iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)
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iPad 11 (2025, A16 series)
Starting at
£392.50£429.00 new
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£107.75£350.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) and iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)?
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) starts at £107.75, £284.75 less than the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series). The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) has a bigger screen: 11 inch vs 10.2 inch.
- Screen type: Liquid Retina display on the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series), Retina display on the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series).
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) specs
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) offers a larger 11 inch Liquid Retina display with higher resolution and True Tone, making it suited for users wanting a more immersive and colour-accurate screen. It has a faster Apple A16 processor and 6 GB of RAM, which supports smoother multitasking and demanding apps. The front and rear cameras are higher resolution and video recording goes up to 4K 60FPS, ideal for users who value photography or video calls. The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) has a smaller 10.2 inch Retina display and 3 GB RAM, fitting buyers who want a capable device for everyday use like reading and streaming at a lower price. It uses Lightning connector and Apple Pencil 1st generation without adapter, which may suit those with existing accessories. Both support iPadOS 18 and offer software updates for several years, making them durable choices.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) price
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iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) battery life and software updates
Both iPads support the same maximum iPadOS version, ensuring software updates for several years. The iPad 11 has longer update support, receiving improvements and security updates for an extra year.
Software Update Support
The iPad 11 (2025) supports software updates up to iPadOS 27, one version beyond the iPad 8's support up to iPadOS 26. This means the iPad 11 will receive updates for a longer time after purchase, which can be important if you plan to keep your device for many years.
Release Year
The iPad 11 was released in 2025 and the iPad 8 in 2020.
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Maximum operating system supported
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Year of release
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) performance
Processor power and RAM affect how smoothly apps run and how many can stay active. Storage options also affect how much you can keep on your device.
Processor and RAM
The iPad 11 uses the Apple A16 processor with 6 GB RAM, which suits users who need to run multiple apps smoothly or handle demanding tasks. The iPad 8 has an Apple A12 Bionic processor with 3 GB RAM, fitting everyday use like browsing, video calls, and reading apps.
Storage Options
The iPad 11 comes in 128 GB and 256 GB storage, good for users with larger app libraries, files, or media. The iPad 8 offers 32 GB and 128 GB options, which suits users with lighter storage needs or those who prefer a lower priced device.
Processor
RAM
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) screen
Screen size, resolution and display type affect how much you see and how content looks. Both iPads share the same brightness and pixel density, but differ in size, resolution, display type and True Tone support.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 11 has an 11 inch screen with 2360 x 1640 resolution, offering more screen space and sharper images, which benefits users watching video or multitasking. The iPad 8 has a 10.2 inch screen at 2160 x 1620 resolution, suitable for everyday reading and browsing.
Display Type and True Tone
The iPad 11 features a Liquid Retina display with True Tone, providing more natural colours that adjust to ambient light, ideal for users sensitive to screen colour or working in varying light conditions. The iPad 8 has a Retina display without True Tone.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) camera
Camera quality, video recording and speakers influence video calls, photography and media consumption. These iPads differ notably in camera resolution and video capabilities.
Camera Resolution and Video
The iPad 11 has 12 megapixels on both front and rear cameras and can record video in 4K at 60 FPS, which suits users who want detailed photos or smooth high-resolution video. The iPad 8 has an 8 megapixel rear camera and a 1.2 megapixel front camera with 1080p video at 30 FPS, fitting users who want functional cameras for casual use.
Speakers
The iPad 11 has stereo speakers optimised for landscape use, enhancing media and video call sound. The iPad 8 also has stereo speakers, suitable for everyday audio needs.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) size and design
Other features like connectors, Bluetooth, and Apple Pencil support affect accessory compatibility and convenience. These iPads have differences that matter depending on your accessories and usage.
Connector and Headphones
The iPad 11 uses a USB-C connector for charging and headphones, offering compatibility with modern accessories. The iPad 8 uses a Lightning connector for both, which works with existing Lightning accessories.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad 11 is compatible with the Apple Pencil USB-C and the 1st generation Apple Pencil with a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter, giving more flexibility with stylus options. The iPad 8 works with the 1st generation Apple Pencil without an adapter.
Bluetooth and Wireless
The iPad 11 supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which can provide faster and more reliable wireless connections. The iPad 8 supports Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 6 using 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards, which are well suited for everyday wireless use.
Size and Weight
The iPad 11 is slightly larger at 248.6 mm tall and 179.5 mm wide, but thinner at 7 mm depth and lighter at 477 g. The iPad 8 is 250.6 mm tall, 174.1 mm wide, 7.5 mm deep and weighs 490 g. The iPad 11 may feel lighter and thinner in hand despite the larger screen.
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Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
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Touch
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Wifi technology
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) or iPad 8 (2020, A12 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (11 inch vs 10.2 inch)
- you want a lighter build (477 g vs 490 g)
Buy the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £107.75, £284.75 less than the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) looks like new with a shiny blue finish and solid battery life. They find it runs smoothly for daily use including reading, streaming and work tasks. Some mention good condition even on fair devices with minor cosmetic wear that does not affect performance. The larger screen and speed suit users who want a versatile device for multitasking and media.
Reviews for the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) highlight it as a reliable device for video calls, emails, reading and streaming. Customers appreciate the good battery life and solid performance for everyday tasks. The gold finish is often described as fresh or spotless, with only light wear reported by some. The iPad 8 suits those seeking a functional device at a lower price with enough storage for common use.
Overall, customers find both devices deliver dependable performance and good screen quality for their needs. The iPad 11 fits users wanting a larger screen, faster processor and better cameras, while the iPad 8 suits those prioritising affordability and solid everyday use.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) FAQs
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) has a bigger screen: 11 inch vs 10.2 inch.
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £107.75 compared with £392.50 for the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series).
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 26.
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) adds more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger screen (11 inch vs 10.2 inch) and a lighter build (477 g vs 490 g). Refurbished, it costs £284.75 more (from £392.50 vs £107.75).
Refurbished, the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) in 32GB and 128GB.
