iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
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iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£107.75£350.00 new
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
Starting at
£481.05£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) and iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)?
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) starts at £107.75, £373.30 less than the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series). The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 10.2 inch.
- Screen type: Retina display on the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series), Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series).
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) specs
The iPad 8 and the iPad Air 6 differ significantly in size, performance, and features. The iPad 8 suits those who want a lower priced device for everyday use with a 10.2 inch screen and Apple Pencil 1st generation support. The iPad Air 6 offers a larger 13 inch screen with higher resolution, more memory, and a much faster processor. It fits users who want a more powerful iPad for multitasking, creative work, and better cameras. The Air 6 supports more storage options and has newer connectivity features. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise screen space and power or a simpler tablet for standard use.
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) price
Colour
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software updates and operating systems supported by these iPads.
Operating System Support
This means you can expect ongoing software updates and access to the newest apps and features on either device. Both run iPadOS, making their software experience consistent.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) performance
Performance differences between these iPads reflect their processors, RAM, and storage options. This affects how smoothly apps run, how many can stay open, and how much data you can keep on the device.
Processor Power
The iPad 8 has an Apple A12 Bionic processor, suitable for everyday tasks, browsing, and media. The iPad Air 6 features the Apple M2 processor, designed for heavier workloads and multitasking. Choose the iPad Air 6 if you regularly use demanding apps or want faster performance.
Memory Capacity
With 3 GB of RAM, the iPad 8 handles standard apps well. The iPad Air 6 has 8 GB of RAM, which keeps more apps open simultaneously and supports smoother multitasking, ideal for users who switch between several apps or work with large files.
Storage Options
The iPad 8 is available with 32 GB or 128 GB of storage, fitting basic use and moderate media storage. The iPad Air 6 offers 128 GB up to 1 TB, allowing for extensive app libraries, large media files, and professional projects. Your choice depends on how much data you need to store locally.
Processor
RAM
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) screen
Screen quality affects how you see content, including brightness, size, and resolution. The two iPads differ in display technology and features that can enhance viewing comfort and detail.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 8 has a 10.2 inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 by 1620 pixels. The iPad Air 6 offers a larger 13 inch Liquid Retina display with a higher resolution of 2732 by 2048 pixels. This means the Air 6 provides a roomier workspace and sharper images, suited for watching videos, reading, or creative tasks.
Brightness and True Tone
The iPad 8 reaches 500 nits brightness, while the iPad Air 6 goes up to 600 nits, delivering a brighter screen for better visibility in various lighting. The Air 6 also includes True Tone, which adjusts the screen colour based on ambient light for more natural viewing, especially useful for long periods of use.
Display Type
The iPad 8 uses a standard Retina display, whereas the iPad Air 6 features a Liquid Retina display. This difference can offer a more vibrant and smooth visual experience on the Air 6, enhancing colour accuracy and detail for photo or video work.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) camera
Audiovisual features cover cameras, speakers, and video recording, important if you use your iPad for video calls, content creation, or entertainment.
Camera Quality
The iPad 8 has a 1.2 megapixel front camera and an 8 megapixel rear camera, suitable for basic video calls and photos. The iPad Air 6 improves on this with a 12 megapixel front camera and 12 megapixel rear camera, capturing more detail and sharper images, which benefits video conferencing and photography.
Video Recording
Video recording on the iPad 8 is 1080p at 30 frames per second, standard for casual video capture. The iPad Air 6 supports 4K recording at 60 frames per second, offering higher resolution and smoother video, useful for content creators or users who record frequently.
Speakers
Both iPads have stereo speakers. The iPad 8's stereo speakers provide good audio for general use. The iPad Air 6's stereo speakers are optimised for landscape orientation, enhancing audio experience when watching videos or playing games in that mode.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, ports, physical dimensions, and accessories that shape everyday use and compatibility with other devices.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad 8 works with the Apple Pencil 1st generation, suitable for basic drawing and note-taking. The iPad Air 6 supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil with USB-C, offering more advanced stylus options for detailed creative work or precise input.
Connectivity and Ports
The iPad 8 uses a Lightning connector and Bluetooth 4.2. It does not have a SIM port. The iPad Air 6 uses a USB Type-C connector, Bluetooth 5.3, and includes an eSIM with unlocked carrier compatibility. This makes the Air 6 more flexible for connecting accessories and mobile networks.
Size and Weight
The iPad 8 measures 250.6 mm in height, 174.1 mm in width, and 7.5 mm in depth, weighing 490 g. The iPad Air 6 is taller and wider at 280 mm by 214.9 mm, slimmer at 6.1 mm, and heavier at 617 g. The iPad 8 fits more easily in smaller bags, while the Air 6 provides a larger screen in a thin design.
Wireless Technology
The iPad 8 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, while the iPad Air 6 supports Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax. The Air 6 offers newer Wi-Fi technology, which can provide better wireless performance where supported.
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 6 (2024, M2 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £107.75, £373.30 less than the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
- you want a lighter build (490 g vs 617 g)
Buy the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.2 inch)
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) FAQs
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 10.2 inch.
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £107.75 compared with £481.05 for the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series).
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 26. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB) and a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.2 inch). Refurbished, it costs £373.30 more (from £481.05 vs £107.75).
Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
