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

The iPad 2017, also known as the 5th generation iPad, was released in March 2017, featuring the A9 chip. It was positioned as an accessible tablet for everyday use. In contrast, the iPad Pro 2020, launched in March 2020, is a more advanced device, powered by the A12Z Bionic chip and designed for demanding tasks and professional workflows. These three years of development bring significant differences in performance, display technology, and accessory support, catering to distinct user needs.

The longevity of a tablet is influenced by its build quality, software support, and the demands of evolving applications. Both devices are constructed with aluminum unibody designs, offering a solid feel.

• Release Timeline: The iPad 2017 was released in March 2017, while the iPad Pro 2020 launched in March 2020. This three-year gap means the iPad Pro 2020 benefits from a more recent hardware foundation and a longer expected period of software updates.
• Software Longevity: The iPad 2017 shipped with iOS 10 and has received updates up to iPadOS 16.7.15 as of March 2026, indicating its software support is nearing its end. The iPad Pro 2020, starting with iPadOS 13.4, is expected to receive major iPadOS updates for several more years, offering extended software compatibility and access to new features.
• Practical Lifespan: For basic tasks like browsing and media consumption, the iPad 2017 remains functional. However, for users requiring compatibility with the latest apps or advanced features, the iPad Pro 2020 offers a significantly longer practical lifespan due to its more powerful hardware and extended software support.

Performance is a key differentiator between these two iPads, largely due to the generational leap in their processing capabilities and available memory.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPad 2017 features an A9 chip, which handles everyday tasks, web browsing, and light gaming smoothly. The iPad Pro 2020, equipped with the A12Z Bionic chip, offers a substantial increase in processing power, making it well-suited for demanding applications like video editing, graphic design, and advanced multitasking.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPad Pro 2020, with its more advanced processor and typically higher RAM (6GB compared to 2GB in the iPad 2017), provides a smoother and more responsive experience when switching between multiple applications or running resource-intensive software.
• Storage Options: The iPad 2017 was available with 32GB or 128GB of storage. The iPad Pro 2020 offers a wider range of options, starting at 128GB and going up to 1TB, providing more flexibility for users with large files or extensive app libraries.

The display experience varies significantly between these two models, with the iPad Pro 2020 offering more advanced technology.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The iPad 2017 features a 9.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, providing clear visuals for general use. The iPad Pro 2020 comes in 11-inch and 12.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD options, with resolutions of 2388 x 1668 and 2732 x 2048 pixels respectively, offering a larger and more detailed viewing area.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: The iPad 2017 has a standard refresh rate. The iPad Pro 2020 introduces ProMotion technology, enabling an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more fluid motion, which is particularly noticeable in gaming and fast-paced content. The iPad Pro 2020 also offers higher peak brightness, improving visibility in bright environments.
• Color and Coatings: The iPad Pro 2020 supports a wider color gamut (P3) and features an anti-reflective coating, enhancing color accuracy and reducing glare compared to the iPad 2017's display.

The camera systems on these two iPads reflect their different intended uses, with the Pro model offering more advanced capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad 2017 is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera capable of recording 1080p HD video. The iPad Pro 2020 features a more versatile dual-camera system, including a 12-megapixel wide lens and a 10-megapixel ultra-wide lens, along with a LiDAR scanner for enhanced augmented reality experiences and improved depth sensing. It can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second.
• Front Camera: The iPad 2017 has a 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD camera. The iPad Pro 2020 upgrades this to a 7-megapixel TrueDepth front camera, enabling features like Face ID and offering improved quality for video calls and selfies.
• Audio and Microphones: While both offer stereo speakers, the iPad Pro 2020 typically features a four-speaker audio system for a more immersive sound experience and studio-quality microphones for clearer audio recording.