iPad Q&A
Update Published November 16, 2021
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What are all the differences between the 9.7" máy tính bảng ipad 5th ren models và the máy tính bảng ipad Air models replaced? Are any of these older ipad models still worth considering?
Please cảnh báo that the ipad Air và iPad 5th gen (Early 2017) models all have been discontinued. This Q&A has been updated subsequently with current iOS tư vấn and more & can be quite useful for anyone purchasing one of these models on the used market.
On March 21, 2017, hãng apple discontinued the máy tính bảng ipad Air 2 -- the ipad tablet Air 2 (Wi-Fi Only) và iPad Air 2 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) -- and replaced it with what the company is referring to lớn simply as the "iPad" in marketing communications and "iPad (5th Gen)" in tư vấn documentation.
In terms of its market positioning, táo bị cắn considered the ipad (5th Gen) khổng lồ be a "fun" và inexpensive entry-level hàng hóa whereas the discontinued ipad Air & iPad Air 2 were once their top-of-the-line offerings in years past.
The decision to name the máy tính bảng ipad 9.7" (Wi-Fi Only) and iPad 9.7" (Wi-Fi/Cellular) the "5th Gen" for tư vấn purposes was an interesting decision as these models released in Early 2017 are actually the seventh full-size 9.7" máy tính bảng ipad series.
The original máy tính bảng ipad Air models -- the ipad Air (Wi-Fi Only), ipad tablet Air (Wi-Fi/Cellular), & iPad Air (Wi-Fi/TD-LTE/Cellular - China) -- which some users referred lớn as the fifth generation at the time they were introduced, were the fifth series and the máy tính bảng ipad Air 2 models were the sixth series.
There are a number of differences between the original máy tính bảng ipad Air, the máy tính bảng ipad Air 2, & the ipad 5th Gen. Although many differences are internal or otherwise difficult lớn detect, this doesn"t mean that the differences are not potentially important. Likewise, there are some important similarities, as well.
External kiến thiết Differences
The original ipad Air, máy tính bảng ipad Air 2, and iPad (5th Gen) models are all 9.4 inches tall and 6.6 inches wide when held in portrait (vertical) orientation, but the original ipad Air và the newer ipad tablet (5th Gen) are basically the same kích cỡ and weight whereas the ipad Air 2 is a bit thinner and lighter than either its predecessor or its replacement.
In terms of kích cỡ and weight, the newer máy tính bảng ipad (5th Gen) clearly has more in common with the original ipad Air than the ipad Air 2, but in terms of design, the situation is reversed.
Like the máy tính bảng ipad Air 2, the ipad (5th Gen) has a "Touch ID" fingerprint-capable home button & also lacks the thin "toggle" switch on the right side of the original máy tính bảng ipad Air that allowed one to lớn control "Rotation Lock" or "Mute" functionality with the physical switch. The máy tính bảng ipad Air 2 & iPad (5th Gen) also have a single row of speaker holes and smaller microphone holes.
Color options are different, as well. The original máy tính bảng ipad Air is offered with either a white front & a silver colored back or a black front and a "Space Gray" back, but the ipad Air 2 & iPad (5th Gen) also are available with a white front và a gold colored back in addition to silver and "Space Gray" lượt thích the original ipad tablet Air.
All of these models have dual microphones & a "Lightning" port for power & connecting lớn a Mac or Windows PC, if desired.
Display Differences
The original máy tính bảng ipad Air, máy tính bảng ipad Air 2, & iPad (5th Gen) models all have an IPS LED-backlit 9.7-inch 2048x1536 (264 ppi) "Retina" display. However, these displays are not identical.
In some respects, the newer ipad (5th Gen) display takes a step backwards from the display used in the ipad tablet Air 2 as it does not have an antireflective coating nor is is fully-laminated, which means that lượt thích the original máy tính bảng ipad Air, there is a gap between the glass cover and the LCD.
