iPad 5 (2017, A9 series) Vs iPad 7 (2019, A10 series)

The iPad 2017, also known as the 5th generation iPad, was released in March 2017, while the iPad 2019, the 7th generation model, followed in September 2019. Both devices operate on Apple's iPadOS, offering a consistent user experience within the Apple ecosystem. Key distinctions between these two tablets lie in their display size, internal processing capabilities, and compatibility with certain accessories, catering to slightly different user needs.

When considering the longevity of these tablets, their release timelines and Apple's software support cycles are important factors. The iPad 2017, being an older model, has reached the end of its major iPadOS update cycle, supporting up to iPadOS 16. The iPad 2019, released two years later, benefits from a longer support window, with official support extending up to iPadOS 18.

• Software Support: The iPad 2017 concluded its major OS updates with iPadOS 16, meaning it will no longer receive new feature updates, though security updates may still be provided for a period. The iPad 2019, however, continues to receive major iPadOS updates, including iPadOS 18, offering a more extended period of new features and security enhancements.
• Practical Lifespan: Users of the iPad 2017 may find that some newer applications or features become unavailable or perform less optimally over time due to the older software. The iPad 2019 offers a longer practical lifespan for accessing the latest apps and functionalities.
• Repairability: Both models present challenges for repair. The iPad 2017 received a low repairability score of 2 out of 10 from iFixit, partly due to the display not being fused to the digitizer, which can make screen repairs complex. The iPad 2019 also has a low repairability score, with battery replacement being particularly difficult due to adhesive, potentially risking damage to the LCD panel.

The performance difference between the iPad 2017 and iPad 2019 stems primarily from their respective internal components, impacting how smoothly they handle various tasks and applications.

• Processing Power: The iPad 2017 is equipped with an A9 chip, while the iPad 2019 features an A10 Fusion chip. This newer processor in the 2019 model provides a noticeable improvement in overall speed and efficiency, particularly when running more demanding applications or engaging in multitasking.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPad 2017 comes with 2GB of RAM, whereas the iPad 2019 includes 3GB of RAM. This additional RAM in the 2019 model contributes to a smoother multitasking experience, allowing users to switch between apps more fluidly and keep more applications open in the background without performance degradation.
• Gaming and Heavy Apps: For tasks such as graphic-intensive gaming or using professional-grade creative applications, the iPad 2019's enhanced processing power and increased RAM offer a more responsive and capable experience compared to the iPad 2017.

Both iPads feature Retina displays, providing sharp and clear visuals, but there are differences in screen size and display construction that affect the viewing experience.

• Display Size and Resolution: The iPad 2017 has a 9.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. The iPad 2019 offers a slightly larger 10.2-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2160 x 1620 pixels. Both maintain a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch, ensuring text and images appear crisp.
• Brightness and Clarity: Both models offer a brightness of 500 nits, providing adequate visibility in various indoor lighting conditions. However, the iPad 2017 lacks a fully laminated display and an anti-reflective coating, which can result in more reflections and a less premium feel compared to devices with these features. The iPad 2019's display is also not laminated, which means there can be a slight gap between the glass and the LCD panel.
• Viewing Experience: The larger screen of the iPad 2019 provides more screen real estate, which can be beneficial for productivity tasks, media consumption, and split-screen multitasking. The absence of a laminated display on both models means that the screen glass and the actual display panel are separate, which can sometimes affect the perception of depth and directness of touch input.

The camera systems on both the iPad 2017 and iPad 2019 share similar specifications, making them suitable for casual photography, video calls, and document scanning rather than high-end photography.

• Rear Camera Capabilities: Both tablets are equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture. These cameras are capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions and are well-suited for tasks like scanning documents or taking quick snapshots. They also support 1080p video recording.
• Front Camera for Communication: For video calls and selfies, both models feature a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture. While sufficient for video conferencing, the image quality, especially in low light, may not be as detailed as more recent devices.
• Audio Experience: Both iPads include stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption compared to devices with a single speaker. They also feature two microphones, which can help with clearer audio input during calls or recordings.