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iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)

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iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)

Starting at

£107.75£350.00 new
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iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)

Starting at

£929.37£1,098.90 new
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What's the difference between the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) and iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)?

iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) starts at £107.75, £821.62 less than the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series). The iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.

Refurbished from

£107.75£929.37

RAM

3 GB8 GB

Screen size

10.2 inch13 inch

Screen type

Retina displayUltra Retina XDR display

Software updates

Supported, up to iPadOS 26Supported, up to iPadOS 27

Weight

490 g582 g
  • The iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
  • The iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 10.2 inch.
  • Screen type: Retina display on the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series), Ultra Retina XDR display on the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series).

iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) specs

The iPad 8 and iPad Pro 2024 offer different experiences suited to different needs. The iPad 8 is designed for everyday use with a 10.2 inch Retina display, 3 GB of RAM, and storage options up to 128 GB. It supports the Apple Pencil 1st generation and uses a Lightning connector. The iPad Pro 2024 suits those who want more power, a larger 13 inch Ultra Retina XDR display, higher RAM and storage options up to 2 TB, and advanced cameras. It supports Apple Pencil Pro and USB Type-C. Choose the iPad 8 for basic tasks and portability, or the iPad Pro 2024 for intensive apps and enhanced multimedia features.

iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) price

iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) battery life and software updates

Durability here focuses on software support and operating system compatibility.

Operating System Support

For users, this means security patches, new features, and app compatibility will continue equally on both devices.

Maximum operating system supported

iPadOS 18iPadOS 18

Software updates

Supported, up to iPadOS 26Supported, up to iPadOS 27

Year of release

20202024

iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) performance

Performance differences affect how smoothly the devices handle apps, multitasking, and storage needs. These factors suit different user priorities and workloads.

Processor and RAM

The iPad 8 features the Apple A12 Bionic processor with 3 GB RAM, suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light productivity. The iPad Pro 2024 uses the Apple M4 processor with 8 GB RAM, which keeps more apps open and supports heavier multitasking or demanding applications.

Storage Capacity

The iPad 8 comes in 32 GB and 128 GB options, fitting users who need basic storage for apps and media. The iPad Pro 2024 offers 256 GB up to 2 TB, ideal for users who store large files, video projects, or extensive app libraries.

Processor

Apple A12 BionicApple M4

Processor speed ghz

N/A4.4 GHz

RAM

3 GB8 GB

iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) screen

Screen quality impacts viewing comfort, clarity, and colour accuracy, which are important for media consumption and creative work.

Display Size and Resolution

The iPad 8 has a 10.2 inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 by 1620 pixels, providing sharp visuals in a compact size. The iPad Pro 2024 offers a larger 13 inch Ultra Retina XDR display with a higher resolution of 2752 by 2064 pixels, giving more screen space and finer detail for video, design, and multitasking.

Brightness and True Tone

The iPad 8 screen reaches 500 nits brightness, which is suitable for indoor use. The iPad Pro 2024 doubles that with 1000 nits max brightness and includes True Tone technology, which adjusts the display colour to ambient light for a more natural viewing experience.

Brightness

500 nits brightness1000 nits brightness max

Display glass

Standard displayStandard display

Pixel density

264ppp264ppp

Resolution

2160 x 16202752 x 2064

Screen size

10.2 inch13 inch

Screen type

Retina displayUltra Retina XDR display

True tone

NoYes

iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) camera

Audiovisual features define camera quality, video recording, and sound, affecting video calls, photography, and media playback.

Camera Quality

The iPad 8 has an 8 megapixel rear camera and a 1.2 megapixel front camera, suitable for casual photos and video calls. The iPad Pro 2024 includes 12 megapixel cameras front and rear, which capture more detail and sharper images.

Video Recording and Speakers

Video recording on the iPad 8 is 1080p at 30 FPS, fitting general video needs. The iPad Pro 2024 supports 4K at 60 FPS video recording, which is better for high-quality video projects. Audio playback is also enhanced with four speaker audio on the iPad Pro, compared to stereo speakers on the iPad 8.

Front camera definition

1.2 megapixels12 megapixels

Rear camera definition

8 megapixels12 megapixels

Speakers

Stereo speakersFour speaker audio

Video recording

1080p 30 FPS4K 60FPS

iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) size and design

Other features influence daily usability such as stylus support, connectivity, biometric options, and device dimensions.

Apple Pencil Compatibility

The iPad 8 supports the Apple Pencil 1st generation, useful for note taking and basic drawing. The iPad Pro 2024 works with Apple Pencil Pro and the Apple Pencil USB-C, which offer more advanced input features and charging options.

Connectivity and Ports

The iPad 8 uses a Lightning connector and Bluetooth 4.2, suitable for common accessories. The iPad Pro 2024 features USB Type-C and Bluetooth 5.3, supporting faster connections and a wider range of peripherals.

Biometric and Sensor Features

Face recognition is available on the iPad Pro 2024, adding convenience for unlocking and authentication. It also has a Lidar scanner, which can enhance augmented reality applications. The iPad 8 does not offer these features.

Dimensions and Weight

The iPad 8 measures 250.6 mm by 174.1 mm and weighs 490 g, making it lighter and easier to hold for prolonged periods. The iPad Pro 2024 is larger at 281 mm by 215 mm and weighs 582 g, offering more screen space but with added size and weight.

Additional Features

The iPad 8 includes a touch screen, while the iPad Pro 2024 does not. Both lack a SIM port. Wi-Fi technology differs with the iPad 8 supporting Wi-Fi 6 and the iPad Pro 2024 supporting Wi-Fi 6E, which can provide faster wireless connections where available.

120hz

N/AYes

Apple pen compatible

Compatible with Apple Pencil 1st generationCompatible with Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C)

Bluetooth version

Bluetooth 4.2Bluetooth 5.3

Carrier compatibility

Without SIM PortWithout SIM Port

Connector

LightningUSB-C

Depth

7.5 mm5 mm

Double sim

YesN/A

Face

NoYes

Generation number

85

Headphones connectivity

Lightning connectorUSB Type-C

Height

250.6 mm281 mm

Lidar scanner

NoYes

Minimum system requirements mac

macOS El Capitan 10.11.6macOS Catalina 10.15

Minimum system requirements windows

Windows 10Windows 10

Promotion

NoYes

Sim format

Not applicableNot applicable

Touch

YesNo

Weight

490 g582 g

Width

174.1 mm215 mm

Wifi technology

Wi-Fi 6 802.11a/b/g/n/acWi-Fi 6E 802.11ax

iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) or iPad Pro (2024, M4 series): which should you buy?

Buy the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £107.75, £821.62 less than the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)
  • you want a lighter build (490 g vs 582 g)

Buy the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) if

  • you want more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB)
  • you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.2 inch)

iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) FAQs

iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Pro (2024, 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 £929.37 for the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series).

The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 26. The iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.

The iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB) and a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.2 inch). Refurbished, it costs £821.62 more (from £929.37 vs £107.75).

Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.

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