Apple iPad 9.7 (2017) vs. Apple iPad (2022): A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad (2022) is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster processor, a better display, and improved features like USB-C. While the iPad 9.7 (2017) remains a capable budget option, the 2022 model delivers a vastly superior user experience and future-proofing.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad 9.7 (2017) | Apple iPad (2022) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - A2757 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2757 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2757, A2777 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2777 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2017, March. Released 2017, March | 2022, October 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, October 26 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 240 x 169.5 x 7.5 mm (9.45 x 6.67 x 0.30 in) | 248.6 x 179.5 x 7 mm (9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 469 g (Wi-Fi) / 478 g (LTE) (1.03 lb) | 477 g (Wi-Fi) / 481 g (LTE) (1.05 lb) |
| - | Stylus support (1st gen only) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~71.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.9 inches, 359.2 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.84 GHz (Twister) | Hexa-core (2x3.0 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) |
| Chipset | Apple A9 (14 nm) | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GT7600 (six-core graphics) | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
| OS | iOS 10.3, upgradable to iPadOS 16.7.12 | iPadOS 16.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR, stereo sound rec. | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Face detection, HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 1.2 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard) | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE | 5.2, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only) | GPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | Lightning, USB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort; magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (multimedia) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 8827 mAh, non-removable (32.9 Wh) | Li-Po 7606 mAh (28.6 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Silver, Gold, Space Gray | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow |
| Models | A1822, A1823, iPad6,11, iPad6,12 | A3162, A2757, A2777, A2696, iPad13,18, iPad13,19 |
| Price | About 390 EUR | About 430 EUR |
| SAR | 1.18 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.99 W/kg (body) | - |
Apple iPad 9.7 (2017)
- Affordable
- Compact and portable
- Decent for basic tasks
- Good value for the price
- Outdated processor
- Lower resolution display
- Limited storage options
- Lightning connector
Apple iPad (2022)
- Powerful A14 Bionic chip
- Excellent Liquid Retina display
- USB-C charging
- 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Modern design
- More expensive than the 2017 model
- Base storage is limited
Display Comparison
The iPad (2022) features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology, offering a wider color gamut and improved viewing angles compared to the iPad 9.7 (2017)'s 9.7-inch Retina display. The 2022 model's display is noticeably brighter and sharper, making it better for outdoor use and content creation.
Camera Comparison
While neither iPad excels in camera quality, the iPad (2022) has a slightly improved rear camera. However, the biggest difference is the addition of the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage on the 2022 model, which automatically adjusts to keep you in the frame during video calls – a significant advantage for remote work and video conferencing.
Performance
The A14 Bionic chip in the iPad (2022) is a massive upgrade over the A9 in the iPad 9.7 (2017). Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and the ability to handle demanding games and creative apps with ease. The 2017 model will feel sluggish by comparison, especially with modern software.
Battery Life
Both iPads offer all-day battery life, but the iPad (2022) may provide slightly longer usage due to its more efficient chip. The move to USB-C charging on the 2022 model also offers faster charging speeds and greater compatibility with other devices.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple iPad 9.7 (2017)? Users on a tight budget who primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and light media consumption. Who should buy the Apple iPad (2022)? Anyone seeking a powerful, modern tablet for demanding apps, gaming, and future-proof performance. It's ideal for students, creatives, and those who want a premium tablet experience.