I spent three hours in a refurbished electronics shop last month. Why? Because I wanted to find out if a refurbished iPad from 2022 for 450 euros is a better investment than a brand-new Lenovo for 300 euros.
The saleswoman said: "Most customers only look at the price." Then she showed me two tablets. Both looked identical. Both cost roughly the same. But one would be useless in two years. The other will still run in 2030.
That's the truth about refurbished tablets that nobody tells you: The purchase price doesn't matter if you ignore software support.
Here's the complete comparison: refurbished iPad versus Samsung Galaxy Tab versus Lenovo. With all the facts that none of the major retailers will tell you. For more details, check out our complete tablet buying guide.
The Key Takeaways
Refurbished iPads and tablets are professionally restored devices that function like new. Especially refurbished iPads offer the longest usable lifespan with 6 years of OS updates and 8-10 years of security patches. They cost 30 to 60 percent less than new devices, come with warranties, and according to Consumer Reports, actually have lower failure rates than new devices.
The catch? Not all brands are equal. The critical difference lies in software support: iPads get 6 years of OS updates plus 8 to 10 years of security updates, Samsung offers 4 plus 5 years, Lenovo only 2 plus 1 year.
If you want to learn more about what refurbished means exactly, we have a comprehensive guide for you.
The Three Tablet Giants at a Glance
| Criteria | Apple iPad | Samsung Galaxy Tab | Lenovo Tab |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Share 2024 | 38.6% | 18.8% | ~7% |
| Refurbished Price Range | €250 to €900 | €180 to €650 | €120 to €400 |
| OS Updates | 6 years | 4 years | 2 years |
| Security Updates | 8 to 10 years | 5 years | 1 year |
| Strength | Longest usable lifespan | Versatility | Lowest price |
| Weakness | Highest price | Complex model lineup | Short software support |
Apple dominates the global tablet market with nearly 57 million iPads sold in 2024. Especially refurbished iPads benefit from this dominance: Large selection, stable prices, and long-term software support make the refurbished iPad a safe investment. Samsung follows with 27.8 million Galaxy Tabs. Lenovo is growing at 12 percent annually but plays in a different league.
Software Updates: The Factor Everyone Overlooks
You know what annoys me most? Refurbed, Back Market, rebuy – all the major retailers show you condition grades, battery capacity, warranty terms. But how long your refurbished iPad or tablet will continue receiving security updates after purchase? Not mentioned anywhere.
And that's the most important factor. Not the price. Not the color. Not the scratches on the back.
Why? Because you're not buying a brand-new device. You're buying one that already has a few years on it.
What Does This Mean in Practice?
Let's say you buy a refurbished iPad or another tablet from 2022 in 2026:
iPad Air (2022): According to Macworld, it will receive full iOS updates until 2028 and security updates until 2030 to 2032. That's 4 to 6 years after your purchase. A refurbished iPad from this generation is therefore a long-term investment.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 (2022): Per Samsung's policies, it gets Android updates until 2026 and security patches until 2027. That's 0 to 1 year after your purchase.
Lenovo Tab P12 Pro (2022): Has already exhausted its 2 years of OS updates. Security updates ended in 2023. Buy it in 2026, and it's already insecure.
That's a massive difference. With a refurbished iPad, you're buying years of security and compatibility. With Lenovo, you might be buying a device that no longer receives updates.
Update Support by Brand
| Brand | OS Updates from Purchase | Security Updates from Purchase | Resale Value After 3 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPad | 4 to 6 years | 6 to 8 years | 50 to 60% |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S | 2 to 4 years | 3 to 5 years | 30 to 40% |
| Lenovo Tab | 0 to 2 years | 0 to 1 year | 15 to 25% |
Buying a Refurbished iPad: The Long-Distance Runner
Sure, the refurbished iPad is more expensive. A refurbished iPad Air costs at least 350 euros. A Samsung Galaxy Tab A? 180 euros. Almost half.
But wait. Let's flip the calculation.
Cost Per Year of Use
A refurbished iPad Air (2022) for 450 euros that you can safely use for 5 years costs you 90 euros per year.
A refurbished Lenovo Tab M10 for 150 euros that stops receiving security updates after 2 years costs you 75 euros per year. Sounds cheaper, right?
But after 2 years, you need a new one. That puts you at 150 euros per year. Suddenly the refurbished iPad is 40 percent cheaper.
You can compare iPad prices at refurbito to find the best deal.
When a Refurbished iPad Is the Best Choice
Creative work: Apple Pencil integration, ProCreate, Affinity Photo. No Android tablet comes close to iPad's ecosystem for drawing and design.
Long-term investment: Want a device that lasts 5 years or longer? Buy a refurbished iPad.
Resale value: A 3-year-old refurbished iPad still fetches 50 to 60 percent of its purchase price. Samsung gets 30 to 40 percent, Lenovo often under 20 percent.
Family tablet: Hand down the refurbished iPad to the kids in 3 years. It'll still work perfectly.
