Design and Build

The iPad 8th Generation (2020), available in a 10.2-inch model, features a premium aluminum chassis with rounded edges. It measures 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.29 inches (250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm) and weighs 1.08 pounds (490g Wi-Fi, 495g Cellular). Offered in Space Gray, Silver, and Gold, it includes a Touch ID Home button and supports the 1st-gen Apple Pencil (Lightning connector) and Smart Keyboard. The Lightning port supports data transfer and charging. With no IP rating, it lacks water or dust resistance. Users praise the familiar, sturdy build but note its thicker bezels and dated design compared to newer models.

• Aluminum chassis with rounded edges
• Touch ID Home button
• Lightning port
• Supports 1st-gen Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard
• No water/dust resistance

iPad 8th Generation Display

The iPad 8th Generation features a 10.2-inch Retina IPS LCD display (2160 x 1620, 264 PPI) with 60Hz refresh rate, True Tone, and 500 nits brightness. It supports the 1st-gen Apple Pencil for precise input. The display is laminated but lacks P3 wide color and ProMotion, making it less vibrant and fluid than the iPad Pro’s. Outdoor visibility is decent, but reflections can be an issue. Users appreciate the sharp, colorful screen for casual use but note its limitations for professional creative work.

• 10.2-inch Retina IPS LCD, 60Hz
• Resolution: 2160 x 1620, 264 PPI
• Brightness: 500 nits
• True Tone
• Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating

Performance and Software

Powered by the Apple A12 Bionic chip (6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, Neural Engine), the iPad 8th Generation comes with 3GB RAM and storage options of 32GB ($329) or 128GB ($429). Running iPadOS 14 (upgradable to iPadOS 18), it supports Apple Intelligence (e.g., Writing Tools) and updates until ~2026. The A12 handles everyday tasks, light gaming, and basic video editing well but lags behind the M1 in intensive workloads. Users praise its smooth performance for casual use but criticize the low base storage and limited multitasking capabilities.

• Apple A12 Bionic chip, 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU
• 3GB RAM
• Storage: 32GB, 128GB
• iPadOS 14 (up to iPadOS 18)
• Apple Intelligence support

The A12 delivers solid performance for budget users, but iPadOS’s limitations and low base storage hinder its potential for professional use.

Camera System

The iPad 8th Generation features a single 8MP rear camera (f/2.4, 5x digital zoom) and a 1.2MP front camera (f/2.4). It supports 1080p video at 30fps (rear) and 720p at 30fps (front). The cameras are basic, suitable for document scanning and casual video calls but struggle in low light. Unlike the iPad Pro, it lacks ultra-wide, LiDAR, and Center Stage features. Users find the camera adequate for basic needs but outdated for modern standards.

• Rear: 8MP (f/2.4)
• Front: 1.2MP (f/2.4)
• Video: 1080p 30fps (rear), 720p 30fps (front)
• Features: HDR, Panorama

Battery and Charging

The iPad 8th Generation has a 8686mAh battery, lasting ~10 hours for video playback and 8–10 hours in real-world use. It supports 20W charging via Lightning (50% in ~60 minutes), with a 20W charger included. No wireless charging is offered. Battery life is reliable, matching the iPad Air 5 for casual tasks. Users report strong endurance for daily use, though heavy apps can drain it faster.

• Battery: 8686mAh
• Video playback: ~10h
• Real-world: 8–10h
• 20W wired charging (50% in ~60 min)
• 20W Lightning charger included

Connectivity

The iPad 8th Generation supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 4.2, and optional 4G LTE on cellular models ($459+). It includes nano-SIM, eSIM, and GPS (A-GPS on cellular). The Lightning port supports basic data transfer and charging. Connectivity is reliable for everyday use, but Wi-Fi 5 and 4G LTE are slower than the iPad Pro’s Wi-Fi 6 and 5G. Users report stable connections, though some note slower speeds in crowded networks.

• Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
• Bluetooth 4.2
• 4G LTE (cellular models)
• Nano-SIM, eSIM
• GPS: A-GPS (cellular)
• Lightning port

Pricing and Availability

Launched at $329 (32GB Wi-Fi) and $459 (32GB Cellular), the iPad 8th Generation began pre-orders on September 15, 2020, with sales starting September 18, 2020, via Apple, carriers, and retailers. The 128GB model costs $429 (Wi-Fi) or $559 (Cellular). Discontinued on May 10, 2022, it’s available refurbished for $200–$350. The iPad 9th Gen ($329) adds a better front camera and storage, but the 8th Gen remains a budget-friendly option for basic tasks.