Hi there! Have you been thinking about getting an iPad Pro 11-inch but don‘t want to pay full price for a brand new model? Purchasing a used or refurbished iPad Pro 11-inch can be a really great way to save money while still getting an excellent tablet. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll tell you everything you need to know about buying a used or refurbished iPad Pro 11-inch.
I‘ll share details on where you can find the best deals on pre-owned models, how to inspect for condition and locks, average pricing based on features, top-rated accessories to complement your purchase, and pros and cons of going used vs new. My goal is to provide insightful tips and analysis from my experience as a tech product analyst so you can find the perfect used iPad Pro 11-inch at the best price.
Where You Can Buy a Used or Refurbished iPad Pro 11-Inch
There are several great options for finding used and refurbished iPad Pro 11-inch models from 2018 to 2022 at discount prices compared to brand new. Here are some of the top places to look and what to know about each:
Amazon Renewed
Amazon Renewed [1] offers a wide selection of used iPad Pros in "renewed" condition directly from Amazon. They inspect and test all devices to ensure they look and work like new. Most iPad Pros on Amazon Renewed come with a 90-day supplier warranty. The availability of specific generations, storage capacities, and connectivity options will vary.
Benefits: Wide selection, competitive pricing, Amazon‘s guarantee on quality and easy returns.
Drawbacks: Limited long-term warranty coverage compared to some other options.
eBay
eBay [2] has a robust marketplace of both professional sellers and individual owners auctioning off used iPad Pros. On eBay, you can find older generations and discontinued storage/connectivity options that are hard to find elsewhere.
Benefits: Huge selection of listings, models of all ages, competitive bidding, buyer protection.
Drawbacks: No uniform return policy or warranty coverage, have to vet individual sellers.
Swappa
Swappa [3] is a well-regarded peer-to-peer marketplace for gently used tech gear. All sellers must verify devices before listing and adhere to strict condition guidelines. One year of warranty coverage is included.
Benefits: Specializes in used gear, thorough verification process, generous warranty, good prices.
Drawbacks: Smaller selection than mega sites, costs more than barebones resale platforms.
Apple Refurbished
Apple [4] sells refurbished models of the iPad Pro 11-inch directly on their website with a 1-year warranty. Availability is usually limited to more recent generations and common configurations, but devices are thoroughly tested and restored by Apple.
Benefits: Refurbed directly by Apple, long warranty, reliable quality and inventory.
Drawbacks: Often out of stock, expensive compared to third-party refurbs.
I‘d recommend checking prices and availability across these four trusted sites as you evaluate your options. Pay attention to seller ratings, warranty coverage, and return policies before purchasing.
What To Look For When Buying a Used iPad Pro 11-Inch
Since you won‘t be buying a used iPad Pro 11-inch straight from Apple, it‘s important to closely inspect the condition, specifications, and functionality before committing. Here are the key things you should look for:
Model Details: Confirm you are getting the exact iPad Pro 11-inch generation, storage capacity, and connectivity type (WiFi vs WiFi + Cellular) that you want. Sellers don‘t always correctly identify the model. Compare the model number engraved on the back to Apple‘s specs [5].
Physical Condition: Request photos of the actual device you would be buying and watch for significant scratches, dents, bending, screen defects, or evidence of water/corrosion damage. Cosmetic flaws can be OK as long as they don‘t impact function.
Battery Health: Ask the seller to check and share the maximum battery capacity reading from the Settings app. Expected battery wear is around 5% per year. Concerning capacity loss depends on age but aim for at least 80-85% on a 1-2 year old tablet [6].
Accessories: Original box, manuals, and a basic charger add value. Keyboards, Pencils, and Cases are nice bonuses too. Verify all accessories are in good, working condition.
iCloud Status: Make absolutely sure any iCloud activation lock is removed prior to completing the purchase, or you won‘t be able to set up and use the iPad. Request confirmation.
Warranty Coverage: Most refurbs come with 90 days to 1 year of warranty coverage. Used marketplaces likely won‘t offer a warranty. Weigh risks vs discount.
Functionality: Request photos showing the tablet powered on and primary functions like screen, cameras, WiFi, cellular, speaker, microphone, and battery working properly without issues.
