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

The iPad 2017, also known as the 5th generation iPad, was released in March 2017, featuring Apple's A9 chip. Two years later, in March 2019, Apple introduced the iPad Air 2019 (3rd generation), which came equipped with the more advanced A12 Bionic chip. These two tablets, while both running Apple's iPadOS, offer distinct experiences primarily due to differences in their processing power, display technology, and accessory support.

When considering the longevity of these tablets, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and repairability.

• Release Timeline and Age: 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 two-year difference in release directly impacts their expected remaining lifespan for software updates.
• OS Support Duration: The iPad 2017 (5th generation) received its last major iPadOS update with iPadOS 16, and is currently receiving security updates for iPadOS 16.7.15, released in March 2026. Apple may stop security updates for iPadOS 17 in late 2025 or 2026, at which point it will end support for those models. The iPad Air 2019 (3rd generation), with its A12 Bionic chip, is capable of running iPadOS 26, indicating a longer period of active software support. This means the iPad Air 2019 will continue to receive new features and security patches for a longer duration.
• Repairability: Both iPad models generally receive low repairability scores from independent evaluators, often due to the extensive use of adhesive that makes disassembly challenging and increases the risk of damage during repairs. The iPad Air 2019, for instance, received a score of 2 out of 10, indicating it is quite difficult to repair.

The performance capabilities of these two iPads differ significantly, largely due to their respective processors and RAM configurations, impacting how smoothly they handle various tasks.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPad 2017 is powered by the A9 chip, while the iPad Air 2019 features the A12 Bionic chip. The A12 Bionic chip offers a substantial increase in processing power, leading to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and more efficient handling of demanding applications and games.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPad Air 2019 typically comes with 3GB of RAM, an increase from the 2GB found in the iPad 2017. This additional RAM, combined with the more powerful processor, allows the iPad Air 2019 to manage more applications simultaneously and switch between them with greater fluidity, resulting in a more responsive overall user experience.
• Storage Options: The iPad 2017 was available with 32GB or 128GB of internal storage. The iPad Air 2019 offered larger base storage options, typically starting at 64GB and going up to 256GB, providing more space for apps, media, and documents.

The display is a key area where the iPad Air 2019 presents a notable upgrade over the iPad 2017, offering a more refined visual experience.

• Display Technology and Size: The iPad 2017 features a 9.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. The iPad Air 2019, on the other hand, boasts a larger 10.5-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2224 x 1668 pixels. The iPad Air 2019's display also includes True Tone technology, which adjusts the white balance to match the ambient light, and supports the P3 wide color gamut for more vibrant and accurate colors.
• Brightness and Clarity: The iPad Air 2019's screen is generally brighter than the iPad 2017's, which can improve visibility in various lighting conditions, including outdoors. While both offer good clarity, the iPad Air 2019's display is fully laminated and has an anti-reflective coating, reducing glare and making content appear closer to the surface.
• Viewing Experience: The larger screen size and thinner bezels of the iPad Air 2019 contribute to a more immersive viewing experience for movies, games, and web browsing.

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, their camera systems are important for video calls, document scanning, and casual photography.

• Rear Camera Capabilities: Both the iPad 2017 and the iPad Air 2019 are equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera. This camera is suitable for capturing everyday photos and scanning documents, offering features like autofocus and HDR for photos.
• Front Camera Quality: A significant difference lies in the front-facing camera. The iPad 2017 has a 1.2-megapixel front camera, which is adequate for basic video calls. The iPad Air 2019 features a 7-megapixel front camera, providing much clearer and more detailed images for video conferencing and selfies.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both models support 1080p video recording with their rear cameras. For audio, both include stereo speakers, though the iPad Air 2019's output might offer a slightly more refined experience for media consumption.