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

When considering the long-term usability of these tablets, their release timelines and software support are key factors. The iPad 2017, being an older model, has a shorter remaining software support window compared to the more recent iPad Air 2020.

• Software Longevity: The iPad 2017 originally shipped with iOS 10.2.1 and has received updates up to iPadOS 16.7.15 as of March 2026, indicating it is nearing the end of its major software update cycle. In contrast, the iPad Air 2020, which launched with iPadOS 14.1, is expected to receive software updates for several more years, offering extended access to new features and security enhancements.
• Repairability and Practical Lifespan: Both models are generally considered repairable, though the iPad 2017's design, which is similar to older iPad Air models, may offer slightly easier screen replacement due to a non-laminated display. The practical lifespan for either device depends heavily on usage patterns and individual expectations for performance and software features.
• Durability Features: The iPad Air 2020 features a more contemporary design with a focus on a larger screen-to-body ratio, while the iPad 2017 retains a more traditional iPad form factor.

The performance capabilities of these two iPads show a notable progression, primarily due to the advancements in their internal processing units. This impacts how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the devices handle various tasks.

• Processing Power: The iPad 2017 is equipped with an A9 processor, which capably handles everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and streaming media. It provides a responsive experience for general use and many applications.
• System Responsiveness: The iPad Air 2020 features a more advanced A14 Bionic processor, delivering significantly faster CPU and GPU performance. This translates to smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and enhanced performance for graphically intensive games and professional applications like video editing or complex design software.
• Battery Behavior: The iPad 2017 has a 32.4 Wh battery, with users often reporting over 10 hours of use, and some tests showing up to 14 hours for video playback. The iPad Air 2020 has a 28.6 Wh battery, typically providing around 10 hours of general use, though some intensive tasks like continuous video streaming might result in shorter durations.

The visual experience on these two tablets differs in several key aspects, from the underlying display technology to features that enhance viewing comfort and color accuracy.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature Retina IPS LCD displays with a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch, ensuring sharp text and images. However, the iPad Air 2020 incorporates a Liquid Retina display with a fully laminated screen and an anti-reflective coating, which reduces glare and makes the display appear closer to the glass. The iPad 2017's display is not laminated and lacks an anti-reflective coating, which can result in more noticeable reflections and a slight air gap between the glass and the display panel.
• Brightness and Color: The iPad 2017 offers a bright display, reaching up to 500 nits. The iPad Air 2020 also provides strong brightness and includes True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the display's color temperature to match ambient lighting, and supports a wider P3 color gamut for more vibrant and accurate colors.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The iPad 2017 has a 9.7-inch display, offering a traditional tablet viewing area. The iPad Air 2020 features a larger 10.9-inch display within a similar physical footprint, achieved by reducing the bezels around the screen, providing a more expansive viewing experience.

The camera systems on the iPad 2017 and iPad Air 2020 reflect the technological advancements over their respective release periods, impacting both photography and video conferencing capabilities.

• Rear Camera Capabilities: The iPad 2017 includes an 8-megapixel rear camera capable of recording 1080p video. The iPad Air 2020 features a more advanced 12-megapixel rear camera that supports 4K video recording, offering improved detail and clarity for photos and videos.
• Front Camera Performance: 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 with a 7-megapixel front camera, providing clearer images and better performance in various lighting conditions, which is beneficial for video conferencing.
• Audio for Media and Calls: Both tablets offer stereo speakers for media consumption. The iPad Air 2020's speakers are noted for providing a more immersive stereo sound experience, especially when held in landscape orientation. The iPad Air 2020 also features improved microphones, enhancing audio quality during video calls.

Beyond core performance and display, several other features contribute to the overall user experience and versatility of these two iPad models.

• Connectivity and Ports: The iPad 2017 supports Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) and Bluetooth 4.2. It uses a Lightning port for charging and data transfer, and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. The iPad Air 2020 offers more modern connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0, providing faster and more stable wireless connections. It transitions to a versatile USB-C port for charging, data, and connecting a wider range of accessories, but it does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack.
• Biometric Security: Both tablets feature Touch ID for secure authentication. On the iPad 2017, Touch ID is integrated into the traditional home button below the display. The iPad Air 2020 relocates Touch ID to the top power button, allowing for a more expansive, edge-to-edge display design.
• Design and Handling: The iPad 2017 has dimensions of 240 x 169.5 x 7.5 mm and weighs 469g. The iPad Air 2020 is slightly larger but thinner and lighter at 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm and 458g (Wi-Fi model), offering a more streamlined and modern aesthetic.