Apple iPad 5th Generation

Quick Facts

Specification	Details
Launch year	2017
Display	9.7-inch Retina IPS display
Resolution	2048 × 1536 pixels at 264 ppi
Processor	Apple A9 chip
Memory	2GB RAM
Storage	32GB or 128GB
Rear camera	8MP Wide
Front camera	1.2MP FaceTime HD
Battery	32.4Wh; up to 10 hours of web browsing or video over Wi-Fi
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2; optional 4G LTE cellular
Charging port	Lightning
Weight	469g for Wi-Fi; 478g for Wi-Fi + Cellular
Colours	Silver, Gold or Space Grey

Overview

The Apple iPad 5th Generation is a basic 9.7-inch tablet designed for browsing, reading, video playback and older applications. Its A9 chip and 2GB of RAM are best suited to light use rather than demanding games or intensive multitasking.

It includes a physical Home button with Touch ID, a Lightning connector and a built-in 3.5mm headphone jack. Unlike the iPad 6th Generation, this model does not support Apple Pencil.

When buying a used iPad 5, inspect the screen for scratches, discolouration and touch-response problems. Test the battery, cameras, speakers, microphones, Lightning port, headphone jack, buttons and Touch ID, and confirm that Activation Lock has been removed.

Key Highlights

1. Practical 9.7-inch Retina Display

The Retina display has a 2048 × 1536 resolution and pixel density of 264 ppi. Its traditional design includes larger screen borders and a physical Home button below the display.

Why it matters:

Displays clear text for reading
Provides a practical size for video playback
Offers enough space for basic documents
Uses familiar Home button navigation
Fits into many older 9.7-inch iPad cases

2. A9 Performance for Light Tasks

The A9 chip includes a dual-core CPU, PowerVR graphics and an M9 motion coprocessor, supported by 2GB of RAM. It can handle basic browsing, email, reading and compatible media applications.

Why it matters:

Supports straightforward web browsing
Handles basic video and music playback
Runs compatible reading and communication apps
Provides enough performance for light use
Offers either 32GB or 128GB of storage

3. Familiar Ports and Controls

The tablet retains a physical Home button, Touch ID, Lightning connector and 3.5mm headphone jack. These features may suit buyers who already own compatible accessories or prefer traditional controls.

Why it matters:

Connects wired headphones without an adapter
Works with compatible Lightning accessories
Provides fingerprint authentication through Touch ID
Offers physical Home button navigation
Supports optional 4G LTE on cellular models

Key Features Explained

Feature	What it offers
A9 chip	Provides basic performance for browsing, reading and compatible media applications
Retina display	A 9.7-inch IPS screen with 2048 × 1536 resolution
Touch ID	Unlocks the tablet and approves supported purchases through the Home button
8MP rear camera	Captures photos, scans documents and records video at up to 1080p
1.2MP front camera	Supports basic FaceTime calls and 720p video recording
Lightning connector	Supports charging, syncing and compatible Lightning accessories
Headphone jack	Connects standard 3.5mm wired headphones without an adapter
Stereo speakers	Provides audio for videos, games and calls
Optional cellular	Provides 4G LTE data through a compatible nano-SIM on cellular models
Apple Pencil compatibility	This model does not support any Apple Pencil version

Compare Related Models

Model	Launch year	Display	Processor	Rear/front camera	Battery	Storage	Network	Weight
iPad 5th Gen	2017	9.7-inch Retina IPS, 2048 × 1536, 60Hz	Apple A9	8MP Wide / 1.2MP FaceTime HD	32.4Wh; up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi	32GB or 128GB	Wi-Fi 5; optional 4G LTE	469g Wi-Fi; 478g cellular
iPad 6th Gen	2018	9.7-inch Retina IPS, 2048 × 1536, 60Hz	Apple A10 Fusion	8MP Wide / 1.2MP FaceTime HD	32.4Wh; up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi	32GB or 128GB	Wi-Fi 5; optional 4G LTE	469g Wi-Fi; 478g cellular
iPad 7th Gen	2019	10.2-inch Retina IPS, 2160 × 1620, 60Hz	Apple A10 Fusion	8MP Wide / 1.2MP FaceTime HD	32.4Wh; up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi	32GB or 128GB	Wi-Fi 5; optional 4G LTE	483g Wi-Fi; 493g cellular
iPad 8th Gen	2020	10.2-inch Retina IPS, 2160 × 1620, 60Hz	Apple A12 Bionic	8MP Wide / 1.2MP FaceTime HD	32.4Wh; up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi	32GB or 128GB	Wi-Fi 5; optional 4G LTE	490g Wi-Fi; 495g cellular

Which Model Should You Choose?

Choose this model	If you want
iPad 5th Gen	A very low-cost iPad for basic browsing, reading and video playback
iPad 6th Gen	Faster performance and Apple Pencil (1st generation) support
iPad 7th Gen	A larger 10.2-inch display, more memory and Smart Keyboard support
iPad 8th Gen	Much faster performance and support for newer iPadOS versions

Alternatives

If you are comparing before buying, you may also want to check these related SellUp Marketplace pages:

Common Questions

Is the iPad 5th Generation good for everyday use?

It may still handle very light browsing, reading, video playback and basic compatible applications. Its A9 chip and 2GB of RAM can feel slow, and it does not support iPadOS 17 or later.

Does the iPad 5th Generation support 5G?

No. Wi-Fi + Cellular versions support 4G LTE but not 5G, while Wi-Fi-only models have no cellular connection. Actual LTE speed depends on your Singapore telco plan, nano-SIM compatibility, coverage and network conditions.

Is the iPad 5th Generation better than the iPad 6th Generation?

No. The iPad 6th Generation has a faster A10 Fusion chip and supports Apple Pencil (1st generation), while retaining the same display size, storage choices and overall design. The iPad 5 may only offer better value when it is considerably cheaper.

Does the iPad 5th Generation support wireless charging?

No. It does not support Qi or MagSafe wireless charging. The tablet charges through its Lightning connector.

Is the iPad 5th Generation water resistant?

Apple does not provide an official IP water- or dust-resistance rating for this model. Keep it away from liquids and inspect a used unit for moisture damage or corrosion around its Lightning port, headphone jack and buttons.

Is the iPad 5th Generation worth buying used?

It may only be worthwhile for very basic use at a very low price. Its older hardware and limited software support reduce its long-term appeal, so check the screen, battery, cameras, speakers, microphones, ports, buttons, Touch ID and Activation Lock status carefully.

Why Buy the Apple iPad 5th Generation?

The Apple iPad 5th Generation can still serve as a simple tablet for reading, browsing and video playback. Its Retina display, Touch ID and headphone jack cover basic requirements without introducing unfamiliar controls.

It is most suitable when available at a very low price and when current software support is not essential. Buyers wanting Apple Pencil support, faster performance and broader application compatibility should consider an iPad 6th Generation or newer model.

Compare Apple iPad 5th Generation listings on SellUp Marketplace to find the condition, storage size, and price that suits your budget.