What Is IPad 5th Generation? Specs, Features, And More

Hey there! If you’re curious about the iPad 5th generation, you’ve come to the right place. Maybe you’re considering buying one, or perhaps you’re just curious about Apple’s tablet history. Either way, this iPad, released in 2017, was a significant step forward in the iPad’s evolution, offering a blend of performance and affordability that made it a popular choice.

We’ll cover everything you need to know, from its technical specifications and key features to its place in the current tablet market. We’ll explore what made this iPad stand out, its strengths, and its limitations. Get ready to learn all about the iPad 5th generation and whether it’s still a viable option for your needs!

Let’s get started and see what this tablet has to offer!

iPad 5th Generation: A Closer Look

The iPad 5th generation, often referred to as simply the ‘iPad (2017)’ or ‘iPad 5’, was a significant launch for Apple. It represented a shift in the company’s strategy, focusing on delivering a quality tablet experience at a more accessible price point. This made it a great choice for students, casual users, and anyone looking for a solid tablet without breaking the bank. Let’s dig deeper into what made this iPad tick.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the iPad 5th generation was a continuation of the classic iPad aesthetic. It featured a familiar aluminum unibody design, offering a premium feel. Here’s a breakdown of the design aspects:

Materials: The body was constructed from aluminum, a material known for its durability and sleek appearance. This gave the iPad a solid feel in hand.
Colors: It was available in three colors: Silver, Gold, and Space Gray. This provided users with options to match their personal style.
Dimensions: The iPad 5th generation measured 9.4 inches in height, 6.6 inches in width, and 0.29 inches in thickness. This made it relatively thin and easy to carry around.
Weight: The Wi-Fi only model weighed about 1.03 pounds, while the Wi-Fi + Cellular model weighed slightly more at 1.05 pounds. The weight was well-distributed, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods.

The build quality was generally excellent, typical of Apple products. The aluminum construction provided a sturdy feel, and the device felt robust enough to withstand daily use. The design wasn’t groundbreaking, but it was refined and functional.

Display: A Sharp Visual Experience

The display is a critical aspect of any tablet, and the iPad 5th generation didn’t disappoint. It featured a 9.7-inch Retina display, known for its sharpness and vibrant colors. Let’s delve into the specifics:

Resolution: The display had a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, providing a crisp and detailed picture. This resolution was ideal for watching videos, browsing the web, and reading text.
Pixel Density: With a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch (ppi), the display offered excellent clarity. Text appeared sharp, and images looked detailed.
Brightness and Colors: The display was bright enough for comfortable use in various lighting conditions. It also offered good color accuracy, making images and videos look appealing.
Technology: The Retina display used IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology, which provided wide viewing angles. This meant that the picture remained clear even when viewed from the side.

The display was a strong point of the iPad 5th generation. The combination of high resolution, good brightness, and accurate colors made it a pleasure to use for a variety of tasks.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

Under the hood, the iPad 5th generation was powered by the Apple A9 chip, a dual-core processor. While it might not seem cutting-edge by today’s standards, it provided adequate performance for its time. Here’s a closer look at the performance aspects:

Processor: The A9 chip was a 64-bit processor, offering good performance for everyday tasks. It was paired with the M9 motion coprocessor, which handled motion-related tasks efficiently.
RAM: It came with 2GB of RAM, which was sufficient for multitasking and running apps smoothly.
Storage Options: The iPad 5th generation was available in two storage options: 32GB and 128GB. This allowed users to choose the storage capacity that best suited their needs.
Operating System: It originally shipped with iOS 10, but it was eligible for upgrades to newer versions of iOS, providing access to the latest features and security updates.

The A9 chip provided a smooth experience for typical iPad usage. You could browse the web, watch videos, play games, and run productivity apps without major performance hiccups. The 2GB of RAM helped to maintain smooth multitasking.

Camera Capabilities

The iPad 5th generation featured both front and rear cameras, allowing you to capture photos and videos, and also participate in video calls. Let’s examine the camera specifications: (See Also: Why Is My Gmail Not Working on My iPad? Troubleshooting Guide)

Rear Camera: The rear camera had an 8-megapixel sensor with an f/2.4 aperture. It could record 1080p video at 30 frames per second.
Front Camera: The front-facing camera had a 1.2-megapixel sensor and could record 720p video.
Features: The camera supported features like autofocus, panorama mode, and burst mode.
Image Quality: The rear camera produced decent photos in good lighting conditions. The front camera was suitable for video calls.

