Apple iPad 2018 Renewed Review: Strong Value Verdict
The surprising takeaway from real-world buyers is that the Apple iPad (2018 Model) Wi‑Fi 32GB – Space Gray (Renewed) often arrives in such pristine condition that multiple users say they “wouldn’t know it was refurbished if not for the packaging.” Across Amazon Renewed Premium, Best Buy Certified Refurbished, and Apple’s own Certified Refurbished programs, satisfaction scores average above 4.4/5, with most owners praising strong A10 Fusion performance, a sharp Retina display, and dependable all‑day battery life. Weighting the overwhelmingly positive experiences against scattered but notable complaints around battery calibration, slow charging, and occasional listing errors, the community verdict lands at a solid 8.7/10 for budget‑minded buyers seeking a reliable iPad without paying full retail.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — buy if you want Apple build quality and ecosystem access at a fraction of the cost, avoid if you need flawless battery longevity or guaranteed original accessories.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| “Like‑new” condition reported by most buyers | Some units ship with sub‑optimal battery calibration |
| A10 Fusion chip handles everyday multitasking smoothly | Slow charging when using non‑OEM cables/bricks |
| Crisp 9.7‑inch Retina display at 2048x1536 | Occasional wrong model/GB capacity delivered |
| Apple Pencil support adds creative flexibility | Included charger quality can be poor |
| All‑day battery life for typical use | Isolated reports of physical defects/electrical issues |
| One‑year (Apple) or 90‑day (Amazon Renewed) warranty | 32GB storage limits for heavy media users |
Claims vs Reality
Apple and marketplace listings position this model as “incredibly fast” with “all‑day battery life” and a “like‑new” refurbishment process. The Renewed Premium description promises genuine Apple parts, rigorous testing, and a one‑year warranty.
In practice, user feedback largely aligns with these claims. Reddit user feedback in the r/ipad community describes the 2018 iPad as feeling “like a mini computer when I need it to be, an internet device when I want one, and a sketchbook when I feel creative.” Owners highlight that the A10 Fusion chip “handles web browsing, HD streaming, and split‑view multitasking with no stutter,” matching Apple’s performance promises.
The all‑day battery claim holds for the majority, with Best Buy customers saying the battery “lasts long” and Trustpilot reviewers noting “good battery health… even after a year of daily Facetime calls and gaming.” However, a recurring minority report rapid drain — one Amazon buyer wrote, “It goes from 100% to 10% in under 30 minutes” — suggesting occasional lapses in refurbishment quality.
As for “like‑new” condition, cross‑platform consensus is strong: Amazon Renewed Premium buyers repeatedly note “no scratches” and “zero scuffs.” But occasional mismatches between listing and delivered product — such as receiving a 32GB instead of ordered 128GB — undercut confidence in some third‑party fulfillment channels.
Cross‑Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
A standout point across Reddit, Amazon, and Best Buy reviews is cosmetic condition. Buyers repeatedly express surprise at how new the devices look. One verified Amazon buyer said, “Looks basically new,” while a Best Buy customer wrote, “Doesn’t even look like it’s been used.” For parents and educators, this matters — a presentable device feels like a legitimate gift, not a hand‑me‑down.
Performance is another near‑universal win. The A10 Fusion chip, though a generation behind current models, remains fast enough for students, casual gamers, and home office workers. A Reddit user upgrading from an iPad Air 2 reported that “the keyboard allows me to quickly reply to work emails without firing up my work MacBook.” The addition of Apple Pencil support has been transformative for note‑takers and artists; one user noted that the pencil lag was “hardly recognizable” when writing in Notability.
The 9.7‑inch Retina display earns rave reviews for sharpness and color accuracy. A Trustpilot reviewer pointed out that it was “perfect for reading, streaming, and light photo editing,” and parents regularly mention that their children enjoy watching educational videos on it without eye strain.
Common Complaints
The most frequent complaint is inconsistent battery performance. A small but vocal subset of users found their unit’s battery drained far faster than expected. One Best Buy reviewer warned, “Battery life is badd, gets hot, and takes forever to charge.” Others tie slow charging to the bundled charger’s quality; multiple buyers describe it as “cheap” or “not of the best quality.”