Although a display that is not fully laminated means that the display is easier và less expensive to replace, it also is worth noting that the original máy tính bảng ipad Air display and iPad (5th Gen) displays are similar in design, but they are not identical, either. As first discovered by iFixit, it is possible lớn take a display from the newer máy tính bảng ipad (5th Gen) và plug it into the older original máy tính bảng ipad Air and have it perform acceptably, but not the other way around.
The display in all of these models is excellent, albeit inferior khổng lồ the ipad tablet Pro, but the antiglare coating on the máy tính bảng ipad Air 2 does provide a noticeable difference, particularly in bright light.
Camera Differences
The ipad Air, ipad tablet Air 2, và iPad (5th Gen) all have dual cameras -- one front và one back -- but there are significant differences between them.
The front-facing "FaceTime HD" cameras are similar on all three models and each have 1.2 megapixel sensors capable of shooting both still photos and đoạn clip up khổng lồ 720p. However, the FaceTime HD camera on the ipad Air 2 provides better low light performance courtesy of a "larger f/2.2 aperture that lets in 81 percent more light" in addition to lớn "an all-new sensor & larger pixels." The specs are identical for the front-facing camera in the máy tính bảng ipad (5th Gen) as the máy tính bảng ipad Air 2, và the performance is effectively identical, but iFixit determined that the part itself is not the same.
The rear-facing "iSight" camera is significantly better on the ipad tablet Air 2 & iPad (5th Gen), which use the exact same part, than the original máy tính bảng ipad Air. All three have an f/2.4 aperture và can shoot both still photos and 30 FPS 1080p video, but the original ipad tablet Air only has a 5 megapixel sensor whereas the máy tính bảng ipad Air 2 và iPad (5th Gen) have an 8 megapixel sensor.
However, in software, note that the ipad tablet (5th Gen) does địa chỉ cửa hàng support for Live Photos, whereas this feature is not supported by the earlier ipad tablet Air 2 even running the same version of the iOS.
Internal Differences
The original ipad tablet Air, máy tính bảng ipad Air 2, và iPad (5th Gen) models have substantial internal differences:
Perhaps most notably, the ipad tablet Air 2 has three processor cores, so it will be faster in some tasks than either its predecessor or its successor. Internally, in terms of performance, the máy tính bảng ipad 5th gene has much in common with the iPhone 6s from 2015, which reflected its status as an inexpensive entry-level sản phẩm in 2017.
Identification Differences
If you pay close attention to lớn details và the models are side-by-side, it is possible lớn visually differentiate the máy tính bảng ipad Air, máy tính bảng ipad Air 2, & iPad (5th Gen). The original ipad Air does not have a "Touch ID" sensor whereas the ipad tablet Air 2 và iPad (5th Gen) models both do. In turn, the ipad Air 2 has fourteen holes for each speaker on its bottom edge whereas the máy tính bảng ipad (5th Gen) only has thirteen.
However, it is not possible to lớn visually differentiate between the different cellular capable original ipad tablet Air models at all, và because many 9.7" ipad models look quite similar khổng lồ one another, visual identification is not a good long-term method for differentiation.
Instead, one of the best methods for external identification is via mã sản phẩm Number. Mã sản phẩm numbers are provided in tiny type toward the bottom of the back of each iPad.
Specifically, these iPad model numbers follow:
iPad | Model Number |
iPad Air (Wi-Fi Only) | A1474 |
iPad Air (Wi-Fi/Cellular) | A1475 |
máy tính bảng ipad Air (Wi-Fi/TD-LTE - China) | A1476 |
iPad Air 2 (Wi-Fi Only) | A1566 |
ipad tablet Air 2 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) | A1567 |
ipad 5th ren (Wi-Fi Only) | A1822 |
iPad 5th gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular) | A1823 |
These máy tính bảng ipad models can be differentiated by other identifiers as well, such as the Order Number, which can be located by selecting the Settings app and pressing General > About and scrolling down to lớn what is specified as "Model" within the iOS. For example, the Wi-Fi only configuration of the máy tính bảng ipad (5th Gen) in gold with 32 GB of storage is MPGT2LL/A.
