A Buyer’s Guide to the iPad 5 (5th Generation)
The Apple iPad 5th Generation was announced during their March 2017 event and released during the same year. Apple’s new 9.7 inch iPad features a ‘beautifully bright Retina display with over 3.1 million pixel’s’ and provides incredible performance.
The iPad 5th generation model succeeds the younger iPad 4 as below.
- iPad (4th Generation) – Released November 2012
- iPad (3th Generation) – Released March 2012
- iPad (2nd Generation) – Released March 2011
Here at WeBuyTek, a refurbished iPad tablet will go through an extensive 70 point refurbishment process to ensure the tablet is fully functioning, data wiped, software updated, network unlocked and factory restored back to factory condition.
Where can I buy a iPad (5th Gen)?
At WeBuyTek the iPad 5th Generation tablet is one of our more popular sellers due it’s modern capabilities, such as Touch ID function, powerful performance, and relatively low cost compared to some of the later versions like the iPad Pro or iPad Air range.
There are also many other sellers, whether that be in store, direct from the manufacturer, online retailers, or on marketplaces like Amazon and eBay that offer these iPads for sale. Whilst there are always bargains to be had, special care and attention is needed before making the leap and buying an iPad.
When browsing, some listings are sold as second hand or used, though this is not always bad, in some instances, these devices are not fully tested or come with a warranty should any issues occur down the line. So always be cautious and ask for any more information, and usually, as the saying goes, if it looks too good to be true, it usually is.
Always look out for the iPad 5th Generation to be listed as ‘refurbished’. This will then ensure the tablet has passed all the tests and is fully functioning and will be backed with a warranty, usually between 6 and 12 months long. Care should always be taken to check the company out before placing the order. Read product and company reviews and contact them before hand to find out their returns policy, warranty policy and also shipping policy. A reputable company will always be more than happy to help and provide all this information. Here at WeBuyTek, we have over 7100 customer reviews on independent site Trustpilot!
Check out our range of Refurbished iPad tablets.
How much does a refurbished iPad (5th Gen) cost?
A refurbished Apple iPad 5th Generation tablet is available in:
– 2 different memory capacities, 32GB and 128GB
– 3 different colours, Gold, Space Grey, and Silver
– WIFI Only, and WIFI and Cellular (Data)
– 3 different cosmetic conditions, Pristine, Excellent, and Good
Prices will differ depending on each of these variants, with prices starting from £179.95 and go up to £279.95.
A few examples of our current prices are:
- Apple iPad (5th Gen) WIFI, 32GB, Excellent Condition, £199.95
- Apple iPad (5th Gen) WIFI, 128GB, Good Condition, £199.95
- Apple iPad (5th Gen), WIFI & Data, 128GB, Pristine Condition, Network Unlocked £279.95
This is a great saving from buying a brand-new tablet and makes a refurbished tablet a no brainer.
Head over to our website to see our current prices and stock availability.
Are iPad (5th Gen) tablets graded?
All of our iPads are graded on their cosmetic condition. This in no way affects the performance, functionality or use of the tablet, and is purely cosmetic.
Our gradings are:
- Pristine Condition (Grade A) – can show at worst very faint, light scratches only visible in certain light at a certain angle.
- Excellent Condition (Grade B) – may show light to medium surface scratches on the screen or housing.
- Good Condition (Grade C) – will show medium to heavy marks and scratches on the tablet.
Every one of our devices are extensively tested, thoroughly cleaned, and battery drain tested prior to dispatch. If the tablet is being kept in a case, then a lower grade device such as Good Condition, would be perfect as a majority of marks would be covered up by the case, saving you valuable pounds.
iPad (5th Gen) Specs

iPad 5th Gen: Key features
- Height: 9.4 inches
- Width: 6.6 inches
- Depth: 0.29 inches
- Weight: 1.03 pound (WIFI) & 1.05 pound (WIFI & Data)
- Screen: 9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
- A9 Chip with 64-bit architecture
- Embedded M9 Coprocessor
- Home Button with Touch ID
- Nano-SIM tray (Data Models)
- 8MP Rear facing camera with autofocus, image stabilisation, Panorama (up to 43 MP) and a five-element lens
- 1080P HD video recording with 3 times zoom
- 2MP front facing camera with retina flash, face detection, HDR for photos and videos
- 720P HD video recording
A refurbished iPad tablet functions and performs exactly the same as a brand-new iPad direct from Apple. The only difference is that of the cosmetic condition.
iPad (5th Gen) WIFI Only vs Data (Cellular or 4G)
Refurbished Apple iPad 5th Gen tablets come in either WIFI only or WIFI and Data versions. Both of these variants function and operate exactly the same, the only difference being the Data version allows a sim card to be inserted in order for 4G capabilities to be used without being connected to WIFI, similar to a mobile phone.
At WeBuyTek, we often get asked which option is best and which should I choose. The simple answer to this, is that it all depends on how and where you will use the tablet.
For those people who will use the Apple tablet within their house or in the vicinity of a WIFI connection, then WIFI only would be the perfect choice, and also saves you money as these are slightly cheaper.
