iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series)
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iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£107.75£350.00 new
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series)
Starting at
£243.92£579.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) and iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series)?
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) starts at £107.75, £136.17 less than the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series).
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 10.2 inch.
- Screen type: Retina display on the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series), Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series).
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) specs
It also features better cameras and higher quality video recording, making it a good choice for photography or video calls. The iPad 8 is a solid choice for everyday use with reliable performance, a standard Retina display, and compatibility with the first generation Apple Pencil. Its Lightning connector and slightly larger size suit those who prefer traditional accessories and a familiar form factor.
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) price
Colour
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) battery life and software updates
This ensures long-term software compatibility regardless of your choice.
Operating System Support
This consistency means updates and new features will be available on both, allowing you to use apps and services that require recent OS versions.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) performance
Performance differences come down to processor power, memory, and storage options. These affect how smoothly apps run, multitasking, and how much you can store on your iPad.
Processor and RAM
The iPad Air 4 is equipped with an Apple A14 Bionic processor and 4 GB of RAM, which suits users who run multiple apps simultaneously or use more demanding tasks. The iPad 8 uses the Apple A12 Bionic and 3 GB of RAM, ideal for everyday apps and simpler multitasking.
Storage Capacity
The iPad Air 4 starts at 64 GB with an option for 256 GB, offering more room for apps, photos, and files. The iPad 8 begins at 32 GB but also comes in a 128 GB variant. Choosing the iPad Air 4 is better if you want larger base storage and higher capacity options.
Processor
RAM
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) screen
Screen quality impacts your viewing experience, including size, resolution, and features like True Tone. These differences influence usability for video, reading, and graphic detail.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 4 has a 10.9 inch display with 2360 x 1640 resolution, providing a bigger and sharper screen. This extra space and detail suit watching videos or working with visuals. The iPad 8 offers a 10.2 inch screen at 2160 x 1620 resolution, which is more compact but still very clear.
Display Type and True Tone
The iPad Air 4 features a Liquid Retina display with True Tone, which adjusts colour and brightness to match your environment for more natural viewing. The iPad 8 uses a Retina display without True Tone, which keeps things consistent but without automatic colour adjustment.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) camera
Audio and camera differences affect video calls, photography, and media consumption. Higher resolution cameras and video recording offer clearer images and smoother video capture.
Camera Quality
The iPad Air 4 has a 7 megapixel front camera and a 12 megapixel rear camera, which capture more detail and clarity. This is suitable for video chats and photos that benefit from higher resolution. The iPad 8 offers a 1.2 megapixel front and 8 megapixel rear camera, suitable for basic video and photos.
Video Recording
With 4K 60 FPS video recording, the iPad Air 4 can record high-resolution, smooth video, ideal for capturing moments or content creation. The iPad 8 records video at 1080p 30 FPS, which remains good for everyday filming and video calls.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) size and design
Additional features such as Apple Pencil compatibility, connectors, and wireless technology influence how you use accessories, connect devices, and carry your iPad.
Stylus Compatibility
The iPad Air 4 supports the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil with USB-C, offering more advanced stylus features and wireless charging. The iPad 8 is compatible with the Apple Pencil 1st generation, suitable for note-taking and drawing with a simpler stylus option.
Connector and Bluetooth
The iPad Air 4 uses a USB Type-C connector and Bluetooth 5.0, providing faster data transfer and connectivity with newer accessories. The iPad 8 features a Lightning connector and Bluetooth 4.2, which is compatible with many existing accessories and everyday wireless devices.
Size and Weight
The iPad Air 4 is slightly thinner at 6.1 mm and lighter at 458 g, making it easier to hold for long periods and more portable. The iPad 8 measures 7.5 mm thick and weighs 490 g, offering a slightly larger footprint.
Wi-Fi Technology
The iPad Air 4 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, which can provide improved network performance and efficiency in compatible environments. The iPad 8 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards, delivering solid Wi-Fi connectivity.
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 Air 4 (2020, A14 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £107.75, £136.17 less than the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series)
Buy the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 10.2 inch)
- you want a lighter build (458 g vs 490 g)
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) FAQs
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 10.2 inch.
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £107.75 compared with £243.92 for the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series).
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 26. The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) gets updates until Sep 2027.
Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) in 64GB and 256GB.
