iPad 5 (2017, A9 series) Vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)

The iPad 2017 (5th Generation) and the iPad Pro 2020 represent different tiers within Apple's tablet lineup, released three years apart. While both devices run on Apple's iPadOS, the iPad Pro 2020 introduces significant advancements in processing power, display technology, and camera capabilities, catering to more demanding users. The iPad 2017, on the other hand, offers a more fundamental tablet experience.

The lifespan of a tablet is often determined by its release timeline, software support, and repairability. These two iPads, separated by three years, offer different expectations in these areas.

• Release Timeline and OS Support: The iPad 2017, released in March 2017, has reached the end of its major iPadOS update cycle, with its last major update being iPadOS 16.7.2 in October 2023. It may still receive security updates for a limited time. The iPad Pro 2020, launched in March 2020, is expected to receive major iPadOS updates for several more years, likely until 2027 or beyond, offering a longer period of access to new features and software enhancements.
• Software Longevity: Users of the iPad 2017 may find that newer applications or features requiring the latest iPadOS versions are no longer supported, potentially limiting its utility over time. The iPad Pro 2020, with its more recent release and powerful internal components, is better positioned to handle future software demands and application updates for an extended period.
• Repairability: Both iPad models generally receive low repairability scores due to the extensive use of adhesive, which makes disassembly challenging and increases the risk of damage during repairs. The iPad 2017, like many standard iPads, has a non-laminated display, which can make screen repairs less costly if only the outer glass is damaged, but battery replacement can still be difficult. The iPad Pro 2020 also features significant adhesive, making repairs complex.

The performance difference between the iPad 2017 and the iPad Pro 2020 is substantial, reflecting the three-year gap in their release and their intended user bases.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPad 2017 is equipped with an A9 chip, which handles everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and light media consumption smoothly. The iPad Pro 2020 features an A12Z Bionic chip, offering significantly enhanced processing power. This allows for much smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and more capable performance in demanding applications such as video editing, graphic design, and advanced gaming.
• Storage and RAM: The iPad 2017 comes with 2GB of RAM and storage options of 32GB or 128GB. The iPad Pro 2020, on the other hand, includes 6GB of RAM across all configurations and offers a wider range of storage, from 128GB up to 1TB. The increased RAM in the iPad Pro 2020 significantly improves multitasking capabilities, allowing users to switch between multiple open applications without slowdowns. The larger storage options also cater to professionals and users with extensive media libraries or large project files.
• Overall System Responsiveness: Users will experience a noticeable difference in overall system responsiveness. The iPad Pro 2020 provides a fluid and immediate experience, particularly with complex workflows or graphically intensive tasks. The iPad 2017 remains capable for basic use, but may exhibit delays or stutters when handling more intensive operations or a large number of open applications.

The display is a key area of differentiation, with the iPad Pro 2020 offering a more advanced visual experience compared to the iPad 2017.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both iPads feature IPS LCD Retina displays, providing clear visuals. The iPad 2017 has a 9.7-inch display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. The iPad Pro 2020 comes in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, with resolutions of 2388 x 1668 and 2732 x 2048 pixels respectively, maintaining a similar pixel density. A notable difference is that the iPad 2017's display is not fully laminated and lacks an anti-reflective coating, which can result in a slight air gap between the glass and the display, and more reflections in bright environments.
• Brightness and Color: The iPad Pro 2020's Liquid Retina display supports a wider color gamut (P3) and features True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the display's white balance to match the ambient light, providing a more natural viewing experience. It also offers higher peak brightness, improving visibility outdoors. The iPad 2017's display is bright for indoor use but may struggle more in direct sunlight.
• Refresh Rate: A significant upgrade in the iPad Pro 2020 is its ProMotion technology, which enables an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This results in noticeably smoother scrolling, more responsive touch input, and a more fluid experience when interacting with content, especially for tasks like drawing with the Apple Pencil or playing fast-paced games. The iPad 2017 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

The camera systems on these two iPads reflect their different design philosophies, with the iPad Pro 2020 offering a more comprehensive and advanced setup.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad 2017 features a single 8-megapixel rear camera capable of recording 1080p video. It is suitable for basic document scanning and casual photography. The iPad Pro 2020 significantly upgrades this with a dual-camera system, including a 12-megapixel wide lens and a 10-megapixel ultrawide lens, alongside a LiDAR Scanner. This setup allows for more versatile photography, including wider shots and improved depth sensing for augmented reality (AR) applications. It also supports 4K video recording.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: For the front camera, the iPad 2017 has a 1.2-megapixel sensor, adequate for video calls in good lighting. The iPad Pro 2020 features a 7-megapixel TrueDepth front camera, which not only provides higher resolution for video calls and selfies but also enables Face ID for secure authentication.
• Audio Experience: The iPad 2017 includes stereo speakers, providing a decent audio experience for media consumption. The iPad Pro 2020 enhances this with a four-speaker audio system, delivering a richer and more immersive sound, particularly beneficial for watching movies or listening to music. The iPad Pro 2020 also features studio-quality microphones for clearer audio input during calls or recordings.