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

When considering the longevity of these two tablets, several factors come into play, primarily their release timelines and the duration of software support. The iPad 2017, released in March 2017, has received consistent iPadOS updates, with its latest supported version being iPadOS 16.7.12. The iPad Pro 2018, launched in November 2018, benefits from a later release date, extending its expected software support timeline further into the future, currently supporting up to iPadOS 17.2.

• Software Updates: The iPad Pro 2018 is expected to receive software updates for a longer period due to its newer release and more advanced processor, offering extended access to the latest features and security enhancements.
• Physical Durability: Both models feature an aluminum casing. The iPad Pro 2018 introduced a thinner chassis at 5.9 mm, compared to the iPad 2017's 7.5 mm thickness. While the iPad Pro 2018's display is fully laminated and has an anti-reflective coating, the iPad 2017's screen lacks these features, potentially making it more susceptible to reflections and less robust against impacts.
• Repairability: Repairability scores can vary, but generally, older iPad models like the iPad 2017 may present fewer complexities for certain repairs compared to the more integrated and advanced components of the iPad Pro 2018. However, specific component availability and repair expertise are crucial for both.

The performance capabilities of these two iPads show a clear progression in processing power and efficiency. The iPad 2017 is equipped with the A9 chip, which provides solid performance for everyday tasks and light multitasking. The iPad Pro 2018, on the other hand, features the A12X Bionic chip, a significantly more powerful processor designed for demanding applications and professional workflows.

• Processing Power: The iPad Pro 2018's advanced processor handles intensive applications, complex graphic design, and high-fidelity gaming with greater fluidity and speed compared to the iPad 2017. Users will experience faster app loading times and smoother transitions on the Pro model.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 4GB of RAM (and 6GB in 1TB storage models), the iPad Pro 2018 offers enhanced multitasking capabilities, allowing more applications to run simultaneously without performance degradation. The iPad 2017, with 2GB of RAM, is suitable for basic multitasking but may show limitations with numerous open applications.
• Battery Behavior: Both models are designed to provide up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge. However, the iPad Pro 2018's more efficient processor can manage power consumption effectively, potentially leading to comparable real-world battery life despite its higher performance.

The display experience is a key differentiator between these two iPad models, with the iPad Pro 2018 offering a more advanced visual interface. The iPad 2017 features a 9.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 264 ppi. The iPad Pro 2018 introduces the Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, available in 11-inch (2388 x 1668 pixels) and 12.9-inch (2732 x 2048 pixels) sizes, also at 264 ppi.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPad Pro 2018's Liquid Retina display features ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions. It also includes Wide Color (P3) and True Tone technology for more accurate and vibrant color reproduction, along with a fully laminated display and anti-reflective coating for improved outdoor visibility and reduced glare. The iPad 2017's display, while bright at 470 nits, lacks these advanced features, and its non-laminated screen can result in a noticeable gap between the glass and the LCD.
• Brightness and Viewing Experience: The iPad Pro 2018 offers a higher peak brightness of 600 nits, enhancing visibility in bright environments. Both displays provide sharp text and images, but the ProMotion and color accuracy of the iPad Pro 2018 contribute to a more immersive and comfortable viewing experience, especially for creative work or media consumption.
• Screen Size and Design: The iPad Pro 2018 boasts an edge-to-edge display with significantly reduced bezels and rounded corners, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. The iPad 2017 retains the traditional iPad design with larger bezels and a physical home button.

The camera systems on these two iPads reflect their different intended uses, with the iPad Pro 2018 offering more advanced capabilities for photography and video. The iPad 2017 is equipped with an 8MP rear camera and a 1.2MP front-facing FaceTime HD camera. The iPad Pro 2018 features a more capable 12MP rear camera and a 7MP TrueDepth front camera.

• Photography Performance: The iPad Pro 2018's 12MP rear camera captures more detailed images and includes features like Smart HDR for improved dynamic range. It also supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. The iPad 2017's 8MP rear camera is suitable for casual photography and document scanning, recording 1080p video.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: The iPad Pro 2018's 7MP TrueDepth front camera enables Face ID for secure authentication and supports Portrait Mode selfies, Animoji, and Memoji. Its higher resolution also provides clearer video calls. The iPad 2017's 1.2MP front camera is adequate for basic video conferencing but offers less detail.
• Audio Quality: The iPad Pro 2018 features a four-speaker audio system, delivering a richer and more immersive sound experience for media consumption. The iPad 2017 has stereo speakers, which are sufficient for general audio but do not match the Pro model's output.

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements distinguish the iPad 2017 and iPad Pro 2018, impacting their versatility and user experience. These include connectivity, port types, and biometric authentication methods.

• Connectivity and Ports: The iPad Pro 2018 made a significant shift by adopting a USB-C port, replacing Apple's proprietary Lightning connector. This allows for broader compatibility with external accessories like monitors, cameras, and storage devices, and even enables charging other devices. The iPad 2017 retains the Lightning port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Both support Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth (4.2 for iPad 2017, 5.0 for iPad Pro 2018).
• Biometric Authentication: The iPad 2017 utilizes Touch ID, an integrated fingerprint sensor in the home button, for secure unlocking and purchases. The iPad Pro 2018 replaces Touch ID with Face ID, using its TrueDepth camera system for facial recognition, which works in both portrait and landscape orientations.
• Design and Accessories: The iPad Pro 2018 features a more modern, industrial design with flat edges and is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches and charges. It also supports the Smart Keyboard Folio. The iPad 2017 is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil and older Smart Keyboards via its Smart Connector. The iPad Pro 2018 is also notably thinner at 5.9 mm compared to the iPad 2017's 7.5 mm.