Renewed IPad 2018: Review, Features & Worth Buying

by Kenji Nakamura 51 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into a comprehensive review of the Apple iPad Early 2018 (9.7-inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) in Space Gray, specifically focusing on the renewed version. If you're in the market for an affordable iPad that still packs a punch, this might just be the one for you. We'll cover everything from its design and display to performance, battery life, and whether buying a renewed model is a smart move. So, grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let's get started!

Design and Display: Classic iPad Aesthetics

Let's start with the design and display of this 9.7-inch iPad. This model sports the classic iPad look, which many of us have come to know and love. It's got that familiar aluminum unibody design that feels premium and sturdy in your hands. The Space Gray color adds a touch of sleekness, making it look professional whether you're using it for work or play. The 9.7-inch Retina display is a real treat for the eyes, offering a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. This means you'll get sharp, vibrant visuals that make everything from browsing the web to watching videos a pleasurable experience. The color accuracy is also pretty impressive, which is great if you're into photo editing or just enjoy viewing photos and videos with natural-looking colors. One of the standout features of this iPad is its brightness. It gets plenty bright, making it usable even in well-lit environments. This is super handy if you like to use your iPad outdoors or in a room with lots of natural light. The display also supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, which is a fantastic addition if you're into drawing, note-taking, or annotating documents. It adds a whole new level of versatility to the iPad, turning it into a digital canvas or notebook. While the design might feel a bit dated compared to the newer iPad models with their edge-to-edge displays, there's a certain charm to the classic iPad look. It's simple, functional, and feels incredibly durable. Plus, the bezels around the display provide a comfortable grip, which is something you might miss on the more modern, bezel-less designs. So, if you're not overly concerned with having the absolute latest design and prefer a tried-and-true aesthetic, the Apple iPad Early 2018 won't disappoint.

Performance: A Solid Performer

Now, let’s talk performance. Inside this renewed iPad, you'll find the A10 Fusion chip, which, while not the newest, is still a capable performer for most tasks. The A10 Fusion chip is a quad-core processor that provides a noticeable boost in performance compared to its predecessors. This means you can expect smooth multitasking, responsive app launching, and the ability to handle most games and applications without significant lag. For everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, streaming videos, and using social media apps, the iPad Early 2018 performs admirably. You won't experience any frustrating slowdowns or stutters, and the overall user experience is fluid and enjoyable. Even when you have multiple apps open and switch between them, the iPad keeps up without breaking a sweat. If you're into gaming, the A10 Fusion chip can handle a wide range of titles, including graphically intensive games. You might need to adjust the graphics settings for the most demanding games to ensure smooth gameplay, but overall, the iPad Early 2018 is a solid gaming device. The 32GB of storage in this model might be a limiting factor for some users, especially if you plan to store a lot of photos, videos, and games. However, if you primarily use your iPad for browsing, streaming, and light productivity tasks, 32GB should be sufficient. Plus, you can always leverage cloud storage services like iCloud or Google Drive to free up space on your device. One of the great things about the A10 Fusion chip is its power efficiency. It strikes a good balance between performance and battery life, allowing you to get through a full day of use without constantly worrying about finding an outlet. This is a significant advantage, especially if you're using the iPad for work or travel. In conclusion, while it might not be the fastest iPad on the market, the Apple iPad Early 2018 offers a reliable and smooth performance for a wide range of tasks. It's a great option for those who want a capable tablet without breaking the bank.

