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New 9.7-inch iPad vs iPad Pro and the old 9.7-inch iPad: what's different, anyway?

by Nick Todorov / Mar 27, 2018, 12:54 PM

New 9.7-inch iPad vs iPad Pro and the old 9.7-inch iPad: what's different, anyway?

Dissecting a virtual frog – that's just one of the many things you can do on an iPad! No, seriously: exploring the innards of a toad in AR was one of the demos at today's Apple event – where a brand new iPad model was announced. This new iPad isn't Apple's best one yet. It isn't the fastest, most advanced, or best-looking iPad ever released. Instead, it has a much more noble goal – to be the best tablet for the classroom. That's great and all, but what makes it different from Apple's other recent iPads? Weren't they also ideal for school use? Allow us to elaborate on that.

Design and display: not a whole lot has changed

There's not a whole lot to say about Apple's latest iPad. It look and feels much like last year's affordable, 9.7-inch model – with an aluminum body, high-res touchscreen, and a Touch ID fingerprint reader embedded in the home button. As expected, the 10.5-inch iPad Pro would give you a bit more screen space to work with, but it is also a bit bigger physically. Fancy extras like ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate), Wide Colors, and True Tone Display are only available on the iPad Pro.

The new 9.7-inch iPad with Pencil support (middle) vs the iPad Pro 10.5-inch (left) and last year's affordable, $329 iPad (right)

Software and functionality: Apple Pencil support, at last!

Powered by the latest iOS release, the new 9.7-inch iPad isn't all that different from any other iPad when it comes to software. At today's conference, Apple showed off a bunch of new education-oriented and AR-powered apps, but these will be available on any other iPad, while the ability to share an iPad between several students, with personal accounts for each, has been available for a while.

What's new, however, is that the latest iPad works with the Apple Pencil. Using the digital stylus, students will be able to take notes or add drawings to their documents, while teachers will be allowed to add comments to work that's been handed in. While all iPad Pro models are compatible with the Apple Pencil, last year's affordable 9.7-inch iPad wasn't.

The new 9.7-inch iPad works with the Apple Pencil

One thing to note here is that unlike the iPad Pro, the new iPad can't be used with Apple's Smart Keyboard. It will, however, work with any Bluetooth keyboard, while Logitech has a 49$ stylus called Crayon that could be an excellent alternative to Apple's pricier Pencil.

Processor, memory, connectivity: more than enough to get all homework done

Apple has chosen to use the A10 Fusion chip inside its latest iPad. This is the same silicon we saw inside the iPhone 7 and it makes the new iPad model more powerful than last year's 9.7-inch model, but still not as capable as an iPad Pro.

iPad (2018)	iPad Pro 10.5-inch	iPad (2017)
Apple A10 Fusion system chip	Apple A10X Fusion system chip	Apple A9 system chip
Storage: 32 or 128GB	Storage: 64, 256, or 512GB	Storage: 32 or 128GB
Connectivity: Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + LTE	Connectivity: Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + LTE Advanced	Connectivity: Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + LTE
Supports Apple Pay	Supports Apple Pay	Supports Apple Pay

Also worth pointing out is that with the new iPad, students will be given 200GB of free Apple Cloud storage – much better than the measly 5GB everyone else gets. Pretty neat!

Camera and audio: a familiar setup

Of course, Apple had to cut some corners to deliver an affordable iPad. The new 9.7-inch model appears to have what's practically the same camera we had on last year's affordable iPad: with 8MP of resolution and 1080p video support. At the front is an identical 1.2MP camera. The sound setup hasn't changed much either, retaining the stereo down-firing speaker setup.

In comparison, the 10.5-inch iPad Pro has a lot more to offer. Its higher-resolution camera is more sensitive to light and has optical stabilization for better stills, while video can be recorded at 4K. The quad-speaker array completes the whole package.

