iPad 8th Generation 2020 A Powerful Budget Tablet
The iPad 8th Generation, released in September 2020, continues Apple's legacy of producing high-quality tablets that deliver exceptional performance at an affordable price. With a familiar design and upgraded internal hardware, the iPad 8th Generation offers a perfect balance for users seeking a budget-friendly yet powerful tablet. Whether it's for casual browsing, productivity, or entertainment, this device is an excellent choice for students, professionals, and everyday users alike. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the design, performance, features, and overall value of the iPad 8th Generation.
Design: Familiar but Functional
The iPad 8th Generation follows Apple’s well-established design principles with its 10.2-inch Retina display, wide bezels, and aluminum build. While it may not feature the sleek, bezel-free designs of the higher-end iPad Pro models, it still feels premium in the hand, thanks to Apple’s commitment to quality materials.
Weighing 490 grams and measuring 7.5 mm in thickness, the iPad 8th Gen is easy to hold for extended periods, making it great for reading, watching videos, or taking notes. The classic Home button with Touch ID remains, offering users a simple and familiar method for unlocking the device and making secure payments through Apple Pay.
The display resolution remains at 2160 x 1620 pixels, delivering a sharp and vibrant viewing experience. With the Retina display, users can enjoy true-to-life colors and wide viewing angles, whether they’re editing photos, streaming content, or simply browsing the web.
Performance: A12 Bionic Chip – A Game Changer
Perhaps the most notable upgrade in the iPad 8th Generation (2020) is the introduction of the A12 Bionic chip. This chip, first seen in the iPhone XS, XR, and XS Max, brings a significant performance boost compared to the previous generation. The A12 Bionic’s 64-bit architecture and Neural Engine allow for faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and an overall improved experience when handling resource-intensive apps like video editing, 3D gaming, and augmented reality (AR) applications.
The Neural Engine in the A12 Bionic chip enables real-time machine learning tasks, making the iPad 8th Gen more intelligent and responsive. This means the device can handle complex tasks such as photo and video editing, gaming, and AR experiences with ease. For students and professionals who need to juggle multiple apps or run demanding software, the iPad 8th Gen is more than capable.
With 3GB of RAM, the iPad 8th Generation handles multitasking efficiently. Users can switch between apps, use split-view for increased productivity, and run Apple Pencil-enabled apps for drawing or note-taking without experiencing slowdowns.
iPadOS and Software Features
The iPad 8th Generation (2020) ships with iPadOS 14, which introduces a host of features tailored specifically for the iPad experience. Some of the key improvements include better multitasking, new home screen widgets, and enhanced support for the Apple Pencil.
For users who prefer taking handwritten notes, the Apple Pencil (1st generation) compatibility with the iPad 8th Gen makes it a highly functional tool for sketching, writing, and marking up documents. With features like Scribble, users can convert their handwriting into text effortlessly, making the iPad a great tool for students or anyone who prefers to take notes by hand.
The iPadOS 14 also brings improved file management capabilities, making it easier for users to organize and access their documents. The new Sidebar in apps like Photos, Files, and Notes improves navigation and productivity, while the Compact UI ensures that calls and Siri requests don’t take up the entire screen, allowing for seamless multitasking.
Camera and Audio: Versatile for Everyday Use
While the iPad 8th Gen isn't marketed as a photography powerhouse, it comes equipped with an 8MP rear camera and a 1.2MP front-facing camera, which are perfectly adequate for video calls, scanning documents, and taking casual photos. The rear camera supports HDR, 1080p video recording, and panorama mode, ensuring users can capture decent photos and videos when needed.
For those using the iPad for remote learning or virtual meetings, the 1.2MP FaceTime HD front camera performs well in well-lit environments, delivering clear and smooth video quality for Zoom calls or FaceTime chats. The dual microphones and stereo speakers provide a solid audio experience, making the iPad 8th Gen a reliable device for virtual collaboration or watching movies.
Battery Life: All-Day Power
Apple has long been known for its impressive battery performance across devices, and the iPad 8th Gen is no exception. The 32.4-watt-hour battery provides up to 10 hours of use on a single charge, which is ideal for all-day tasks such as browsing, streaming, note-taking, or even light gaming.
This makes the iPad 8th Gen a great companion for students, working professionals, and casual users who need a device that can keep up with their daily activities without constantly needing to recharge.
Storage Options: Meeting Basic Needs
The iPad 8th Gen is available in two storage configurations: 32GB and 128GB. While 32GB may feel limiting for users who plan to store large amounts of media, apps, or documents locally, the 128GB option offers more breathing room. However, Apple’s seamless integration with iCloud ensures that users can easily back up and store data in the cloud, freeing up local space on the device.
For most users, the 128GB model strikes a good balance between price and storage capacity, especially if they plan to use the iPad for media consumption, light productivity, and web browsing.
Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Compatibility
One of the key features of the iPad 8th Generation is its compatibility with the Apple Pencil (1st generation) and the Smart Keyboard. This transforms the iPad into a versatile tool for note-taking, drawing, and even light word processing.
While the Apple Pencil 2 and the Magic Keyboard are reserved for higher-end models like the iPad Pro, the 1st-gen Apple Pencil paired with the iPad 8th Gen offers a more affordable yet functional alternative for users who want to get creative or be more productive.
The Smart Keyboard attaches to the iPad via the Smart Connector and allows users to type comfortably while keeping the tablet propped up, making it a great option for writing emails, working on documents, or even browsing the web hands-free.
Connectivity: Staying Connected in a Wireless World
The iPad 8th Generation supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2, providing stable and fast wireless connections for most users. While it doesn't have the latest Wi-Fi 6 or 5G capabilities, it remains adequate for everyday tasks like streaming, downloading, and browsing.
For users who require constant internet access on the go, the iPad 8th Gen is available in a cellular model, allowing for LTE connectivity. This makes it a perfect travel companion, ensuring that you can stay connected without relying solely on Wi-Fi.
Price and Value: A Budget-Friendly iPad
One of the most compelling aspects of the iPad 8th Generation (2020) is its affordable price. Starting at just $329 for the base model, the iPad 8th Gen offers tremendous value for the performance and features it delivers. For students, families, and professionals on a budget, it is an attractive option that doesn’t compromise on performance or functionality.
The combination of the A12 Bionic chip, Apple Pencil support, and iPadOS features makes the iPad 8th Generation a versatile device that can handle a wide range of tasks without breaking the bank.