9.7" iPad Pro or 10.5" ?

[oldmacs]

The iPad Pro 9.7" misses out on one fringe use case where you may want to interact with 3 apps at once on sub 10" screen. I doubt that will obliterate many use cases.

It still has a super fast A9X chip, amazing screen (called perfect by many tech reviewers), great speakers and Apple Pencil support. The 10.5 is a better device for me, but don't discount it.

Also, if "age" means slow down, then no. The iPad 3 "aged" rapidly because it's A5X stuttered and lagged after just 1.5 years. The 2GB of RAM will only mean more frequent refreshes with apps and safari tabs. It will be able to perform well for years to come. On my current Pro I can have 5/6 tabs and another 3/4 apps open easily. I can go beyond that, but it depends on what apps.

The fact is that 1 year after release it is missing a feature that comes in its FIRST software update. Whatever way you want to spin it, thats not great, doesn't bode too well with what next year's iOS will be missing. I got told tome and time again that 2GB of ram would last for ever, yet we are already seeing a limitation.

It will loose iOS support sooner than the 4GB 12.9 inch pro as well. The 9.7 inch Pro should have had 4GB of ram, I'm glad the 10.5 does as I will be upgrading to it.

 

[Traverse]

The fact is that 1 year after release it is missing a feature that comes in its FIRST software update. Whatever way you want to spin it, thats not great, doesn't bode too well with what next year's iOS will be missing. I got told tome and time again that 2GB of ram would last for ever, yet we are already seeing a limitation.

It will loose iOS support sooner than the 4GB 12.9 inch pro as well. The 9.7 inch Pro should have had 4GB of ram, I'm glad the 10.5 does as I will be upgrading to it.

I can't argue that that iOS 11 is only the beginning of the feature disparity between the 9.7" and other Pros. I don't think it will lose iOS support faster (I imagine all A9 device will lose support around iOS 13/14).

However, no one said that 2GB was perfect, they only argued that it was not detrimental and it isn't, the feature omission is a very limited one. When iOS 12 comes here may be more omissions but the ipad will be 2.5 years old by then. The iPad Pro 9.7 has and will continue to perform admirably. All informed users (most of the members here) knew what they were getting with he iPad Pro 9.7"

 

[oldmacs]

I can't argue that that iOS 11 is only the beginning of the feature disparity between the 9.7" and other Pros. I don't think it will lose iOS support faster (I imagine all A9 device will lose support around iOS 13/14).

I think Ram will cut off the Air 2 and Pro 9.7 and Mini 4, while the 12.9 and 10.5 pros will go on. The A7 devices will go probbaly with the 1GB A8 devices and then 2GB A8 and A9 devices will go together. Its happened before, It will happen again.

However, no one said that 2GB was perfect, they only argued that it was not detrimental and it isn't, the feature omission is a very limited one. When iOS 12 comes here may be more omissions but the ipad will be 2.5 years old by then. The iPad Pro 9.7 has and will continue to perform admirably. All informed users (most of the members here) knew what they were getting with he iPad Pro 9.7"

Yeah people did. I had someone tell me there was no evidence whatsoever that iOS would need more than 2GB of ram. Members on here went on about the 9.7 pro not needing any more than 2gB of ram, and that there would be no compromise etc etc. Its obvious that its not going to age well. That 2GB of ram is detrimental, and it will age worse than the 12.9 inch Pro. It may perform ok due to the great processor and graphics, but the RAM will limit it as the years go on. The feature omission is a significant one if you want to use the iPad with multiple Apps. The 9.7 pro doesn't handle multitasking or tabs as well as it should either. Regardless if people on here knew what they were getting or not, they still had to defend Apple's penny pinching to the death.

 

[JPack]

I think Ram will cut off the Air 2 and Pro 9.7 and Mini 4, while the 12.9 and 10.5 pros will go on. The A7 devices will go probbaly with the 1GB A8 devices and then 2GB A8 and A9 devices will go together. Its happened before, It will happen again.

When was the last time Apple used RAM as the cut-off? Pretty much never.

iOS 9 support = A5 and newer
iOS 10 support = A6 and newer
iOS 11 support = A7 and newer

 

[Traverse]

When was the last time Apple used RAM as the cut-off? Pretty much never.

iOS 9 support = A5 and newer
iOS 10 support = A6 and newer
iOS 11 support = A7 and newer

I think feature disparity may grow, but I'll bet money that the 9.7” will get every ios update that its 12.9” A9 sibling gets.

