iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
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iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£107.75£350.00 new
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
Starting at
£496.00£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) and iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)?
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) starts at £107.75, £388.25 less than the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series). The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has a bigger screen: 11 inch vs 10.2 inch.
- Screen type: Retina display on the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series), Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) specs
The iPad Air 7 offers stronger performance with an Apple M3 chip, 8 GB of RAM, and larger base storage starting at 128 GB. The iPad 8 suits everyday use with its Apple A12 Bionic processor, 3 GB RAM, and 32 GB or 128 GB storage options. The iPad Air 7 has a larger 11 inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and higher resolution, ideal for those wanting a more immersive screen experience. For multimedia, the iPad Air 7 provides higher resolution front and rear cameras and 4K video recording, while the iPad 8 covers basic needs. The Air supports newer accessories and USB Type-C, whereas the iPad 8 uses the Lightning connector and Apple Pencil 1st generation. Both have stereo speakers and no SIM port but the Air includes eSIM support. Choose the iPad 8 for simpler daily tasks and the iPad Air 7 for more demanding use and better audiovisual features.
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) price
Colour
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) battery life and software updates
Their operating systems are the same, ensuring compatibility with recent apps and features.
Software Support
The iPad 8 and iPad Air 7 both support iPadOS 18, making them suitable for users who want to run the latest iPad apps and features. This means software updates will continue to be available, helping keep your device secure and functional over time.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) performance
Performance varies between these devices, with differences in processor power, memory, and storage that affect how smoothly apps run and how much data you can keep on your device.
Processor and RAM
The iPad Air 7 is equipped with an Apple M3 processor and 8 GB of RAM, keeping everyday apps running smoothly and supporting more demanding tasks. The iPad 8 uses an Apple A12 Bionic processor with 3 GB of RAM, suitable for standard everyday use and lighter multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPad 8 offers 32 GB and 128 GB storage options, fitting users who need space for apps and files. The iPad Air 7 starts at 128 GB and goes up to 1 TB, ideal for those who store larger files, apps, or media directly on their device.
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) screen
Screen differences influence how you experience visuals, from size and resolution to colour accuracy and brightness, affecting reading, watching videos, and creative work.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 7 has an 11 inch screen with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels, providing a roomier and sharper display. The iPad 8 has a 10.2 inch screen at 2160 x 1620 pixels, which works well for everyday tasks and portability.
Display Type and True Tone
The iPad Air 7 features a Liquid Retina display with True Tone, which adjusts the screen's colour temperature to match ambient lighting for a more natural viewing experience. The iPad 8 has a Retina display without True Tone, suitable for standard viewing conditions.
Brightness and Pixel Density
Both devices offer 500 nits brightness and a pixel density of 264 ppi, ensuring clear and bright visuals that suit indoor and some outdoor use.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) camera
Audio and camera features vary, affecting video calls, photography, and media playback quality.
Camera Quality
The iPad Air 7 has a 12 megapixel front camera and a 12 megapixel rear camera, capturing more detail in photos and video calls. The iPad 8 has a 1.2 megapixel front camera and an 8 megapixel rear camera, suitable for basic video chats and casual photography.
Video Recording
The iPad Air 7 supports 4K video recording at 60 FPS, which is useful for high-quality video capture. The iPad 8 records video at 1080p 30 FPS, covering standard video recording needs.
Speakers
Both iPads have stereo speakers, with the iPad Air 7's designed for landscape use, enhancing audio playback for videos and music.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) size and design
Other features include compatibility with Apple Pencil versions, connectivity options, and physical dimensions that affect accessory use and device handling.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad 8 supports the Apple Pencil 1st generation, suitable for note-taking and basic drawing. The iPad Air 7 supports both the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil with USB-C, offering more options for creative and professional use.
Connectivity and Ports
The iPad 8 uses a Lightning connector and Bluetooth 4.2, while the iPad Air 7 has USB Type-C and Bluetooth 5.3, providing faster wireless connections and a more versatile charging and accessory port.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPad Air 7 is slightly larger with an 11 inch screen but weighs 460 g, making it lighter than the 10.2 inch iPad 8, which weighs 490 g. This makes the Air easier to carry despite its bigger screen.
SIM and Wireless
The iPad Air 7 supports eSIM technology, which is useful for those who want mobile data without a physical SIM card. The iPad 8 does not have SIM support. Both devices use Wi-Fi 6, with the Air supporting the 802.11ax standard for improved wireless speeds.
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 7 (2025, M3 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £107.75, £388.25 less than the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
Buy the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (11 inch vs 10.2 inch)
- you want a lighter build (460 g vs 490 g)
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) FAQs
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has a bigger screen: 11 inch vs 10.2 inch.
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £107.75 compared with £496 for the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 26. The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger screen (11 inch vs 10.2 inch) and a lighter build (460 g vs 490 g). Refurbished, it costs £388.25 more (from £496 vs £107.75).
Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
