Design and Build

The Apple iPad 5, a top contender in the economical iPad range, is equipped with an elegant aluminum unibody design weighing 469g (Wi-Fi) and being 7.5mm thick. The available choices are Space Gray, Silver, and Gold and they are all with 9.7-inch Retina display and compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, thus earning it a slot as the best choice of students and creators. Despite not being waterproof, this skin is still tough enough for everyday use and it carries a sophisticated yet cost-effective feeling as compared to the latest version.

• Aluminum unibody, 7.5mm thick
• 469g (Wi-Fi model)
• 9.7-inch Retina display
• Apple Pencil (1st-gen) support

Display

The 9.7-inch Retina display of the iPad 5 provides clear and detailed 2048 x 1536 resolution visuals and 264 PPI that are well-suited for streaming, taking notes, and light gaming. The lack of 120Hz ProMotion, which is present in other higher-end iPads, is the only inconvenience, but the display's vivid colors and definition still are source of appeal for the users that are not ready to invest a lot of money, yet they want an iPad that is the best for school or entertainment. To prevent damage, the screen is made of scratch-resistant glass with an oleophobic coating.

• Retina display, 2048 x 1536, 264 PPI
• Scratch-resistant glass
• Oleophobic coating
• 60Hz refresh rate

Performance and Software

Equipped with the A9 chip (dual-core, 1.84 GHz), the iPad 5 comes with 2GB RAM and 32GB/128GB storage configurations without a microSD slot. It was initially pre-installed with iOS 10 (upgradeable to iPadOS 16), which allowed multitasking and had access to Apple's extensive app ecosystem, excellent for both work and play. Although it has fewer features compared to the latest versions, it is still notable because it is capable of dealing with usual tasks without any lags. Therefore, it is a more cost-effective option.

• A9 chip, dual-core
• 2GB RAM
• 32GB/128GB storage
• iPadOS 16 support

Battery and Charging

The iPad 5’s 8827mAh battery delivers up to 10 hours of video playback or web browsing, perfect for all-day use. It supports 12W charging via Lightning, reaching 0–100% in ~4 hours. While it lacks fast charging, its endurance suits students and professionals alike, cementing its status as a reliable, budget-friendly tablet.

• 8827mAh battery
• Up to 10h video playback
• 12W Lightning charging
• No wireless charging

Pricing Details

Unveiled in March 2017 at a sale price of $329, regardless of the 32GB Wi-Fi model, iPad 5 is heavily underpriced in 2025. A lot of remanufactured devices can be found all over the world at a price that varies from $100 to $200 considering the storage and the condition. With an affordable price and support for Apple Pencil, it is one of the best iPads for students and low-budget buyers who need a secure and convenient tablet for work or play.