Review on the eighth-generation Apple iPad 2020: fantastic in every respect
The Apple iPad is a fantastic all-around tablet, but Apple has improved the 2020 iPad in a few key ways since the previous iteration.( IPad 8th Generation )
The iPad has been there for a while, despite the fact that you might not be aware of it. Around ten years ago, in April 2010, Apple released its first genuine tablet, serving as the foundation for what has since expanded into a vast lineup for the corporation.
With the 7.9 inch iPad Mini, 10.2 inch iPad, 10.9 inch iPad Air, 11 inch iPad Pro, and 12.9 inch iPad Pro, there are now five different iPad models available worldwide. A large number of iPads.
These days, while they all generally have something unique to offer and a differentiating feature, the basic “iPad” stands out specifically because of the way it adds value. In particular, Apple provides a metal-bodied 10 inch screen with compatibility for Apple accessories at a price that might seem a bit too good to be true. It gives a lot for $499 and was excellent last year. The iPad 2020 — is it even better?
Design
There is a new iPad in town, but from the way it looks, you wouldn’t know it. You’ll be persuaded they are identical after taking a brief look at the 7th generation iPad from last year and the 8th generation from this year.
That’s because Apple maintained the iPad 10.2’s chassis the same from 2019 to 2020. It has the same metal body and magnetic edge that the iPad has always had.
Features
While the outside hasn’t altered, the interior has. Almost negligibly, anyway.
Apple has changed the internals, switching to the A12 Bionic with Neural Engine, present in the iPhone XR and iPhone XS Max, in place of the A10 from the previous iteration. Depending on the wireless version you choose, that new processor comes with either 32GB or 128GB of storage, a size that is fixed at the time of purchase. The WiFi-only model has Bluetooth 4.2 and WiFi
802.11a/b/g/n/ac, while the 4G model also has GPS and 4G LTE. iPad 10.2 from Apple's eighth generation
Physical buttons can still be found on the iPad 8th generation, with a power button up top, volume buttons on the right side, and a home button on the front with a fingerprint reader, Touch ID, embedded beneath it. Wired connection ports are still present here, with a Lightning port at the bottom and a 3.5mm headset jack up top.
Two cameras may be found on the iPad: a 1.2 megapixel F2 and a 0.3 megapixel VGA.4 FaceTime HD camera up front and an 8 megapixel F2.4 camera on the rear. The former supports 1080p video capture and the latter 720p.
The body of the device is made of glass and aluminum, with the glass covering the screen.
Apple iPad 10.2 display (2020)
The 2020 model of the 8th generation iPad will have a 10.2 inch display, similar to last year’s change from the 9.7
inch iPad to the more comparable iPad Air 10.2 inch screen.
Since nothing has changed, you will continue to receive the same 2160 x 1620 touchscreen and will continue to be without Apple’s TrueTone white-balancing technology, which is often reserved for Apple’s premium products, which this does not qualify for.
Despite this, the screen is sufficiently bright and provides a clear image while also supporting the Apple Pencil for writing and drawing. The iPadOS 14 addition of scribbles,
which can translate writing and drawings into words and shapes, makes the screen even more complete.
In-use
The Apple iPad 8th generation is essentially identical to any iPad from a previous generation, with the exception of iPad OS, which has helped to make the experience, if you like, a little more computer-like.
If you use the 2020 iPad as an iPad, you can open apps, slide up from the bottom to access the multi-task menu or return home, and even hit the oh-so-satisfying home button, which still conceals Apple’s Touch ID. Folks, this is simply regular Apple fare; there is no facial security here.
Though it is good to see all the “standard Apple fare” from last year’s iPad for everyone remain, there is nothing wrong with that either. The first-generation Apple Pencil, which costs an additional $145 but enables writing and drawing, is supported, as is the Smart Keyboard Cover, which adds $235 to the price.
2020 Apple iPad
The keyboard gives Apple’s flexible cloth keyboard cover a slightly darker shade of grey, effectively transforming the new iPad into more of a computer, something iPadOS helps with, while the Pencil enables note-taking, drawing, and some light digital painting on the iPad 10.2 8th generation.
Or, to put it another way, it’s an excellent tablet that, when necessary, can mimic the feel of a PC. Dealer’s choice plus a little more because you can both make and consume material on it.
SEE ALSO: Review of the 11 inch Apple MacBook Air from 2023
Performance
The 2020 iPad is a little bit different under the hood compared to last year’s iPad, the 7th generation device, also known as the 2019 iPad, thanks to a new CPU, the A12 Bionic from the iPhone XR.
It may appear insignificant, and that’s actually very accurate: the only upgrade here is the processor, and even that requires opening the aluminium shell to access.
However, the processor does have an impact; according to our benchmarks, the A12 in the 2020 iPad and the A10 in the 2019 iPad differ by approximately twice as much. That is to say, the new 8th generation iPad performs about twice as well in multi-core processing and graphical capability, which should be enough to convince you that this device is serious about business.
A beast of sorts, but a beast on a budget, because greater processing and graphical capacity means more for games, heavier apps, and some of those augmented reality needs.
Battery
The battery is one area where Apple’s 2020 iPad still manages itself well, or well enough, but inexpensive products typically demonstrate the occasional compromise.
There are up to ten hours of performance depending on what you do, which is essentially the same as last year. If you’ve purchased the 4G variant, using the 4G LTE option can further reduce battery life. The iPad will manage itself a little better if you stick to WiFi, going closer to the whole 10.
The new iPad does feature one change, though, and it has to do with power: instead of the 10W USB charger that Apple has always provided with the iPad when it first launched, it now features a 20W charger along with a Type C to Lightning cable. It’s a terrific inclusion because that kind of thing will reduce charging time on both the next iPad and the iPhone.
The 10W charge connector seen on the iPad 7th generation (left) and the 20W charge connector found on the iPad 8th generation
The 10W charge connector for the iPad 7th generation (left) and the 20W charge connector for the iPad 8th generation.
Value Additionally, the 8th generation iPad, which costs $499, offers a fast and competent tablet that can also double as a notebook when equipped with a keyboard shell. It can even be used to write notes and translate them using the Apple Pencil.
Even while the Smart Keyboard Cover and Apple Pencil add a few dollars to the overall cost, the 8th generation iPad is still difficult to fault for just under $500. Overall, it’s just a good deal, made much better by the improvement in performance.
What needs improving?
2020 Apple iPad
Even while Apple comes very close to being ideal, water resistance is still lacking. It’s not on any iPad, which is
commendable on Apple’s part, so it’s not as if Apple is withholding it for any particular reason; it’s just not something the iPad receives. However, we believe it should have it, and since the only real improvement that is required is water resistant, it will be challenging to add features to the iPad’s version 9 model. If we were being picky, TrueTone might be included in the display.
The bottom line for the Apple iPad 8th generation review
The 2020 iPad is essentially a speedier version of the 10.2 inch iPad from last year, which was already a fairly outstanding product. It is one of the more understated changes you’re likely to discover in the Apple iPad lineup.
SEE ALSO : iPad Pro 13 Inch
This year’s iPad has a better chip, a lower price, and a marginally more spectacular charger, helping to make it a tablet for anybody. The iPad is calling your name, whether you intend to write, draw, text, watch, read, listen, or play games.
There are certainly better iPad versions available, but much like the MacBook Air, it’s a gadget that can do it all and is openly embarrassed to say so. It serves as a kind of all-purpose iPad that is perfect for everything, even your wallet. Highly suggested.