 

[JPack]

I think feature disparity may grow, but I'll bet money that the 9.7” will get every ios update that its 12.9” A9 sibling gets.

Feature disparity, I agree.

There's a big disparity between iPad 2 and iPad Pro 12.9" (2015). But both support iOS 9. The feature set is obviously not complete with iPad 2.

But I don't understand why some people propose such a stupid theory on RAM being the cut-off when it hasn't happened before.

 

[aakshey]

The new iPad Pro 10.5 should is worth 2x+ the price of iPad Pro 9.7". Period. The main reason being:

4GB RAM

The iPad Pro 10.5" will outlast the 9.7" variant by approx 3+ years. At the very least 2+ yrs. maybe even 4 yrs. once 2 GB RAM becomes unusable on an iPad, the 4GB variant will still last an additional 3 yrs or so beyond that point.

Besides, there are way too many additional features and changes like the screen, form factor, etc which make it an objective decision to go with the new 10.5" even at 2x+ the price.

The old 9.7" Pro isn't going to last more than another 1.5-2.5 yrs tops. This isn't for heavy productive work but just for emails, browsing and light work. The 10.5" variant will last an additional 2.5-3.5+ yrs after that.

Aakshey
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Feature disparity, I agree.

There's a big disparity between iPad 2 and iPad Pro 12.9" (2015). But both support iOS 9. The feature set is obviously not complete with iPad 2.

But I don't understand why some people propose such a stupid theory on RAM being the cut-off when it hasn't happened before.

You clearly don't understand how computers work. Nor the role of technology in Apple's decision right?

You'd have probably thought iOS 11 wouldn't have come to the iPad Mini 2 while the iPad Mini 3 would get it. Right? While in reality it was obvious 12 months ago that either both 2 and 3 would get it or neither. Anybody who understands technology knows this.

Want to know the reason?

 

[oldmacs]

When was the last time Apple used RAM as the cut-off? Pretty much never.

iOS 9 support = A5 and newer
iOS 10 support = A6 and newer
iOS 11 support = A7 and newer

iOS 10 - I think the A5 devices were power full enough hardware wise, but not ram wise. iOS 7 cut off all 256MB devices. (256mb iPod touch with A4 cut, 512mb iPhone 4 supported). iOS 4.3, all 128mb devices were cut.
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I think feature disparity may grow, but I'll bet money that the 9.7” will get every ios update that its 12.9” A9 sibling gets.

I'll go the other way. The 9.7 will get one iOS version less.
[doublepost=1497167910][/doublepost]

But I don't understand why some people propose such a stupid theory on RAM being the cut-off when it hasn't happened before.

Because it has happened before. RAM has been and will be a limiting factor again in iOS. It's also happened numerous times on the Mac.

 

[aakshey]

The Pro 9.7 will get at least 2 less iOS versions. At the least.

What people don't understand is that 4GB is the magic number in a computer.

The transition to 8GB from 4GB will take at least as long if not longer than the transition from 1GB to 4GB.

If going from 1GB to 4GB took 4 yrs for example. Then going from 4GB to 8GB is likely to take 3-5+ yrs as well.

So once you hit 4GB you've a long time before your device isn't good enough any longer.

 

[JPack]

You clearly don't understand how computers work. Nor the role of technology in Apple's decision right?

You'd have probably thought iOS 11 wouldn't have come to the iPad Mini 2 while the iPad Mini 3 would get it. Right? While in reality it was obvious 12 months ago that either both 2 and 3 would get it or neither. Anybody who understands technology knows this.

Want to know the reason?

LOL

The iPad mini 2 has an A7 and it was clear it would get iOS 11. Along with other A7 and newer devices.

Apple's iOS support cadence is pretty unambiguous.

 

[augustya]

So do you guys think the existing APPS in the APP store will be all scaled up, to fit into the 10.5" display or how does it work ?

 

[aakshey]

Isn't the iPad 10.5" the same 4:3 aspect ratio?
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LOL

The iPad mini 2 has an A7 and it was clear it would get iOS 11. Along with other A7 and newer devices.

Apple's iOS support cadence is pretty unambiguous.

I agree. But many on the internet thought otherwise till a few days ago.

 

[oldmacs]

Apple's iOS support cadence is pretty unambiguous.

