What are all the differences between the 9.7" iPad 6th Gen (2018) models and the iPad 5th Gen (2017) models replaced?

Please note that the iPad (5th Gen) and iPad (6th Gen) models all have been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated subsequently with current iOS details and more. It can be quite helpful for anyone buying or selling one of these models on the used market.

There are two iPad 5th Gen models -- the iPad 9.7" 5th Gen (Wi-Fi) and iPad 9.7" (Wi-Fi/Cellular) -- as well as two iPad 6th Gen models -- the iPad 9.7" 6th Gen (Wi-Fi) and iPad 9.7" 6th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular).

With the exception of a shift in the gold color option from a yellow-tinted gold to a copper-tinted gold, the models in these two lines look the same, but there are external and internal differences that are important to understand. There are many similarities, as well.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad 5th Gen Colors - Silver, Gold & Space Gray)

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad 6th Gen Colors - Silver, Gold & Space Gray)

External Design Differences & Similarities

With the exception of the aforementioned color tweak, the external design and dimensions of the iPad 5th Gen and iPad 6th Gen models are exactly the same. Color options include a white front and silver colored back, a white front and gold colored back, or a black front and "Space Gray" back for both lines.

The only external difference is that the iPad 6th Gen models support the Apple Pencil, whereas the earlier models do not.

The Apple Pencil is not included with the iPad 6th Gen, though. It originally was available for an additional US$99 for the general public or an additional US$89 for those in the education market.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad 6th Generation)

The iPad 5th Gen and iPad 6th Gen models all use the same screen, which is a glossy 9.7" 2048x1536 (264 ppi) LED-backlit IPS "Retina" display with a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating. This display is not fully laminated, which means there is a small gap between the glass cover and the LCD, but it also means that it is easier and less expensive to replace.

Likewise, the iPad 5th Gen and iPad 6th Gen models have the same cameras -- a rear-mounted 8 megapixel "iSight" camera capable of shooting stills and 1080p 30 fps video and a front-mounted 1.2 megapixel "FaceTime HD" camera capable of shooting stills and 720p video. However, the iPad 6th Gen supports "Retina Flash," which turns the entire screen into a flash for improved selfies, whereas the earlier model does not.

Other external features that both lines share include the same "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor embedded in the home button, "Lightning" port for power and connectivity, and headphone jack. Neither have a Smart Connector like the iPad Pro.

Internal Differences

The iPad 5th Gen and iPad 6th Gen models both have the same accelerometer, three-axis gyroscope, ambient light sensor, digital compass and barometer as well as the same support for dual band 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO and Bluetooth 4.2.

Both lines provide the same estimated 9-10 hours of battery life, too. This means 9 hours for cellular-capable models on mobile networks and 10 hours of battery life on Wi-Fi.

However, the iPad 6th Gen models have a faster, more powerful processor and the cellular-capable device has more advanced LTE, as well:

	iPad 5th Gen	iPad 6th Gen
Clockspeed:	1.8 GHz	2.3 GHz
Processor:	Apple A9	Apple A10 Fusion
Processor Cores:	2	2
Coprocessor:	M9 Motion	M10 Motion
RAM:	2 GB	2 GB
Storage:	32/128 GB	32/128 GB
LTE Options:	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, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41

In terms of overall performance, the Geekbench 4 benchmark estimates that the iPad 6th Gen is in the neighborhood of 35% or so faster than its predecessor.

Remember that you can compare side-by-side performance benchmarks for all iPad models with EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature.

Identification Differences

It is not possible to visually differentiate all of the iPad 5th Gen and iPad 6th Gen models. Furthermore, because many 9.7" iPad models look quite similar to one another, visual identification is not viable in the long-term regardless.

Instead, one of the best ways to externally identify these models is by Model Number. Model numbers are provided in tiny type toward the bottom of the back of each iPad.

As the site has for many years now, EveryiPad.com has meticulously hand documented these identifiers for your convenience:

iPad	Model Number
iPad 5th Gen (Wi-Fi)	A1822
iPad 5th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular)	A1823
iPad 9.7" 6th Gen (Wi-Fi)	A1893
iPad 9.7" 6th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular)	A1954

These iPad models can be differentiated by other identifiers as well, such as the Order Number, which can be located by selecting the Settings app and pressing General > About and scrolling down to what is specified as "Model" within the iOS. For example, the cellular-capable configuration of the iPad (6th Gen) in Space Gray with 128 GB of storage is MR7C2LL/A.

To pinpoint an exact iPad by a variety of different identifiers -- including its Serial Number -- please refer to EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iLookup feature.

iOS Support Differences

The iPad 5th Gen models first shipped with iOS 10 and the iPad 6th Gen models first shipped with iOS 11.

Both models support iOS 12 and iOS 13 (iPadOS) as well as iPadOS 14, but the iPad 6th Gen supports Spatial Audio when using AirPods Pro whereas the iPad 5th Gen does not.

Finally, both models support, the current version of the iPadOS, iPadOS 15, but the iPad 5th Gen does not support Universal Control nor the Spatial Audio, Portrait Mode, Maps - 3D Landmarks, Interactive Globe, Live Text in Photos, Live Text Translation, or Visual Look Up features. The iPad 6th Gen does support Universal Control, but not the other features.

Pricing Differences

For the education market, Apple originally offered the current iPad 6th Gen models at modestly lower prices, but for the general public, the iPad 5th Gen and iPad 6th Gen models both were sold at the same price points:

Capacity:	32 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only Price:	US$329	US$429
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price:	US$459	US$559

Of course, on the used market, all these models now are sold at lower prices.

For original pricing details in dozens of other countries, please refer to the iPad specs page for the device of interest as well as EveryiPad.com's Global Original Prices section.

So, should I buy an iPad (5th Gen) or an iPad (6th Gen)?

Ignoring newer models, and only comparing the iPad (5th Gen) and iPad (6th Gen) models to one another, unless you prefer one shade of gold over the other, the main reasons to consider the newer iPad 6th Gen over the older iPad 5th Gen are modest, but notable.

Specifically, the iPad (6th Gen) model (1) supports the Apple Pencil (at additional cost), (2) is roughly 35% faster, (3) has a more advanced "Retina Flash" camera function, and (4) the cellular-capable model has more advanced LTE support.

For most users, the iPad 6th Gen is the better choice accordingly. Because it has a faster, newer processor, it also likely will be supported longer by the iOS. For someone who takes good care of their hardware, it should cost less on an annual basis over its lifespan.

However, if you are on a tight budget and have no interest in the Apple Pencil, the iPad 5th Gen remains well worth consideration and still has plenty of life left.

iPad Purchase & Sale Options

There are many places to buy an iPad. However, purchasing your iPad from a quality company with good knowledge of the market -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iPad models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb iPad models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iPad, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPad with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a large number of used and refurbished iPad models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.

In Australia, site sponsor Mac City may have used iPad models in stock, as well. All Macs and devices are available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.

Please also see EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPad to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad (new or old alike).