Why a refurbished iPad is the smart choice for students
Being a student is expensive. Buying an iPad? Even more expensive. You need that tablet for your studies, but the prices at the Apple Store are a real pain in the ass. Even with a student discount, you're often left with a hefty bill.
But here's where most students go wrong: they think new is always better. A refurbished iPad can save you hundreds of euros without sacrificing quality. In fact, it's often the smarter choice. Not only for your bank account, but also for the environment .
While your fellow students are still waiting for the next discount, you've been studying for months on a perfect iPad. For a fraction of the price .
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The Real Cost of a New iPad
Let's be honest: the official Apple student discount sounds appealing, but how much do you actually save? At Apple, you usually get a 10% discount on a new iPad. That means you'll still pay €629 for a €699 iPad Air. A hefty sum for someone living on student loans.
A refurbished copy of the same model often costs between €400 and €500 from reputable retailers like Leapp. That's a difference of at least €129, but often even more than €200. Money you can use for textbooks, a keyboard case, or simply your monthly groceries.
Which iPad suits your study?
Not every student needs the same tablet. Your program largely determines which model is best for you.
For notes and standard study work
Are you studying law, psychology, or another text-intensive field? Then a standard iPad (9th or 10th generation) is more than sufficient. These models support the Apple Pencil for handwritten notes. The 10.2-inch screen is large enough to comfortably read PDFs and take notes.
For creative studies
Are you studying graphic design, architecture, or art? Then an iPad Air or even an iPad Pro is a better investment. The Liquid Retina display displays colors more accurately, and the M1 chip in newer models handles demanding design software effortlessly. A refurbished iPad Pro from 2021 offers the same performance as a new model but costs hundreds of euros less.
For technical studies
Computer science, engineering, or mathematics students will benefit from a model with plenty of storage and processing power. A refurbished iPad Air with 256GB of storage is ideal for running programming apps and storing large project files.
The myth of 'second-hand' debunked
Many students think refurbished is the same as second-hand. That's not true. A refurbished iPad goes through an intensive renewal process. All components are checked, defective parts are replaced, and the software is completely reset. The end result? A tablet that technically functions like new.
At leapp, this process goes even further. Every iPad receives a new battery when its capacity drops below 85%. The screen is professionally cleaned or replaced if damaged. You even get a warranty, just like with a new one.
Practical benefits during your studies
A refurbished iPad offers more than just financial benefits. You get immediate access to a proven model. No teething problems or production errors that sometimes occur in new models.
Moreover, popular accessories for older models are often cheaper. A keyboard for a 2021 iPad costs less than for the latest model, while offering identical functionality. Cases, screen protectors, and other accessories are also widely available at reasonable prices.
Sustainability as a bonus
As a student, you're part of a generation that's more environmentally conscious. By choosing a refurbished iPad, you prevent a perfectly functioning device from ending up in the landfill. You save raw materials and energy that would otherwise be needed to produce a new tablet.
This isn't greenwashing, but a measurable difference. Each refurbished iPad saves approximately 80 kg of CO2 emissions compared to the production of a new one. For an entire student association switching to refurbished devices, this amounts to the CO2 savings of dozens of plane trips.
Tips for a smart purchase
Timing is everything when buying a refurbished iPad. The best deals are often found shortly after a new model's release, when people trade in their "old" tablets. September and January are traditionally good months, as the new academic year begins.
When making your purchase, pay attention to the following points:
- Check if the model still receives software updates for at least 3 years
- Choose at least 64GB of storage, 128GB if you store a lot of documents
- Compare battery warranties between providers
- Check whether accessories such as the Apple Pencil are compatible with your chosen model
- Please ask about the return policy in case you are not satisfied with the device.
The financial reality
Let's be concrete with a calculation example. Suppose you have a budget of €600 for an iPad including accessories. At Apple, you can buy a basic iPad with a student discount for about €450. That leaves you with €150 for a case and possibly a pencil.
With the same budget, you can buy a refurbished iPad Air at leapp for €450, plus a keyboard for €100 and an Apple Pencil for €50. So you get a more powerful tablet with better accessories for the same price.
Over the entire study period, the difference becomes even greater. A new iPad loses about 30% of its value in the first year. A refurbished model has already experienced this depreciation, meaning you lose relatively less when reselling it.
Conclusion
The choice between a new iPad with a student discount and a refurbished model isn't actually a difficult one. Unless you specifically need the very latest model for your studies, refurbished offers nothing but advantages. You save money, get a reliable device with a warranty, and contribute to a more sustainable world.
Stop waiting for the next sale or saving up for a new tablet. Check out our selection of refurbished iPads and start your academic year with a smart purchase. Your wallet and the environment will thank you.
The benefits at a glance
A refurbished iPad is simply the better choice for most students. You pay hundreds of euros less than a new one with a student discount, while getting a technically perfect tablet with a warranty.
The money you save can be used for accessories, study materials, or simply your everyday expenses. Plus, you'll help the environment by giving an existing device a second life.
Why pay more for the same results? Make the smart choice and browse our complete range of refurbished iPads for your studies.
