A Comprehensive Look at the iPad 5th Generation 2017
Introduction to the iPad 5th Generation (2017)
When Apple released the iPad 5th Generation in March 2017, it marked a significant moment in Apple's tablet lineup. Unlike the more advanced iPad Pro models, which were geared towards power users and professionals, the 5th Gen iPad was designed to appeal to a wider audience. It brought an impressive balance between performance and price, making it accessible to more people, especially students and families. Even several years later, the iPad 5th Gen remains a reliable tablet for basic tasks, and for those looking for a budget-friendly device, it continues to be a valuable option.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the iPad 5th Generation, covering its design, performance, software features, camera quality, and its overall value in the market today.
Design and Display: Familiar Yet Reliable
At first glance, the iPad 5th Generation shares a design very similar to its predecessor, the iPad Air 1. With its 9.7-inch Retina display and aluminum unibody, the 5th Gen iPad retains Apple’s signature premium look and feel. It weighs around 469 grams, making it lightweight enough for prolonged use without feeling too heavy, whether you're reading, watching videos, or browsing the web.
The Retina display boasts a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, offering sharp visuals, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. While it lacks the True Tone and ProMotion technologies found in later models, the display quality is more than sufficient for most everyday tasks. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or just scrolling through social media, the iPad 5th Gen’s screen delivers a pleasant visual experience.
In terms of build, the aluminum chassis is both sturdy and aesthetically pleasing, and the overall design has aged well. The bezels around the display are larger compared to modern iPads, but they offer a place to rest your thumbs while holding the device in landscape or portrait orientation.
Performance: A9 Chip for Everyday Tasks
The iPad 5th Generation is powered by the A9 chip, which was first introduced in the iPhone 6s. While not as powerful as the A12 or later chips found in more recent models, the A9 is still capable of handling most everyday tasks with ease. Whether you’re browsing the web, streaming videos, or running apps from the App Store, the iPad 5th Gen delivers smooth and reliable performance.
The 64-bit architecture of the A9 chip ensures that multitasking is handled efficiently, although power users may notice some slowdowns when running more resource-intensive applications, such as 3D games or video editing software. However, for users looking for a device for light productivity, entertainment, and web browsing, the A9 chip provides more than enough power.
The 2GB of RAM included in the iPad 5th Gen is on the lower end compared to newer iPads, but it’s adequate for most tasks, including using multiple apps simultaneously or splitting the screen between two applications. Users can comfortably switch between tasks like email, social media, and document editing without significant lag.
Software and iPadOS
One of the strengths of Apple devices, including the iPad 5th Generation, is the longevity of software support. Initially, the iPad 5th Gen shipped with iOS 10, but Apple has continued to offer software updates, ensuring that users still receive important security patches and new features.
In 2023, the iPad 5th Gen runs iPadOS 15, which brings several useful features to enhance the iPad experience. Multitasking is one of the highlights, allowing users to split the screen between two apps or use Slide Over for quick access to additional apps. Features like drag-and-drop, the Files app, and new widget options further improve productivity and usability.
Despite being several generations old, the iPad 5th Gen can handle the majority of apps available in the App Store. For students, the Notes app paired with Apple Pencil (1st generation) support (though not officially compatible with the iPad 5th Gen) is great for handwriting and drawing apps. While some newer features, such as Face ID and gesture navigation, are missing, iPadOS 15 ensures the device feels modern and responsive.
Battery Life: Reliable All-Day Power
The iPad 5th Generation features a 32.4-watt-hour battery, which Apple claims offers up to 10 hours of web surfing, video watching, or listening to music on a single charge. In real-world use, this figure holds up well. Even with moderate use, the iPad can easily last through a full day without needing to be recharged, making it a reliable option for students, professionals, or families.
The iPad charges via a Lightning connector and supports 12W charging, which takes about 3-4 hours for a full charge. While it doesn’t feature fast charging like newer iPad models with USB-C ports, the battery life is still a major plus, particularly for those who need a device for long flights or extended work sessions.
Camera: Basic but Adequate
The iPad 5th Generation comes with an 8MP rear camera and a 1.2MP front-facing FaceTime HD camera. While these specs may seem modest compared to modern smartphones or even newer iPads, they’re sufficient for casual photography, video calling, and document scanning.
The rear camera supports HDR and can record 1080p HD video at 30fps, which is more than enough for basic use. Whether you’re taking photos of notes, scanning documents for work, or recording a quick video, the iPad 5th Gen handles these tasks adequately. The front-facing camera, while only 1.2MP, is capable of 720p video recording, which works fine for FaceTime calls and other video conferencing apps.
Storage Options: Limited but Manageable
Apple offered the iPad 5th Gen in two storage configurations: 32GB and 128GB. The 32GB model may feel limiting for users who plan to store a lot of apps, games, or media locally. However, Apple’s iCloud integration allows users to back up their files, photos, and other data to the cloud, helping to alleviate storage concerns.
For most users, the 128GB option is a better fit, especially if they plan to use the iPad for more than just casual tasks. Whether it’s downloading apps, storing movies for offline viewing, or keeping a library of eBooks and PDFs, 128GB provides a decent amount of space without worrying too much about running out of storage.
Connectivity: LTE Option for On-the-Go Users
The iPad 5th Gen is available in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. For users who need to stay connected while on the go, the LTE model provides the flexibility to use cellular data when Wi-Fi isn’t available. This makes the iPad 5th Gen a great option for travelers or professionals who rely on their tablet for work, entertainment, or navigation.
In terms of wireless connectivity, the iPad 5th Gen supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2. While it doesn’t have the latest Wi-Fi 6 or Bluetooth 5.0 technology found in newer models, the connectivity options are sufficient for most users' needs.
Price and Value: A Budget-Friendly Tablet
One of the main selling points of the iPad 5th Generation is its affordability. When it was released in 2017, it was priced significantly lower than the iPad Pro models, making it an attractive option for those who didn’t need all the high-end features but still wanted a solid and reliable tablet.
Even in 2023, the iPad 5th Gen remains a budget-friendly option in the second-hand market. It’s a great choice for students, families, or anyone looking for a capable tablet at a lower price point. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of newer models, the iPad 5th Gen still holds up well for basic productivity, media consumption, and casual use.