Apple iPad (8th generation) vs Apple iPad (A16)

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

iPad (8th generation) compared with iPad (A16)
AppleiPad (8th generation)AppleiPad (A16)
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2020March 2025
Display
Screen size10.2″10.86″
Resolution2160 × 16202360 × 1640 (better)
Sharpness265 pixels per inch265 pixels per inch
PanelLCDLCD
Refresh rate–60 Hz
Brightness500 nits500 nits
Display typeRetina; LED-backlit IPS LCDLiquid Retina display, LED-backlit IPS LCD; sold as 11-inch, 10.86 inches measured diagonally as a rectangle
Pixel density264 ppi264 ppi
Display featuresOleophobic coating; non-laminated panel (Notebookcheck)True Tone; fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating
Performance
ChipA12 BionicA16
Memory3 GB6 GB (better)
Storage32 GB, 128 GB128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB (better)
CPU64-bit A12 Bionic; 3 GB RAM reported by Notebookcheck5-core CPU
GPU–4-core GPU
AI engineNeural Engine16-core Neural Engine
Cameras
Rear camera8 MP12 MP (better)
Ultra wide cameraNoneNone
Front camera1.2 MP12 MP (better)
Rear cameraf/2.4 five-element lens; hybrid IR filter; autofocus; Live Photos; HDR; 43MP panorama; burst; timer; backside illumination12MP Wide, ƒ/1.8, five-element lens, autofocus with Focus Pixels, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4
Front cameraFaceTime HD; f/2.4 as listed by Apple; Retina Flash; Live Photos; HDR; burst; timerLandscape 12MP Center Stage camera, ƒ/2.4
Video recordingRear 1080p at 30 fps; 720p slow motion at 120 fps; 3x video zoom; stabilised time-lapse; front 720p4K at 24, 25, 30 or 60 fps; 1080p at 25, 30 or 60 fps; slo-mo 1080p at 120 or 240 fps; cinematic video stabilisation (1080p and 720p)
Battery and connections
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 10 hoursUp to 10 hours
Battery capacity32.4 Wh (better)28.93 Wh
Mobile data optionYesYes
StylusSupported, sold separatelySupported, sold separately
Keyboard made for itYesYes
Battery life detailUp to 10 hours Wi-Fi browsing or video; nine hours cellular browsingUp to 10 hours surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video; up to 9 hours surfing the web on mobile data
ChargingUSB-C Power Adapter included; 20 W adapter reported by NotebookcheckVia USB-C power adapter (not included) or computer
USB-CLightning; 3.5 mm headphone jackUSB-C with charging, DisplayPort and USB 2 (up to 480Mb/s); one external display up to 4K at 60Hz
Wi-FiDual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac; HT80 with MIMOWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO
BluetoothBluetooth 4.2Bluetooth 5.3
Mobile networkGigabit-class LTE, UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA and GSM/EDGE; nano-SIM with Apple SIM support and eSIM; cellular model weighs 495 g5G (sub-6 GHz) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; eSIM only
Stylus supportApple Pencil (1st generation), sold separatelyApple Pencil (USB-C); Apple Pencil (1st generation) with the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter
KeyboardsSmart Keyboard through Smart Connector, sold separatelyMagic Keyboard Folio
Design
Weight490 g477 g (better)
Thickness7.5 mm7 mm (better)
Height × width250.6 × 174.1 mm248.6 × 179.5 mm
Operating systemiPadOSiPadOS
BiometricsTouch ID in Home buttonTouch ID in the top button
SpeakersStereo speakersLandscape stereo speakers
MicrophonesDual microphonesDual microphones
SensorsGyroscope; accelerometer; barometer; ambient light; compass; iBeacon; GPS/GNSS on cellular modelThree-axis gyro, accelerometer, barometer, ambient light sensor
MaterialsEnclosure made from 100% recycled aluminium; recycled tin solder on main logic board100% recycled aluminium in the enclosure and metal chassis; 40% recycled content overall
ColoursSilver, Gold, Space GreySilver, Blue, Pink, Yellow
Software at launchiPadOS 14iPadOS 18
In the boxiPad; Lightning to USB-C Cable; USB-C Power AdapteriPad, USB-C Charge Cable (1 m)

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