iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
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iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£107.75£350.00 new
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
Starting at
£476.53£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) and iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)?
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) starts at £107.75, £368.78 less than the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series). The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Pro (2021, M1 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 Pro (2021, M1 series).
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) specs
The iPad 8 offers a simpler experience with a smaller screen, less memory, and basic camera and audio features, making it well suited for everyday tasks and users comfortable with Lightning connectors. The iPad Pro brings a more powerful processor, higher RAM, larger and brighter Liquid Retina screen with True Tone, advanced cameras and four speaker audio, and a USB Type-C connector. It suits those who want more performance, better visuals, and enhanced audiovisual capabilities for creative or demanding use.
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) price
Colour
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) battery life and software updates
Durability here focuses on software support and operating system compatibility.
Operating System Support
This means you can expect ongoing software updates and access to new features for either device.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) performance
Performance differences come down to processing power, memory, and storage options. These affect how smoothly apps run and how much data you can store on each device.
Processor and RAM
The iPad 8 is powered by the Apple A12 Bionic processor with 3 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, media, and basic apps. The iPad Pro 2021 uses the Apple M1 chip with 8 GB of RAM, which keeps more apps open and handles demanding tasks more smoothly.
Storage Options
The iPad 8 is available in 32 GB and 128 GB options, fitting basic storage needs. The iPad Pro offers a wider range from 128 GB up to 2 TB, ideal if you store large files, apps, or media.
Processor
RAM
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) screen
Screen quality influences your viewing experience, especially for media, reading, and creative work. Differences in size, brightness, and display technology affect clarity and colour accuracy.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 8 has a 10.2 inch Retina display at 2160 by 1620 resolution, offering clear and sharp images for everyday viewing. The iPad Pro features a slightly larger 11 inch Liquid Retina display with 2388 by 1668 resolution, giving you more room and finer detail on screen.
Brightness and True Tone
The iPad Pro reaches 600 nits maximum brightness and includes True Tone, which adjusts the display to ambient lighting for more natural colours. The iPad 8 offers 500 nits brightness without True Tone, which suits standard indoor use.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) camera
Audiovisual features impact video calls, photography, and media consumption. Camera quality, video recording resolution, and speakers contribute to overall multimedia performance.
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 Pro 2021 offers 12 megapixel cameras front and rear, which capture more detail and sharper images.
Video Recording
Video recording on the iPad 8 is at 1080p 30 FPS, suitable for everyday clips. The iPad Pro supports 4K video at 60 FPS, which benefits users who want higher resolution and smoother video capture.
Speakers
The iPad 8 uses stereo speakers to deliver clear sound for media and calls. The iPad Pro 2021 features four speaker audio, creating a richer and more immersive listening experience.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) size and design
Other features influence connectivity, accessories, and ease of use. These include connectors, Apple Pencil compatibility, biometric options, and physical dimensions.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad 8 works with the Apple Pencil 1st generation, offering a straightforward stylus experience for note taking and drawing. The iPad Pro 2021 supports the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil with USB-C, providing more advanced stylus features and charging options.
Connectors and Ports
The iPad 8 uses a Lightning connector for charging and headphones, which suits users with existing Lightning accessories. The iPad Pro switches to a USB Type-C connector, enabling faster data transfer and compatibility with a wider range of modern peripherals.
Biometric and SIM Features
Face ID is available on the iPad Pro 2021, allowing secure facial recognition. The iPad 8 does not have Face ID. The iPad Pro also supports an unlocked carrier with Nano SIM, while the iPad 8 comes without a SIM port.
Size and Weight
The iPad Pro is slightly thinner at 5.9 mm compared to 7.5 mm on the iPad 8, and weighs 470 g rather than 490 g. Screen width is a bit wider on the iPad Pro at 178.5 mm versus 174.1 mm, with a slightly shorter height of 247.6 mm compared to 250.6 mm on the iPad 8.
Wireless and Other Features
The iPad Pro supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, which offer improved wireless performance. The iPad 8 has Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11a/b/g/n/ac. The iPad Pro also includes a Lidar scanner for advanced sensing.
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 (2021, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £107.75, £368.78 less than the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
Buy the iPad Pro (2021, M1 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 (470 g vs 490 g)
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) FAQs
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 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 £476.53 for the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series).
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 26. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger screen (11 inch vs 10.2 inch) and a lighter build (470 g vs 490 g). Refurbished, it costs £368.78 more (from £476.53 vs £107.75).
Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