Not really, and they're going to get stranger as Apple's iPad patterns have become less consistent.

iPad 1 - iPhone OS 3, iOS 4, iOS 5 (2 updates)
iPad 2 - iOS 4, iOS 5, iOS 6, iOS 7, iOS 8, iOS 9 (4 updates)
iPad 3 - iOS 5, iOS 6, iOS 7, iOS 9 ( 3 updates)
iPad 4 - iOS 6, iOS 7, iOS 8, iOS 10 ( 3 updates)

iOS 10 dropped all the 512MB devices + the iPad 3 based on CPU/GPU performance probably (all the extra A5X + 1GB power taken up by that Retina display).

iOS 8 dropped the iPhone 4 due the the single core CPU A4 and graphics.

iOS 7 dropped the iPod touch 4 and iPhone 3GS, due to RAM (Touch 4 was nearly identical to the 4 besides the ram, 3GS was very similar in CPU performance and GPU improvements in the 4 were consumed by the Retina display

iOS 6 dropped the iPad 1 and Touch 3, the iPad 1 was curious as the 3GS went on, but iPads need more ram than iPhones to function well. The Touch 3 was probably apple pushing people onto newer devices as it was identical to the 3GS in performance.

iOS 4.3 dropped the Touch 2 and iPhone 3G, probably a combination of the 128mb of ram and the processor/gpu. Strange time to drop support.

iOS 4 dropped the iPhone 2G and Touch 1, despite support for the 3G which had identical specs (well those that related to software performance) - Support for the 3G was probably because the 2G and Touch 1 had been off the market for longer, would have looked bad to drop the 3G and the poor performance on the 3G was probably due to this.

Then we had iOS 5 and 9 that dropped nothing... (And of course iPhone OS 1-3, but that isn't part of this).

Apple's support has had some predictable things, but a lot of surprises.
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I agree. But many on the internet thought otherwise till a few days ago.

Thats because some people care more about Apple's profit than customers and would like device support to be arbitrarily dropped.
[doublepost=1497170142][/doublepost]

The iPad Pro 10.5" will outlast the 9.7" variant by approx 3+ years. At the very least 2+ yrs. maybe even 4 yrs. once 2 GB RAM becomes unusable on an iPad, the 4GB variant will still last an additional 3 yrs or so beyond that point.

I'm not sure it will be 3 years, but maybe two.

 

[0lf]

The weight of the 9.7" iPad Pro is the benchmark for me !

Be carefull using as benchmark devices you are not used to (unless you have a precise need not fulfilled by your current gear.

 

[Traverse]

iOS 10 - I think the A5 devices were power full enough hardware wise.

I think many ipad 2 users would disagree. I've read many reports of serious stutter and lag on the ipad 2. I know my aunts iPad 2 on iOS 8 was not a good experience.

 

[bufffilm]

It was supported, apples decision.

I'm not sure what you mean to point out by that fact.

Ipad2 support for 5 years had to be guaranteed by Apple on account of it being sold to some schools and municipalities.

But performance-wise, ios8 and later...were not good for the ipad2. Particularly for Safari.

 

[rui no onna]

The fact is that 1 year after release it is missing a feature that comes in its FIRST software update. Whatever way you want to spin it, thats not great, doesn't bode too well with what next year's iOS will be missing. I got told tome and time again that 2GB of ram would last for ever, yet we are already seeing a limitation.

Second actually. Of course 2GB is not gonna last forever. However, there was also no guarantee that the next 10-inch class iPad was gonna get 4GB RAM.

Back in March 2016, one had the following choices:
Pro 12.9 A9X/4GB
Pro 9.7 A9X/2GB
Air 2 A8X/2GB

The Pro 12.9 may very well see an extra update or two than the Pro 9.7. However, if you didn't want an extra large iPad, then your choice was between the Air 2 and Pro 9.7. Between the two, in terms of raw performance, Pro 9.7 was better and from that point on, it's not like the 1.5 year old Air 2 was gonna be supported longer than the Pro 9.7. It may very well see longer total useful life than the Pro 9.7 based on the original release date of Fall 2014. However, counting from Spring 2016, Air 2 had either the same or fewer years of support left compared to the Pro 9.7.