To pinpoint an exact ipad by a variety of different identifiers -- including its Serial Number -- please refer lớn EveryiPad.com"s Ultimate iLookup feature as well as the mochijewellery.com phầm mềm available for ios 5 or later.
Connectivity và Battery Life Differences
The original ipad tablet Air and iPad Air 2 support Bluetooth 4.0 whereas the newer ipad (5th Gen) supports bluetooth 4.2. The cellular capable models from all three lines also tư vấn A-GPS, whereas the Wi-Fi only models do not.
However, the original máy tính bảng ipad Air models only tư vấn dual stream 2.4 GHz và 5 GHz 802.11n Wi-Fi (MIMO) whereas the máy tính bảng ipad Air 2 and iPad (5th Gen) tư vấn faster 802.11ac (HT80 with MIMO). The cellular capable ipad tablet Air 2 and iPad (5th Gen) models also include support for more LTE bands than the original máy tính bảng ipad Air. The applicable máy tính bảng ipad Air 2 & iPad (5th Gen) models almost support the same LTE bands, but most notably, the máy tính bảng ipad (5th Gen) also adds support for LTE band 12.
Officially, the battery life of all three lines is the same, as well. When using Wi-Fi, each of these models tư vấn a maximum of ten hours of runtime, but the cellular data capable models only tư vấn a maximum of nine hours of runtime when using cellular connectivity. However, the original ipad tablet Air and iPad (5th Gen) models have a larger battery (32.4 Whr compared khổng lồ just 27.3 Whr for the ipad tablet Air 2) và in real-world use, the ipad tablet Air 2 delivers slightly less runtime than its predecessor or successor.
Specific điện thoại data connectivity for these máy tính bảng ipad models include:
| iPad | ModelNumber | GSMEDGE | UMTS/HSPA+DC-HSDPA | CDMA EV-DO | LTE Bands4G |
| iPad Air | A1474 | None | None | None | None |
| iPad Air (Cell) | A1475 | 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz | 850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz | 800, 1900 MHz | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 |
| iPad Air (CN) | A1476 | 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz | 850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz, TD-SCDMA 1900 (F), 2000 (A) | None | 38, 39 (TD-LTE) |
| iPad Air 2 | A1566 | None | None | None | None |
| iPad Air 2 Cell | A1567 | 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz | 850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz | 800, 1900 MHz | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| iPad 5th gene (Wi-Fi Only) | A1822 | None | None | None | None |
| iPad 5th gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular) | A1823 | 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz | 850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz | 800, 1900 MHz | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
With the exception of the original ipad Air (Wi-Fi/TD-LTE - China) (A1476), which was sold only in mainland đài loan trung quốc and intended for use on trung quốc Mobile, the cellular capable models all shipped unlocked and can be used on any carrier that provides a compatible Nano SIM card and that supports the underlying cellular technology. Nevertheless, even if the device is compatible, some companies may require activation or configuration before the ipad tablet will work on their network.
In many countries, if originally purchased from táo apple or an táo Authorized Reseller, the cellular capable ipad Air 2 & iPad (5th Gen) models included an "Apple SIM" that is designed to support multiple carriers via a single Apple-issued Nano SIM card, but in real-world use it has a frustrating list of limitations imposed by some carriers.
iOS tư vấn Differences
The original máy tính bảng ipad Air models first shipped with ios 7.0.3, the máy tính bảng ipad Air 2 models first shipped with tiện ích ios 8.1, & the ipad tablet (5th Gen) first shipped with ios 10.3.1. No máy tính bảng ipad can run a version of the ios earlier than the one it shipped with initially.
Running tiện ích ios 7, the original ipad Air is fully supported with the exception of the "Panorama" và "Filters in Camera" photographic features and fully supported by game ios 8 with the exception of the "Health" & "Apple Pay" features. Interestingly, the first release of game ios 8 did not tư vấn Panorama on the original ipad tablet Air, but táo bị cắn dở quietly added Panorama support with quả táo 8.0.2.
