iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)
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iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
Starting at
£755.45£899.00 new
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£390.20£769.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) and iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)?
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and refresh rate. Refurbished, the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) starts at £390.20, £365.25 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
Refresh rate
Weight
- The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- Screen size: 13 inch on the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series), 12.9 inch on the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series).
- The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) has a smoother screen: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) specs
The iPad Air 8 and iPad Pro 2020 offer different strengths depending on what you need. The iPad Air 8 has more RAM, which helps keep many apps open at once, and offers a slightly larger 13 inch screen. It supports Wi-Fi 7 for faster wireless connections and has a higher resolution front camera, making it well suited for video calls and multitasking. The iPad Pro 2020 has a faster screen refresh rate of 120 Hz, ideal if you want smoother motion in games and scrolling. It also comes with more storage options up to 1TB, fitting users who need extensive space for files and media. The iPad Pro 2020 features Face ID for facial unlocking, while the iPad Air 8 relies on Touch ID.
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) battery life and software updates
Both iPads will keep pace with software updates and have a solid build for everyday use.
Software Compatibility
That means you can expect current features and security improvements on either device, which is important for long-term use.
Release Year Context
The iPad Air 8 came out in 2026, while the iPad Pro 2020 was released in 2020. This provides context for their specifications and feature sets without implying one is better based on age.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) performance
Performance differences affect multitasking and storage needs. The iPad Air 8 offers more RAM, which helps keep more apps active smoothly. Storage options vary, with the iPad Pro 2020 providing higher maximum capacities.
Memory Capacity
The iPad Air 8 has 12 GB of RAM, which suits users who run multiple apps at once or work with demanding software. The iPad Pro 2020 has 6 GB of RAM, which supports everyday app use comfortably.
Storage Options
The iPad Air 8 is available with 128 GB and 512 GB storage options. The iPad Pro 2020 offers more variety with 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB options. This benefits users who need a lot of space for files, photos, or media.
Chipset
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) screen
Screen features impact viewing comfort and visual smoothness. Both iPads have the same resolution, brightness, and pixel density, but they differ in screen size and refresh rate, which affect how the display feels in use.
Refresh Rate
The iPad Pro 2020 has a 120 Hz refresh rate, which provides smoother motion when scrolling or playing games. The iPad Air 8 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, suitable for general use and video watching.
Screen Size
The iPad Air 8 has a 13 inch screen, offering slightly more viewing space. The iPad Pro 2020 has a 12.9 inch screen. A larger screen can be more comfortable for video, reading, and multitasking.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) camera
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) size and design
Other differences include biometric security, connectivity features, and weight. These affect day-to-day convenience and device handling.
Biometric Security
The iPad Pro 2020 supports Face ID for facial recognition, which some users find convenient for unlocking and authentication. The iPad Air 8 uses Touch ID, which works through fingerprint recognition.
Wireless Technology
The iPad Air 8 supports Wi-Fi 7 802.11be, offering the latest in wireless speeds. The iPad Pro 2020 uses Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, which is a previous generation but still fast and reliable for most users.
Front Camera Detail
The iPad Air 8 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures higher detail for video calls and selfies. The iPad Pro 2020 has a 7 megapixel front camera.
Weight and Port
The iPad Air 8 weighs 616 g, making it slightly lighter than the iPad Pro 2020 at 641 g. Both use USB Type-C for charging and headphones connectivity, keeping cables consistent.
Touchscreen and SIM
The iPad Air 8 supports touch input, while the iPad Pro 2020 does not. Neither device has a SIM port, and the iPad Air 8 is not tied to any carrier.
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 8 (2026, M4 series) or iPad Pro (2020, A12 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a lighter build (616 g vs 641 g)
Buy the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £390.20, £365.25 less than the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) FAQs
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and refresh rate. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB. Screen size: 13 inch on the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series), 12.9 inch on the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series).
The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £390.20 compared with £755.45 for the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series).
The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB) and a lighter build (616 g vs 641 g). Refurbished, it costs £365.25 more (from £755.45 vs £390.20).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes in 128GB and 512GB, and the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