Which Refurbished iPad Models Are Worth It?
| Model | Refurbished From | Support Until | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad (10th Gen, 2022) | ~€350 | ~2028/2032 | Best value for money |
| iPad Air (2022) | ~€450 | ~2028/2032 | Premium all-rounder |
| iPad Pro 11" (2022) | ~€650 | ~2028/2032 | For professionals |
| iPad mini 6 (2021) | ~€380 | ~2027/2031 | Compact and portable |
My tip: Don't buy a refurbished iPad older than 2021. Starting with the iPad 9th generation or newer, you'll get several more years of updates.
Refurbished Samsung Tablet: The All-Rounder
Samsung is the interesting middle ground. Not as expensive as a refurbished iPad, not as short-lived as Lenovo.
The problem: The model lineup is confusing. Tab A, Tab S, Tab FE, Tab Active. And each has different update commitments.
The Update Trap with Samsung
Samsung has a problem: The model names are confusing. Tab S, Tab A, Tab FE, Tab Active – which is which?
Even worse: Only the Galaxy Tab S series gets 4 years of updates. Buy a Tab A for 180 euros? 2 years of updates. That's a huge difference for just 100 euros more.
| Series | OS Updates | Security Updates | Refurbished From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Tab S9/S8/S7 | 4 years | 5 years | ~€400 |
| Galaxy Tab S FE | 3 years | 4 years | ~€280 |
| Galaxy Tab A | 2 years | 3 years | ~€180 |
So when buying a refurbished Samsung tablet, look for the S series. Compared to a refurbished iPad, the Galaxy Tab offers more flexibility in file management, though with shorter software support. The cheaper Samsung models may be tempting, but they'll be outdated in 2 years – unlike a refurbished iPad, which stays current for 5+ years.
At refurbito, you can compare Samsung Galaxy Tab prices and filter by series.
When Samsung Is the Best Choice
Productivity with DeX: Connect a keyboard and mouse and work like you're at a desktop. DeX mode turns the Galaxy Tab into a laptop alternative.
S Pen included: With Tab S models, the stylus comes in the box. With a refurbished iPad, the Apple Pencil costs extra.
Android flexibility: File management, sideloading, true multitasking windows.
AMOLED displays: Samsung's screens often beat the standard iPad for colors and contrast.
Which Refurbished Samsung Models Are Worth It?
| Model | Refurbished From | Support Until | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (2023) | ~€350 | ~2027/2028 | Best value |
| Galaxy Tab S8 (2022) | ~€400 | ~2026/2027 | Limited recommendation only |
| Galaxy Tab S7+ (2020) | ~€300 | Already limited | For bargain hunters |
My tip: With a refurbished Samsung tablet, always check the release year. Tab S7 models from 2020 are approaching the end of their update support.
Lenovo: The Budget Option (With a Catch)
Lenovo tablets are cheap. Really cheap. A refurbished Tab M10 costs under 150 euros. A ThinkPad tablet for business users starts around 200 euros.
But there's a reason Lenovo is so cheap.
The Software Problem
Lenovo offers 2 years of updates, 1 year of security patches. That's ridiculously short – even for a new device.
Specifically: Buy a Lenovo Tab M10 from 2024 in 2026, and you get updates until 2026. Exactly zero years after your purchase. Your brand-new refurbished tablet is already outdated the day it arrives.
Lenovo offers only 2 years of OS updates and 1 year of security patches for its consumer tablets. That's tight even for new devices. For refurbished devices, it's a problem.
When Lenovo Still Makes Sense
Pure media device: Just want to watch Netflix and browse in bed? Lenovo is fine.
Kids' tablet: For younger children who you don't want handling an expensive used tablet.
Secondary device: As a supplement to your laptop for simple tasks.
Business fleets: Companies needing cheap tablets for basic applications.
Which Refurbished Lenovo Models?
| Model | Refurbished From | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Tab M10 Plus (2022) | ~€150 | For media consumption only |
| Tab P12 Pro | ~€250 | Limited recommendation |
| ThinkPad X1 Tablet | ~€300 | For business users |
My tip: Only buy Lenovo if you know you don't need long software support. For anything else: stay away. If you're buying a used tablet and planning long-term use, go for a refurbished iPad or Samsung.
Environmental Impact: How Much CO2 You Really Save
One of the best reasons for buying a refurbished iPad or other restored tablet is the environment. But how much do you actually save?
According to a Fraunhofer Institute study, you save 139 kg of CO2 equivalent with a refurbished tablet. That's 69 to 83 percent fewer emissions than new production.
80 percent of all CO2 emissions from electronic devices occur during manufacturing. When you buy a refurbished iPad or other restored tablet, you avoid exactly that.
The French Environment Agency ADEME quantifies the savings at 46 to 80 percent of annual environmental impact compared to buying new.
Environmental Comparison by Tablet Type
| Aspect | iPad Refurbished | Samsung Refurbished | Lenovo Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO2 saved vs. new | ~139 kg | ~139 kg | ~139 kg |
| Usable lifespan | 5 to 7 years | 3 to 5 years | 2 to 3 years |
| CO2 per year of use | ~20 kg | ~35 kg | ~55 kg |
| E-waste avoided | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Interestingly, because the refurbished iPad remains usable longer, it's actually the best choice environmentally despite costing more. You need to buy new devices less frequently.
