iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
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iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£107.75£350.00 new
iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
Starting at
£921.11£1,098.90 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) and iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)?
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) starts at £107.75, £813.36 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series). The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Pro (2025, M5 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 (2025, M5 series).
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) specs
The iPad 8 and iPad Pro offer different experiences suited to distinct needs. The iPad 8 has a 10.2 inch Retina display with 3 GB of RAM and up to 128 GB storage. It connects through a Lightning port and supports touch input. The iPad Pro provides a 13 inch Ultra Retina XDR display with higher resolution and True Tone, making it better for viewing detailed content. With 12 GB RAM, the M5 processor, and storage options up to 2 TB, the Pro handles demanding tasks and multitasking. It also offers advanced audiovisual features including higher resolution cameras, four speakers, and 4K video recording. The iPad Pro includes a USB Type-C connector, Face ID, and a lidar scanner, fitting users who want more power and features in a tablet.
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) price
Colour
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and operating system, which affect how long your device stays secure and functional.
Operating System Support
This means each device can access current apps and security features supported by Apple.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) performance
Performance determines how smoothly your iPad handles apps and multitasking. The iPad 8 and iPad Pro differ significantly in processor power, memory, and storage options, fitting different usage patterns.
Processor and RAM
The iPad 8 uses the Apple A12 Bionic processor with 3 GB RAM, suitable for everyday tasks like browsing and media consumption. The iPad Pro features the Apple M5 processor with 12 GB RAM, making it better suited to demanding apps, multitasking, and professional workflows.
Storage Options
iPad 8 comes in 32 GB and 128 GB models. The iPad Pro offers much larger options from 256 GB up to 2 TB, ideal for storing large files, apps, and media.
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) screen
Screen quality affects how content looks and feels to use. The two iPads offer different displays in size, resolution, and features for varied viewing preferences.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 8 has a 10.2 inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 by 1620 pixels, providing sharp and clear visuals suitable for reading and casual media. The iPad Pro has a larger 13 inch Ultra Retina XDR display with a higher resolution of 2752 by 2064 pixels, delivering more screen space and finer detail, which benefits creative work and immersive viewing.
Display Features
The iPad Pro includes True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen's colour temperature to ambient light, making viewing more comfortable in different lighting conditions. The iPad 8 does not have True Tone.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) camera
Audiovisual features affect your experience with photos, videos, and sound. The iPad 8 and iPad Pro differ in camera resolution, video recording quality, and speaker setup.
Camera Quality
The iPad 8 has a front camera of 1.2 megapixels and an 8 megapixel rear camera, suitable for basic video calls and photos. The iPad Pro offers a front camera of 12 megapixels and a rear camera of 12 megapixels, capturing more detail and better suited for high-quality video and photography.
Video Recording
The iPad 8 records video at 1080p and 30 frames per second, adequate for everyday video needs. The iPad Pro supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, offering much higher resolution and smoother motion for professional video work or enhanced playback.
Speakers
The iPad 8 has stereo speakers, delivering good sound for casual listening. The iPad Pro features four speaker audio, providing richer and more immersive sound, which benefits media consumption and presentations.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) size and design
Other features include connectivity, biometric security, and physical characteristics. These influence how you interact with the device and what accessories you can use.
Connectors and Headphone Jack
The iPad 8 uses a Lightning connector for charging and headphones, which is common among older Apple devices. The iPad Pro uses a USB Type-C connector for both, providing faster data transfer and compatibility with a wider range of modern accessories.
Biometric Security
Face ID is available on the iPad Pro, allowing secure facial recognition for unlocking and authentication. The iPad 8 does not offer Face ID.
Additional Features
The iPad Pro includes a lidar scanner, a feature that enhances depth sensing for applications like augmented reality. The iPad 8 does not have this feature.
Weight
The iPad 8 weighs 490 grams, making it lighter and potentially easier to hold for long periods. The iPad Pro weighs 579 grams, reflecting its larger size and additional features.
Touch Input
The iPad 8 supports touch input, allowing direct interaction with the screen.
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 (2025, M5 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £107.75, £813.36 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
- you want a lighter build (490 g vs 579 g)
Buy the iPad Pro (2025, M5 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 Pro (2025, M5 series) FAQs
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 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 £921.11 for the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 26. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 3 GB) and a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.2 inch). Refurbished, it costs £813.36 more (from £921.11 vs £107.75).
Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
