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iPad Q&A
Update Published November 17, 2021
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What are all the differences between the iPad 8th Gen (2020) and the iPad 7th Gen (2019) replaced?
Please note that the iPad 7th Gen and iPad 8th Gen models all have been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated with current iOS details and more. It can be quite helpful for anyone buying or selling one of these tablets on the used market.
There are four iPad 7th Gen models and four iPad 8th Gen models. For simplicity's sake, this EveryiPad.com Q&A refers to these tablets as the iPad 7 and iPad 8, which is what users commonly call them.
The iPad 7 models consist of the iPad 10.2" 7th Gen (Wi-Fi Only), iPad 10.2" 7th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular, US/CA), iPad 10.2" 7th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular, Global), and iPad 10.2" 7th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular, China).
The iPad 8 models consist of the iPad 10.2" 8th Gen (Wi-Fi Only), iPad 10.2" 8th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular, US/CA), iPad 10.2" 8th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular, Global), and iPad 10.2" 8th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular, China).
These two lines are very similar -- the iPad 8 basically is an iPad 7 with a faster processor -- but they have different identifiers and iPadOS support differences, as well. There are a large number of similarities, too.
External Design & Functionality Differences
The iPad 7 and iPad 8 are essentially identical externally. Color options are the same -- a white front and silver colored back, a white front and gold colored back, or a black front and "Space Gray" back for both lines. Both have a bezel around the displays and gently rounded edges.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad 7 & 8 Colors - Silver, Gold & Space Gray)
The iPad 7 and iPad 8 models use the same display -- a 10.2" IPS LED-backlit 2160x1620 (264 ppi) display with an "oleophobic" (oil repellent) coating. Neither have an antireflective surface nor is either laminated. This lack of lamination means there is a small gap between the glass cover and the LCD, but it also means that the display is easier and less expensive to replace.
Both the iPad 7 and iPad 8 support the original Apple Pencil (MK0C2AM/A) as well as a size-specific Apple Smart Keyboard (MPTL2LL/A) that connects via "Smart Connector" to the iPad.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad 8 with Apple Pencil)
The iPad 7 and iPad 8 lines use the same cameras -- a rear-mounted 8 megapixel camera capable of shooting stills and 1080p 30 fps video and a front-mounted 1.2 megapixel camera capable of shooting stills and 720p video. Both models support "Retina Flash," which turns the entire screen into a flash for improved selfies, as well.
Other external features that both lines share include the same "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor embedded in the home button, "Lightning" port for power and connectivity, and headphone jack.
Internal Differences
The iPad 7 and iPad 8 both could be configured with either 32 GB or 128 GB of storage. Both have 3 GB of RAM, the same accelerometer, three-axis gyroscope, ambient light sensor, digital compass and barometer and the same support for dual band 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO and Bluetooth 4.2. Cellular-capable models support the same 27 LTE bands, as well.
However, the iPad 7 is powered by a 2.33 GHz dual-core Apple A10 Fusion processor and M10 motion coprocessor whereas the iPad 8 uses a 2.49 GHz six-core Apple A12 Bionic processor with a Neural Engine.
Major technical details include:
 iPad 7 |
 iPad 8 |
|
| Clockspeed: | 2.3 GHz | 2.49 GHz |
| Processor Cores: | 2 | 6 |
| Processor: | Apple A10 Fusion | Apple A12 Bionic |
| Co-Processor: | M10 Motion | Neural Engine |
| RAM: | 3 GB | 3 GB |
| Storage: | 32/128 GB | 32/128 GB |
| LTE Options (US): | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
In terms of overall performance, the Geekbench 5 benchmark estimates that the iPad 8 is about 50% faster than the iPad 7 it replaced.
Remember that you can compare side-by-side performance benchmarks for all iPad models with EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature.
Identification Differences
It is not possible to visually differentiate between the iPad 7 and iPad 8 models. Furthermore, because many iPad models look quite similar to one another, visual identification is not a good method regardless.
Instead, one of the best ways to externally identify these models is by Model Number. Model numbers are provided in tiny type toward the bottom of the back of each iPad.
As the site has for decades now, EveryiPad.com has meticulously hand documented these identifiers for your convenience:
iPad |
Model Number |
These iPad models can be differentiated by other identifiers as well, such as the Order Number, which can be located by selecting the Settings app and pressing General > About and scrolling down to what is specified as "Model" within the iOS. For example, the Wi-Fi + Cellular configuration of the iPad 8 in "Space Gray" with 32 GB of storage is MYN32LL/A.
To track down an exact iPad by a variety of different identifiers -- including its Serial Number -- please refer to EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iLookup feature.
iOS Support Differences
The iPad 7 models first shipped with iOS 13 (iPadOS) whereas the iPad 8 models first shipped with iPadOS 14. Both lines support iPadOS 14, but neither support the minor Location Anchors and On-Device Dictation features.
Finally, the iPad 7 and iPad 8 models both support the current version of the iPadOS, iPadOS 15, but the iPad 7 does not support the Spatial Audio, Portrait Mode, Maps - 3D Landmarks, Interactive Globe, Live Text in Photos, Live Text Translation, or Visual Look Up features. The iPad 8, on the othe hand, does support all of these features.
Pricing Differences
Both the iPad 7 and iPad 8 models were originally sold at the same price points:
| Capacity: | 32 GB | 128 GB |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Only Price: | US$329 | US$429 |
| Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price: | US$459 | US$559 |
Of course, on the used market, the iPad 7 and iPad 8 both now cost less.
For original pricing details in dozens of other countries, please refer to the iPad specs page for the device of interest as well as EveryiPad.com's Global Original Prices section.
So, should I buy an iPad 7 or an iPad 8?
Ignoring subsequent models, and only comparing one another, the iPad 7 and iPad 8 are so similar that the iPad 7 is well worth considering for those on a tight budget, but the iPad 8 is a not insignificant 50% faster.
Of course, if performance is more important than price, a much faster iPad Air or iPad Pro would be a better choice.
iPad Purchase & Sale Options
There are many places to buy a new or used iPad. However, purchasing your tablet from a quality company with good knowledge of the market -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iPad models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb iPad models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iPad, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPad with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a large number of used and refurbished iPad models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
Please also see EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPad to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad (new or old alike).
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