Guide to Getting Premium Tech Without the Premium Price
Here’s the thing about buying an iPad Pro 11 inch used.
Everyone thinks they need to drop £800+ on a brand new one.
But I’ve bought three refurbished iPads in the last two years.
And saved over £1,200 doing it.
Let me walk you through exactly how to do this without getting burned.
Table of Contents
Why I Started Buying Used iPad Pros (And Why You Should Too)
My mate Jake spent £1,049 on a brand new iPad Pro last year.
Three months later, I bought the exact same model refurbished for £399.
Same performance. Same features. Same everything.
The only difference? His had fancy packaging. Mine came in a plain box.
Guess which one of us felt smarter?
What Makes the iPad Pro 11 Inch Worth Buying Used
The 11-inch iPad Pro isn’t just another tablet.
It’s got the M-series chip that makes it faster than most laptops.
Liquid Retina display that makes everything look crisp.
Face ID that actually works (unlike my old Android tablet).
And here’s the kicker – these things are built like tanks.
I’ve seen 3-year-old iPad Pros that still run like they’re fresh out the box.
The Real Cost Breakdown: New vs Used iPad Pro 11 Inch
Let’s talk numbers because that’s what matters.
Brand New iPad Pro 11 Inch (Current UK Pricing):
- 128GB: £899
- 256GB: £1,099
- 512GB: £1,299
- 1TB: £1,699
Certified Refurbished iPad Pro 11 Inch:
- 128GB: £450-£550
- 256GB: £550-£650
- 512GB: £750-£850
- 1TB: £950-£1,050
That’s a £350-£500 saving on average.
Same warranty. Same performance. Half the price.
Where to Actually Find Quality Used iPad Pro 11 Inch Models
Not all used iPads are created equal.
Here’s where I buy mine:
Best Options:
- Apple Certified Refurbished (gold standard)
- John Lewis refurbished section
- Currys PC World certified pre-owned
- Amazon Renewed with return policy
Decent Options:
- eBay (with buyer protection)
- Facebook Marketplace (if you can inspect first)
- CEX stores (good return policy)
Avoid These:
- Random online sellers with no returns
- Gumtree deals that seem too good to be true
- Any seller who won’t let you test the device
The 5-Minute iPad Pro 11 Inch Inspection Checklist
I’ve learned this the hard way.
Always check these before buying:
Screen Check:
- No cracks or scratches
- Touch response works everywhere
- No dead pixels or discolouration
- Face ID works properly
Performance Check:
- Opens apps quickly
- No random restarts
- Battery health above 80%
- All ports work (charging, headphones)
Physical Condition:
- No dents on edges
- Camera lenses aren’t cracked
- Speakers sound clear
- No water damage indicators triggered
Takes 5 minutes. Saves you from weeks of frustration.
Storage Size: What You Actually Need vs What You Think You Need
Here’s what nobody tells you about iPad storage.
Most people think they need 512GB or 1TB.
But I’ve used a 256GB iPad Pro for 18 months.
Current usage: 180GB.
128GB is enough if you:
- Stream everything (Netflix, Spotify, YouTube)
- Don’t store massive photo libraries
- Use cloud storage for documents
256GB is perfect if you:
- Download some shows for travel
- Store photos and videos locally
- Use it for work presentations
512GB+ only if you:
- Edit 4K videos regularly
- Store your entire music library offline
- Run multiple demanding apps simultaneously
Don’t let storage FOMO cost you an extra £200.
Red Flags That Scream “Don’t Buy This iPad”
I’ve seen some horror stories.
Here’s what to run from:
- Activation Lock still enabled (means it’s potentially stolen)
- Significantly bent or warped body (dropped from height)
- Screen that’s been “professionally repaired” (often means cheap parts)
- Seller who won’t provide serial number (red flag for stolen goods)
- Price that’s suspiciously low (if it seems too good to be true…)
- Multiple previous repairs (you’re buying someone else’s problem)
Trust your gut on this stuff.
