iPad 5th Generation Review: Features, Specs & Performance
Introduction
The iPad 5th Generation, released by Apple in March 2017, might not be the newest tablet on the market, but it’s still a compelling choice for many users in 2024. Whether you’re looking for a reliable device for everyday tasks, something for light gaming, or even a tablet for your kids, the iPad 5th Generation has aged gracefully and can meet your needs at a more budget-friendly price. In this review, we’ll dive into iPad 5th Generation features, specs, and performance to help you decide if it’s still a good buy.
Design and Build Quality
Dimensions and Weight
The iPad 5th Generation sports a familiar, classic Apple design. With dimensions of 240mm x 169.5mm x 7.5mm (9.4 x 6.6 x 0.29 inches), it’s slim and sleek, fitting comfortably in your hands. It weighs in at just under 500 grams (1.03 lbs), making it light enough to carry around without strain, but still solid enough to feel durable.
Materials and Finish
Built with an aluminum body, the iPad 5th Generation feels premium in hand. The back features the iconic Apple logo with a smooth finish that resists scratches and fingerprints fairly well. Though it doesn’t have the ultra-modern look of newer models, it’s still a beautifully designed piece of tech.
Portability and Durability
Whether you’re tossing it into your backpack for school or using it on your daily commute, this iPad’s design is geared toward portability. The aluminum build makes it resistant to everyday bumps and drops, ensuring that it will hold up over time.
Display
Screen Size and Resolution
The 9.7-inch Retina display boasts a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, offering crisp visuals that make reading, gaming, and watching videos a delight. Even by 2024 standards, this screen holds its own when compared to more expensive models.
Retina Display Quality
With Apple’s Retina display technology, the iPad 5th Generation provides sharp text and vibrant colors. It’s perfect for those who enjoy watching movies on the go or for students who need a clear screen for reading textbooks.
How It Performs
One of the iPad’s standout features is how well it performs in various lighting conditions. Whether you’re outside in bright sunlight or curled up on the couch at night, the screen adapts to provide a clear and comfortable viewing experience.
Performance
A9 Chip Overview
At the heart of the iPad 5th Generation is Apple’s A9 chip, which was a powerful processor when it first launched. In 2024, while it’s no longer cutting-edge, the A9 still holds up for most day-to-day tasks like browsing the web, watching videos, or working on documents.
Efficiency for Everyday Use
Though it’s not the fastest processor by today’s standards, the A9 chip still ensures that the iPad 5th Generation can handle most tasks with ease. You won’t notice much lag when switching between apps or browsing multiple tabs in Safari.
Graphics Performance
While this iPad isn’t designed for high-end gaming, it can still handle casual games and older, less graphics-intensive titles. Games like “Clash of Clans” or “Candy Crush” run smoothly, but newer, more demanding games may push its limits.
Software and Usability
iOS Compatibility
Initially shipped with iOS 10, the iPad 5th Generation can be upgraded to iPadOS 15, which brings new features and improvements. However, it’s worth noting that software support is nearing the end of its lifecycle, so future updates may be limited.
iPadOS Features
The iPadOS updates add multitasking capabilities, improved Apple Pencil support, and new widgets, making the 5th Generation iPad feel more modern and functional than when it first launched.
Multitasking
Apps like Microsoft Office, Netflix, and even creative tools like Procreate run efficiently on this iPad. While it can multitask, opening multiple resource-heavy apps may cause some slowdowns compared to newer models.
Camera and Photography
Rear Camera Performance
The 8MP rear camera is decent for casual photography, snapping sharp and colorful images in well-lit environments. While it won’t replace your smartphone camera, it’s a solid backup for quick shots.
Front Camera
The 1.2MP front camera is serviceable for FaceTime and video calls, though it’s not the sharpest compared to today’s selfie standards. It works well enough for virtual meetings or catching up with friends and family.
Casual Photography
Overall, this iPad’s cameras are fine for basic use, but if photography is a priority, you might want to consider more modern tablets or smartphones.
Battery Life
Battery Performance
One of the biggest strengths of the iPad 5th Generation is its battery life. Apple claims up to 10 hours of web surfing, video watching, or working on documents, and in real-world usage, this holds.
How Long It Lasts
For most users, the iPad will last all day with regular use. Whether you’re using it for work, school, or entertainment, you can expect to get through a full day on a single charge.
Charging Speed
The iPad 5th Generation charges via the Lightning cable, and while it doesn’t support the faster charging speeds of USB-C, it still charges relatively quickly considering its age.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi and Cellular Options
The iPad 5th Generation supports Wi-Fi and optional LTE for those who want cellular connectivity. Whether you’re at home, on the go, or at your favorite coffee shop, staying connected is easy.
Bluetooth
This iPad includes Bluetooth 4.2, making it compatible with most Bluetooth accessories like keyboards, headphones, and speakers. It’s also compatible with Apple’s Smart Keyboard and other third-party accessories.
Downloading Speed
While it doesn’t have the latest Wi-Fi 6 or 5G connectivity, the iPad 5th Generation performs well enough for streaming videos, browsing the web, and downloading files on a stable Wi-Fi network.
Storage and Pricing
Storage Options
With storage options of 32GB and 128GB, users have flexibility depending on their needs. The 32GB model is sufficient for light users, while the 128GB option is better for those who store more apps, photos, and videos.
Value for Money
Given its lower price point in 2024, the iPad 5th Generation offers great value for those seeking a reliable tablet for basic tasks. Though it may not match the power of newer models, it’s still a solid choice for the price-conscious.
While newer iPads offer faster performance, improved cameras, and better displays, the 5th Generation still holds its ground in 2024 as a budget-friendly alternative.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Affordable price in 2024
- Great battery life
- Solid build quality and design
- Compatible with iPad 15 and many modern apps
Drawbacks
- No support for Apple Pencil 2
- Slower processor compared to newer models
- Limited software updates in the future
Who Should Consider Buying It?
The iPad 5th Generation is perfect for those who need a solid tablet without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a device for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, or reading, this iPad is an excellent choice. It’s also ideal for students needing a simple and affordable tool for schoolwork, note-taking, or accessing online resources. Families might also find it a good fit for kids or as a secondary household device. While it doesn’t offer the latest features, its reliable performance and lower price point make it a smart buy for budget-conscious users.
Conclusion
The iPad 5th Generation may not be the newest tablet on the market, but it remains a strong contender for those seeking an affordable, reliable device in 2024. It offers solid performance for everyday tasks, impressive battery life, and a well-built design that has stood the test of time. While it lacks the cutting-edge features of newer models, it’s still a practical option for students, casual users, or anyone on a budget. If you’re looking for a dependable tablet without the premium price tag, the iPad 5th Generation is worth considering. For those seeking to purchase an iPad 5th Generation, Wise Market NZ is the prime location to acquire new and pre-owned devices in New Zealand.
FAQs
Q: What is the lifespan of the iPad 5th Generation?
A: The iPad 5th Generation can last several more years with proper care, but software support is nearing its end.
Q: Can the iPad 5th Generation run the latest apps and games?
A: It can run most apps, but newer, resource-intensive games may struggle on this device.
Q: Is the iPad 5th Generation good for students?
A: Yes, it’s a great option for students who need a reliable tablet for basic tasks like reading, note-taking, and online research.
Q: How does the camera compare to newer models?
A: The camera quality is decent but not as advanced as newer iPads, which feature higher resolution and better low-light performance.
Q: What accessories work best with the iPad 5th Generation?
A: Bluetooth keyboards, cases, and headphones are compatible, along with some older Apple accessories like the first-generation Apple Pencil.
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