iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
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iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£107.75£350.00 new
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) and iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)?
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) starts at £107.75, £208.49 less than the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 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 5 (2022, M1 series).
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) specs
The iPad 8 (2020) and iPad Air 5 (2022) both run the latest iPadOS 18 and receive ongoing updates, but the Air 5 supports software updates for one year longer. The iPad Air 5 offers more power with its M1 processor and 8 GB RAM, suitable for heavier multitasking. Screen differences include a larger 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone on the Air 5, compared to the 10.2 inch Retina screen of the iPad 8. Cameras and video recording are sharper on the Air 5, making it better for video calls and media. The Air 5 also supports newer accessories like the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and uses USB-C, while the iPad 8 uses Lightning and supports the 1st generation Pencil. Choose the iPad 8 for everyday tasks at a lower price and the Air 5 for more demanding use and enhanced features.
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) price
Colour
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) battery life and software updates
Both iPads support the latest iPadOS 18 and will continue receiving software updates for some time. The iPad Air 5 has a slightly longer period for software updates.
Software Update Support
The iPad 8 supports software updates up to iPadOS 26, while the iPad Air 5 supports updates up to iPadOS 27. The Air 5 will receive one extra year of software support.
Release Year
The iPad 8 was released in 2020 and the iPad Air 5 in 2022.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) performance
Performance differs mainly in processor power and memory. The iPad Air 5 offers capabilities suited to heavier multitasking and more demanding apps, while the iPad 8 suits everyday tasks and basic productivity.
Processor Power
The iPad 8 uses the Apple A12 Bionic processor, which handles everyday apps and tasks comfortably. The iPad Air 5 is powered by the Apple M1 chip, designed for stronger performance, making it better for activities like video editing or running multiple apps at once.
Memory Capacity
With 3 GB RAM, the iPad 8 supports daily use such as browsing, video calls, and documents. The iPad Air 5 has 8 GB RAM, keeping more apps active in the background and improving multitasking performance.
Storage Options
The iPad 8 is available with 32 GB and 128 GB storage, suitable for users with lighter storage needs. The iPad Air 5 comes with 64 GB and 256 GB options, which better suit users who store more apps, media, or large files.
Processor
RAM
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) screen
Both iPads have bright, sharp displays with the same pixel density, but the iPad Air 5 offers a larger and slightly higher resolution screen with additional features for colour accuracy and comfort.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 8 has a 10.2 inch Retina display at 2160 x 1620 resolution, offering clear visuals for general use. The iPad Air 5 features a larger 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640, providing more screen space and a sharper picture for watching videos or working on detailed content.
True Tone Display
Only the iPad Air 5 supports True Tone, which adjusts the screen colours to match ambient lighting. This makes viewing more comfortable for extended periods, especially when reading or working in different lighting conditions.
Brightness and Glass Type
Both devices share a brightness of 500 nits and standard display glass, ensuring clear and bright images suitable for most indoor and outdoor environments.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) camera
Audio and video capabilities differ notably, with the iPad Air 5 offering higher resolution cameras and advanced video recording, making it more suitable for video calls, photography, and media creation.
Camera Quality
The iPad 8 has an 8 megapixel rear camera and a 1.2 megapixel front camera, good for casual photos and video calls. The iPad Air 5 offers 12 megapixels on both front and rear cameras, capturing more detail and sharper video calls.
Video Recording
Video recording on the iPad 8 supports 1080p at 30 frames per second, suitable for everyday videos. The iPad Air 5 supports 4K recording at 60 frames per second, which is better for higher quality video capture.
Speakers
Both iPads have stereo speakers, providing balanced sound for media and calls.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) size and design
Other differences include connectivity, accessory compatibility, and physical dimensions, which affect how you use the device daily and the accessories you can pair with each iPad.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad 8 works with the Apple Pencil 1st generation, which is suitable for note-taking and basic drawing.
Connector and Ports
The iPad 8 uses a Lightning connector for charging and headphones, a common Apple port for its generation. The iPad Air 5 uses USB-C for charging and headphones, allowing faster data transfer and compatibility with more modern accessories.
Wireless and Carrier Features
The iPad Air 5 supports Bluetooth 5.0 and is unlocked with a Nano SIM slot, providing more flexible mobile connectivity options. The iPad 8 uses Bluetooth 4.2 and does not have a SIM port, limiting it to Wi-Fi connections.
Size and Weight
The iPad Air 5 is slightly thinner at 6.1 mm depth and lighter at 462 g, making it easier to hold for long periods. It is also a bit wider and shorter than the iPad 8, which measures 7.5 mm in depth and weighs 490 g.
Wi-Fi Technology
The iPad 8 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, while the iPad Air 5 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections on the Air 5.
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 5 (2022, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £107.75, £208.49 less than the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Buy the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 10.2 inch)
- you want a lighter build (462 g vs 490 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPad 8 (2020) looks almost new with minimal marks, often describing it as fresh and spotless. Battery life is consistently praised for lasting through long workdays, video calls, and streaming sessions. Performance suits everyday tasks like emails, documents, and video calls, with apps opening quickly and solid overall speed. Some note the speakers are a bit quiet and the device can get warm during extended heavy use, but none find this uncomfortable. Storage of 128 GB is appreciated for managing space without worry.
Reviews of the iPad Air 5 (2022) highlight its like-new condition with perfect screens and strong battery life. Users appreciate the fast M1 chip performance, smooth multitasking, and sharp video streaming on the Liquid Retina display. The Apple Pencil 2nd generation pairs well for notes and drawing. Some mention issues with specific regional models affecting Apple Intelligence or FaceTime calls, but overall the device works perfectly and feels lighter to hold. Customers value the unlocked model with SIM support and newer connectivity features.
The iPad 8 suits those who want reliable everyday use with good battery life at a lower price and simpler accessory needs. The iPad Air 5 fits users needing more power, a larger and more colour-accurate screen, better cameras, and modern connectivity, especially if planning to use the Apple Pencil frequently or mobile data.
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) FAQs
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 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 £316.24 for the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 26. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 10.2 inch) and a lighter build (462 g vs 490 g). Refurbished, it costs £208.49 more (from £316.24 vs £107.75).
Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) in 64GB and 256GB.
