Apple released a host of products at its Time Flies event on Tuesday. Alongside the new Apple Watch Series 6, Watch SE, iPad Air 4th gen, and the timeline for software updates, the Cupertino company has introduced a refreshed Apple iPad 8th Generation.
Read: 10 Best Apple Watch Apps For Sleep Tracking
Apple iPad 8th Generation Specifications & Features
The entry-level Apple iPad 8th Generation retains the signature iPad design from its predecessor. The device has visible chunky bezels around the perimeters and a Touch ID button up front for unlocking. However, the internals has been updated with the new iPad now featuring Apple’s A12 Bionic chipset, which debuted with the iPhone XS two years ago.
The A12 processor is claimed to deliver a 40% faster performance compared to the previous generation. Courtesy of the enhanced chipset, the new iPad now has Neural Engine capabilities that leverage machine learning, including motion tracking in AR apps, Siri, Face ID, etc.
Similar to the previous model, it supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil. While the iPad Air 2 Apple Pencil has a magnetic connector to store and charge it, the iPad 8th generation doesn’t provide such a facility. You will have to individually charge the Pencil by plugging it into the Lightning port.
But things get interesting with the new iPadOS 14 software. The OS lets you scroll through multiple widgets in a small window via its Smart Stacks feature. It pop-up larger widgets on the left side of the screen as well.
In addition, the iPadOS 14 offers a few other features like Scribble that will allow you to handwrite in any text field and your words will be converted to text. And for those of you who are stuck drawing perfect shaped circles, the new Shape recognition will enhance your art skills by making them ‘geometrically perfect.’ Although it may seem like a minor upgrade, these features will come in handy for those who invest time drafting presentations.
The camera hardware includes the same hardware as the 7th generation model, featuring an 8MP rear camera and a 1.2MP front camera. However, the A12 Bionic chip ISP is expected to deliver post-processing enhancement on the images clicked with the new iPad.
In terms of battery backup, the iPad packs a 32.4W-hour battery rated to offer 10 hours of internet surfing on Wi-Fi. The tablet also includes a Smart Connector port that enables connecting with Apple’s Smart Keyboard.
Key Specs of Apple iPad 8th Generation
- Model name: Apple iPad 10.2 (2020)
- Build material: Glass front, aluminum rear, and frame
- Display Type: Retina IPS LCD display
- Screen size: 10.2-inches (1620 x 2160 pixels)
- Screen protection: Oleophobic coating (scratch-resistant glass)
- Operating system: iPadOS 14
- Processor: Apple A12 Bionic chip (7nm)
- CPU & GPU: Hexa-core (2×2.5 GHz Vortex + 4×1.6 GHz Tempest); GPU (4-core graphics)
- RAM: 3GB
- Internal memory: 32GB, 128GB
- Rear camera: 8MP (f/2.4 aperture), HDR support
- Primary camera: 1.2MP (f/1.2 aperture)
- Sensors: Touch ID, accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer
- Audio features: Stereo speakers, 3.5mm audio jack
- Connectivity: Bluetooth v4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot, A-GPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only), Lightning port
- Battery life: Up to 10 hours
- Colors: Space Gray, Silver, and Gold
Apple iPad 8th Generation Price in Nepal & Availability
The new Apple iPad 8th Generation will be available for purchase in the US starting this Friday. Education customers in the US will be able to buy the tablet for $299 (base variant). The Apple Pencil (1st Gen) will have to be purchased separately. It comes for a price of $99.
| iPad Model | Variant | Price in US | Price in India | Price in Nepal |
| Apple iPad 8th Gen | 32GB – WiFi | $329 | INR 29,900 | Rs. 49,900 |
| Apple iPad 8th Gen | 32GB – WiFi + Cellular | $459 | INR 41,900 | Rs. 69,900 |
| Apple iPad 8th Gen | 128GB – WiFi | $429 | INR 37,900 | Rs. 59,900 |
| Apple iPad 8th Gen | 128GB – WiFi + Cellular | $559 | INR 49,900 | Rs. 79,900 |
Apple’s refreshed iPad 2020 is no doubt a spitting image of its elder sibling. And though the switch in hardware may seem a minor upgrade, the A12 Bionic processor along with updated iPadOS 14 software is expected to boost performance and handle multitasking with ease.
