All iPads New iPad Air 4 vs. Used iPad Pro 3 12.9” with Pencil

[ondert]

I’m on the edge of buying a new ipad after I sold my Pro 2.
I was planning to get an Air 4 since it’s the only one using the latest chip (for now). Then I found a second hand Pro 3 12.9” with Apple pencil for the same price.
Which one would you get and why? I’ll use the ipad on the go and at work as a laptop replacement. Btw, both has 64gb storage.

 

[Wando64]

The Pro is a considerably better machine, so your choice comes down to whether you are happy to be without the manufacturer warranty.

 

[Digitalguy]

seems like a good price for a 2018 12.9 + pencil. You are basically trading warranty and some battery life for better speakers, 120hz and bigger screen (if that's what you prefer). If a bigger screen is a plus, get the 12.9. Personally I wouldn't get any iPad with only 64GB, but if it's enough for you, that's fine...

 

[Apple Mac Daz]

I would be waiting until at least next month see if new Pro’s are released if you can

prices of the Gen 3 will fall even further if so

 

[Digitalguy]

I would be waiting until at least next month see if new Pro’s are released if you can

prices of the Gen 3 will fall even further if so

honestly, I haven't seen prices falling that much other than for the 64GB model... and outside some special, very short, sales. And I don't think a new pro will make prices of the 2018 fall further...unless we get the mini led at the same price as the current IPS...

 

[ondert]

I know that the new Pros are on the horizon, maybe they’ll be released next month. Even that happens I thought I’ll be able to sell this still at a similar price. Bigger screen is a plus for me. 64gb should be enough because my previous Pro 2 had 256gb but never used that much space on it.
The only problem that there might be a slight bend since it’s a bigger model plus with LTE.

 

[Digitalguy]

I know that the new Pros are on the horizon, maybe they’ll be released next month. Even that happens I thought I’ll be able to sell this still at a similar price. Bigger screen is a plus for me. 64gb should be enough because my previous Pro 2 had 256gb but never used that much space on it.
The only problem that there might be a slight bend since it’s a bigger model plus with LTE.

the bend issue is exaggerated, I have the 11 pro LTE and it has no issues and most people I know have had 0 issues for years... just don't put it naked in backpack...

 

[AutomaticApple]

I’m on the edge of buying a new ipad after I sold my Pro 2.
I was planning to get an Air 4 since it’s the only one using the latest chip (for now). Then I found a second hand Pro 3 12.9” with Apple pencil for the same price.
Which one would you get and why? I’ll use the ipad on the go and at work as a laptop replacement. Btw, both has 64gb storage.

I would recommend waiting until next month, but the 3rd generation iPad Pro would definitely serve you well. It is easily worth the money.

 

[ericwn]

Definitely check for bends when buying used. While they have become rare on this board we have seen a few in the past. I had two such devices at my old workplace and they didn’t look pretty once bent.

 

[Freakonomics101]

If the deal for the Pro is limited for a short amount of time, I’d get the Pro. No one knows if there will be another Pro lineup next month. If you want to upgrade, just sell the 2018 Pro when the time comes.

 

[ondert]

Okay, just saw the device. As I feared, there is a slight bend on the case. Not that much, I asked the seller to think for a while. The price is decent and Face ID is convenient after I try the Touch ID on the Air. It seems more premium, the speakers are great etc. you know. The device still impressed me. What would you do in this case? The bend doesn't seem to affect any of its functions.

 

[MisterMillz]

Do you want a bigger tablet or smaller tablet. That’s basically what it comes down to. The devices are quite similar otherwise. You’re only missing flash, quad speakers, pro motion and Face ID on the air. None of which make for a markedly worse experience. I have had both.

I would dismiss the 12.9 just because it already has a bend in it. No telling what other defects may be out of sight—unless there is still time to add AppleCare+.

 

[ondert]

Do you want a bigger tablet or smaller tablet. That’s basically what it comes down to. The devices are quite similar otherwise. You’re only missing flash, quad speakers, pro motion and Face ID on the air. None of which make for a markedly worse experience. I have had both.

I would dismiss the 12.9 just because it already has a bend in it. No telling what other defects may be out of sight—unless there is still time to add AppleCare+.

I see. Does the bend led to other issues?

 

[MisterMillz]

I see. Does the bend led to other issues?

Not necessarily. It would just make me be a bit more nit-picky in my inspection because it may be a sign of general misuse. On the other hand, there are people who take great care of their devices and bends still manifest. I wouldn’t want to spend cash on a device that already has a defect in any case.

Also, since you seem comfortable with second hand/refurbished devices, I would check out Amazon and its renewed program. Gen 3 12.9 256GB space gray WiFi is currently going for $787. Under $200 more than a 64GB Air 4. 64GB might be a crunch as a replacement device—budget permitting.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I’d get the Air 4, without a shadow of doubt. It’s a great tablet.

I would be waiting until at least next month see if new Pro’s are released if you can

prices of the Gen 3 will fall even further if so

Are they likely to be £579?? I doubt it, not for a Pro.

 

[darngooddesign]

You might be able to haggle down the price because of the bend.

 

[ondert]

wow... didn’t expect this but the seller lowered the price 200$ when I complaint about possible malfunctions in the future. He told me that he needs to pay his credit card debt ASAP. Then I bit the bullet and got the device. Other than the bend, as of now, it doesn’t have any cosmetic damage not even a single scratch.
When I arrived, I checked the battery via coconut battery, and it still shows %100 capacity with only 66 cycle. The battery seems really good, I watched an episode of a tv serie for 40 minutes and it dropped only %1 of battery.

 

[darngooddesign]

There you go. And if you are cautious about how you carry it in a bag it shouldn't bend any further.

 

[ondert]

There you go. And if you are cautious about how you carry it in a bag it shouldn't bend any further.

Yeah, possibly there is no room left to bend anymore! Now looking for a decent case. I found a really good deal at the local authorized Apple reseller for the Smart Folio Cover but is that enough to protect the sides?