Compared: Apple 2019 iPad 7th generation vs 6th and 5th generations
We pick over the bones of the last three iPads to see what you get, what's really new about the iPad 7th generation vs 6th -- and whether it's worth buying the older devices.
Apple's new seventh Generation iPad
While Apple has just brought out its latest iPad, and used the much-awaited, high-profile September 10 iPhone event in which to do it, you can still readily get the previous models. Even if Apple isn't selling them, you can pick up a sixth or even fifth generation iPad online, and that means you have choices.
This entry-level iPad has traditionally sat on its own, unlike the iPad Pro which always comes in a couple of different editions at a time. This iPad is Apple's way of saying it's simple, buy this one. And at $329, it's as close to cheap as Apple will ever go.
Very often, though, it's worth checking out the most recent previous editions because aren't always that much different and, depending where and when you buy them, they can represent more of a bargain.
In this case, though, just take a look at precisely how the new seventh generation iPad compares to the fifth and sixth generation models.
If you search online, you're likely to find a fifth or sixth generation iPad for less than the $329 that they or the seventh originally retailed at (the last-gen 2018 9.7-inch iPad is currently on sale for $249). Unusually, though, it's also true that you will find extremely little difference between these three generations. There are differences that are significant, but really, working through all of these specifications meant wondering what was actually new about the new iPad.
And if you don't think that, then try going back to the 9.7-inch screen. Size matters and 10.2-inches is a better size than the old 9.7-inch. That's also because alongside the larger dimensions, the screen has a greater pixel count so that overall the image quality is as good as it was before, even though it's spread out over a larger area.
That's really it, though. You'll see and, perhaps more importantly, feel a performance difference between the fifth and the seventh generation, too. That's because the fifth runs on an Apple A9 processor whereas the seventh uses the A10 Fusion. Only, so does the sixth generation.
The only other significant difference you can find between these three most recent generations is that the fifth can't support the Apple Pencil. The sixth and new seventh can, though in both cases it is solely the first-generation Apple Pencil that you can use with them, not the second.
Which means this. If you already have a fifth or sixth generation iPad, you're not getting a lot from the new one, and you should probably just stick with it.
If you're in the market for a new iPad, though, just go right ahead and buy the seventh generation one. You might, conceivably, save a buck or two if you shop smartly and quickly, but this is one case where you won't get any other benefit from buying the older model.
It's just unfortunately also that you won't get a giant benefit from buying the new one, although that larger screen is compelling.
Keep up with AppleInsider by downloading the AppleInsider app for iOS, and follow us on YouTube, Twitter @appleinsider and Facebook for live, late-breaking coverage. You can also check out our official Instagram account for exclusive photos.
Apple's new seventh Generation iPad
While Apple has just brought out its latest iPad, and used the much-awaited, high-profile September 10 iPhone event in which to do it, you can still readily get the previous models. Even if Apple isn't selling them, you can pick up a sixth or even fifth generation iPad online, and that means you have choices.
This entry-level iPad has traditionally sat on its own, unlike the iPad Pro which always comes in a couple of different editions at a time. This iPad is Apple's way of saying it's simple, buy this one. And at $329, it's as close to cheap as Apple will ever go.
Very often, though, it's worth checking out the most recent previous editions because aren't always that much different and, depending where and when you buy them, they can represent more of a bargain.
In this case, though, just take a look at precisely how the new seventh generation iPad compares to the fifth and sixth generation models.
| iPad (Fifth) | iPad (Sixth) | iPad (Seventh) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 9.7 | 9.7 | 10.2 |
| Screen resolution (pixels) | 2048x1536 at 264dpi | 2048x1536 at 264dpi | 2160x1620 at 264dpi |
| Screen brightness (nits) | 500 | 500 | 500 |
| Processor | A9 | A10 Fusion | A10 Fusion |
| Apple Pencil | No | First Generation | First Generation |
| Smart Connector | No | No | Yes |
| Dimensions (inches) | 9.4x6.6x0.29 | 9.4x6.6x0.29 | 9.8x6.8x0.29 |
| Weight (lbs) | 1.03 | 1.03 | 1.07 |
| Battery (hours) | Up to 10 | Up to 10 | Up to 10 |
| Rear Camera (megapixels) | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Front Camera (megapixels) | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p |
| Biometric | Touch ID | Touch ID | Touch ID |
If you search online, you're likely to find a fifth or sixth generation iPad for less than the $329 that they or the seventh originally retailed at (the last-gen 2018 9.7-inch iPad is currently on sale for $249). Unusually, though, it's also true that you will find extremely little difference between these three generations. There are differences that are significant, but really, working through all of these specifications meant wondering what was actually new about the new iPad.
