iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
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iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series)
Starting at
£243.92£579.00 new
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
Starting at
£755.45£899.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) and iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)?
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and software updates. Refurbished, the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) starts at £243.92, £511.53 less than the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series). The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 10.9 inch.
- Software updates: Until Sep 2027 on the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series), Supported, up to iPadOS 27 on the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series).
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) specs
The iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 8 differ mainly in performance, screen size, and memory. The iPad Air 4 offers 4 GB of RAM and storage starting at 64 GB, suited for everyday use and lighter multitasking. The iPad Air 8 has 12 GB of RAM and starts at 128 GB storage, which fits users needing more space and smoother handling of multiple apps. The iPad Air 8 also has a larger 13 inch screen with higher resolution and brightness, making it better for media and detailed work. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a more compact size and simpler setup or a larger screen with enhanced memory and connectivity options.
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers how each iPad Air handles software updates and its release year.
Latest Software Compatibility
This means you can expect ongoing support for new features and security improvements on either device, ensuring they remain functional and secure over time.
Year Of Release
The iPad Air 4 was released in 2020 while the iPad Air 8 came out in 2026. This places the two devices in different release periods without implying which is better. Your choice may be influenced by the model's availability or preference for a particular release era.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) performance
Performance differences focus on memory and storage. These affect how many apps you can run smoothly and how much content you can keep on the device.
RAM For Multitasking
The iPad Air 4 has 4 GB of RAM, which supports everyday apps and basic multitasking well. The iPad Air 8 offers 12 GB of RAM, suitable if you run many apps at once or work with demanding tasks that benefit from extra memory.
Storage Capacity
Storage starts at 64 GB for the iPad Air 4 with an option for 256 GB. The iPad Air 8 begins at 128 GB and can be found with 512 GB, allowing more room for apps, photos, videos, and files. Choose based on how much content you plan to store.
Processor
RAM
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) screen
Screen quality differences affect how much space you have for viewing and the clarity of images. Both have the same pixel density and refresh rate, ensuring sharp and smooth visuals.
Screen Size And Resolution
The iPad Air 4 has a 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display with 2360 by 1640 resolution. The iPad Air 8 features a larger 13 inch Liquid Retina display with 2732 by 2048 resolution. The bigger screen on the iPad Air 8 offers more room for tasks like watching videos or working on documents.
Brightness Levels
The iPad Air 4's screen reaches up to 500 nits brightness, while the iPad Air 8 can achieve 600 nits max. The higher brightness on the iPad Air 8 improves visibility in bright environments and can make images appear more vivid.
Display Features
Both iPads use Liquid Retina displays with True Tone technology and standard display glass. This means both offer consistent colour accuracy and comfortable viewing by adjusting to ambient light.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) camera
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) size and design
Other differences include connectivity, weight, and compatibility with wireless standards. These affect how you connect your iPad and carry it around.
Carrier Compatibility
The iPad Air 4 does not have a SIM port, so it connects to the internet via Wi-Fi only. The iPad Air 8 is unlocked, offering more flexibility if you want to use a mobile data SIM card.
Weight Differences
Weighing 458 grams, the iPad Air 4 is lighter and easier to hold for extended periods. The iPad Air 8 weighs 616 grams, reflecting its larger screen and battery size, which may be noticeable when carrying or using it for long sessions.
Wifi Technology
The iPad Air 4 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, providing fast and reliable wireless connections. The iPad Air 8 supports Wi-Fi 7 802.11be, which offers improvements for future wireless networks and may deliver faster speeds when connected to compatible routers.
Connector And Headphones
Both models use USB Type-C connectors for charging and headphones connectivity, making it easy to use the same accessories across both devices.
Touch Screen Support
Touch input is supported on both the iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 8, allowing you to interact directly with apps using taps and gestures.
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
Network
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) or iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £243.92, £511.53 less than the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
- you want a lighter build (458 g vs 616 g)
Buy the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.9 inch)
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) FAQs
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and software updates. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 10.9 inch.
The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £243.92 compared with £755.45 for the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series).
The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) gets updates until Sep 2027. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB) and a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.9 inch). Refurbished, it costs £511.53 more (from £755.45 vs £243.92).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) in 128GB and 512GB.