While the cameras weren’t the iPad’s primary selling point, they were capable enough for casual use. The rear camera was adequate for taking quick snapshots, and the front camera was suitable for video conferencing.

Battery Life: Staying Powered Up

Battery life is a crucial factor for any tablet. The iPad 5th generation aimed to provide a full day of use on a single charge. Here’s what you could expect:

Battery Capacity: It had a built-in rechargeable lithium-polymer battery. Apple claimed up to 10 hours of web browsing over Wi-Fi, watching videos, or listening to music.
Real-world Usage: In practice, the battery life was generally good. You could typically get a full day of use with moderate usage.
Charging: It charged via the Lightning port, a standard Apple connector at the time.

The battery life of the iPad 5th generation was a strong point, making it a reliable companion for daily use. You could use it throughout the day without constantly worrying about finding a power outlet.

Connectivity and Ports

The iPad 5th generation included the necessary ports and connectivity options for a seamless user experience. Here’s a breakdown of the connectivity features:

Wi-Fi: It supported 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, offering fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.2 was included for connecting to accessories like headphones and keyboards.
Cellular (Optional): Some models came with cellular connectivity, allowing you to access the internet on the go via a mobile data plan.
Ports: The only physical port was the Lightning port, used for charging and data transfer.
Headphone Jack: It retained the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that was removed from later iPad models.

The connectivity options were comprehensive for its time. The Wi-Fi performance was good, and Bluetooth allowed for easy connection to various accessories. The inclusion of a headphone jack was a plus for those who preferred wired headphones.

Software and User Experience

The iPad 5th generation ran on iOS, Apple’s mobile operating system. iOS was known for its user-friendly interface and a wide selection of apps. Here’s a look at the software experience:

Operating System: It originally shipped with iOS 10, but it was eligible for updates to newer versions of iOS.
User Interface: iOS provided a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate and use.
Apps: The App Store offered a vast library of apps, including many optimized for the iPad’s larger screen.
Features: It supported features like multitasking, split-screen view, and picture-in-picture mode.

The software experience was a key strength of the iPad 5th generation. iOS was well-optimized for tablets, offering a smooth and intuitive user experience. The vast selection of apps available in the App Store made it a versatile device.

Accessories: Expanding Functionality

The iPad 5th generation was compatible with a range of accessories, which expanded its functionality and versatility. Here are some of the popular accessories:

Smart Keyboard: While it didn’t support the Smart Keyboard designed for the iPad Pro, it was compatible with third-party Bluetooth keyboards.
Apple Pencil: It did not support the Apple Pencil.
Cases and Covers: A wide variety of cases and covers were available to protect the iPad and add functionality.
Headphones: You could connect wired headphones via the 3.5mm headphone jack, or use Bluetooth headphones.

The availability of accessories allowed users to tailor the iPad to their specific needs. You could use a keyboard for typing, a case for protection, and headphones for audio enjoyment.

Pricing and Availability

When it was released, the iPad 5th generation was positioned as an affordable tablet option. Let’s look at the pricing and availability: (See Also: Why Aren’t My iPad and iPhone Messages Syncing? Troubleshooting)

Original Price: The starting price was lower than that of the iPad Pro models, making it a more accessible option for a wider audience.
Availability: It was widely available through Apple’s website, Apple Stores, and authorized retailers.
Current Value: As of today, the iPad 5th generation is no longer sold new by Apple. You might find it used from third-party sellers. The price will vary depending on the condition and storage capacity.

