iPad 8 vs 9: Which iPad Is Right for You? (2024)
Choosing the right tablet can be tricky, especially with so many options available. Are you looking for a reliable iPad for everyday tasks, or something with a bit more power? This comparison will help you decide which iPad suits your needs best.
We’re putting the iPad 8th generation head-to-head with the iPad 9th generation. Both tablets offer a great user experience, but they have key differences that could influence your decision. We’ll delve into the specs, performance, and features of each to help you make an informed choice.
From the processor to the display and camera, we’ll break down the nuances that separate these two popular iPads. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, understanding these differences is crucial. Let’s explore the iPad 8 vs 9 and find the perfect fit for you.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPad 8 | iPad 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 10.2-inch | 10.2-inch |
| Processor | A12 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 3GB |
| Base Storage | 32GB / 128GB | 64GB / 256GB |
| Front Camera | 1.2MP | 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Rear Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Apple Pencil Support | 1st Generation | 1st Generation |
| Smart Keyboard Support | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Operating System | iPadOS | iPadOS |
| Colors | Silver, Space Gray, Gold | Silver, Space Gray |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor
- iPad 8: Features the A12 Bionic chip. This chip provides solid performance for everyday tasks, web browsing, and running apps, but it’s starting to show its age. The A12 is still capable, but it can struggle with more demanding games and multitasking compared to newer chips.
- 9: Equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance boost over the A12. This results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in graphically intensive games. The A13 provides a more responsive user experience overall.
- Winner: 9
Display
- iPad 8: Boasts a 10.2-inch Retina display. It provides good color accuracy and brightness for comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions. While it’s a capable display, it lacks some of the advanced features found in more recent iPad models.
- 9: Also features a 10.2-inch Retina display, but with the addition of True Tone technology. True Tone automatically adjusts the display’s color temperature to match the ambient lighting, making the screen appear more natural and easier on the eyes.
- Winner: 9
Front Camera
- iPad 8: Has a 1.2MP FaceTime HD front camera. It’s sufficient for video calls and taking selfies, but the image quality isn’t exceptional, especially in low-light conditions.
- 9: Upgrades to a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage. Center Stage automatically keeps you in frame during video calls, and the Ultra Wide lens offers a wider field of view, making it ideal for group calls.
- Winner: 9
Storage Options
- iPad 8: Offers storage options starting at 32GB and going up to 128GB. The base model’s 32GB can quickly fill up with apps, photos, and videos, potentially requiring users to manage their storage carefully or rely on cloud storage.
- 9: Starts with a base storage of 64GB, with an option for 256GB. This provides significantly more space for apps, files, and media, reducing the need for constant storage management, especially for users who store a lot of content locally.
- Winner: 9
Smart Keyboard Compatibility
- iPad 8: Compatible with the original Smart Keyboard, providing a basic but functional typing experience.
- 9: Also compatible with the original Smart Keyboard, offering the same typing experience.
- Winner: Tie
Apple Pencil Compatibility
- iPad 8: Supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, ideal for note-taking, drawing, and other creative tasks.
- 9: Supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, offering the same functionality as the iPad 8.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPad 8: Generally available at a lower price point compared to the iPad 9, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- 9: Typically priced higher than the iPad 8, reflecting the improved performance and features.
- Winner: 8
Battery Life
- iPad 8: Offers similar battery life to the iPad 9, typically providing around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback.
- 9: Offers similar battery life to the iPad 8, typically providing around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Processor | iPad 9 |
| Front Camera | iPad 9 |
| Base Storage | iPad 9 |
| Value | iPad 8 |
What They Have in Common:
- Screen Size: Both iPads feature a 10.2-inch Retina display, providing a similar viewing experience for content consumption and productivity tasks.
- Apple Pencil Support: Both models are compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil, making them suitable for note-taking, drawing, and other creative endeavors.
- Smart Keyboard Support: Both iPads support the Smart Keyboard, enabling users to transform their tablets into more functional devices for typing and productivity.
- Operating System: Both devices run on iPadOS, ensuring access to the same features, apps, and user interface.
- Rear Camera: Both iPads share an 8MP rear camera, suitable for basic photography and video recording.
iPad 8 vs iPad 9 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPad 9 boasts a significant performance upgrade over the iPad 8, thanks to its A13 Bionic chip. This newer chip provides a noticeable boost in processing power, resulting in faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved overall responsiveness. The A13 chip allows for better gaming experiences and handles more demanding tasks with ease. The iPad 8, with its A12 Bionic chip, still performs well for everyday use, but it may struggle with more resource-intensive applications or games compared to its successor. The performance difference is particularly evident when editing photos or videos.
Display and Visuals
Both iPads feature a 10.2-inch Retina display, but the iPad 9 introduces True Tone technology. True Tone automatically adjusts the display’s color temperature based on the ambient lighting conditions, making the screen appear more natural and easier on the eyes in various environments. This feature enhances the viewing experience, especially during extended use. The iPad 8 lacks True Tone, so the display’s color temperature remains consistent. While both displays are sharp and vibrant, the iPad 9 offers a more comfortable visual experience.