Pricing: answering the $299 question

Apple is launching the new 9.7-inch iPad with Apple Pencil support for $329 in the US, retiring last year's model in the process. Schools, however, will be able to get it for $299. While the tablet won't come bundled with an Apple Pencil, schools will get a $10 discount on its purchase, which would bring its price down to $89 apiece. Even if you throw in a keyboard cover, you're still looking at a lower price compared to purchasing the more powerful, 10.5-inch iPad Pro. Here's what the standard prices look like side by side when we add storage and connectivity options into the mix:

iPad (2018)	iPad Pro (10.5-inch)
32GB, Wi-Fi Only: $329	64GB, Wi-Fi Only: $649
128GB, Wi-Fi Only: $429	256GB, Wi-Fi Only: $799
32GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular: $459	512GB, Wi-Fi Only: $999
128GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular: $559	64GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular: $779
-	256GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular: $929
-	512GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular: $1,129

Pictures of the new 9.7-inch iPad with support for Apple Pencil

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31 Comments

1. kiko007

Posts: 7517; Member since: Feb 17, 2016

$329 for an iPad is great. That same price for an iPad with an A10 inside? Even better. I might pick one up in a few weeks with how cheap they are off jump.

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 12:59 PM 14

4. KingSam

Posts: 1479; Member since: Mar 13, 2016

I'm getting one on a deal. The older one had frequent deals.

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 1:06 PM 1

23. sgodsell

Posts: 7451; Member since: Mar 16, 2013

A big difference is the new iPad still only has 2 GB of RAM compared to the pros. Why would PhoneArena leave that difference out? Oh, yeah comparing specs to them can only should good stuff, and leave out the negative stuff.

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 5:36 PM 2

26. whatev

Posts: 2333; Member since: Oct 28, 2015

Why are you so butthurt and concerned about what apple does? Is your life so tragic and pathetic?

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 6:55 PM 7

7. Medoogalaxy

Posts: 232; Member since: May 25, 2017

chrombook is much better

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 1:31 PM 6

8. kiko007

Posts: 7517; Member since: Feb 17, 2016

If you're broke... yeah. Otherwise, they really, really aren't. I have a Chromebook (two in fact) in my home and they're both garbage app wise.

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 1:33 PM 4

13. cmdacos

Posts: 4267; Member since: Nov 01, 2016

Schools systems are broke so Chromebook makes more sense for their use case.

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 2:26 PM 8

14. kiko007

Posts: 7517; Member since: Feb 17, 2016

They’re broke because greedy district officials and the Education board members keep all the the money that’s supposed to go to the kids. Sad, cruel reality of the American education system.

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 2:36 PM 2

22. CreeDiddy

Posts: 2255; Member since: Nov 04, 2011

I agree as Apple has no true competing product to the G Suite. Why invest in iCloud in which Google provides free storage. Plus Chromebook is almost a true laptop with laptop functionality over a tablet with iOS. What Apple did was handicap and deprived the kids from typing on physical keyboards. This has become a society pitfall.

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 5:24 PM 6

31. NFSHesham

Posts: 297; Member since: Feb 04, 2014

chromebook is almost useless .. app development is not that great .. and there aren't that many developers who are keen on modifying their apps to be compatible with chromebooks especially those who don't have a touchscreen ,, most notably Microsoft who decided that their office apps won't run for free on chromebooks despite the fact that many chromebooks are cheaper than mid and high end android tablets e.g the samsung galaxy tab s3 .. which is a shame really

posted on Mar 29, 2018, 1:17 AM 0

9. Jrod99

Posts: 765; Member since: Jan 15, 2016

Price wise is pretty good. Like the Apple Pencil support. But 32 gig just not enough. When the next pro model comes out I’m looking to upgrade my Air 2 which has been a excellent device from Apple. That and the x plus edition is on my budget.

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 1:39 PM 4

16. bucky

Posts: 3791; Member since: Sep 30, 2009

The upgrade from my air 2 to the pro 10.5 was huge. But one issue, not many keyboards!

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 2:45 PM 0

17. japkoslav

Posts: 1518; Member since: Feb 19, 2017

Yeah because literaly every bluetooth keyboard on the planet does work with iPad? And if i am not mistaken even every USB one as well.

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 2:55 PM 0

25. zunaidahmed

Posts: 1185; Member since: Dec 24, 2011

I think he is talking about those keyboard cases, because the 10.5 inch is different from the normal 9.7inch since the OG air, not many keyboards are designed to fit that size as of now.

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 5:40 PM 1

10. yalokiy

Posts: 1057; Member since: Aug 01, 2016

The screen is way behind the Pro models. For me it's a no. For someone who accepts the lower quality screen it's a good buy.

