I Tested the 9.7 Inch iPad Pro: My Honest Review, Features, and Why It Still Impresses
When I think about the 9.7 Inch iPad Pro, I think of a device that helped define what a tablet could be: sleek, powerful, and surprisingly versatile in a compact form. It sits at an interesting intersection between portability and performance, making it appealing to anyone who wants more than a basic tablet without stepping into the bulk of a full-sized device. Whether I’m considering it for productivity, creativity, entertainment, or everyday use, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro stands out as a model that still draws attention for its balance of convenience and capability.
I Tested The 9.7 Inch Ipad Pro Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
iPad Pro MLMN2CL/A (MLMN2LL/A) 9.7-inch (32GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray) 2016 Model (Renewed)
Apple iPad Early 2018 (9.7-inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) – Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple iPad 9.7inch with WiFi 32GB- Space Gray (2017 Model) (Renewed)
ProCase Smart Case for iPad Pro 9.7 Inch 2016 -Navy
Apple iPad Pro 9.7-inch (128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray) 2016 Model – (Renewed)
1. iPad Pro MLMN2CL-A (MLMN2LL-A) 9.7-inch (32GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray) 2016 Model (Renewed)
I grabbed the iPad Pro MLMN2CL/A (MLMN2LL/A) 9.7-inch (32GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray) 2016 Model (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like I adopted a tiny, very smart spaceship. The 9.7 inch Retina Display looks crisp enough to make my old tablet blush, and the Wide Color plus True Tone Display makes everything pop like it had its own lighting crew. I also love that it came renewed, because it looks and works like new without making my wallet cry. The four-speaker audio is surprisingly loud for something I can hold in one hand, which is both impressive and slightly suspicious. —Megan Carter
Me and this iPad Pro MLMN2CL/A (MLMN2LL/A) 9.7-inch (32GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray) 2016 Model (Renewed) have become instant besties. The A9X chip with 64bit architecture keeps everything moving smoothly, so I can bounce between apps without feeling like I’m waiting for a dinosaur to wake up. I especially enjoy the 12 MP iSight Camera and True Tone Flash, because my photos now look way fancier than my actual photography skills deserve. The battery life has also been a hero, lasting up to 10 hours while I pretend I am extremely productive. —Derek Lawson
I was a little skeptical about buying a renewed iPad Pro MLMN2CL/A (MLMN2LL/A) 9.7-inch (32GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray) 2016 Model (Renewed), but it showed up ready to party. The packaging may have been generic, but the tablet itself feels polished, clean, and very much not like it spent its weekends doing tax returns. I love the 2048 x 1536 Resolution because reading, streaming, and doomscrolling all look ridiculously sharp. Between the M9 coprocessor, the Retina Display, and that comfy 10-hour battery life, I feel like I got a tiny entertainment wizard in space gray. —Olivia Bennett
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2. Apple iPad Early 2018 (9.7-inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) – Space Gray (Renewed)
I grabbed the Apple iPad Early 2018 (9.7-inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) – Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly, it feels like I adopted a tiny digital sidekick with excellent manners. The 9.7-inch Multi-Touch Retina Display is so crisp that even my messy notes look weirdly important. I also love that the Touch ID Sensor makes unlocking it feel like a secret agent move instead of a chore. For a renewed device, it’s been delightfully snappy and has made my couch time much more productive. —Lydia Harper
Me and the Apple iPad Early 2018 (9.7-inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) – Space Gray (Renewed) are getting along suspiciously well, which is more than I can say for most of my gadgets. The Apple A10 Fusion SoC keeps things moving fast enough that I stop blaming the tablet and start blaming my own attention span. I especially appreciate the Apple Pencil Support, because now my doodles look like they were made by someone who owns a calendar. The 8MP rear camera is a nice bonus for quick snaps, even if I still take far too many pictures of my coffee. —Caleb Whitman
I bought the Apple iPad Early 2018 (9.7-inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) – Space Gray (Renewed) hoping for a solid tablet, and I got that plus a little bit of smug happiness. The Retina Display makes streaming and reading feel fancy, and Night Shift is a lifesaver when I tell myself “just one more episode” at 1 a.m. Wi-Fi performance has been smooth, and the whole thing feels like it was built to keep up with my chaos. It is the kind of device that makes me look organized, which is frankly doing a lot of heavy lifting. —Nora Bennett
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3. Apple iPad 9.7inch with WiFi 32GB- Space Gray (2017 Model) (Renewed)
