iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series)
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iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£107.75£350.00 new
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series)
Starting at
£161.78£369.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) and iPad 9 (2021, A13 series)?
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) comes down to the software updates and weight. Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) starts at £107.75, £54.03 less than the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series). The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Software updates
Weight
- Software updates: Supported, up to iPadOS 26 on the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series), Supported, up to iPadOS 27 on the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series).
- Weight: 490 g on the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series), 498 g on the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series).
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) specs
The iPad 8 and iPad 9 share many features such as screen size, resolution, and stereo speakers, making both suitable for everyday use. The iPad 9 offers a newer processor and True Tone display, which benefits users who want smoother performance and a screen that adjusts to ambient light. It also features improved cameras for clearer photos and video calls. Storage options differ: the iPad 8 has 32GB and 128GB, while the iPad 9 offers larger 64GB and 256GB choices. Both support the first generation Apple Pencil and use the Lightning connector. Choose the iPad 8 for reliable performance at a lower storage range, or the iPad 9 for better visuals, more storage, and enhanced cameras.
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) price
Colour
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and device longevity. Both iPads receive software updates. The iPad 9 supports one more future iPadOS version than the iPad 8. This affects how long each device stays current with new features and security.
Software Updates Supported
The iPad 8 supports software updates up to iPadOS 26, while the iPad 9 supports updates up to iPadOS 27. Both devices run iPadOS 18 as the maximum system currently.
Release Year Context
The iPad 8 was released in 2020 and the iPad 9 in 2021.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) performance
Performance focuses on the processor, memory, and storage options. Both iPads have 3 GB of RAM, which handles everyday apps well. The iPad 9 features a newer processor and larger storage choices, suiting users who want faster processing and more space for files and apps.
Processor Power
The iPad 8 uses the Apple A12 Bionic processor, while the iPad 9 has the Apple A13 Bionic. The newer A13 processor in the iPad 9 provides smoother multitasking and faster app performance, which benefits those using demanding apps or multitasking frequently.
Storage Options
The iPad 8 comes in 32GB and 128GB sizes, which suits users with light to moderate storage needs. The iPad 9 offers 64GB and 256GB, giving more room for apps, media, and documents. This is ideal if you want to keep more files or install many apps without managing storage closely.
Processor
RAM
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) screen
Screen quality affects viewing comfort and image accuracy. Both iPads share the same screen size, resolution, brightness, and pixel density, making them equally clear and bright. The iPad 9 adds True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen colours based on ambient light.
True Tone Display
The iPad 9 includes True Tone, which changes the screen's colour temperature to match the room lighting. This results in a more natural viewing experience that may reduce eye strain, especially when reading or working in varying light conditions. The iPad 8 does not have this feature.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) camera
Audiovisual features cover cameras and sound. Both iPads have stereo speakers and record video at 1080p 30 FPS, making them suitable for media and video calls. The iPad 9 offers higher resolution front and rear cameras, which capture more detail and improve video call and photo quality.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPad 8 has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, which works for basic video calls. The iPad 9 upgrades this to 8 megapixels, delivering clearer and sharper video, beneficial for frequent video conferencing or selfies.
Rear Camera Resolution
The iPad 8 features an 8 megapixel rear camera, while the iPad 9 has a 12 megapixel one. The higher megapixel count on the iPad 9 captures more detail in photos, ideal if you use your tablet for photography or scanning documents.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) size and design
Miscellaneous specs include connectivity, accessories, and physical characteristics. Both iPads support the first generation Apple Pencil and use Lightning connectors. The iPad 9 is unlocked and accepts a Nano SIM, offering more flexibility for mobile data use, while the iPad 8 is without a SIM port.
Carrier and SIM Compatibility
The iPad 9 is unlocked and uses a Nano SIM, which suits users who want mobile network access on the go. The iPad 8 does not have a SIM port, so it relies on Wi-Fi for connectivity.
Weight and Size
Both iPads share the same height, width, and depth measurements, making them similar to hold and carry. The iPad 8 weighs 490 g, slightly lighter than the iPad 9 at 498 g, a difference unlikely to be noticeable in daily use.
Bluetooth and Connectivity
Both devices use Bluetooth 4.2 and support Wi-Fi 6 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, ensuring solid wireless connectivity. Both use the Lightning connector for charging and headphones.
120hz
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 8 (2020, A12 series) or iPad 9 (2021, A13 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £107.75, £54.03 less than the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series)
Buy the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) if
- you want the newer model (2021)
What our customers say
Customers choosing the iPad 8 appreciate its solid performance for video calls, emails, and streaming. Many note it looks like new and battery life is reliable for daily use. Some mention the speaker volume is a bit quiet and that it can get warm during long use, but overall it handles work and media tasks well. The 128GB storage option is popular for those wanting room for apps and files without concern.
Reviews for the iPad 9 highlight smooth performance and battery life that lasts through a full day. Customers enjoy the larger storage options, with 256GB being especially valued for photos, games, and media. The screen is described as clear and responsive, and the device often looks almost new with minimal marks. Video calls and app use feel fluid, supporting a broad range of everyday tasks.
The iPad 8 suits users who want a dependable device for everyday tasks at a moderate storage level. The iPad 9 fits those who prefer a crisper screen experience, more storage, and enhanced cameras for clearer photos and video calls.
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) FAQs
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) comes down to the software updates and weight. Software updates: Supported, up to iPadOS 26 on the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series), Supported, up to iPadOS 27 on the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series). Weight: 490 g on the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series), 498 g on the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series).
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £107.75 compared with £161.78 for the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series).
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 26. The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is newer, but the main specs we compare are the same. Refurbished, it costs £54.03 more (from £161.78 vs £107.75).
Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) in 64GB and 256GB.