Besides, I like good performance on my devices so I don't update based on Apple's schedule. I usually stop updating long before Apple stops providing iOS updates.
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Not really, and they're going to get stranger as Apple's iPad patterns have become less consistent.

iPad 1 - iPhone OS 3, iOS 4, iOS 5 (2 updates)
iPad 2 - iOS 4, iOS 5, iOS 6, iOS 7, iOS 8, iOS 9 (4 updates)
iPad 3 - iOS 5, iOS 6, iOS 7, iOS 9 ( 3 updates)
iPad 4 - iOS 6, iOS 7, iOS 8, iOS 10 ( 3 updates)

Is there a reason you didn't include iOS 8 for iPad 3 and iOS 9 for iPad 4?

iPad 1 - iPhone OS 3, iOS 4, iOS 5 (2 updates)
iPad 2 - iOS 4, iOS 5, iOS 6, iOS 7, iOS 8, iOS 9 (5 updates)
iPad 3 - iOS 5, iOS 6, iOS 7, iOS 8, iOS 9 (4 updates)
iPad 4 - iOS 6, iOS 7, iOS 8, iOS 9, iOS 10 (4 updates)
iPad Air - iOS 7, iOS 8, iOS 9, iOS 10, iOS 11 (4 updates currently)
iPad Air 2 - iOS 8, iOS 9, iOS 10, iOS 11 (3 updates currently)
iPad Pro 9.7 - iOS 9, iOS 10, iOS 11 (2 updates currently)
iPad Pro 12.9 - iOS 9, iOS 10, iOS 11 (2 updates currently)

Personally though, I'd stop updating the iPad 2 and 3 on iOS 7. iPad 4 on iOS 9.

We only have the iOS 11 beta so have to wait for gold. I reckon iOS 10 for the Air, though.

 

[oldmacs]

I think many ipad 2 users would disagree. I've read many reports of serious stutter and lag on the ipad 2. I know my aunts iPad 2 on iOS 8 was not a good experience.

I am an iPad 2 owner and would probably still be quite happy with it if not for the ram. I could have dealt with a stutter, it's biggest issue is multitasking and web browsing with 512mb of ram.
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Second actually. Of course 2GB is not gonna last forever. However, there was also no guarantee that the next 10-inch class iPad was gonna get 4GB RAM.

Oh yeah it came with iOS 9... well second is still not great - should have phrased a year and half into it's lifespan.

The Pro 12.9 may very well see an extra update or two than the Pro 9.7. However, if you didn't want an extra large iPad, then your choice was between the Air 2 and Pro 9.7. Between the two, raw performance, Pro 9.7 was better and from that point on, it's not like the 1.5 year old Air 2 was gonna be supported longer than the Pro 9.7. It may very well see longer total useful life than the Pro 9.7 based on the original release date of Fall 2014. However, counting from Spring 2016, Air 2 had either the same or fewer years of support left compared to the Pro 9.7.

My argument was that Apple should have put 4GB of ram into the 9.7 pro. I argued it then and Seeing the 9.7 already suffering because of it justifies that.

I have no doubt that the air 2 will have a longer useful life than the pro 9.7. iPads where both the ram and the CPU/CPU performance is a bit leap are the 'longevity' iPads - I think the iPad 2, iPad Air 2, pro 12.9 1 and Pro 10.5 are examples of these.

Is there a reason you didn't include iOS 8 for iPad 3 and iOS 9 for iPad 4?

No, had a silly moment,

Personally though, I'd stop updating the iPad 2 and 3 on iOS 7. iPad 4 on iOS 9.

iOS 7 was the last really great performer on the iPad 2, iOS 8 was a good midway point, with a good feature/performance compromise and iOS 9 is just a dog. However, it's a lot more secure and has features I use, thus that's what I use on my iPad 2. iOS 10 is pretty good on the iPad 4 as well.
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I'm not sure what you mean to point out by that fact.

Ipad2 support for 5 years had to be guaranteed by Apple on account of it being sold to some schools and municipalities.

But performance-wise, ios8 and later...were not good for the ipad2. Particularly for Safari.

It got support for a number of reasons. 1. Because it was sold so long, 2. Because iOS 9 was a small release, 3. Because the ipad Mini 1 was sold till mid 2015, 4. Because they were (and still are) in widespread use and 5. Because they were quite well specced on release.

 

[Badrottie]

Hey Guys,

I am in a dilemma, ever since I was introduced to the iPad its size 9.7" has appealed so much to me that it has stuck on to me. I am kind of hung on to it. 9.7" is the perfect size not too small, not too large, and large enough to have a full, big screen experience. But with the 10.5" Apple has broken that sweet spot. I am a little too worried that the 10.5" size would be a bit bulky and difficult to handle in terms of compactness and portability.The 10.5" is also slightly heavier in weight when compared to the 9.7" iPad Pro. What do you guys think should I take the plunge for 10.5"? Or should I buy the 9.7" iPad Pro ?

