iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)
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iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£107.75£350.00 new
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£390.20£769.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) and iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)?
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) starts at £107.75, £282.45 less than the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series).
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) has a bigger screen: 12.9 inch vs 10.2 inch.
- Screen type: Retina display on the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series), Liquid Retina display on the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series).
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) specs
The iPad 8 and iPad Pro 2020 share the same release year and support up to iPadOS 18, but they serve different needs. The iPad 8 offers a simpler experience with a smaller 10.2 inch screen, 3 GB RAM, and Apple Pencil 1st generation compatibility, making it suitable for everyday tasks and casual use. The iPad Pro 2020 features a larger 12.9 inch Liquid Retina display with higher brightness and True Tone, double the RAM, a more advanced processor, and a more capable camera setup. It is aimed at users who want a more powerful device for creative work, media consumption, and multitasking.
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) price
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iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) battery life and software updates
Both iPads were released in 2020 and support up to iPadOS 18. Their software update support differs slightly, which can affect how long you keep your device current.
Software Updates Support
The iPad 8 supports software updates up to iPadOS 26, while the iPad Pro 2020 supports updates up to iPadOS 27. This means the iPad Pro 2020 will receive software improvements and security updates for a longer period, which may appeal if you plan to keep your device for several years.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) performance
Performance varies between these two iPads, with differences in processor power, memory, and storage options that affect speed and multitasking ability.
Processor Power
The iPad 8 is powered by the Apple A12 Bionic, suitable for everyday apps and general use. The iPad Pro 2020 features the Apple A12Z Bionic, which offers enhanced processing capabilities. This makes the Pro better suited for demanding tasks such as video editing, multitasking, or running more intensive apps.
Memory Capacity
With 3 GB of RAM, the iPad 8 handles common apps and tasks smoothly. The iPad Pro 2020 has 6 GB of RAM, supporting more apps running simultaneously and better performance in memory-heavy workflows.
Storage Options
The iPad 8 comes in 32GB and 128GB configurations, fitting basic storage needs. The iPad Pro 2020 offers a wider range of storage, from 128GB up to 1TB, which suits users with larger media libraries, extensive app collections, or professional files.
Chipset
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) screen
Screen differences affect how you experience visuals, from size and resolution to brightness and display features.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 8 has a 10.2 inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 x 1620, providing a clear and sharp image for everyday viewing. The iPad Pro 2020 offers a larger 12.9 inch Liquid Retina display with a higher resolution of 2732 x 2048, giving you more space for multitasking, detailed creative work, and immersive video.
Brightness and True Tone
The iPad 8 reaches 500 nits brightness, suitable for indoor use. The iPad Pro 2020 has a maximum brightness of 600 nits and includes True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen's colour temperature to match ambient light. This makes the Pro's display more comfortable to view in various lighting conditions.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) camera
Audio and camera features differ, influencing video calls, photography, and media consumption experiences.
Camera Quality
The iPad 8 has an 8 megapixel rear camera and a 1.2 megapixel front camera, suitable for casual photos and video chats. The iPad Pro 2020 upgrades to a 12 megapixel rear camera and a 7 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail and sharper selfies or video calls.
Video Recording and Speakers
The iPad Pro 2020 supports 4K recording at 60 FPS for higher quality footage. Audio output also differs: the iPad 8 uses stereo speakers, while the iPad Pro 2020 features four speaker audio, delivering richer and more immersive sound.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) size and design
Various additional features set these iPads apart, from input options to physical design and connectivity.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad 8 supports the Apple Pencil 1st generation, which suits note-taking and drawing needs at a simpler level. The iPad Pro 2020 works with the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil for USB-C, offering more advanced stylus capabilities and convenience.
Connectivity and Ports
The iPad 8 uses a Lightning connector and Bluetooth 4.2, while the iPad Pro 2020 has a USB-C connector and Bluetooth 5.0. These differences affect accessory compatibility and wireless connection quality, with the Pro supporting newer standards.
Physical Dimensions and Design
The iPad 8 measures 250.6 mm by 174.1 mm and is 7.5 mm thick, weighing 490 g. The iPad Pro 2020 is larger at 280.6 mm by 214.9 mm, thinner at 5.9 mm, and heavier at 641 g. The Pro is suited for users who want more screen space and a slimmer design but do not mind the extra weight.
Security and Features
Face ID is present on the iPad Pro 2020, providing facial recognition for unlocking and authentication. The iPad 8 does not have Face ID but includes Touch ID instead. The Pro also features a Lidar scanner, which is useful for advanced augmented reality applications.
Display Touch and Promotion
The iPad 8 supports touch input, while the iPad Pro 2020 does not. The Pro includes a promotion feature for smoother on-screen motion, which benefits users who value fluid visuals.
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 Pro (2020, A12 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £107.75, £282.45 less than the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)
- you want a lighter build (490 g vs 641 g)
Buy the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (12.9 inch vs 10.2 inch)
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) FAQs
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) has a bigger screen: 12.9 inch vs 10.2 inch.
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £107.75 compared with £390.20 for the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series).
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 26. The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
