iPad A9 2017

The simply named "9.7-inch iPad"—also referred to by Apple as the "iPad (5th Generation)" and introduced in "Early 2017"—was the most affordably priced "full size" iPad Apple had released to date. It effectively merges many of the internal components of the iPhone 6s with a case and display similar to the original iPad Air.

All iPad (5th Gen) devices, including this Wi-Fi only model, are housed in white and gold, white and silver, or black and "Space Gray" cases. They feature a 9.7" 2048x1536 (264 ppi) LED-backlit IPS touch-sensitive "Retina" display that is not fully laminated and lacks an antireflective coating, but includes a "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor. Each is powered by a dual-core 1.8 GHz Apple A9 processor, with 2 GB of RAM and either 32 GB or 128 GB of flash storage.

Other notable features include dual cameras: a rear 8-megapixel "iSight" camera for stills and 1080p 30 fps video, and a front 1.2-megapixel "FaceTime HD" camera for stills and 720p video. It also supports dual-channel 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO, Bluetooth 4.2, and stereo speakers. A Lightning port provides power and connectivity.

Battery life is rated at 10 hours of "surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music."

This Wi-Fi Only model does not support 4G LTE connectivity or A-GPS.

Compared to the iPad Air 2 it replaced, this iPad (5th Gen) has a thicker, heavier housing and an older display design, but was offered at a lower price.

The 2017 9.7-inch iPad, or iPad 5th generation, was positively reviewed as a return to basics, offering a fantastic value proposition for mainstream users. It featured a bright and sharp Retina display and a capable A9 processor that delivered smooth performance for everyday use. It was essentially a repackaged iPad Air with a faster chip. The build quality was solid, and the battery life was excellent, easily lasting a full day. The main criticisms were directed at its non-laminated display, which had a noticeable air gap, and the fact that it was slightly thicker and heavier than the iPad Air 2 it effectively replaced. However, these were considered reasonable trade-offs for its significantly lower price. For anyone with an older iPad or new to tablets, it was an easy recommendation, providing the core iPad experience at its most affordable price point yet.