The Wi-Fi vs Cellular Debate for Used iPad Pros
Everyone asks me this.
“Should I get the cellular model?”
Here’s my take after owning both:
Get Cellular If:
- You travel frequently for work
- Your WiFi at home is unreliable
- You use it for important presentations
- The price difference is under £100
Stick with Wi-Fi If:
- You’ve got unlimited phone data for hotspots
- You mainly use it at home/office
- You want to save £150-200
- Your phone’s hotspot feature works well
I bought cellular thinking I’d use it everywhere.
Reality: I used it maybe 10 times in 2 years.
Your phone’s hotspot works fine 90% of the time.
Apple Pencil Compatibility: What Works with Your Used iPad Pro
This trips people up constantly.
iPad Pro 11 inch models support Apple Pencil (2nd generation) or Apple Pencil Pro.
The 2018-2020 models use Apple Pencil (2nd generation). The 2021+ M-chip models work with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (2nd generation).
Apple Pencil (2nd Generation):
- Magnetic attachment to iPad side
- Wireless charging
- Double-tap to switch tools
- Works with all drawing/note apps
Used Apple Pencil Pricing:
- Apple Pencil (2nd Gen): £70-£90 used, £129 new
- Apple Pencil Pro: £100-£120 used, £129 new
Don’t buy the iPad then realise you need to spend another £100 on the pencil.
Factor it into your total budget upfront.
Battery Life Reality Check for Used iPad Pros
New iPad Pro: 10 hours battery life.
3-year-old used iPad Pro: Still 8-9 hours.
Here’s why: iPads don’t get charged/discharged as much as phones. Most people use them plugged in at desks. The battery degradation is much slower.
How to Check Battery Health:
- Settings > Battery > Battery Health
- Anything above 80% is excellent
- 70-80% is acceptable
- Below 70% means negotiate the price down
I’ve never had a used iPad Pro with terrible battery life.
They’re just built different.
Software Updates: How Long Your Used iPad Pro Will Last
Apple supports iPads for years.
The 2018 iPad Pro still receives iPadOS updates in 2025.
Your used iPad Pro 11 inch will likely get:
- 3-4 years of major iPadOS updates (depending on model year)
- 5-6 years of security updates total
- App compatibility for the device’s supported lifespan
Compare that to Android tablets that get 2-3 years max.
This is why iPads hold their value.
Common iPad Pro 11 Inch Issues to Watch For
I’ve owned multiple used iPad Pros.
Here are the actual problems you might face:
The “White Spot” Issue:
- Pressure marks that show up on screen
- More common on older models
- Usually covered under warranty
Smart Connector Problems:
- Keyboard accessories stop working
- Can often be fixed with cleaning
- Not a deal-breaker unless you need keyboards
Face ID Sensitivity:
- Works but takes longer to recognise
- Usually software fixable
- Test thoroughly before buying
Charging Port Wear:
- USB-C gets loose over time
- Still works but feels wobbly
- Easy to live with, hard to fix
None of these are catastrophic. Just things to factor into your offer price.
The Accessories Game: What You Actually Need
Don’t fall for the accessory trap.
Essential:
- Screen protector (£10-15)
- Basic case (£15-25)
Nice to Have:
- Apple Pencil 2nd Gen (if you draw/write)
- Wireless keyboard (if replacing laptop)
Skip These:
- Official Apple cases (overpriced)
- Multiple screen protectors
- Fancy stands you’ll never use
I spent £200 on accessories for my first iPad.
Used about £40 worth regularly.
Learn from my mistakes.
Negotiation Tactics That Actually Work
Most people are terrible at negotiating.
Here’s what works for used iPad Pros:
Research First:
- Check completed eBay listings
- Know current refurb prices
- Screenshot similar listings
Point Out Flaws Politely:
- “I notice the screen has some light scratches”
- “The battery health shows 78%”
- “There’s a small dent on the corner”
Make Reasonable Offers:
- Start 15-20% below asking
- Don’t lowball by 50%
- Be prepared to walk away
Bundle Negotiations:
- “Would you take £X if I collect today?”