What's actually new
The answer, of course, is the screen size. That is the chief reason to buy a new iPad instead of an older model. Where the previous six generations of the iPad have had a 9.7-inch screen, the new one has a 10.2-inch display. Half an inch may not sound as if it should set the world alight, but try comparing the two and you'll see the new one is enormously better.And if you don't think that, then try going back to the 9.7-inch screen. Size matters and 10.2-inches is a better size than the old 9.7-inch. That's also because alongside the larger dimensions, the screen has a greater pixel count so that overall the image quality is as good as it was before, even though it's spread out over a larger area.
That's really it, though. You'll see and, perhaps more importantly, feel a performance difference between the fifth and the seventh generation, too. That's because the fifth runs on an Apple A9 processor whereas the seventh uses the A10 Fusion. Only, so does the sixth generation.
The only other significant difference you can find between these three most recent generations is that the fifth can't support the Apple Pencil. The sixth and new seventh can, though in both cases it is solely the first-generation Apple Pencil that you can use with them, not the second.
Which means this. If you already have a fifth or sixth generation iPad, you're not getting a lot from the new one, and you should probably just stick with it.
If you're in the market for a new iPad, though, just go right ahead and buy the seventh generation one. You might, conceivably, save a buck or two if you shop smartly and quickly, but this is one case where you won't get any other benefit from buying the older model.
It's just unfortunately also that you won't get a giant benefit from buying the new one, although that larger screen is compelling.
Where to buy
Apple's latest 10.2-inch iPad is currently available for purchase from multiple Apple Authorized Resellers. In the case of Adorama, the prices shown are the final prices for shoppers in 46 states. B&H is also throwing in free expedited shipping within the contiguous U.S. on 7th generation iPad orders. To compare the latest prices on the Apple 2019 iPad 7th generation vs 6th generation, be sure to check out our iPad Price Guide.Keep up with AppleInsider by downloading the AppleInsider app for iOS, and follow us on YouTube, Twitter @appleinsider and Facebook for live, late-breaking coverage. You can also check out our official Instagram account for exclusive photos.
Comments
You might argue what Hentaiboy asked, just de-feature the 10.5 Air some more instead of building a new assembly line or process for the base model, but there is better mass production economics for the base model as it is likely the vast majority of iPad sales. It is the right thing to do. In light of this, the Air and mini are simply modifications of the prior 10.5 Pro and the mini and likely had a minimum of development for its production line, using the existing lines from the 10.5 Pro and mini. But, who knows.
I do think the larger display size is a very good thing to do. They increased it 10% over the 9.7” at the cost of only 4% in weight. That’s a great trade. For the iPad Pro models, I think they should increase screen sizes further, and change the aspect ratio, to something like 5:4 11.5” and 5:4 13.5” sizes. A 15” model even. If they are compete against laptops, they should have laptop sized displays too.
Hmm. It is only 10% more square inches and 11% more pixels. Like the commenter above, I don't really understand why they bothered to make this size change. I wonder if it was about something else, like battery or better fitting the keyboard...
It seems like there’s plenty of room for an iPad to live between a $299 education-targeted model and a cost-be-damned $799 iPad Pro.
“What’s New?”
After complaining (whining) that the iPad didn’t have a smart connector, I’m very surprised that, no t only is it not mentioned in the article, but, it’s not the first thing you talk about. :P
1) They plan to support A10 devices like the iPhone 7 for a number of years. I was expecting about 2 more years for my iPhone 7. But it now looks like Apple may support it much longer than that.
2) The A series processors are so powerful that they still market a very viable product with a 3 year old processor! In a way it makes the need for an A13 somewhat questionable -- at least for the standard stuff that was done on iPhone 7's (like YouTube, Facebook, etc.). But it may also speak to future demands such as AR and AI that demand high powered processors -- and then we get to the stuff that 5G could open up.
Basically, putting an A10 into a brand new product changes a lot of rules and assumptions.
I am saying, however, they should make that model bigger, to something like 13.8” 5:4. Essentially 8.5x11 inch class. I’m one of those crazy people who exclusively use my 10.5 Pro without any covers or keyboards. Just a sleeve for carrying around. I use the software keyboard to type (as I am doing right now) and a Pencil to draw, annotate, signing, etc.
I didn’t get the 2017 iPad Pro 12.9 because of software. I didn’t think the larger screen was getting me much more on the 10.5 with iOS 10/11. Now with iPadOS, looks like the screen real estate will be more effective, a large screen iPad is definitely something I want. A more and more optimized software keyboard is definitely something I want.
As people use iPads for more and more complex things, larger and larger screen sizes will be more attractive. So, there will be a market for even a 15” model a couple years down the road, especially if apps like FCPX, LPX, just about any programming. There is already a bunch of content creation stuff that could use a 15” class display, with Photoshop coming.
But like usual, you want more, pay more. The Air as an A12. The Pros have A12X, but will likely be A13X by the end of year. If the rumored gains pan out, the A12X is basically as fast at 15 to 25 W Intel CPUs going into >$1000 laptops. It’s a good deal. The only big issue is Apple letting the software “free” and letting people really compute on it.