Camera Capabilities
The iPad 9 features an upgraded front-facing camera with a 12MP Ultra Wide camera and Center Stage technology. Center Stage automatically keeps you in frame during video calls, providing a more engaging and dynamic experience. The iPad 8 has a standard front-facing camera. The rear cameras on both models are similar, capable of capturing decent photos and videos. However, the iPad 9’s front-facing camera offers a superior experience, particularly for video calls and content creation. This makes the iPad 9 more versatile for everyday use.
Storage Options and Pricing
The iPad 9 offers a base storage option of 64GB, which is double the base storage of the iPad 8, which starts at 32GB. This increased storage capacity is beneficial for users who download many apps, games, or store large files. The iPad 9 also has a 256GB storage option. The price difference between the two models varies depending on the storage configuration and retailer. Generally, the iPad 9 is slightly more expensive, but the added features and storage often justify the price difference, making it a better value for most users in the long run.
Accessories and Compatibility
Both iPads are compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard. This allows you to use them for note-taking, drawing, and productivity tasks. The similarity in accessory compatibility means that users can seamlessly upgrade from an iPad 8 to an iPad 9 without needing to purchase new accessories. Both models also support a wide range of Bluetooth accessories, expanding their functionality. The availability of accessories provides an opportunity to enhance the user’s experience with either iPad model.
Battery Life and Portability
Both iPads provide excellent battery life, typically lasting up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge. The battery performance is similar between the two models. They share the same physical dimensions, making them equally portable and easy to carry around. This means that users can expect to enjoy the same level of convenience and usage time regardless of which model they choose. The similar battery life and portability contribute to both iPads’ suitability for on-the-go use.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPad 8 If…
- You’re on a tight budget and want the most affordable iPad experience.
- You primarily use your iPad for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and light content consumption.
- You don’t need the latest processing power or advanced features.
- You want to save money.
Buy iPad 9 If…
- You want a faster processor for improved performance in games and apps.
- You want a better front-facing camera for improved video calls.
- You need more storage options for your files and media.
- You value the improved performance and features offered by the newer model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main performance difference between the iPad 8 and iPad 9?
The iPad 9 features the A13 Bionic chip, which offers a significant performance boost over the A12 Bionic chip in the iPad 8. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved overall responsiveness. The A13 chip allows for better gaming experiences and handles more demanding tasks, such as video editing, with greater ease, offering a noticeable upgrade in day-to-day use.
Does the iPad 9 have a better display than the iPad 8?
Yes, the iPad 9 has a slightly improved display. Both iPads have a 10.2-inch Retina display, but the iPad 9 features True Tone technology. True Tone adjusts the display’s color temperature based on the ambient lighting, making the screen appear more natural and easier on the eyes, particularly during extended use in varying environments. This feature enhances the visual experience.
What are the camera improvements in the iPad 9?
The iPad 9 boasts a 12MP Ultra Wide front-facing camera and Center Stage technology. Center Stage automatically keeps you in frame during video calls, improving the video call experience. The iPad 8 has a standard front-facing camera. The rear cameras are similar. The iPad 9’s front-facing camera offers a superior experience, particularly for video calls and content creation.
How much storage does each iPad model offer?
The iPad 8 starts with 32GB of storage. The iPad 9 offers a base storage of 64GB, double that of the iPad 8. The iPad 9 also comes in a 256GB storage option. The increased storage capacity in the iPad 9 is beneficial for users who download many apps, games, or store large files, offering greater flexibility.
Are the accessories compatible between the two iPads?
Yes, both the iPad 8 and iPad 9 are compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard. This means users can seamlessly upgrade from an iPad 8 to an iPad 9 without needing to purchase new accessories. This compatibility ensures that all existing accessories will work with the newer model.
What is the battery life like on both iPads?
Both the iPad 8 and iPad 9 offer excellent battery life, typically providing up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge. The battery performance is very similar between the two models. Users can expect similar usage times regardless of which model they choose, making both suitable for on-the-go use.
Is the iPad 9 worth the upgrade from the iPad 8?
Generally, yes. The iPad 9 offers several improvements over the iPad 8, including a faster processor, enhanced camera capabilities, and more storage. The addition of True Tone technology further enhances the viewing experience. While the iPad 8 remains a capable device, the iPad 9 provides a more refined and feature-rich experience, making it a worthy upgrade for most users.
Final Verdict
The iPad 9 is the clear winner, offering a more powerful processor, a superior front-facing camera with Center Stage, and double the base storage. The addition of True Tone technology enhances the display, making it more comfortable for extended use. While the iPad 8 remains a viable option, the iPad 9’s improved performance and features justify its slightly higher price.
Winner: iPad 9