Introduction
Released in September 2020, the Apple iPad 8 remains a budget-friendly tablet option, especially for those seeking reliable performance without the premium price tag of Apple’s Pro line. But in 2024, does it still hold its ground in a market dominated by new, high-end devices from Apple and its competitors like Samsung, Google, and Huawei?
In this review, we dive into the iPad 8’s core features, how it compares to today’s tablets, and its relevance in today’s tech landscape.
Historical Context and Evolution
The iPad 8 is part of Apple’s long-running standard iPad lineup, positioned as the go-to tablet for general users, students, and casual media consumers. Launched alongside the iPad Air 4, the iPad 8 introduced the A12 Bionic chip, a significant upgrade over its predecessor, making it a capable device for multitasking and light productivity.
At the time of its release, Apple faced stiff competition from Google’s Pixel Slate, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, and Huawei’s MatePad Pro. Despite being more affordable, the iPad 8’s well-rounded performance allowed it to hold its own against these alternatives.
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | iPad 8 (Wi-Fi) | iPad 8 (Wi-Fi + Cellular) | iPad 8 (Wi-Fi, 128GB) | iPad 8 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 128GB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A12 Bionic | Apple A12 Bionic | Apple A12 Bionic | Apple A12 Bionic |
| RAM | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB | 32 GB | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Screen Size | 10.2″ Retina IPS LCD | 10.2″ Retina IPS LCD | 10.2″ Retina IPS LCD | 10.2″ Retina IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1620 x 2160 pixels | 1620 x 2160 pixels | 1620 x 2160 pixels | 1620 x 2160 pixels |
| Battery | 8,827 mAh | 8,827 mAh | 8,827 mAh | 8,827 mAh |
| OS | iPadOS 14 | iPadOS 14 | iPadOS 14 | iPadOS 14 |
| Price (Launch) | $329 | $459 | $429 | $559 |
Key Highlights:
- Chipset: The A12 Bionic chip offers decent performance, even by 2024 standards. It’s still capable of handling web browsing, media consumption, and light productivity tasks.
- Storage: With 32 GB or 128 GB options, the iPad 8 can feel limited in terms of storage, especially since there is no expandable memory option—a common complaint compared to competitors that offer microSD card slots.
Use Cases in Today’s World
Despite its age, the iPad 8 is still highly usable in 2024 for specific scenarios:
- Education: It’s an excellent choice for students, especially given its compatibility with the Apple Pencil (1st gen) and Smart Keyboard. Note-taking, light editing, and video conferencing are still seamless experiences.
- Media Consumption: The 10.2″ Retina display is perfect for streaming videos and casual web browsing. Its 600 nits brightness ensures good visibility, even in well-lit environments.
- Gaming: While the Apple A12 Bionic might not handle heavy-duty gaming with the same smoothness as newer models, it still runs casual games and less graphics-intensive apps well.
Common Problems and Limitations
While the iPad 8 is a solid performer, it does have some limitations:
- Software Support: The iPad 8 launched with iPadOS 14, and while it still receives updates, Apple typically supports devices for 5-6 years, meaning support for this model may end soon.
- Storage: The 32 GB base model can quickly fill up, especially if you’re storing media or large apps. Unlike Samsung and Huawei tablets, the iPad 8 lacks expandable storage options.
- Display: Despite being a Retina display, its 60Hz refresh rate is lower compared to the 120Hz offered by some of its competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite.
Comparisons with Equivalent Google, Samsung, and Huawei Tablets
At the time of its release, the iPad 8 faced competition from similarly priced models in the Android ecosystem. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular alternatives:
Google Pixel Slate
- Chipset: Intel Core m3, i5, or i7 options were available, making it more powerful for multitasking but significantly more expensive.
- Display: The Pixel Slate had a higher resolution screen (3000 x 2000 pixels), making it superior for visual clarity, but its overall ecosystem and app support were weaker than Apple’s.
- Accessories: It supported the Pixel Slate Keyboard and Google Pixelbook Pen, though they were pricier than Apple’s accessories.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
- Chipset: Samsung’s Exynos 9611 offered competitive performance, though the A12 Bionic in the iPad 8 was more powerful.
- Display: The 10.4″ screen with a TFT LCD display was close to the iPad’s quality, but it supported the S Pen, which came bundled at no additional cost.
- Storage: Unlike the iPad, the Tab S6 Lite offered expandable storage via microSD.
Huawei MatePad Pro
- Chipset: The Kirin 990 outperformed the A12 in raw power but lacked Google Services, which limited its software ecosystem outside China.
- Display: The MatePad Pro’s 10.8″ display with 2560 x 1600 pixels was superior in resolution, and it supported M-Pen and Smart Keyboard accessories, making it a strong competitor.
- Price: The MatePad Pro was priced higher, targeting a slightly more premium segment than the iPad 8.
Accessory Support: A Key Comparison
iPad 8:
- Supports the 1st Generation Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.
- Lacks more modern features like USB-C (sticks with Lightning), limiting compatibility with newer accessories.
- The Wi-Fi + Cellular models support nano-SIM and eSIM but not 5G.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite:
- Comes with the S Pen bundled, adding value compared to Apple’s separate accessory pricing.
- Offers expandable storage, giving it an edge for power users who need more than 128 GB.
Google Pixel Slate:
- Supports the Pixelbook Pen and Pixel Slate Keyboard, though both accessories are expensive compared to Apple’s offerings.
Conclusion
While the iPad 8 is not the most powerful or feature-rich tablet on the market today, it remains a solid, budget-friendly option for students, casual users, and those in need of a reliable secondary device. Its performance, though no longer cutting-edge, still holds up in 2024, particularly for education and media consumption.
However, the lack of expandable storage and USB-C port might be deal-breakers for some, especially compared to similarly priced Android tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite and Huawei MatePad Pro, which offer more flexibility in those areas.