The iPad (5th generation) is a 9.7-inch entry-level tablet released in 2017, featuring the A9 chip, 2GB RAM, and support for iPadOS 16.7.
Overview
The iPad (5th generation), also known as the iPad 9.7-inch or iPad (2017), was announced on March 21, 2017, and released shortly after. It served as Apple’s affordable entry-level iPad, positioned below the iPad Air and iPad Pro lines, and was discontinued in March 2018 when the 6th-generation iPad was introduced. It is available in Silver, Gold, and Space Gray finishes and comes in 32GB or 128GB storage options
Design and Display
- Dimensions: 240 × 169.5 × 7.5 mm (9.45 × 6.67 × 0.30 in)
- Weight: 469 g (Wi-Fi), 478 g (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
- Display: 9.7-inch Retina display, 2048 × 1536 pixels, 264 ppi, LED-backlit with IPS technology
- Features: Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating, 4:3 aspect ratio, 25% brighter than iPad Air 2, but lacks full lamination and anti-reflective coating
Performance
- Processor: Apple A9 chip with 64-bit architecture
- Motion Coprocessor: Embedded M9
- RAM: 2GB LPDDR4
- GPU: PowerVR GT7600
- Performance: Up to 70% faster CPU performance than previous models, capable of smooth multitasking, video playback, and gaming
Cameras
- Rear: 8MP iSight camera, ƒ/2.4 aperture, 1080p HD video recording, HDR, panorama, Live Photos, auto image stabilization
- Front: 1.2MP FaceTime HD camera, ƒ/2.2 aperture, 720p HD video, Retina Flash, HDR, FaceTime video and audio support
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, MIMO
- Bluetooth: 4.2
- Cellular (optional): LTE, UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA, GSM/EDGE, CDMA EV-DO Rev. A/B, Nano-SIM, Apple SIM support
- Location: Include GPS & GLONASS, digital compass, and iBeacon microlocation
Battery and Power
- Battery: Built-in 32.4-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer
- Usage: Up to 10 hours of web browsing, video, or music on Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours on cellular
- Charging: Via Lightning connector using USB power adapter or computer
Sensors and Security
- Touch ID: Fingerprint sensor in Home button
- Sensors: Three-axis gyro, accelerometer, barometer, ambient light sensor
- Apple Pay: Supported for in-app and web purchases
Software
- Original OS: iOS 10.2.1
- Latest Supported: iPadOS 16.7
- Features: Siri, accessibility options, preinstalled apps (Pages, Numbers, Keynote, iMovie, GarageBand, iTunes U), and App Store access
Audio and Video
- Speakers: Stereo
- Headphone Jack: 3.5 mm
- Video Output: Up to 1080p via Lightning Digital AV Adapter or VGA Adapter
- Supported Formats: H.264, MPEG-4, Motion JPEG, Dolby Digital, AAC, MP3, AIFF, WAV
Reception
The iPad (5th generation) was praised for its performance, battery life, and affordability, making it ideal for first-time tablet buyers or educational use. Criticisms included the non-laminated display, lack of Apple Pencil support