iPad 5 (2017, A9 series) Vs iPad Air 3 (2019, A12 series)

The iPad 2017, also known as the 5th generation iPad, and the iPad Air 2019 (3rd generation) are two distinct tablet models from Apple, released two years apart. The iPad 2017, launched in March 2017, was positioned as an accessible entry-level tablet, while the iPad Air 2019, introduced in March 2019, aimed to offer a more capable experience with enhanced features. Both devices operate on Apple's iPadOS, but the newer iPad Air 2019 incorporates a more advanced processor and a refined display, leading to notable differences in performance and visual quality.

When evaluating the longevity of a tablet, factors such as its release date, software support, and physical design are important considerations. The two-year gap between these models significantly impacts their expected functional lifespan.

• Release Timeline: The iPad 2017 was released in March 2017, making it an older device compared to the iPad Air 2019, which launched in March 2019. This difference means the iPad Air 2019 benefits from a more recent starting point for software updates and overall support.
• Software Longevity: The iPad 2017 supports up to iPadOS 16, with security updates expected to cease around September 2025. In contrast, the iPad Air 2019, with its newer internal components, supports current iPadOS versions and is anticipated to receive major software updates for a longer duration, extending its functional life.
• Repairability: The iPad 2017 features a display that is not fully laminated, which can sometimes make screen repairs less complex. The iPad Air 2019, however, has a fully laminated display, which, while offering a better visual experience, can make display repairs more intricate.

The performance of these tablets is primarily determined by their internal components, which dictate how smoothly they handle various tasks, from everyday browsing to more demanding applications. The difference in their release years brings a notable distinction in their processing power.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPad 2017 is equipped with a processor that capably handles daily tasks such as web browsing, media consumption, and light gaming. The iPad Air 2019, featuring a more advanced processor, delivers a significant boost in performance, making it well-suited for more intensive applications, multitasking, and graphically demanding games.
• System Responsiveness: Users will experience a more fluid and responsive interaction with the iPad Air 2019, particularly when switching between applications or running multiple processes simultaneously, due to its more powerful internal architecture and increased memory. The iPad 2017 provides a solid experience for general use, but may show limitations with heavier workloads.
• Storage Options: The iPad 2017 was available with 32GB or 128GB of internal storage. The iPad Air 2019 offered larger base storage options, starting at 64GB and going up to 256GB, providing more room for apps, media, and documents.

The display is a primary interface for any tablet, and both models offer a Retina display experience, though with distinct differences in their underlying technology and features that impact visual quality and user interaction.

• Display Technology and Size: Both tablets feature an IPS LCD Retina display. The iPad 2017 has a 9.7-inch screen with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. The iPad Air 2019 features a slightly larger 10.5-inch display with a resolution of 2224 x 1668 pixels, offering a larger viewing area.
• Visual Enhancements: The iPad Air 2019's display is fully laminated, which reduces the gap between the glass and the LCD, resulting in a more direct and immersive visual experience. It also includes True Tone technology, which adjusts the display's white balance to match the ambient light, and supports a wider color gamut (P3) for more vibrant and accurate colors. The iPad 2017's display is not fully laminated and lacks True Tone and wide color support.
• Brightness and Clarity: The iPad Air 2019 offers a brighter display, reaching up to 500 nits, and features an anti-reflective coating, which improves visibility in various lighting conditions, including outdoors. While the iPad 2017's display is bright for indoor use, it may be less comfortable to view in direct sunlight due to the absence of these enhancements.

The camera systems on both tablets are designed for everyday use, including video calls, document scanning, and casual photography. While they share some similarities, the iPad Air 2019 offers improvements, particularly for front-facing interactions.

• Rear Camera Performance: Both the iPad 2017 and the iPad Air 2019 feature an 8-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture, capable of recording 1080p HD video. This makes them suitable for capturing documents, casual photos, and basic video recording in well-lit environments.
• Front Camera Quality: The iPad 2017 includes a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera for FaceTime calls and selfies. The iPad Air 2019 significantly upgrades the front camera to 7 megapixels, offering improved clarity and detail for video conferencing and self-portraits, and supports 1080p HD video recording.
• Audio for Media and Calls: Both devices feature stereo speakers for media consumption and built-in microphones for calls and recordings. The iPad Air 2019's audio experience is generally considered more refined, contributing to clearer communication during video calls.