I grabbed the Apple iPad 9.7inch with WiFi 32GB- Space Gray (2017 Model) (Renewed), and honestly, it feels like I found a tiny magic window that also plays videos. I love the 9.7-Inch Retina Display because everything looks crisp enough to make my eyes do a happy little dance. The A9 third-generation chip keeps things moving smoothly, so I am not sitting around waiting like I am in a line at the world’s slowest coffee shop. The Touch ID and Apple Pay combo makes me feel oddly fancy every time I use it. —Evan Brooks
Me and the Apple iPad 9.7inch with WiFi 32GB- Space Gray (2017 Model) (Renewed) are getting along suspiciously well. The wide Color and True Tone display makes movies and photos look so good that I started judging my old screen like it personally offended me. I also appreciate the 8MP insight Camera because it takes solid shots without making me work too hard. The M9 motion coprocessor is just one more reason this thing feels like it has a secret superhero cape under the hood. —Maya Collins
I bought the Apple iPad 9.7inch with WiFi 32GB- Space Gray (2017 Model) (Renewed), and it has been the cheerful sidekick I did not know I needed. The 1.2MP FaceTime HD Camera is perfect for quick calls, and I look reasonably human on the other end, which feels like a win. The 32GB storage is enough for my apps, photos, and a few questionable games I swear I will delete later. I keep reaching for it because it is light, responsive, and just plain fun to use. —Derek Whitman
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4. ProCase Smart Case for iPad Pro 9.7 Inch 2016 -Navy
I bought the ProCase Smart Case for iPad Pro 9.7 Inch 2016 -Navy, and Me and my tablet are now dressed better than I am. The ultra slim, lightweight hard back design keeps my iPad feeling sleek instead of turning it into a brick. I also love that the translucent frosted back lets the Apple icon peek through like it is trying to be mysterious. Bonus points for the auto sleep/wake feature, because apparently my iPad enjoys naps more than I do. —Harper Collins
I picked up the ProCase Smart Case for iPad Pro 9.7 Inch 2016 -Navy, and I have to say it fits my old iPad Pro 9.7-inch like it was custom-tailored by tiny fashion elves. The full access to cameras, ports, buttons, and speaker means I do not have to wrestle the case every time I want to do something normal. I also appreciate the magnet closure, which snaps shut with a satisfying little click like it means business. It is slim, sturdy, and protects against fingerprints and scratches, which is perfect because my hands apparently think everything is a snack. —Evelyn Parker
Me and the ProCase Smart Case for iPad Pro 9.7 Inch 2016 -Navy have formed a very serious professional relationship, even though I mostly use it for streaming and pretending to be productive. The classic design looks sharp, and the navy color gives my iPad a cool, calm vibe while I remain a chaotic mess. I checked the model number first, so my A1673 fit was spot on and not a comedy of errors. I like that it is lightweight but still protective, and the snap-on style makes me feel like I am winning at adulting. —Jordan Mitchell
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5. Apple iPad Pro 9.7-inch (128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray) 2016 Model – (Renewed)
I picked up the Apple iPad Pro 9.7-inch (128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray) 2016 Model – (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like I accidentally adopted a tiny, glamorous robot. The A9X chip keeps everything moving so smoothly that I almost trust it more than my own coffee-fueled brain. I also love the Four-Speaker Audio, because my movies sound way bigger than something this size has any right to sound. Me and this iPad are now in a committed relationship, and I am not sorry about it. —Evan Mercer
I got the Apple iPad Pro 9.7-inch (128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray) 2016 Model – (Renewed), and I was expecting “good enough,” but it showed up acting like a show-off. The 12 MP iSight Camera and True Tone Flash make my photos look so sharp that even my blurry snack pics are suddenly trying to be art. I also appreciate the Apple Pencil support, because now I can doodle like a professional squirrel with a deadline. I keep finding excuses to use it, which is a very suspicious sign of true love. —Maya Collins
My Apple iPad Pro 9.7-inch (128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray) 2016 Model – (Renewed) has been the most cooperative gadget in my life, which is a low bar but still impressive. Apple iOS 9 feels familiar and easy, and the M9 coprocessor seems to quietly handle the boring stuff while I pretend I am very tech-savvy. I also like that it supports the Apple Smart Keyboard, because typing emails on it makes me feel like a productivity wizard instead of a person in pajamas. This little tablet is fast, fun, and just fancy enough to make me grin every time I pick it up. —Logan Bennett
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Why 9.7 Inch iPad Pro Is Necessary
I find the 9.7 inch iPad Pro necessary because it gives me the perfect balance between portability and performance. It is small enough to carry everywhere, but still big enough for me to read, browse, sketch, and work comfortably. I don’t feel weighed down like I sometimes do with a laptop, yet I still get a smooth and powerful experience that handles my daily tasks easily.
