Rajat K R

iPad 8th Generation: Review!

So I’ve been using the iPad 8 for almost everything and I enjoy using it. Here’s My Review!

Is the iPad 8 a computer replacement?

Apple says that the iPad is your next computer, that’s not the case in reality.Everyone thinks that the iPad Pro is more like a computer and the iPad 8 is just a device for entertainment purpose. Well truth be told even the iPad Pro 2020 is not actually a computer replacement, it has all the awesome hardware and specs but the thing that’s holding it back is the software, iPadOS.

iPadOS is just not there yet and that’s the same with the iPad 8, its got nice specs (not as much as the PRO though but, not bad) but the software is just not there yet. Yes, iPadOS works for some as a computer replacement but for some it doesn’t. iPadOS 14 has a lot of niche features that were not there on the iPad before. As of now iPadOS 14 on iPad 8 runs buttery smooth.

With that being said there are features that are present in iPadOS that are just awesome. For example Multitasking is my favourite thing about the iPad, it just works like magic. So the point I am trying to make is that iPads are not computers yet . I guess we’ll have to wait for that time when iPads are computers. Well the 2021 iPad Pros has an M1 Chip chip in it, I guess apple’s going to make iPad Pros run MacOS rather than iPadOS, Who knows? 🤔

Gaming

When it comes to gaming, the experience was just awesome. Just like with all the apple products games and apps loads very fast. The only Graphically intensive game I play is Call Of Duty, I played it in max settings, the graphics were amazing and I experienced no lag or frame drops.

iPad 8 VS iPad Mini 5

The iPad mini 5 is the mini version of iPad 8 with a slightly higher price. It was released on 2019, So yes it is pretty old now. The only big thing that makes up higher cost for the mini is that the fact that the mini has a laminated display where as the normal iPad has a non laminated display.

Most Reviewers say that the problem with a non laminated display is that when you write or draw it feels as if you are writing on something underneath the layer of glass/screen and feels like there is an obstacle in the middle. From my personal usage I’ve never experienced anything like that at all, when I was writing with my Apple Pencil it felt natural. Do keep in mind that you’ll have a little bit of extra black space inside the display of the iPad 8 but that’s a bit hard to notice.

The iPad mini has an anti glare coating whereas the iPad 8 does not. It’s a tough choice though but if you ask me I still prefer the iPad 8 for drawing , note taking or just writing articles because its always better to have bigger display with thick bezels rather than a small cranked display with thick bezels of iPad mini. So yeah even if you are an illustrator or an artist or a student I would say that you’ll be better off with the iPad 8 over the iPad Mini 5.

💡Quick Tip: Laminated displays are more expensive to repair than non laminated displays.

iPad 8 VS iPad Air 4

Now comes the tough decision, iPad Air 4 VS iPad 8. iPad Air 4 can be compared with the 2020 iPad Pro, but with the iPad 8, that’s difficult. If you are going value for money I would suggest that you get the ipad 8, since there are only few feature specific Features that are present on the iPad Air.Like a laminated display, all the latest PRO accessories,Touch ID on the power button(honestly I find it to be frustrating, I prefer the home button), iPad Pro like display, a very good front camera.

From all of these, the only reason I would switch to the iPad Air would be the front camera because the one on the iPad 8 is of 1.2 mega pixels. The back camera is 8 mega pixel to be honest the iPad 8 camera kinda sucks for selfies and for Tik Tok if you are into that kinda thing, but for FaceTime calls the camera is fine. I attend a lot of online meetings and for me a good camera is a bit important, but honestly the ipad 8 camera is not that worse for zoom calls. I stay crisp and clear if I have a very good lighting or else I’ll be doomed.

Conclusion: If you are a very pro artist or a student or someone who uses iPad for work I would recommend that you either get the iPad 8 or the iPad Pro or the M1 MacBook Air. The iPad Pro is always superior to the iPad 8 so its just not comparable. If you are someone planning to buy the iPad Pro I would suggest not to rather get an M1 MacBook Air.

Should You Buy The iPad 8

Now comes the part you all’ve been waiting for. Should you buy the iPad 8? Well, long answer short, Yes you must.

The Budget iPad is in my list of Value for Money tech of 2020-2021. The thing makes the iPad 8 so good is basically the A12 bionic and iPadOS 14. The fact that you have a very capable hardware and a very capable software (not to be used like computer though) just makes the iPad so amazing. If there were reasons for not choosing the iPad 8 it would be:-

  • Front camera - would love to see an 8mp or above camera sensor
  • Slightly increased Ram
  • Pro Motion 120 Hz Refresh Rate(iPad Air doesn’t have this)
  • Laminated Display
  • USB-C
  • And Multiple size options(iPad Air doesn’t have this)

Thank You for reading. Hope you have a good day.