iPad 5 (2017, A9 series) Vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series)

The iPad (5th generation), released in 2017, and the iPad Air (4th generation), launched in 2020, represent distinct eras in Apple's tablet evolution. While both devices operate on Apple's iPadOS, the iPad Air 2020 introduces a more modern design, a significantly more powerful internal processor, and updated connectivity options, reflecting three years of technological advancements. This comparison will explore the practical differences between these two tablets to help users understand which model aligns best with their needs.

The longevity of a tablet is influenced by its initial release date and the duration of software support it receives. The iPad 2017, being an older model, has a shorter expected lifespan for receiving major iPadOS updates compared to the more recent iPad Air 2020.

• Software Support: The iPad 2017 launched with iOS 10.3.2 and officially supports up to iPadOS 16, meaning it will not receive iPadOS 17 or later updates. In contrast, the iPad Air 2020, which debuted with iPadOS 14, is compatible with the current iPadOS 26, indicating a longer period of future software updates.
• Expected Lifespan: Users of the iPad Air 2020 can anticipate a longer practical lifespan due to its newer processor and extended software compatibility, which ensures access to the latest features and security updates for a greater number of years.
• Repairability: Both models generally present challenges for repair, often receiving low repairability scores due to the extensive use of adhesive and the difficulty in accessing internal components like the battery.

The performance capabilities of these two iPads show a notable difference, primarily due to the generational gap in their internal processing components. This impacts how smoothly they handle demanding applications and multitasking.

• Everyday Tasks: The iPad 2017, with its A9 processor and 2GB of RAM, handles general tasks like web browsing, email, and light content consumption smoothly. However, users may experience slower app loading times and occasional stutters with more intensive applications or extensive multitasking.
• Demanding Applications: The iPad Air 2020, featuring a more advanced A14 Bionic processor and 4GB of RAM, offers significantly faster performance. It is well-suited for graphic-intensive games, video editing, and running multiple applications simultaneously without noticeable slowdowns.
• Battery Behavior: Both devices are designed to provide up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge. However, the iPad Air 2020's more efficient processor may offer better power management under heavy workloads, potentially leading to more consistent battery performance for demanding users.

The display experience differs between these two tablets, with the iPad Air 2020 offering a more modern and visually enhanced screen compared to the iPad 2017.

• Display Technology and Size: The iPad 2017 features a 9.7-inch IPS LCD Retina display. The iPad Air 2020 boasts a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, which provides a more expansive viewing area.
• Visual Clarity and Features: Both tablets offer a resolution of 264 pixels per inch (ppi), ensuring sharp text and images. However, the iPad Air 2020's display is fully laminated, reducing the gap between the glass and the LCD, and includes an anti-reflective coating, True Tone technology for adaptive white balance, and P3 wide color support for more vibrant and accurate colors. The iPad 2017 lacks these advanced display features.
• Brightness: Both displays offer a maximum brightness of 500 nits, providing adequate visibility in various indoor and outdoor lighting conditions.

The camera systems on these two iPads cater to different levels of photographic and video needs, with the iPad Air 2020 offering more advanced capabilities.

• Rear Camera Performance: The iPad 2017 is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera capable of recording 1080p HD video at 30 frames per second. The iPad Air 2020 features a more capable 12-megapixel rear camera that can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, offering greater detail and flexibility for video creators.
• Front Camera Quality: For video calls and selfies, the iPad 2017 has a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera that records 720p video. The iPad Air 2020 significantly upgrades this to a 7-megapixel FaceTime HD camera, supporting 1080p video recording at 60 frames per second, resulting in clearer and smoother video communication.
• Audio and Speakers: The iPad Air 2020 features stereo speakers that provide a more immersive audio experience, especially when held in landscape orientation for media consumption. Both devices include microphones suitable for calls and recordings.