Whereas anyone who likes to use their tablet on the go, and not always in the vicinity of a WIFI connection, then the Data version would be the model to choose. Simply insert a nano sim card into the tablet and ensure there is a data package from the network provider to go with the SIM card, and away you go. Our refurbished devices are all network unlocked so any network SIM card can used.
iPad (5th Gen) Performance
The Apple iPad 5 tablet uses the A9 chip with 64-bit architecture and an embedded M9 coprocessor on the main logic board, and although this is not the most powerful chip Apple have used compared to their later iPad models like the iPad 7th Gen which uses the A10 Fusion chip, the performance is more than adequate for this budget iPad.
Apple have used the same battery in the iPad 5th generation to that of the iPad Air, the later versions of the iPad 6th Gen and iPad 7th Gen which is a 3.7v, 8827mAh lithium-polymer rechargeable battery. The fact Apple have used the same battery, does show how good this battery in both performance and ability to last as long as possible on a single charge.
A iPad (5th Gen) can be charged through either a power adapter or through the USB slot on a computer, and this iPad will last for around 10 hours of internet usage, or around 9 hours of internet browsing when using the data capabilities according to Apple.
Refurbished tablets all go through a strict testing process and are data wiped to ensure there is no difference in the performance or functionality of the tablet compared to a new device. In some cases iPads sold as second hand or used may not go through the same testing protocols and may run much slower than they should.
Does a refurbished iPad 5th Gen come with a new battery?
During our refurbishment process we ensure all batteries have a minimum battery health of 80%. If the battery health is above 80% it is then drain tested to check the drainage rates, which will ensure there are no abnormal results. If these tests and checks have all been passed the battery will not be replaced.
Should a battery health be below 80%, it is then replaced with a brand-new battery. Tablets are then retested, and drain tested to ensure there are no fast or abnormal drain issues with the new battery.
Does a iPad (5th Gen) have wireless charging?
A refurbished iPad 5 tablet does not support wireless charging. Apple have not yet made this feature available on any of their iPads to date.
Does a iPad (5th Gen) support Apple Pencil?
Unfortunately this tablet will not support the Apple Pencil. It’s successor however, the iPad 6th Gen will support the 1st Generation Apple Pencil.
Does a refurbished iPad (5th Gen) support Apple Keyboard and Mouse?
Both a magic mouse and a magic keyboard can be used with a refurbished iPad 5th Generation tablet. The keyboard and mouse are wireless and rechargeable and automatically connect to the iPad using the Bluetooth connection.
How much storage is in a refurbished iPad 5th Gen?
An Apple iPad (5th Gen) tablet has 2 difference storage capacity options. The 32GB version and the 128GB version. The more storage the tablet has, the higher the cost of these devices are, so it is worth taking a few minutes to think how much storage you would need.
A 32GB capacity model would be a more cost-effective approach for those people who would use their device for simple web browsing, YouTube viewing, or playing various downloaded games.
People who like to store music, videos, pictures and many different apps on their tablet, the higher 128GB capacity should be chosen. This will then provide more storage and is great option for those who travel away and like to keep entertained.
How much RAM is there in a iPad (5th Gen)?
A refurbished Apple iPad 5th Generation Tablet has 2GB of RAM which is the same as its successor the iPad 6th Generation.
Does a iPad (5th Gen) come in its original box?
Our refurbished iPad tablets are supplied in a brown wrap around box, and come with a new USB charging lead and a sim release too for those data model tablets.
iPad 5th Camera performance
Apple have provided the iPad 5 with the following rear camera capabilities:
- 8 Megapixel camera
- Live Photos
- Autofocus
- Panorama (Up to 43 Megapixels)
- HDR for photos
- Exposure control
- Burst mode
- Tap to focus
- Timer mode
- ƒ/2.4 aperture
- Five-element lens
- Hybrid IR filter
- Backside illumination
- Auto image stabilization
- Face detection
- Photo geotagging
This tablet also has a front facing camera with the following capabilities:
- 2 Megapixel camera
- Live Photos
- ƒ /2.4 aperture
- Retina Flash
- Burst mode
- Timer mode
- Face detection
- HDR for photos
- Backside illumination
At WeBuyTek all of our refurbished iPads go through an extensive 70-point diagnostic check to identify any issues with the camera quality. Should any issues be discovered, the camera is then replaced, and the tablet is then retested again to ensure the issue is resolved and the camera is functioning and performing as it should.
iPad (5th Gen) Video performance
An iPad 5 has the following video capabilities according to Apple’s technical specification:
- 1080P HD video recording (30fps)
- Slo-mo (120 fps)
- Time-lapse video with stabilization
- Video image stabilization
- Face detection
- 3 x video zoon
- Video geotagging
- 720P HD video recording (Front facing camera)
- HDR for videos
Can you buy an unlocked iPad (5th Gen)?
iPad 5th Generation tablets from WeBuyTek are network unlocked, allowing any network sim card to be inserted and ready to use straight away.
In some instances, we do offer the occasional network locked device. These can be found on our sale page and are often at a reduced price. So, if you are not bothered what network provider you use, it is always worth keeping an eye out for a great bargain!
For more information and to check out our range of Refurbished iPads head over to our website.