iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
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iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£107.75£350.00 new
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
Starting at
£755.45£899.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) and iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)?
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) starts at £107.75, £647.70 less than the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series). The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 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 8 (2026, M4 series).
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) specs
The iPad 8 and iPad Air 8 differ mainly in performance, screen size, and connectivity. The iPad 8 suits everyday tasks with 3 GB of RAM and storage options starting at 32 GB, making it a practical choice for general use. The iPad Air 8 offers much more memory and storage, suited for multitasking and storing larger files. Its larger 13 inch Liquid Retina display with higher resolution and brightness is better for media and detailed work. The iPad Air 8 also supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 and uses USB Type-C for charging and headphones, which may appeal if you want faster data and cable compatibility.
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) price
Colour
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software updates and device longevity. The release year provides context on when each device became available.
Release Year
The iPad 8 was released in 2020, while the iPad Air 8 came out in 2026. This simply shows when each model became available.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) performance
Performance is key for how smoothly your apps run and how much you can store. The two iPads offer very different RAM and storage options, suiting different needs.
Memory Capacity
The iPad 8 has 3 GB of RAM, which supports everyday app use and general multitasking. The iPad Air 8 features 12 GB of RAM, offering far more space to keep multiple apps open and handle demanding tasks.
Storage Options
The iPad 8 is available with 32 GB or 128 GB of storage, ideal for general use with moderate file and app storage. The iPad Air 8 starts at 128 GB and goes up to 512 GB, suited for users needing more space for larger apps, media files, or work documents.
Processor
RAM
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) screen
Screen quality affects how you see content and interact with your device. These iPads differ in size, resolution, brightness, and display type, which shape your viewing experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 8 has a 10.2 inch Retina display with 2160 by 1620 resolution, offering clear visuals in a compact size. The iPad Air 8 has a larger 13 inch Liquid Retina display with 2732 by 2048 resolution, providing more screen space and sharper detail for watching videos or working on creative projects.
Brightness Levels
The iPad 8 offers 500 nits of brightness, which suits most indoor and moderate outdoor use. The iPad Air 8 reaches up to 600 nits brightness max, making it easier to view content in brighter environments.
True Tone Display
The iPad Air 8 includes True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen's colour temperature based on ambient light. This helps make the display easier on your eyes and more natural to look at in different lighting conditions.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) camera
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) size and design
Other features like connectivity and ports affect how you use your iPad daily. These details influence compatibility with accessories and networks.
Connectivity and SIM
The iPad 8 is without a SIM port, so it connects to the internet via Wi-Fi only. The iPad Air 8 is unlocked, giving flexibility to use different carriers if you add a SIM.
Charging and Headphones Connector
The iPad 8 uses a Lightning connector for charging and headphones, which is common for many Apple accessories. The iPad Air 8 uses a USB Type-C connector for both, offering compatibility with a wider range of cables and devices.
Wi-Fi Technology
The iPad 8 supports Wi-Fi 6, which provides fast and reliable wireless connections. The iPad Air 8 supports Wi-Fi 7, the latest standard, which may deliver faster speeds and better performance on compatible networks.
Weight and Portability
The iPad 8 weighs 490 grams, making it lighter and easier to carry for extended periods. The iPad Air 8 weighs 616 grams, which may be noticeable if you hold it for long but also reflects its larger screen size.
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
Network
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) or iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £107.75, £647.70 less than the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
- you want a lighter build (490 g vs 616 g)
Buy the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.2 inch)
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) FAQs
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 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 £755.45 for the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series).
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 26. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 3 GB) and a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.2 inch). Refurbished, it costs £647.70 more (from £755.45 vs £107.75).
Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) in 128GB and 512GB.
