iPad 5 (2017, A9 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)

The iPad 2017, also known as the 5th generation iPad, and the iPad 2020, or 8th generation iPad, are both entry-level tablet computers from Apple. Released in March 2017 and September 2020, respectively, these devices offer distinct capabilities primarily driven by their differing processors and screen sizes. While both run on Apple's iPadOS, the newer model benefits from a more advanced internal architecture and expanded accessory support, providing a more versatile user experience.

When considering the longevity of these two iPad models, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, expected software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline and Age: The iPad 2017 was released in March 2017, making it several years older than the iPad 2020, which debuted in September 2020 [4, 6]. This age difference directly impacts their remaining software support window.
• OS Support Duration: The iPad 2017 launched with iOS 10.3.2 and is upgradable to iPadOS 16.7.15 as of March 2026 [4, 19, 25, 30]. The iPad 2020, starting with iPadOS 14, can be updated to iPadOS 17.2 [10, 17]. This indicates that the iPad 2020 will likely receive software updates for a longer period, extending its functional lifespan.
• Repairability and Build: Both models feature a similar construction with a glass front and an aluminum back and frame [4, 6, 25]. While specific repairability scores can vary, their general design allows for component replacement, contributing to their practical lifespan. Users often report these iPads to be well-built and durable for everyday use [20].

The core difference in performance between these two iPads lies in their internal processing power, which affects everything from app responsiveness to multitasking capabilities.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPad 2017 is equipped with an earlier generation processor, while the iPad 2020 features a more advanced chip with a Neural Engine [4, 5, 6, 8, 17]. This newer processor in the 2020 model offers significantly faster CPU and graphics performance, leading to smoother operation across various tasks [2, 3, 17].
• Real-world Usage Impact: For everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and light media consumption, both devices offer a responsive experience. However, when running more demanding applications, engaging in graphic-intensive games, or performing complex multitasking, the iPad 2020 demonstrates noticeably quicker app loading times and more fluid transitions [2, 3]. Users of the iPad 2017 generally find it capable for basic use, but some note it can feel slower with newer, more intensive applications [22, 33].
• RAM and Multitasking: The iPad 2020 includes 3GB of RAM, compared to the 2GB in the iPad 2017 [5, 10, 12, 18, 19]. This additional memory in the 2020 model allows for more applications to remain active in the background and improves overall multitasking efficiency, reducing instances of apps needing to reload when switching between them.

The visual experience on these iPads is largely defined by their display technology, resolution, and physical dimensions, offering different viewing experiences.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both the iPad 2017 and iPad 2020 utilize IPS LCD Retina displays, providing consistent color reproduction and wide viewing angles [1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 16, 19]. Both screens also share a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch (ppi), resulting in sharp text and clear images [7, 8, 9, 11, 16, 19].
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The iPad 2017 features a 9.7-inch display, while the iPad 2020 offers a slightly larger 10.2-inch screen [4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 16, 19]. This modest increase in screen real estate on the 2020 model provides a more expansive viewing area for media consumption, web browsing, and productivity tasks.
• Brightness and Lamination: The iPad 2020's display offers up to 500 nits of brightness, which is suitable for various lighting conditions [2, 16, 29]. Neither model features a fully laminated display, meaning there is a small air gap between the glass and the LCD panel [5, 13, 18, 20, 34]. This can sometimes lead to more noticeable reflections, particularly in bright environments, though many users report it does not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience [20, 24].

The camera systems on both iPads are designed for casual photography, video calls, and document scanning, with some subtle differences in image processing.

• Camera System Capabilities: Both the iPad 2017 and iPad 2020 are equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture and a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture [2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 25, 28, 32]. Both can record 1080p video at 30 frames per second with the rear camera and 720p video with the front camera [5, 9, 12, 18, 25, 28, 32].
• Photography Performance: While the raw camera specifications are similar, the iPad 2020 benefits from the image signal processor (ISP) integrated into its newer chip [2]. This can lead to improved image processing, potentially resulting in slightly better detail, color accuracy, and noise reduction in photos taken with the 2020 model, especially in challenging lighting conditions. However, neither device is intended to replace a dedicated camera for serious photography [3, 31, 32].
• Audio and Media Consumption: Both iPads feature stereo speakers, providing a decent audio experience for media consumption and video calls [5, 13, 18, 20, 25, 31, 32]. The microphone quality on both is generally sufficient for video conferencing and voice recordings.