What to Look For When Buying a Refurbished iPad
Refurbished isn't always equal. Quality varies enormously depending on the retailer and platform.
The Warranty Question
In Germany, you get at least 12 months warranty on refurbished iPad and other restored devices from reputable retailers. Refurbed additionally guarantees a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can learn more about Refurbed and compare offers.
Some platforms even offer 24 or 36-month warranties. That's a good sign of quality.
Check Battery Capacity
The biggest risk with used tablets: the battery. Back Market guarantees at least 85 percent battery capacity. Batteries below this threshold are replaced.
Make sure the retailer specifies minimum battery capacity. Anything under 80 percent should be avoided.
Understanding Condition Grades
Most retailers use a grading system:
| Condition | Meaning | Price Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Like new / A | No visible traces | 20 to 30% |
| Very good / B | Minimal scratches | 30 to 40% |
| Good / C | Visible signs of use | 40 to 50% |
Functionally, they're all identical. If you use a case, Grade C saves you even more money on your refurbished iPad purchase.
Warning Signs When Buying
According to TechSoup, only 5 percent of returned electronics are actually defective. Still, there are bad actors. Watch for:
No warranty specified: Reputable retailers offer at least 12 months.
No battery information: If battery performance isn't mentioned, that's suspicious.
Prices that sound too good: A refurbished iPad Air for 150 euros? Something's wrong.
Unknown marketplaces: Buy from established platforms like refurbed, Back Market, or rebuy.
Certified refurbished iPads are recognizable by professional restoration from specialized retailers. When buying a refurbished iPad, look for certificates like 'Certified Refurbished' or 'Grade A+ Refurbished' – these guarantee the iPad was restored to the highest standards.
Which Tablet for Whom? The Decision Guide
You're a Student on a Tight Budget
Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Tab S FE+ refurbished (~€300 to €350)
Why: S Pen for notes is included, 3 years of updates is enough for your degree, AMOLED display for long study sessions. Cheaper than a refurbished iPad, better than Lenovo.
You Want to Draw or Design Digitally
Recommendation: iPad Air refurbished (~€450 to €500)
Why: Apple Pencil support, ProCreate, Affinity Designer. The app ecosystem for creatives is unmatched on iOS. A refurbished iPad is unbeatable for creative work.
You Need a Tablet for Work
Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 or S9 refurbished (~€400 to €500)
Why: DeX mode for desktop productivity, long update support, Microsoft Office runs perfectly. More flexible than a refurbished iPad for business applications.
You Just Want to Stream and Browse
Recommendation: Lenovo Tab M10 Plus refurbished (~€150)
Why: It's enough for Netflix and YouTube. If you're not storing sensitive data and don't need long-term updates, it's fine.
You're Buying for the Whole Family
Recommendation: iPad 10th Generation refurbished (~€350)
Why: Lasts 5+ years, can be handed down, family-friendly restrictions, best resale value if you do need to replace it. A refurbished iPad is the best family investment.
You Want the Absolute Cheapest Option
Recommendation: Wait and compare prices
At refurbito, you'll find current price comparisons across all platforms. Sometimes an older refurbished iPad is cheaper than a new Samsung. Sometimes not.
Total Cost Over 5 Years (TCO)
In the end, what matters is what the tablet actually costs you. Here's the calculation:
| Scenario | iPad Air | Samsung Tab S8 | Lenovo Tab M10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase price refurbished | €450 | €400 | €150 |
| Usable years | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Cost per year | €90 | €100 | €75 |
| Replacement needed? | No | Maybe after 4 years | Yes, after 2 years |
| Cost over 5 years | €450 | €400 to €600 | €375 to €450 |
| Resale value | ~€200 | ~€120 | ~€30 |
| Effective cost | €250 | €280 to €480 | €345 to €420 |
The cheapest device is often the most expensive in the end. This total cost of ownership analysis applies to other product categories too - our MacBook buying guide with similar analysis shows the same principle for laptops.
What I Would Buy
If you ask me: Refurbished iPad. In 90 percent of cases.
I know it costs more. But I've seen too many people buy a cheap Android tablet – and two years later had to frustratedly buy a new one because apps stopped working or the thing became a snail.
A refurbished iPad Air from 2022 for 450 euros will still run in 2030. That's longer than most people keep their laptops.
Samsung is the alternative for Android fans and anyone wanting more flexibility. But: Only buy the Tab S series, and pay attention to the release year. A refurbished Samsung tablet from the S series can be a good choice.
Only buy Lenovo if you know exactly what you're doing. For a streaming tablet or kids' device, it's okay. For anything else, no.
The German refurbished electronics market is growing at 14.4 percent annually because more people are recognizing these benefits: save money, help the environment, still get good devices.
Regardless of which brand you choose: compare prices. At refurbito, you can see at a glance which retailer currently has the best refurbished iPad offer.
