iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)
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iPad 7 (2019, A10 series)
Starting at
£91.58£489.00 new
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£107.75£350.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) and iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)?
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) comes down to the software updates and weight. Refurbished, the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) starts at £91.58, £16.17 less than the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series). The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) has longer software support: supported, up to iPadOS 26 vs ended May 2026, last iPadOS 18.
- Weight: 483 g on the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series), 490 g on the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series).
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) specs
The iPad 7 and iPad 8 share many features such as screen size, display quality, cameras, and storage options, making both suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and note-taking. The main difference lies in the processor, with the iPad 8 using the Apple A12 Bionic chip and the iPad 7 using the Apple A10 Fusion. This means the iPad 8 offers improved performance for users who run more demanding apps or multitask more often. Both models support the same iPadOS version and Apple Pencil generation, so they stay current and compatible with essential accessories. Choose the iPad 7 if you want a capable device at a lower price point, or the iPad 8 if you value a faster processor for smoother performance.
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) price
Colour
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) battery life and software updates
Both devices support the same maximum iPadOS version, ensuring they remain usable with new software features for the foreseeable future.
Operating System Support
This ensures you get ongoing software improvements and security patches on either device, making them reliable choices for long-term use.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) performance
Performance differences focus mainly on the processor, as both devices offer the same RAM and storage options. The processor affects speed, app handling, and responsiveness in daily use.
Processor Power
The iPad 8 features the Apple A12 Bionic processor, which is a generation ahead of the iPad 7's Apple A10 Fusion. This gives the iPad 8 an edge in handling more demanding apps, faster multitasking, and smoother overall performance, suitable for users who want more processing headroom.
Storage Flexibility
Both iPads are available in 32GB and 128GB storage options, letting you choose between everyday use and more space for apps, photos, and media. Storage differences do not affect performance but give you flexibility depending on your needs.
Memory Capacity
Each iPad comes with 3 GB of RAM, which supports common multitasking and app use. This amount keeps everyday apps running smoothly on both devices.
Processor
RAM
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) screen
Screen quality is key for viewing comfort and media enjoyment. Both iPads share the same screen size, resolution, and brightness, making their displays very similar in experience.
Display Consistency
Both the iPad 7 and iPad 8 feature a 10.2-inch Retina display with 2160 by 1620 resolution and 264 pixels per inch. The 500 nits brightness ensures clear visibility in various lighting conditions, making either device suitable for watching videos, reading, and everyday tasks.
True Tone Absence
Neither device includes True Tone technology, so screen colour temperature stays consistent but does not adjust automatically to ambient lighting. This keeps colours stable but means the display won't adapt warmth according to your environment.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) camera
Both iPads offer the same camera and speaker setups, supporting everyday photography, video calls, and media playback without differences in hardware quality.
Camera Quality
The front and rear cameras on both iPads are identical, with a 1.2 megapixel front camera and an 8 megapixel rear camera. Video recording is supported at 1080p 30 frames per second, making either iPad suitable for video calls and casual photography.
Audio Experience
Stereo speakers on both devices provide balanced sound for watching videos or listening to music. There is no difference in speaker setup between the two models.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) size and design
This section covers additional features like accessory compatibility, connectivity, and physical dimensions, where the two iPads largely match, with a few minor differences in weight.
Apple Pencil Support
Both iPads are compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, allowing you to draw, take notes, and annotate documents with the same accessory options.
Connectivity Options
Each iPad uses Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11a/b/g/n/ac for wireless connections. They both have a Lightning connector for charging and headphones, and neither includes a SIM port, meaning they rely on Wi-Fi for internet access.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The size of the iPad 7 and iPad 8 are identical, measuring 250.6 mm tall, 174.1 mm wide, and 7.5 mm deep. The iPad 8 is slightly heavier at 490 grams compared to the iPad 7's 483 grams, which is unlikely to affect handling noticeably.
SIM and Dual SIM Capability
Although both iPads do not have a SIM port, they both support double SIM functionality, which may be relevant depending on your network setup or use of eSIM options.
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) or iPad 8 (2020, A12 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £91.58, £16.17 less than the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)
Buy the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) if
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iPadOS 26 vs ended May 2026, last iPadOS 18)
- you want the newer model (2020)
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) FAQs
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) comes down to the software updates and weight. The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) has longer software support: supported, up to iPadOS 26 vs ended May 2026, last iPadOS 18. Weight: 483 g on the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series), 490 g on the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series).
The iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £91.58 compared with £107.75 for the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series).
Updates for the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) ended in May 2026. Its last version is iPadOS 18. The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 26.
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) adds longer software support (supported, up to iPadOS 26 vs ended May 2026, last iPadOS 18). Refurbished, it costs £16.17 more (from £107.75 vs £91.58).
Both come in 32GB and 128GB refurbished.