The ipad Air 2 is fully supported by ios 8 as well as ios 9 with the exception of the "Health" functionality. It also supports táo Pay, but only for apps and not for use within retail stores.Theoriginal máy tính bảng ipad Air, on the other hand, supports Transit as well as the "Slide Over" and "Picture-in-Picture" multitasking functionality, but it does not tư vấn the more substantial "Split View" multitasking option.
The original máy tính bảng ipad Air, ipad tablet Air 2, and iPad (5th Gen) all are supported by quả táo 10, but none tư vấn the minor "Raise to lớn Wake" or Ride-Booking features. Each are supported by ios 11 và iOS 12, too.
However, the original ipad tablet Air does not support later versions of the iOS. The ipad Air 2 and iPad 5th gen both tư vấn iOS 13 (iPadOS) with the exception of the Adjust Portrait Lighting and "High-Key Mono" photography features as well as modest AR features (Motion Capture và People Occlusion).
The máy tính bảng ipad Air 2 & the máy tính bảng ipad 5th ren also both tư vấn iPadOS 14, but the máy tính bảng ipad 5th ren supports đoạn clip Textures in RealityKit whereas the ipad Air 2 does not. Neither support Location Anchors, Spatial Audio, or On-Device Dictation.
Finally, the máy tính bảng ipad Air 2 & iPad 5th gene each both support the current version of the iPadOS, iPadOS 15, but neither support Universal Control nor the Spatial Audio, Portrait Mode, Maps - 3d Landmarks, Interactive Globe, Live Text in Photos, Live Text Translation, or Visual Look Up features.
Pricing Differences
The much lower initial pricing of the máy tính bảng ipad (5th Gen) compared to lớn the ipad tablet Air and iPad Air 2 aptly demonstrates its positioning as an entry-level product.
As first shipped, the original máy tính bảng ipad Air was offered for the following prices in the US:
| 16 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB | 128 GB |
| US$499 | US$599 | US$699 | US$799 |
| US$629 | US$729 | US$829 | US$929 |
The ipad tablet Air 2was introduced at slightly different price points -- effectively reducing the relative value of the entry-level model and increasing the relative value of the higher-end models. The 64 GB mã sản phẩm provided three times the storage of the entry-level model for only 20% more money:
| 16 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB | 128 GB |
| US$499 | -- | US$599 | US$699 |
| US$629 | -- | US$729 | US$829 |
The ipad (5th Gen) introductory pricing was significantly less expensive than either of its predecessors when they were first introduced -- around 30% khổng lồ 40% cheaper -- and the lineup is much simpler, as well:
| 16 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB | 128 GB |
| -- | US$329 | -- | US$429 |
| -- | US$459 | -- | US$559 |
For original pricing details in dozens of other countries, please refer to the máy tính bảng ipad specs page for the device of interest as well as EveryiPad.com"s Global Original Prices section.
