Apple iPad (1st generation) vs Apple iPad (8th generation)

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

iPad (1st generation) compared with iPad (8th generation)
AppleiPad (1st generation)AppleiPad (8th generation)
Overview
ReleasedApril 2010September 2020
Display
Screen size9.7″10.2″
Resolution1024 × 7682160 × 1620 (better)
Sharpness132 pixels per inch265 pixels per inch (better)
PanelLCDLCD
Brightness–500 nits
Display typeLED-backlit glossy Multi-Touch display with IPS technologyRetina; LED-backlit IPS LCD
Pixel density132 ppi264 ppi
Display featuresFingerprint-resistant oleophobic coatingOleophobic coating; non-laminated panel (Notebookcheck)
Performance
ChipA4A12 Bionic
Memory256 MB3 GB (better)
Storage16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB32 GB, 128 GB (better)
CPU1 GHz Apple A4; 256 MB RAM identified by iFixit's corrected teardown64-bit A12 Bionic; 3 GB RAM reported by Notebookcheck
AI engine–Neural Engine
Cameras
Rear cameraNone8 MP (better)
Ultra wide cameraNoneNone
Front camera–1.2 MP
Rear camera–f/2.4 five-element lens; hybrid IR filter; autofocus; Live Photos; HDR; 43MP panorama; burst; timer; backside illumination
Front camera–FaceTime HD; f/2.4 as listed by Apple; Retina Flash; Live Photos; HDR; burst; timer
Video recording–Rear 1080p at 30 fps; 720p slow motion at 120 fps; 3x video zoom; stabilised time-lapse; front 720p
Battery and connections
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 10 hoursUp to 10 hours
Battery capacity25 Wh32.4 Wh (better)
Mobile data optionYesYes
StylusNot supportedSupported, sold separately
Keyboard made for itYesYes
Battery life detailUp to 10 hours surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video or listening to music; up to nine hours surfing the web on 3GUp to 10 hours Wi-Fi browsing or video; nine hours cellular browsing
Charging10W USB Power Adapter included; charging through the dock connectorUSB-C Power Adapter included; 20 W adapter reported by Notebookcheck
USB-C30-pin dock connector; Dock Connector to USB Cable; 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack; VGA adapter supports 1024 x 768 outputLightning; 3.5 mm headphone jack
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/nDual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac; HT80 with MIMO
BluetoothBluetooth 2.1 + EDRBluetooth 4.2
Mobile networkWi-Fi + 3G model supports UMTS/HSDPA and GSM/EDGE data; micro-SIM; assisted GPS; weighs 730 gGigabit-class LTE, UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA and GSM/EDGE; nano-SIM with Apple SIM support and eSIM; cellular model weighs 495 g
Stylus supportNo Apple Pencil supportApple Pencil (1st generation), sold separately
KeyboardsiPad Keyboard Dock, sold separatelySmart Keyboard through Smart Connector, sold separately
Design
Weight680 g490 g (better)
Thickness13.4 mm7.5 mm (better)
Height × width242.8 × 189.7 mm250.6 × 174.1 mm
Operating systemiOSiPadOS
Biometrics–Touch ID in Home button
SpeakersBuilt-in speakerStereo speakers
MicrophonesBuilt-in microphoneDual microphones
SensorsAccelerometer; ambient light sensor; digital compass; assisted GPS on Wi-Fi + 3G modelGyroscope; accelerometer; barometer; ambient light; compass; iBeacon; GPS/GNSS on cellular model
MaterialsAluminium and glass enclosureEnclosure made from 100% recycled aluminium; recycled tin solder on main logic board
ColoursSilver enclosure with black frontSilver, Gold, Space Grey
Software at launchiPhone OS 3.2; this generation predates iPadOSiPadOS 14
In the boxiPad, Dock Connector to USB Cable, 10W USB Power Adapter, documentationiPad; Lightning to USB-C Cable; USB-C Power Adapter

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