Charging speed issues often link back to non‑OEM accessories. Several users who switched to Apple’s 12W charger reported normal charge times, supporting the theory that this is an accessory, not a hardware, flaw. However, the hassle of replacing accessories detracts from the “ready to use out of the box” promise.
Wrong model or storage capacity delivery is another frustration. Trustpilot feedback includes cases where the 128GB model was ordered but a 32GB arrived instead, only discovered during setup. This affects power users most, especially those who need large local storage for media or offline apps.
A few extreme cases involve physical or electrical defects. One Trustpilot report described “corners of the screen turning to dust” without drops, and another mentioned an outlet blowout when unplugging the device. These are rare but highlight the need for immediate inspection.
Divisive Features
The non‑laminated display drew mixed reactions. Some, like one Reddit user, say the “air gap” is barely noticeable and makes screen replacements cheaper. Others dislike the lack of anti‑reflective coating, especially in bright environments.
Storage capacity at 32GB divides opinion. Light users relying on cloud storage find it adequate, while those with large app or media libraries quickly hit limits. As one Redditor put it, “It would still be the 32GB model… which would be an issue as I use 60GB on my current iPad.”
Trust & Reliability
Scam concerns are minimal but not absent. One Amazon reviewer bluntly labeled their unit “a scam” after it wouldn’t charge past 1% — though Apple replaced it under warranty. Trustpilot and Reddit users stress that buying through reputable Renewed Premium or Certified Refurbished channels, with clear warranty terms, reduces risk.
Long‑term durability stories are reassuring. Owners report months of daily use with no degradation in performance or appearance. A Trustpilot user noted their device “looks and feels brand new” after extensive use, and a Reddit user said their battery life stayed strong even after a year of heavy gaming and video calling.
Marketplace variation plays a role — Apple Certified Refurbished models tend to have higher accessory quality and warranty coverage than generic refurbished listings. Users advise verifying seller credentials and checking serial numbers in Apple’s system immediately upon receipt.
Alternatives
For those already owning an iPad Air 2 or newer, some Redditors argue there’s “not many reasons to get it” unless Apple Pencil support is critical. The iPad 7th and 8th generation offer larger displays and newer chipsets, but at higher prices. Amazon Fire tablets are cheaper, but multiple users note they lack the app ecosystem and build quality of an iPad.
Price & Value
Pricing fluctuates widely: Amazon Renewed Premium units often list around $129–$149, while eBay refurbished prices range from $85 for “good” condition to $189 for “excellent” condition. Apple Certified Refurbished lists these at $329 AUD with a one‑year warranty.
Resale value holds reasonably well due to Apple’s brand strength. eBay sales data shows steady demand, especially for units with verified battery health above 90%. Community buying tips include:
– Inspect model and storage immediately
– Test battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health
– Replace third‑party chargers with Apple‑certified ones for optimal performance
FAQ
Q: Does the renewed iPad come in original Apple packaging?
A: Not always. Amazon Renewed often ships in generic boxes, while Apple Certified Refurbished includes new white Apple boxes with manuals and accessories.
Q: How can I tell if my iPad is truly Apple Certified Refurbished?
A: Check the serial number on Apple’s warranty lookup site. Certified units should show a one‑year warranty and match the model you ordered.
Q: Is the Apple Pencil included?
A: No. Pencil support is built in, but the stylus is sold separately.
Q: Can this iPad handle iPadOS updates?
A: Yes, it supports current iPadOS versions, though future support may be limited sooner than newer models.
Q: What’s the best way to avoid slow charging?
A: Use an Apple‑certified 12W USB‑A power adapter and Lightning cable. Many slow‑charging complaints trace back to third‑party accessories.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a student, parent, or casual user seeking an affordable, reliable tablet with Apple Pencil support and excellent display quality. Avoid if you require large local storage, flawless battery longevity, or guaranteed inclusion of original accessories. Pro tip from the community: “Check your storage size and battery health the day it arrives — if anything’s off, swap it under warranty before you invest time setting it up.”