The competitive pricing of the iPad 5th generation made it a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers. The availability through various channels made it easy to purchase.

iPad 5th Generation vs. iPad Air 2

The iPad 5th generation was positioned to replace the iPad Air 2. Here’s a quick comparison to highlight the key differences:

Feature	iPad 5th Generation	iPad Air 2
Processor	Apple A9	Apple A8X
RAM	2GB	2GB
Display	9.7-inch Retina	9.7-inch Retina
Storage Options	32GB, 128GB	16GB, 64GB, 128GB
Apple Pencil Support	No	No
Price (at launch)	Lower	Higher

The iPad 5th generation offered a slightly upgraded processor and a lower price point compared to the iPad Air 2. It provided better value for money.

iPad 5th Generation vs. iPad (6th Generation)

The iPad (6th generation) was released the following year. Let’s compare the two:

Feature	iPad 5th Generation	iPad (6th Generation)
Processor	Apple A9	Apple A10 Fusion
Apple Pencil Support	No	Yes (1st generation)
Display	9.7-inch Retina	9.7-inch Retina
Price (at launch)	Lower	Higher

The iPad (6th generation) included a faster processor and, crucially, support for the Apple Pencil. This made it a better option for those who wanted to use the iPad for drawing, writing, or note-taking.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons of the iPad 5th generation:

Pros
- Affordable: It was priced competitively, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Good Performance: The A9 chip offered smooth performance for everyday tasks.
- Excellent Display: The Retina display provided a sharp and vibrant visual experience.
- Good Battery Life: It offered all-day battery life for typical usage.
- User-Friendly: iOS provided an intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
Cons
- No Apple Pencil Support: It didn’t support the Apple Pencil, limiting its use for creative tasks.
- Older Processor: The A9 chip is older compared to newer iPad models.
- Limited Storage Options: The 32GB and 128GB storage options might be insufficient for some users.

Understanding these pros and cons will help you decide if the iPad 5th generation is a suitable choice for your needs.

Who Was It for?

The iPad 5th generation was an excellent choice for several types of users:

Students: It was a great device for note-taking, research, and accessing educational resources.
Casual Users: Anyone who wanted a tablet for browsing the web, watching videos, and reading eBooks would find it ideal.
Budget-Conscious Consumers: Its affordable price made it a great option for those who didn’t want to spend a lot on a tablet.
Families: It was a good option for families who wanted a shared tablet for entertainment and casual use.

The iPad 5th generation’s versatility and affordability made it a popular choice across a wide range of users.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re considering the iPad 5th generation, you might also want to look at these alternatives: (See Also: Is Microsoft Word Available for iPad? Everything You Need to Know)

iPad (6th Generation): This model offered a faster processor and Apple Pencil support.
iPad (7th Generation) and later: These newer models offer improved performance, features, and often larger screens.
Other Tablets: Consider tablets from other brands like Samsung, Amazon, and Lenovo, which offer different features and price points.

Exploring these alternatives will help you find the best tablet for your specific needs and budget.

Is the iPad 5th Generation Worth Buying in 2024?

Whether the iPad 5th generation is worth buying in 2024 depends on your needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Pros of Buying in 2024
- Price: You can often find it at a lower price, making it an affordable option.
- Reliability: It’s a reliable device that still performs well for basic tasks.
Cons of Buying in 2024
- Age: It’s an older model, so it won’t receive the latest software updates.
- Performance: The A9 chip might feel slow for demanding tasks.
- Features: It lacks some of the features found in newer iPad models, like Apple Pencil support and improved displays.

If you need a tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, watching videos, and reading, and you’re on a tight budget, the iPad 5th generation could still be a viable option. However, if you need more performance, plan to use advanced features, or want the latest software, you should consider a newer model.

Before purchasing a used iPad 5th generation, make sure to check its condition and battery health. Look for any signs of wear and tear, and ask about the battery’s performance. Also, ensure that the device is not locked to a previous owner’s account.

Always compare prices and features to ensure you’re getting the best deal. There are many other newer models available which might be a better value.

Final Thoughts

The iPad 5th generation was a significant device in its time, offering a good balance of performance and affordability. It’s a testament to Apple’s design and engineering. While it may not compete with the latest models in terms of features and performance, it remains a viable option for those on a budget or with basic tablet needs. When considering an older device, always evaluate its condition and compare it with the prices of newer models to make an informed decision.

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Ultimately, the iPad 5th generation represents a solid offering from Apple, and its legacy in the tablet market is undeniable. It brought the iPad experience to a wider audience, and it remains a capable device for everyday use.

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What Is iPad 5th Generation? Specs, Features, and More