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

The iPad 2017, also known as the 5th generation iPad, was released in March 2017, offering a foundational tablet experience. In contrast, the iPad Air 2020, the 4th generation of the Air series, launched in October 2020, presenting a more modern design and significantly enhanced capabilities. Both devices operate on Apple's iPadOS, but they cater to different user needs primarily due to distinctions in their processing power, display technology, and overall design philosophy.

The longevity of a tablet is influenced by its release date, software support, and physical durability. These two iPads offer differing expectations in these areas.

• Software Support: The iPad 2017 launched with iOS 10 and received updates up to iPadOS 16. Security updates for iPadOS 16 may continue into late 2025 or 2026, extending its practical software lifespan. The iPad Air 2020, released later with iPadOS 14, is currently running iPadOS 26.4.1 and is expected to receive software updates for several more years, offering a longer period of access to the latest features and security enhancements.
• Repairability: The iPad 2017 generally presents a more straightforward repair process, partly due to its non-laminated display, which can simplify screen replacements. The iPad Air 2020, however, received a low repairability score from iFixit (2 out of 10) due to the extensive use of adhesive and the difficulty in safely removing components like the battery, making repairs more challenging.
• Expected Lifespan: While both devices are built with durable materials, the iPad Air 2020's newer components and extended software support suggest a longer functional lifespan for demanding tasks. The iPad 2017 remains a capable device for basic use, but its hardware may struggle with future software iterations.

Performance is a key differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently tasks are completed on each device.

• Processing Power: The iPad 2017 is equipped with an A9 chip and 2GB of RAM, which capably handles everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and streaming media. It can also manage older applications and light multitasking without significant slowdowns. The iPad Air 2020 features the more advanced A14 Bionic chip and 4GB of RAM, providing a substantial boost in performance. This allows for seamless execution of demanding applications, efficient 4K video editing, and robust multitasking capabilities.
• System Responsiveness: Users of the iPad 2017 will find it responsive for general use, though it may exhibit delays when loading graphically intensive games or switching between multiple complex applications. The iPad Air 2020 offers a noticeably snappier experience across the board, with faster app loading times and smoother transitions, maintaining strong performance even after several years of use.
• Battery Behavior: Both models are rated for up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on Wi-Fi. In real-world scenarios, the iPad 2017 typically delivers around 6 to 8 hours for video consumption. The iPad Air 2020, despite having a slightly smaller battery capacity, benefits from the A14 Bionic chip's power efficiency, resulting in comparable real-world battery life for most users.

The visual experience is significantly shaped by the display technology and features integrated into each iPad.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The iPad 2017 features a 9.7-inch Retina IPS LCD with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 264 ppi. This display is not fully laminated, meaning there is a small gap between the glass and the LCD, and it lacks an anti-reflective coating, which can lead to more reflections in bright environments. The iPad Air 2020 boasts a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels, maintaining a similar 264 ppi. Its display is fully laminated and includes an anti-reflective coating, enhancing clarity and reducing glare.
• Color and Brightness: The iPad 2017's display offers good color reproduction for general use but does not support the wider P3 color gamut or Apple's True Tone technology, which adjusts the display's white balance to match ambient light. The iPad Air 2020, on the other hand, supports P3 wide color for more vibrant and accurate hues, along with True Tone for a more comfortable viewing experience in various lighting conditions. It also offers a higher typical brightness of 500 nits compared to the iPad 2017.
• Viewing Experience: The iPad Air 2020's larger screen and thinner bezels provide a more immersive viewing experience, especially for media consumption and productivity. The fully laminated display and anti-reflective coating contribute to better outdoor visibility and overall visual quality compared to the iPad 2017.

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

• Rear Camera Capabilities: The iPad 2017 features an 8-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture, capable of recording 1080p video at 30 frames per second. This camera is suitable for basic photography and scanning documents in well-lit conditions. The iPad Air 2020 significantly upgrades this with a 12-megapixel rear camera and a wider f/1.8 aperture, supporting 4K video recording at 24, 30, or 60 frames per second. This allows for higher-resolution photos and more detailed video capture, performing better in various lighting situations.
• Front Camera and Video Conferencing: For video calls, the iPad 2017 includes a 1.2-megapixel front camera with an f/2.2 aperture, recording 720p video. It is adequate for FaceTime and other video conferencing apps, though image quality can be limited, particularly in lower light. The iPad Air 2020 features a 7-megapixel front camera with an f/2.2 aperture, capable of 1080p video recording at 60 frames per second. This provides a much clearer and more detailed image for video calls, making it a better option for remote work or virtual meetings.
• Audio for Media and Calls: Both devices offer stereo speakers, providing a decent audio experience for media consumption. The iPad Air 2020's audio output is generally considered more robust, and its microphones are noted for their clarity during calls and recordings.