Apple iPad 97 2017 Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Apple iPad 9.7 (2017)

The Apple iPad 9.7 (2017) marked a return to basics for Apple with its launch in March 2017. As part of Apple's growing family of iPads, this model aimed to provide excellent performance and usability at a competitive price. This tablet inherits the established design language of its predecessors while offering improvements under the hood, making it a popular choice for students, professionals, and everyday users alike.

Design and Build Quality

The iPad 9.7 (2017) features a classic design that Apple has been known for, encased in an aluminum frame with a glass front. It measures 240 x 169.5 x 7.5 mm and weighs 469 g for the Wi-Fi model, making it lightweight and easy to carry. The use of quality materials ensures durability, and its sleek design maintains Apple’s high standards for aesthetics. The device is available in three colors: Silver, Gold, and Space Gray, offering slightly different looks but maintaining the same minimalist style.

Display

The iPad sports a 9.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 264 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio stands at a respectable ~71.6%, providing ample viewing area for entertainment and productivity. Apple includes scratch-resistant glass and an oleophobic coating to resist fingerprints and smudges, ensuring the display remains clear and clean. Whether you are reading, browsing, or watching videos, the display delivers crisp, vibrant visuals that are pleasing to the eye.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the iPad 9.7 (2017) is powered by the Apple A9 chipset, which is built on a 14 nm process. The dual-core 1.84 GHz Twister CPU and the PowerVR GT7600 GPU (six-core graphics) ensure smooth performance for most tasks. While not the latest in Apple's processor lineup, the A9 delivers enough power for everyday tasks such as browsing, gaming, and multitasking.

The device comes with 2GB of RAM and offers two storage options: 32GB and 128GB. However, it lacks a card slot for expandable storage, which means users must make the most out of internal storage or rely on cloud solutions for additional space.

Operating System and Software

Upon launch, the iPad 9.7 (2017) came with iOS 10.3. It is upgradable to iPadOS 16.7.5, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and security updates. Apple's iPadOS is designed to maximize productivity with features like multitasking, dock, and Apple Pencil support, albeit the latter is only for newer models. The intuitive user interface and access to the vast array of apps in the Apple App Store make it a versatile device for various uses.

Camera Features

The rear camera on the iPad is a single 8 MP shooter with an aperture of f/2.4, 31mm (standard), and 1.12µm pixel size. It includes autofocus and the ability to capture video at 1080p@30fps and 720p@120fps with HDR support. While it may not compete with the high-end cameras found on iPhones, it does an adequate job for occasional photography and video recording.

The front-facing camera is a 1.2 MP sensor that also features face detection and HDR. It captures video at 720p@30fps, suitable for video calls and selfies.

Audio and Connectivity

The device is equipped with stereo speakers, providing a decent audio experience for movies and games. A 3.5mm headphone jack is present, allowing users to connect traditional headphones without the need for adapters. In terms of connectivity, the iPad supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 4.2. It offers GPS and GLONASS for positioning, but lacks NFC and radio capabilities.

It also includes a Lightning connector for charging and data transfer, compatible with USB 2.0 speeds. The device can be equipped with a Nano-SIM and eSIM on the cellular models, supporting a range of networks and bands for mobile data connectivity.

Sensors and Features

Apple has included a range of sensors in the iPad 9.7 (2017) to enhance its functionality. These include a front-mounted fingerprint sensor (Touch ID), accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, and barometer. These sensors enable features like secure unlocking, precise location tracking, and orientation detection for a variety of applications.

Battery and Power Management

With a non-removable Li-Po 8827 mAh battery, the iPad (2017) supports up to 10 hours of multimedia use, impressive for a tablet of its size and power. Apple’s efficient iPadOS manages power effectively, ensuring long life between charges even with heavy use. Although it lacks wireless charging, the Lightning port allows for quick charging with a compatible adapter.

Pricing and Market Position

The iPad 9.7 (2017) was positioned as an affordable entry into Apple’s iPad lineup, with prices starting around 390 EUR. This pricing strategy aimed to capture both new users and those looking to upgrade from significantly older models. It strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, offering more than the basic iPad Mini while being more budget-friendly than the Pro models.

Conclusion

The Apple iPad 9.7 (2017) represents a harmonious blend of performance, design, and affordability. Though it may not have the most cutting-edge specs by today's standards, it is a reliable device that caters to a broad audience. Whether for browsing, media consumption, or light productivity, it serves its purpose well within its capability range. As a part of Apple's ecosystem, it continues to receive software updates, extending its lifespan and functionality, thereby cementing its place as a solid choice in the mid-range tablet market.