Battery Life: All-Day Power

Battery life is crucial for any portable device, and the Apple iPad Early 2018 doesn't disappoint. This iPad is equipped with a battery that's designed to last through a full day of typical use, which is a major plus. Apple claims up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music, and in real-world testing, this holds up pretty well. You can comfortably use the iPad for several hours of mixed usage, including browsing, streaming, and productivity tasks, without needing to reach for the charger. For example, if you start your day with a fully charged iPad, you can expect to get through a full workday of emails, document editing, and web browsing, with some juice left over for evening entertainment. Even if you're a heavy user who enjoys gaming or streaming videos for extended periods, the iPad Early 2018 should still provide ample battery life. Of course, battery life can vary depending on your usage patterns. Activities like gaming, video streaming, and using the Apple Pencil can drain the battery more quickly. However, with moderate use, you can easily get a full day's worth of power. One of the factors that contribute to the excellent battery life is the power efficiency of the A10 Fusion chip. It's designed to deliver strong performance while minimizing power consumption, which helps to extend battery life. The iPad also benefits from Apple's software optimization, which further enhances battery efficiency. The charging time for the iPad Early 2018 is also reasonable. It typically takes a few hours to fully charge the device using the included charger, which is standard for tablets in this category. Overall, the battery life of the Apple iPad Early 2018 is one of its strongest selling points. It offers the reliability and longevity that you need in a portable device, making it a great choice for both work and play.

Renewed Condition: What to Expect

Buying a renewed device can be a fantastic way to save money, but it's essential to know what to expect. The Apple iPad Early 2018 in Space Gray, when purchased as a renewed model, has undergone a thorough inspection and refurbishment process. This means it has been tested, cleaned, and inspected to ensure it's in full working order. While the term "renewed" might sound like it's a used device, it's important to understand that these iPads are often devices that were returned to Apple or retailers for various reasons, such as customer returns or minor cosmetic issues. They are then brought back to like-new condition through the renewal process. One of the key benefits of buying a renewed iPad is the cost savings. You can often find renewed models at a significantly lower price than new ones, which makes it an attractive option if you're on a budget. Despite the lower price, you can still expect a high-quality device. Renewed iPads typically come with a warranty, which provides peace of mind in case you encounter any issues. The warranty period can vary, so it's always a good idea to check the specific details before making a purchase. Cosmetically, renewed iPads are usually in excellent condition. While there might be some minor cosmetic blemishes, such as light scratches, they are generally hardly noticeable. The device will function perfectly, and you'll get the same user experience as a new iPad. It's also worth noting that renewed iPads come with genuine Apple parts, so you don't have to worry about the quality of the components. The battery is also tested to ensure it meets Apple's standards, so you can expect good battery life. Before you buy a renewed iPad, it's a good idea to check the seller's reputation and return policy. Buying from a reputable seller ensures that you're getting a genuine product and that you'll have support if you need it. In summary, buying a renewed Apple iPad Early 2018 is a smart way to save money without compromising on quality. You'll get a fully functional device that has been thoroughly tested and inspected, and you'll often get a warranty for added peace of mind.

Is the Renewed iPad Early 2018 Worth It?

So, the big question: Is the renewed Apple iPad Early 2018 worth your money? In my opinion, for many people, the answer is a resounding yes. This iPad offers a fantastic combination of performance, features, and affordability, especially when you consider the price of a renewed model. If you're looking for a tablet for everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, streaming videos, and light productivity, the iPad Early 2018 is more than capable. The A10 Fusion chip provides smooth performance, and the Retina display delivers vibrant visuals. The battery life is also excellent, allowing you to use the iPad throughout the day without needing to recharge. One of the standout features of this iPad is its compatibility with the first-generation Apple Pencil. If you're into drawing, note-taking, or annotating documents, the Apple Pencil adds a whole new level of versatility. The iPad also runs the latest version of iPadOS, which means you'll get access to all the latest features and updates. This ensures that your iPad will stay up-to-date and secure for years to come. The fact that this iPad is available as a renewed model makes it even more attractive. You can save a significant amount of money compared to buying a new iPad, without sacrificing quality. Renewed iPads undergo a rigorous testing and refurbishment process, so you can be confident that you're getting a device that's in excellent working condition. Of course, there are a few things to consider. The 32GB of storage might be limiting for some users, especially if you plan to store a lot of photos, videos, and games. If you need more storage, you might want to consider a model with 128GB or explore cloud storage options. Also, the design of the iPad Early 2018 is a bit dated compared to the newer iPad models with their edge-to-edge displays. If you prioritize having the latest design, you might want to look at other options. However, if you're looking for a reliable, capable, and affordable tablet, the renewed Apple iPad Early 2018 is an excellent choice. It's a great value for the money and will serve you well for a variety of tasks. So, if you're on the fence, I'd say go for it!