iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)
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iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£107.75£350.00 new
iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)
Starting at
£565.31£1,079.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) and iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)?
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) starts at £107.75, £457.56 less than the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series). The iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) has a bigger screen: 11 inch vs 10.2 inch.
- Screen type: Retina display on the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series), Liquid Retina XDR on the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series).
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) specs
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) and the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) differ significantly in performance, screen, and features. The iPad 8 suits everyday users who want a solid device for video calls, reading, and casual use with compatibility for Apple Pencil 1st generation and a reliable battery life. The iPad Pro offers more power with its M2 chip, higher RAM, a larger and brighter Liquid Retina XDR screen, and advanced features like a 12 megapixel front camera and lidar scanner. It is better for users who want high storage options, advanced creative work, or more connectivity options including USB-C and cellular. Both receive software updates up to iPadOS 18 but have different update support lengths.
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) price
Colour
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) battery life and software updates
Both iPads support the same maximum iPadOS version but differ in how long they will continue receiving software updates. This affects how long you can expect to keep your device current with new features and security.
Operating System Support
Both the iPad 8 and the iPad Pro support iPadOS 18, ensuring they run the latest available system. This means both devices can access the same core software features and improvements.
Software Updates Duration
The iPad 8 continues to receive software updates up to iPadOS 26, while the iPad Pro supports updates through iPadOS 27. This longer update window on the iPad Pro means it will stay supported with new software for an additional version beyond the iPad 8.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) performance
Performance is a key difference between these two iPads. Processor power, RAM, and storage options vary, affecting how smoothly apps run and how much multitasking you can do.
Processor Power
The iPad 8 has an Apple A12 Bionic chip which handles everyday tasks well. The iPad Pro features the Apple M2 chip, which provides more processing power suited to demanding apps and workflows.
Memory Capacity
With 3 GB of RAM, the iPad 8 supports general multitasking and app use, ideal for typical daily activities. The iPad Pro offers 8 GB of RAM, keeping apps open smoothly and improving performance in memory-intensive tasks.
Storage Options
The iPad 8 is available with 32GB or 128GB storage, fitting needs like documents, media, and apps. The iPad Pro offers a wide range of storage from 128GB up to 2TB, suitable for users with large files, creative projects, or extensive media libraries.
Processor
RAM
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) screen
Screen quality affects your viewing experience for reading, watching videos, or working on creative tasks. These iPads vary in screen size, brightness, and display technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 8 has a 10.2 inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 by 1620 pixels. The iPad Pro offers a larger 11 inch screen with a higher resolution of 2388 by 1668 pixels, providing more space and sharper images.
Display Brightness and Type
The iPad 8 reaches 500 nits brightness, sufficient for indoor use and general content. The iPad Pro can reach 600 nits max brightness and uses a Liquid Retina XDR display, delivering higher contrast and better visuals, especially in bright environments.
True Tone Technology
The iPad Pro includes True Tone, which adjusts the screen colour temperature to ambient light, making viewing easier on your eyes. The iPad 8 does not have this feature.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) camera
Camera quality and audio output differ between these iPads, influencing your experience with video calls, photography, and media playback.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPad 8 has a 1.2 megapixel front camera suitable for standard video calls. The iPad Pro steps up to a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail and improving video call quality.
Rear Camera Resolution
The iPad 8 features an 8 megapixel rear camera for casual photos. The iPad Pro has a 12 megapixel rear camera, delivering sharper images and more detail.
Speakers and Video Recording
Stereo speakers on the iPad 8 provide audio output for media. The iPad Pro offers four speaker audio for richer sound. Video recording on the iPad 8 is 1080p at 30 FPS, while the iPad Pro supports 4K recording at 60 FPS, suitable for higher-quality video capture.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) size and design
Other features include stylus compatibility, connectivity, physical dimensions, and extras like biometric options. These affect usability, accessories, and portability.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad 8 works with the Apple Pencil 1st generation, ideal for note-taking and basic drawing. The iPad Pro supports Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil (USB-C), offering more advanced stylus features and charging options.
Connectivity and Ports
The iPad 8 uses a Lightning connector and Bluetooth 4.2, while the iPad Pro features USB-C and Bluetooth 5.3, supporting faster connections and a wider range of accessories. The iPad Pro also offers an unlocked SIM port using a Nano SIM card, whereas the iPad 8 does not have a SIM port.
Physical Dimensions 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 Pro is slightly smaller in height at 247.6 mm, wider at 178.5 mm, thinner at 5.9 mm, and lighter at 470 g, making it more compact and easier to carry.
Biometric and Additional Features
Face ID is available on the iPad Pro, providing facial recognition for unlocking and security. The iPad 8 does not have Face ID. The iPad Pro also includes a lidar scanner, which enhances augmented reality applications. The iPad 8 supports touch input, while the iPad Pro does not. Headphone connectivity differs as well: the iPad 8 uses a Lightning connector, the iPad Pro uses USB Type-C.
Wi-Fi Technology
The iPad 8 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, offering reliable wireless performance. The iPad Pro supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, providing the latest Wi-Fi standards for potentially faster and more efficient connections.
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 (2022, M2 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £107.75, £457.56 less than the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)
Buy the iPad Pro (2022, M2 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)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) looks almost new and performs solidly for everyday tasks like video calls, emails, reading, and streaming. Several mention the gold finish looks fresh and the battery lasts all day, suitable for work or leisure. Some note the speaker is a bit quiet and the device can get warm during extended use but overall it handles apps quickly and reliably. The 128GB storage size is appreciated by users who want room for files without worry.
Reviews for the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) highlight its bright screen, smooth performance, and ample storage options up to 1TB. Customers value the device for creative uses like digital drawing and video editing, noting it runs apps without lag. Some mention the screen brightness can feel a bit dim in direct sunlight but indoors it is clear and crisp. The silver finish looks fresh and the battery lasts long enough for daily work. One customer notes the device gets warm with heavy app use.
The iPad 8 suits users who want a reliable, straightforward tablet for common daily tasks with good battery life and simple stylus support. The iPad Pro fits those needing higher performance, a larger and brighter screen, more storage, and advanced features like Face ID and lidar for creative and professional use.
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) FAQs
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Pro (2022, M2 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 £565.31 for the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series).
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 26. The iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Pro (2022, M2 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 £457.56 more (from £565.31 vs £107.75).
Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