Thoroughly vetting condition, specs, and locks will help ensure you don‘t end up overpaying for a device that doesn‘t suit your needs or ends up being a headache. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
Average Used Pricing for iPad Pro 11-Inch Models
Used and refurbished iPad Pro 11-inch models can usually be found at discounts of at least 20-30% compared to original MSRP and current prices on brand new models. Here are the typical price ranges you can expect based on model year, storage capacity, and connectivity:
2018 Models (1st Gen)
| Storage | WiFi Price | WiFi + Cellular Price |
|---|---|---|
| 64GB | $250 – $400 | $300 – $500 |
| 256GB | $350 – $500 | $400 – $600 |
| 512GB | $400 – $600 | $500 – $700 |
2020 Models (2nd Gen)
| Storage | WiFi Price | WiFi + Cellular Price |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB | $400 – $600 | $500 – $700 |
| 256GB | $500 – $700 | $600 – $800 |
| 512GB | $550 – $750 | $650 – $850 |
| 1TB | $650 – $850 | $750 – $950 |
2021 Models (3rd Gen)
| Storage | WiFi Price | WiFi + Cellular Price |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB | $550 – $750 | $650 – $850 |
| 256GB | $600 – $800 | $700 – $900 |
| 512GB | $700 – $900 | $800 – $1,000 |
| 1TB | $800 – $1,000 | $900 – $1,100 |
| 2TB | $900 – $1,100 | $1,000 – $1,200 |
2022 Models (4th Gen)
| Storage | WiFi Price | WiFi + Cellular Price |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB | $700 – $900 | $800 – $1,000 |
| 256GB | $750 – $950 | $850 – $1,050 |
| 512GB | $850 – $1,050 | $950 – $1,150 |
| 1TB | $950 – $1,150 | $1,050 – $1,250 |
| 2TB | $1,100 – $1,300 | $1,200 – $1,400 |
As you can see, storage capacity and cellular connectivity have the biggest impact on resale values. More storage means higher used prices. Cellular-enabled models command a $50-$200 premium over WiFi-only.
Higher demand colors like space gray tend to hold value better than silver or gold iPad Pros. Pristine condition grades can fetch 5-15% more than models with moderate wear. Included accessories also boost the price.
Ultimately, buying used nets you 20-40% savings over new MSRP, with the biggest value on older generations. Watch for prices below these ranges which may signal issues or scams.
Top Rated Accessories for iPad Pro 11-Inch
One benefit of buying a used iPad Pro is saving money to spend on accessories. Here are some great options under $100 to enhance your experience:
Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) – The must-have for creatives, note takers and artists. Take notes, draw and sketch seamlessly with pixel-perfect precision. Charges wirelessly on iPad. Prices starting at $79.
Logitech Crayon – A kid-friendly, durable Apple Pencil alternative. Easy to grip, includes palm rejection. Prices from $44.
ESR Rebound Magnetic Case – Slim but protective case with magnetic grip, auto sleep/wake feature and stand. Available in multiple colors. Starting at $19.99.
MoKo Detachable Keyboard – Portable Bluetooth keyboard with stand and multi-angle adjustments. Rechargable battery. Priced around $36.
SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Luxe USB Flash Drive – Easily transfer photos/videos between iPad and computers. USB-C and USB-A connectors. Up to 150MB/s speeds. Available for $24.99 and up.
Eldon James Screen Protector – Provides scratch protection with ultra clear optical transparency. Smudge resistant. Includes camera protectors. Around $8 for 2-pack.
Supveco iPad Stylus Pencil – Budget active stylus with 1.5mm tip for accuracy. Palm rejection and low latency. Good for kids. As low as $15.
iXCC 3 in 1 Charging Dock – Convenient stand charges iPad, iPhone and Apple watch at once. Cable management system. Approx. $26.
Anker USB-C Hub Adapter – Adds USB-A, HDMI, SD/microSD slots for easy accessory connections. Supports 4K HDMI. Available under $35.
Baseus Tablet Stand – Flexible gooseneck holder to mount iPad Pro for hands-free viewing. Compatible with cases. Priced around $9.
I recommend selecting accessories that suit your unique needs and complement what your used iPad Pro was missing. This lets you personalize it and enhances the experience.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Used iPad Pro 11-Inch
Let‘s quickly summarize a few of the key advantages and drawbacks of purchasing a used iPad Pro 11-inch rather than a brand new model:
Pros
- Save 20-40% off retail price of new model
- Still get excellent performance and quality
- Wider selection of models/generations
- Ability to maximize features for the same budget
- More budget left for accessories
Cons
- Limited or no warranty coverage
- Risk of cosmetic wear and tear
- Potential battery degradation
- Missing original packaging and accessories
- No option to customize engraving
The tradeoff for a lower upfront cost with used is the uncertainty and risk inherent in any pre-owned product. However, buying from reputable sellers minimizes the downside. For many shoppers, the hundreds in savings outweigh the cons.
The Bottom Line – Well Worth Buying Used!
In my opinion, purchasing a used iPad Pro 11-inch is one of the best ways to get your hands on these fantastic tablets for a reasonable price. As long as you carefully vet condition, locks, accessories, warranty coverage, and seller reputation during the buying process, you can save big without sacrificing performance and quality.
I hope this guide gives you confidence to shop the used market for an iPad Pro 11-inch and provides helpful advice for finding the right model at the best price. Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to share my knowledge to help fellow tech enthusiasts get great deals.