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 1:51 PM 0

11. Good-Is-Better

Posts: 105; Member since: Nov 12, 2015

I really want to buy an iPad, that's the only apple product I want to buy or may ever buy if things remains the same. But, I am interested in the new iPad mini with 8 inch and slime bezels. I have learned from my usage of tablets that there are two important sizes to consider. 7-8 inch is the best dimension for reading and consuming social media, easy to hold and easy to type in. Easy to use in bed while watching youtube and not having to contain the heavy weight that comes from big screens. 10.5-13 inch is way better for outgoing (supposed it comes with full utility OS like windows 10, MC OS and others). In that case you can leave your laptop at home and still be able to do some light work when you are out. If not, I better just get a light weight 12-13 laptop So, I am waiting the next 7-8 inch iPad from Apple and I will be the first to preorder it. Resolution should not be less than FHD.

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 1:59 PM 0

2. JMartin22

Posts: 2372; Member since: Apr 30, 2013

Anyone else feel the Apple Pencil really shouldn’t retail for anything over $49.99? Other than that, these tablets are lackluster. I guess the major attraction is coming later this year

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 1:02 PM 5

3. japkoslav

Posts: 1518; Member since: Feb 19, 2017

So oleofobic coating is back, but is the sreen laminated?!? If it's the same as the last year model (not laminated), the stylus support does not make sense in terms of accuracy. + Lol at mono speakers :-D

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 1:02 PM 4

18. theviolinist

Posts: 209; Member since: Feb 03, 2018

Lol at your IQ

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 3:32 PM 0

19. japkoslav

Posts: 1518; Member since: Feb 19, 2017

Please explain me hidden genius behind "stereo" speakers on one side of the device? I bet it's dolby atmos.

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 4:00 PM 1

5. deleon629

Posts: 469; Member since: Oct 04, 2014

Did anyone notice that the 9.7 Pro has become almost non-existent despite its almost total resemblance of the new 9.7? Why is it not at all mentioned in this topic?

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 1:06 PM 0

12. epic_ninja420

Posts: 132; Member since: Nov 18, 2014

Because it doesnt exist anymore, it was replaced by the 10.5" Pro....

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 2:20 PM 2

6. clarity

Posts: 56; Member since: Jun 19, 2017

Does it have 2gb ram like the old model, or 4gb ram?

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 1:09 PM 0

15. Yousefjaber206

Posts: 116; Member since: Jan 09, 2018

Makes no sense to buy this over ipad pro 9.7 when the later is still sold in my country for around 350$

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 2:43 PM 1

20. CreeDiddy

Posts: 2255; Member since: Nov 04, 2011

This launch was bad. There was no value to this launch...It was only a response to the Chromebook Tab. Apple should have said this... Base price = $299/$329 + $99 Apple Pencil + $99 Folio Case = $498/$529 + tax. That's the real price. There was no value to this launch at all. If Apple added the Apple Pencil to the launch of the iPad then there is value. You can essentially buy an iPad Pro 10.5's around $440-$450 on eBay.

posted on Mar 27, 2018, 5:14 PM 3

29. JMartin22

Posts: 2372; Member since: Apr 30, 2013

You’re actually saying something reasonable, because it makes sense! Never thought I would see the day.

posted on Mar 28, 2018, 3:39 AM 0

30. skips

Posts: 486; Member since: Oct 04, 2015

as far as i'm aware of, ''iPad Pro 10.5 on eBay'' doesn't include Apple Pencil and a case. include all of that and it would be way more than just 440-450. (and it is around £500 here in UK). So what's the point. All the accessories are optional. Don't need them? Don't buy them. Also you're not forced to purchase Apple accessories. even if the 10-inch iPad would include all accessories on eBay, there's a fat chance the tablet is either used or refurbished in a questionable grade. this argument makes practically no sense to me. Am I missing something.

posted on Mar 28, 2018, 5:19 AM 0

21. CreeDiddy

Posts: 2255; Member since: Nov 04, 2011

Plus Apple should have reduced the iPad Pro 10.5 down to $349 rather than try to create a new product update. The new edge to edge iPad's are going to release within the next few months.