool for taking notes, organizing PDFs, and accessing educational apps. It’s a much better long-term investment than many cheap Android tablets.
- Media Consumption: As a dedicated device for watching Netflix, YouTube, and reading e-books, it's hard to beat. The 9.7-inch screen is the perfect size for content and portability.
- Home Hub: Use it as a family tablet for light gaming, web browsing, and keeping kids entertained. The durable aluminum build can withstand a few bumps and drops.
- First-Time iPad User: If you've never owned an iPad and want to see what all the fuss is about without a major financial commitment, this is your ticket.
The 32GB of storage is a limitation for some, especially if you plan to store a lot of movies or games. However, for cloud-based usage, streaming, and app downloads, it’s a perfectly functional amount. For those who need more space, you can also find renewed 128GB versions for a slightly higher price. Before you buy, it’s worth checking the various renewed condition options available—from "Excellent" to "Acceptable"—to find the right balance of price and cosmetic quality Check Price on Amazon.
Final Verdict: Still a Strong Contender
The Renewed Apple iPad 9.7-inch (2017) is a testament to the longevity and quality of Apple products. While it’s not for power users, it is a phenomenal value for anyone seeking a reliable, high-quality tablet for basic productivity, entertainment, and web browsing. The combination of a beautiful Retina display, a surprisingly capable A9 chip, and access to modern iPadOS features makes it stand out from the sea of cheap, low-quality Android alternatives.
For the budget-conscious consumer, a student, or a parent looking for a kid-friendly device, this renewed iPad is not just a cheap option; it's a smart investment. You get the legendary iPad experience at a fraction of the cost, backed by a seller's warranty. It's an ideal entry point into the Apple ecosystem and an example of why renewed tech can be a great way to save money and reduce electronic waste.
Considering its age, the 2017 iPad performs remarkably well in 2025. It’s an easy recommendation for anyone whose needs align with its capabilities.
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