0.8 screen size difference....is so tiny I think you should go with 10.5 iPad Pro.

 

[rui no onna]

My argument was that Apple should have put 4GB of ram into the 9.7 pro. I argued it then and Seeing the 9.7 already suffering because of it justifies that.

Original iPhone and iPhone 3G should have come with 256MB RAM.

iPod Touch 4th gen and original iPad should have had 512MB RAM.

iPad 3 was the red-headed stepchild that should have been skipped and Apple should have gone directly to the iPad 4 even if that meant updating after 18 months and not 12.

iPad Air should have had 2GB RAM and 32GB base storage.

iPhone 6/6 Plus should have had 2GB RAM and 32GB base storage.

iPad Air 2 should have had 32GB base storage.

iPad mini 3 should have had A8 and 2GB RAM.

Would it have been better if the iPad Pro 9.7 had 4GB RAM? Sure. However, it's not like it's the first time Apple pulled such a move and skimped on hardware. Probably won't be the last, either.

I'm not defending Apple's choices. I'm just being pragmatic. Sure, it would've been nice to have 4GB RAM on the Pro 9.7. However, I was not willing to subject myself to subpar performance and insufficient storage on my 16GB Air for another 12 months or so while waiting for the next model.

iOS 7 was the last really great performer on the iPad 2, iOS 8 was a good midway point, with a good feature/performance compromise and iOS 9 is just a dog. However, it's a lot more secure and has features I use, thus that's what I use on my iPad 2. iOS 10 is pretty good on the iPad 4 as well.

Seems like I have higher performance expectations from my devices.

 

[oldmacs]

I'm not defending Apple's choices. I'm just being pragmatic. Sure, it would've been nice to have 4GB RAM on the Pro 9.7. However, I was not willing to subject myself to subpar performance and insufficient storage on my 16GB Air for another 12 months or so while waiting for the next model.

I'm not criticising anyone for buying it, I'm criticising Apple for under speccing it.

Seems like I have higher performance expectations from my devices.

I have high expectations from a new device, which is why I didn't buy the 9.7 last year, but am happy to deal with subpar performance on older devices as I tend to keep iOS devices for a long time so I'm used to it.

 

[HiItsMe]

OP, what did you decide?

 

[augustya]

Finding it hard to resist the temptation of going for the 9.7" iPP but I think as sanity will prevail I will pull the trigger for the 10.5" iPP but waiting to see how the screen display quality are ? If there are any issues with the display of the 10.5" iPP like yellowish tint or any other kind of tint !

 

[Ffosse]

I recently upgrade/sidegraded from the iPad 2017 to the 9.7 Pro as I got a great deal on a mint condition new one.

Sold the iPad 2017 - to me it's worth it for the better screen and speakers; having just 2GB of RAM doesn't concern me.

 

[Krevnik]

IMO Apple had struck gold in coming up with the 9.7" size for the iPad and the 7.9" size for the mini. Disappointed Apple decided to increase the screen size.

Do you guys see Apple again changing, coming up with a new screen size in the future ? or it will stick to the 10.5" screen size for future iterations now ?

Part of the reason for the 9.7" screen was to have bezels of a certain size, battery draw of a certain amount, and not push the weight over ~1.5lbs. Apple bailed on keeping the bezels at that size a while back. But it is hard to say what Apple will do. But it's clear that their goals are ~1lb for the smaller Pro and ~1.5lb for the larger Pro. That's their limit, and they will probably fit what they can, staying in that weight envelope. But that also suggests they won't change that often.

Finding it hard to resist the temptation of going for the 9.7" iPP but I think as sanity will prevail I will pull the trigger for the 10.5" iPP but waiting to see how the screen display quality are ? If there are any issues with the display of the 10.5" iPP like yellowish tint or any other kind of tint !

Since you are coming from an iPad 3, I would definitely check it out in person to get an idea of what it actually feels like. But either one will make the 3/4 feel like a lead weight. And either one will make the 3/4 feel huge in comparison.

Any tint concerns with the 10.5" screen would also be equally applicable to the 9.7". I won't say you are guaranteed a consistent screen with either model.