Which iPad is right for you?
You want an iPad. Understandable. But which one? There are four models, dozens of variations, and prices vary considerably. Then you also have the choice between new and refurbished . It quickly becomes a maze of specs, storage capacities, and price differences.
Yet the choice is surprisingly simple once you understand one thing: the latest iPad is rarely the best buy . In fact, most people pay hundreds of euros too much for features they never use. A refurbished model from a previous generation often does exactly the same thing for half the price. No marketing talk, just reality. In this article, we'll explain which model is truly right for you and why refurbished is often the smartest choice.
Useful links
- iPad Pro refurbished collection - for professionals and creatives
- Accessories - protective covers, Apple Pencil and keyboards
Which iPad suits your needs?
Choosing an iPad boils down to one simple question: what will you use it for? Apple offers four different models, each with its own target audience. The difference isn't just in price, but primarily in the features you need (or don't need).
The standard iPad (10.2 inches) is the workhorse of the series. For surfing, watching Netflix, emailing, and casual gaming, this model is more than adequate. With a starting price significantly lower than the other models, this tablet offers the best value for everyday use.
The iPad Mini (8.3 inches) is a compact powerhouse. This model fits in almost any bag and is ideal for people who spend a lot of time on the go. Think reading on the train, taking notes in meetings, or navigating while traveling. The smaller screen, however, means working with documents for extended periods is less comfortable.
For those who want more without the budget of a Pro, there's the iPad Air (10.9 inches). This tablet sits between the standard and Pro tablets in terms of performance. The difference compared to the regular iPad is most noticeable during more demanding tasks like photo editing, multitasking, or using multiple apps simultaneously. The screen is also noticeably better, with smaller bezels and brighter colors.
The iPad Pro (11 or 12.9 inches) is the top-of-the-line model. With the M2 chip, ProMotion display (120Hz), and support for the latest Apple Pencil, this device is aimed at professionals. Video editors, graphic designers, and those looking to replace their laptops will find what they're looking for here. The only question is: do you really need this much power?
Why refurbished is often smarter
A refurbished iPad isn't a secondhand tablet that's simply resold. The device is thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and repaired where necessary. Defective parts like batteries are replaced, the software is reset, and the entire device is thoroughly inspected. The result? A tablet that technically functions like new, but for a fraction of the price.
Take an iPad Air from 2022, for example. A new one still costs around €700. A refurbished one costs around €450-500. That's a difference of over €200 for the exact same device. The processor is still years old, the screen is identical, and all the functions work the same.
The price difference becomes even more significant with the Pro models. A new 12.9-inch iPad Pro easily costs over €1200. A refurbished model from a previous generation costs around €800. For that difference, you can also buy an Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.
Practical benefits of refurbished
Besides the price, there are more reasons to consider refurbished:
- Availability: Older models that are no longer available new can often still be found refurbished.
- Sustainability: You give an existing device a second life instead of using new raw materials
- Warranty: Professional refurbishers offer the same warranty as on new products
- Tested: The device has already proven to be reliable, teething problems have been resolved
Specifications that really matter
When comparing iPads, dozens of specifications are often cited. In practice, only a few truly make a difference:
Storage capacity
The base models start at 64GB. This is sufficient for most users, especially with iCloud storage. Do you stream a lot of movies and TV shows? You won't be downloading them anyway, so 64GB is still perfectly fine. Do you work with large files like videos or raw photos? Then 256GB is the minimum you'll want.
WiFi or Cellular
A cellular model costs about €150 more. The question is simple: do you often need internet in places without Wi-Fi? For most people, the answer is no. Your phone can serve as a hotspot in emergencies. Only if you work on the road every day is cellular worthwhile.
Processor
Apple's chips have been powerful enough for years. An A14 Bionic from 2020 is still blazing fast for 95% of tasks. Only for professional video editing or the latest games will you notice a difference between the M1 and M2. For Netflix, browsing, and office work, it makes no difference.
Concrete selection aid per user profile
To make it concrete, here are some user profiles with corresponding recommendations:
For students: A refurbished iPad (standard) with 128GB is perfect. Plenty of room for study materials, affordable, and with Apple Pencil support for taking notes. Budget: €350-€450.
For those working from home: a refurbished iPad Air with 256GB offers the best of both worlds. A large enough screen for productivity, powerful enough for multitasking. With a keyboard, it's a great laptop replacement. Budget: €500-€650.
For the creative: refurbished iPad Pro 11-inch. The ProMotion display and extra processing power make all the difference when drawing and designing. The 12.9-inch is only necessary if you truly need a larger canvas. Budget: €700-900.
Casual user: refurbished iPad Mini with 64GB. A handy size for the couch, perfect for social media, news, and entertainment. Budget: €300-€400.
When is new the better choice?
There are situations where a new iPad makes sense. If you always want the latest features, such as a specific new chip or camera function, you should buy new. Even if you need a business warranty that lasts longer than two years, a new one can be more cost-effective.
For specific professional applications where you need the absolute latest technology, new also makes sense. Think of AR developers or people working with the latest Creative Cloud features that only run on the latest chips.
Tips for buying a refurbished iPad
If you decide to go refurbished, pay attention to these points:
- Buy from a certified refurbisher with at least a one-year warranty
- Check the battery condition - it should be at least 80%
- Ask about the origin of the device
- Check if all original functions work (Touch ID, cameras, speakers)
- Check if accessories such as the charger are included
A final practical tip: timing is important. The best deals on refurbished iPads are found about 3-4 months after a new model is released. This is when trade-ins come in from early adopters who are upgrading, increasing the selection and lowering prices.
The complete picture
The perfect iPad doesn't exist, but the perfect iPad for you does. By honestly considering your usage and budget, you'll make the right choice. For most people, a refurbished model from a previous generation is the smartest purchase. You get 90% of the features for 60% of the price.
Don't forget accessories in your budget. A good case (€30-€50), Apple Pencil (€80-€130 refurbished), or keyboard (€100-€200) will complete your iPad experience. These are also available refurbished and will save you tens of euros.
Ultimately, it's all about value for money. An iPad easily lasts 5-6 years, so divide the purchase price by the number of years of use. A refurbished iPad Air worth €500 that you use for 5 years will cost you €100 per year. That's less than many people spend on streaming services.
The smart choice
The choice is actually simple: consider what you'll really do with your iPad and don't be tempted by unnecessary bells and whistles. For most people, a refurbished iPad is the wiser choice—the same quality, years of enjoyment, but for hundreds of euros less .
Whether you choose a compact Mini for on the go or a powerful Pro for work, a previous generation often means zero compromise in use but significant savings. Check out the complete range and you'll see: making a smart choice isn't complicated.
