iPad 5 (2017, A9 series) vs iPad Pro (2018, A12 series)

The iPad 2017, released in March 2017, and the iPad Pro 2018, launched in November 2018, represent distinct tiers within Apple's tablet lineup. While both devices operate on Apple's iPadOS, they cater to different user needs through significant differences in their internal components, display technology, and overall design. The iPad Pro 2018 introduced a more modern aesthetic and advanced capabilities, setting it apart from the more traditional iPad 2017.

The longevity of a tablet is influenced by its release date, software support, and physical design. These two models offer differing expectations for their practical lifespan.

• Release Timeline: The iPad 2017, being released in March 2017, is an older device compared to the iPad Pro 2018, which launched in November 2018. This difference in release year directly impacts the duration of software support each device can expect.
• Software Support: The iPad 2017 supports up to iPadOS 16, but does not receive iPadOS 17, indicating its software update cycle is nearing its end. The iPad Pro 2018, being a newer and more powerful device, is expected to receive software updates for a longer period, extending its functional life for users who rely on the latest features and security patches.
• Practical Lifespan: While both iPads are built with durable aluminum bodies, the iPad Pro 2018's more advanced internal components and features like USB-C connectivity contribute to a longer practical lifespan for demanding applications. The iPad 2017 remains suitable for basic tasks, but its performance headroom for future software and apps is more limited.

Performance is a key differentiator between these two iPad models, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently demanding tasks are handled.

• Processing Power: The iPad 2017 is equipped with a capable processor that handles everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and casual gaming with responsiveness. The iPad Pro 2018 features a significantly more advanced processor, delivering a substantial boost in speed and efficiency. This allows for seamless multitasking, rapid app loading, and smooth performance in graphics-intensive games and professional applications.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 2GB of RAM, the iPad 2017 can manage several applications simultaneously, though users might experience occasional reloads when switching between more memory-intensive apps. The iPad Pro 2018 typically comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for extensive multitasking and ensuring applications remain active in the background for quicker access.
• Storage Options: The iPad 2017 was available with 32GB or 128GB of internal storage. The iPad Pro 2018 offers a wider range of storage configurations, starting from 64GB and extending up to 1TB, accommodating users with larger storage needs for media, documents, and applications.

The display is a primary interface for tablets, and both models offer a Retina display, but with notable differences in technology and features.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPad 2017 features a 9.7-inch IPS LCD Retina display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, providing clear and detailed visuals. The iPad Pro 2018 boasts an 11-inch or 12.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, offering a larger viewing area and a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels for the 11-inch model, maintaining a sharp 264 pixels per inch.
• Advanced Display Features: A key distinction is that the iPad 2017's display is not fully laminated and lacks an anti-reflective coating, which can lead to more noticeable reflections, especially in bright environments. The iPad Pro 2018's display is fully laminated, includes an anti-reflective coating, and features ProMotion technology, which enables an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions. It also supports Wide Color (P3) and True Tone for more accurate and dynamic color representation.
• Design and Viewing Experience: The iPad 2017 retains a traditional iPad design with thicker bezels. The iPad Pro 2018 features a more modern, edge-to-edge display design with significantly thinner bezels, providing a more immersive viewing experience.

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, their cameras are important for video calls, document scanning, and casual photography. These two iPads offer different camera capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad 2017 includes an 8-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture, capable of recording 1080p HD video. It is suitable for capturing everyday moments and scanning documents in good lighting conditions. The iPad Pro 2018 features a more advanced 12-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, offering improved low-light performance and the ability to record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second.
• Front Camera and Authentication: For video calls and selfies, the iPad 2017 has a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture, supporting 720p video recording. The iPad Pro 2018 is equipped with a 7-megapixel TrueDepth front camera with an f/2.2 aperture, which not only provides higher quality 1080p video for calls but also enables Face ID for secure facial authentication and supports features like Portrait mode and Smart HDR.
• Additional Camera Features: The iPad Pro 2018's camera system benefits from a more powerful image signal processor, contributing to better image quality and advanced features like Smart HDR. The iPad 2017's camera is more basic, focusing on functional use rather than advanced photographic capabilities.