Comparison Chart
The major differences between the máy tính bảng ipad Air, ipad tablet Air 2, and iPad (5th Gen) are summarized below:
| 9.7" | 9.7" | 9.7" |
| 2048x1536 | 2048x1536 | 2048x1536 |
| 264 | 264 | 264 |
| Glossy | Antiglare | Glossy |
| Glass/Digitizer/LCD | Fully-Laminated | Glass/Digitizer/LCD |
| 1.4 GHz | 1.5 GHz | 1.8 GHz |
| Two | Three | Two |
| Apple A7 | Apple A8X | Apple A9 |
| Apple M7 | Apple M8 | Apple M9 |
| PVR G6430 | PVR GXA6850 | PVR GT7600 |
| 1 GB | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| 16, 32, 64, 128 GB | 16, 32, 64, 128 GB | 32, 128 GB |
| Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi và Cellular Data | Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi & Cellular Data | Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi và Cellular Data |
| 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11/a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11/a/b/g/n/ac |
| Yes | Yes (HT80) | Yes (HT80) |
| Many (14) | Many (20) | Many (21) |
| 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.2 |
| No | Yes | Yes |
| 720p, 1.2 MP, f/2.4 | 720p, 1.2 MP, f/2.2 | 720p, 1.2 MP, f/2.2 |
| 1080p, 5 MP, f/2.4 | 1080p, 8 MP, f/2.4 | 1080p, 8 MP, f/2.4 |
| Yes (iOS 8.0.2+) | Yes | Yes |
| No | Yes | Yes |
| No | Yes | Yes |
| No | No | Yes |
| No/Yes | No/Yes | No/Yes |
| No | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | No | No |
| No | Yes | Yes |
| 32.4 Whr | 27.3 Whr | 32.4 Whr |
| Silver/Gray | Silver/Gold/Gray | Silver/Gold/Gray |
| iOS 7.0.3 | iOS 8.1 | iOS 10 |
| iOS 12 | iPadOS 15 | iPadOS 15 |
| No | Limited | Limited |
| 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.29 | 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.24 | 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.29 |
| 1.0, 1.05 | 0.96, 0.98 | 1.03, 1.05 |
| A1474/A1475/A1476 | A1566/A1567 | A1822/A1823 |
| US$499-US$929 | US$499-US$829 | US$329-US$559 |
So, should I buy an ipad tablet (5th Gen) or ipad tablet Air or máy tính bảng ipad Air 2 model?
Just compared lớn one another, và ignoring newer models, the máy tính bảng ipad (5th Gen) was a particularly good value for a new máy tính bảng ipad when it was first released. It was quite competitive with the once much more expensive ipad Air and iPad Air 2 models, even on the used market.
If raw specifications are most important khổng lồ you, the ipad Air 2 is the best ipad tablet of the three in most respects. It (1) has a better, antireflective screen, (2) is a bit faster, & (3) is a bit thinner & lighter. However, the newer ipad (5th Gen) does have the advantage of having (1) a more modern processor & graphics processor, (2) the option of more modern LTE support, và (3) a bit better battery life. Both the máy tính bảng ipad Air 2 và iPad 5th gene still tư vấn the current version of the iOS, too.
The original máy tính bảng ipad Air also remains a decent choice because it is similar khổng lồ the newer ipad (5th Gen) in many respects. If price is more important khổng lồ you than the (1) lack of "Touch ID" support, (2) camera quality, and (3) slower & older connectivity, it could be worth considering. However, because it no longer supports the current version of the iOS, app tư vấn will continue to lớn wane going forward, shortening its useful life.
Ultimately, for most users these days, because the price of all three devices are likely to lớn be so close to one another, EveryiPad.com would recommend the máy tính bảng ipad (5th Gen) as it likely will be supported longest by the iOS. For someone who takes good care of their hardware, it should cost less on an annual basis over its lifespan.
iPad Purchase & Sale Options
There are an abundance of vendors that sell ipad models. However, buying your ipad from a unique company with extensive knowledge -- & after sales support -- will provide the best experience & save you money và time, too.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new ipad models with free shipping for all. OWC sells used máy tính bảng ipad models khổng lồ individuals and Evertek sells used máy tính bảng ipad models at bargain prices for businesses. Evertek also ships bulk orders at wholesale prices worldwide.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a large number of used and refurbished ipad tablet models with a one-year warranty and không tính phí next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to lớn France and Germany.
Site sponsor GoRoostr can buy your older ipad tablet in the US. GoRoostr has an A+ rating with the BBB, offers an instant price quote, không tính phí and insured FedEx shipping, and provides same day payouts 95% of the time.
Please also see EveryiPad.com"s Ultimate iComparison feature lớn dynamically compare any máy tính bảng ipad to any other iPod, iPhone, or máy tính bảng ipad (new or old alike).