- “Any chance of including that case?”
- “What’s your best price for cash?”
I’ve never paid asking price. But I’ve never been insulting either.
Treat people like humans and you’ll get better deals.
Warranty and Protection Plans Worth Considering
Apple’s refurb warranty is solid. 1 year standard coverage. Same as buying new.
Extended Protection Options:
- AppleCare+ (if still available): £7.99/month
- John Lewis 2-year guarantee (free)
- Credit card purchase protection (check yours)
Skip These:
- Third-party extended warranties
- Insurance for tablets under £500
- “Protection plans” from random sellers
The best protection is buying from reputable sellers. And not dropping the thing.
My Personal iPad Pro 11 Inch Used Success Stories
- Purchase #1: 2019 iPad Pro 11″, 256GB, Wi-Fi Paid: £475 (RRP was £999) Condition: Excellent with box Saved: £524
- Purchase #2: 2020 iPad Pro 11″, 128GB, Cellular Paid: £450 (RRP was £1,049) Condition: Light wear on corners Saved: £599
- Purchase #3: 2021 iPad Pro 11″, 512GB, Wi-Fi Paid: £700 (RRP was £1,299) Condition: Like new, Apple refurb Saved: £599
Total saved across three purchases: £1,722
Same performance. Same apps. Same experience. Just smarter spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it safe to buy a used iPad Pro 11 inch online?
A: Yes, if you stick to reputable sellers with return policies. Apple refurbished, Amazon Renewed, and established retailers are your safest bets. Always check the seller’s return policy before buying.
Q: How can I tell if a used iPad Pro is stolen?
A: Check the serial number on Apple’s coverage checker. If it shows as reported lost/stolen, don’t buy it. Also, make sure the seller can sign out of their Apple ID and disable Activation Lock in front of you.
Q: What’s the difference between refurbished and used?
A: Refurbished means it’s been professionally restored with new parts where needed and comes with a warranty. Used typically means sold as-is by the previous owner with no warranty.
Q: Should I buy an iPad Pro 11 inch from 2018 or wait for a newer model?
A: The 2018 model still performs well in 2025, though it’s reaching end-of-support. For longevity, consider 2020+ models with better chip performance and longer update support. 2021+ models with M1 chips offer the best future-proofing.
Q: Can I get AppleCare+ on a used iPad Pro?
A: Only if it’s within 60 days of the original purchase date and passes Apple’s inspection. Most used iPads won’t qualify, but certified refurbs from Apple often include new warranty periods.
Q: What’s the best storage size for a used iPad Pro 11 inch?
A: 256GB hits the sweet spot for most users. It’s enough for apps, some offline content, and work files without paying the premium for 512GB. Only go higher if you’re editing videos or storing massive files.
Q: How long will a used iPad Pro 11 inch receive software updates?
A: Apple typically supports iPads for 5-6 years from launch. A 2021 iPad Pro will likely receive updates until 2026-2027. Older models like 2018-2019 are nearing end-of-support, so factor this into your decision.
Q: Is the cellular version worth the extra cost for a used iPad Pro?
A: Only if you regularly work from locations without reliable WiFi. Most users find their phone’s hotspot feature adequate for occasional internet access on the go.
The Bottom Line on iPad Pro 11 Inch Used
Look, buying an iPad Pro 11 inch used isn’t just about saving money.
It’s about being smart with your money.
The same device that costs £899+ new can be yours for £450-650 refurbished. Same performance. Same apps. Same everything that matters.
I’ve guided dozens of people through this process. The ones who follow this advice get amazing deals. The ones who rush in get burned.
Take your time. Do your research. Buy from reputable sources.
Your wallet will thank you, and you’ll still get that premium iPad Pro 11 inch used experience without the premium price tag.