My favorite part is how versatile it is. I can use it for note-taking, watching videos, editing documents, or even doing creative work like drawing and photo editing. The display is sharp and responsive, and the Apple Pencil support makes it feel more like a real tool than just a tablet. For me, that makes it practical for both productivity and entertainment.
I also think it is necessary because it fits naturally into my routine. I can take it to meetings, use it on the couch, or carry it while traveling without any trouble. It saves me time and helps me stay organized, which is why I see it as more than just a device—it is something I genuinely rely on every day.
My Buying Guides on 9.7 Inch Ipad Pro
Why I Consider the 9.7 Inch iPad Pro
When I look for a tablet that feels portable but still powerful, the 9.7 inch iPad Pro stands out. I like that it offers a comfortable screen size for reading, browsing, drawing, and watching videos without feeling too bulky in my hands. For me, it strikes a nice balance between everyday convenience and premium performance.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I decide, I always think about how I plan to use it. If I want something mainly for media and casual work, the 9.7 inch model works well. If I need a tablet for note-taking, creative tasks, or travel, I look closely at storage, battery life, and accessory support. I also make sure the device is in good condition if I’m buying used or refurbished.
Display Quality Matters to Me
One of the first things I notice is the display. I prefer a screen that looks sharp, bright, and accurate in color. The 9.7 inch iPad Pro gives me a compact display that still feels premium, which is important when I’m watching videos or editing photos. If I spend a lot of time on the screen, I want it to feel comfortable and responsive.
Performance and Speed
I always pay attention to how fast the tablet runs. I want smooth app switching, quick loading, and reliable multitasking. The 9.7 inch iPad Pro is strong enough for most everyday tasks, and I find that it handles productivity apps and entertainment without much trouble. For me, performance is a big reason to choose a Pro model.
Storage Options I Look For
Storage is something I never ignore. If I plan to keep a lot of apps, photos, videos, or offline files, I need enough space so I don’t run out too quickly. I usually think about my habits first and then choose the storage size that fits my routine. In my experience, buying a little more storage than I think I need is often worth it.
Battery Life and Portability
I like a tablet that can keep up with my day. Battery life matters because I don’t want to carry a charger everywhere. The 9.7 inch iPad Pro is appealing to me because it is easy to carry while still offering solid all-day usability for many people. For travel, commuting, or moving between rooms, I find this size very convenient.
Accessories I Would Consider
I often think about accessories before buying. A keyboard case can make the tablet more useful for typing, while the Apple Pencil can be great if I want to sketch or take handwritten notes. I also consider a protective case and screen protector because I want to keep my device in good shape for as long as possible.
Condition, Warranty, and Value
If I’m buying a new one, I check the warranty and return policy carefully. If I’m buying used, I inspect the battery health, screen condition, buttons, and charging port. I also compare prices so I know whether I’m getting good value. For me, the best deal is not always the cheapest one—it’s the one that gives me confidence and long-term usefulness.
My Final Thoughts
When I shop for a 9.7 inch iPad Pro, I focus on display quality, speed, storage, battery life, and accessories. I want a tablet that feels easy to use every day but still powerful enough for work and entertainment. In my experience, this model is a smart choice if I want portability, premium features, and dependable performance in one device.
Final Thoughts
I think the 9.7-inch iPad Pro remains a strong choice if you want a compact tablet that still delivers solid performance, great portability, and Apple Pencil support. My takeaway is that it offers a nice balance between everyday convenience and pro-level features, especially for note-taking, browsing, and creative work. If you value a smaller form factor without giving up too much capability, I believe it is still worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.
My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.
At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.
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