In 2024, many people are asking if the iPad 8th Generation is still worth buying. This iPad was popular when it first came out, but with newer models like the iPad 9th and 10th Generation, it’s important to see how well the iPad 8th Generation holds up today. Let’s take a closer look.
Design and Display
The iPad 8th Generation has a 10.2-inch Retina IPS LCD display. While the screen is good, it’s not as impressive as some newer models. The display has thick bezels and a home button, which makes it look a bit outdated compared to modern iPads with gesture-based navigation.
However, for everyday use, the screen is still decent, especially for tasks like browsing the web or watching videos. The iPad 8th Generation also has True Tone technology, but it doesn’t get very bright compared to newer iPads.
Performance
Powered by the Apple A12 Bionic chip with 3GB of RAM, the iPad 8th Generation offers good performance for regular tasks like note-taking, reading and light gaming. If you’re a student, this iPad will handle most of your schoolwork without any issues. You can also use the Apple Pencil (1st generation) with this iPad, making it a great option for taking notes or drawing.
While it might not be the best choice for heavy video editing or high-performance tasks, it’s still a solid device for everyday activities.
Ports and Accessories
One feature that stands out is the Lightning port, which is a bit outdated compared to the USB-C ports on newer iPads. If you have a lot of Lightning accessories, this might not be a big issue. However, USB-C offers faster data transfer and charging, so it’s something to think about when comparing it to newer models.
The iPad 8th Generation also has a headphone jack, which some users still find useful.
Camera Quality
The iPad 8th Generation has an 8MP rear camera and a 1.2MP front camera. While these cameras are fine for basic tasks like video calls or taking pictures of documents, they won’t replace a dedicated camera or a newer smartphone. For regular use, the cameras are okay, but if you need high-quality photos or videos, you might want to consider a newer model.
Software and Longevity
One of the biggest concerns about buying an older iPad is software support. The iPad 8th Generation still receives updates, but it’s unclear how long this will last. It might get iPadOS 18, but after that, future updates could stop. If you’re planning to use this iPad for several years, this is something to keep in mind.
Price
One major advantage of the iPad 8th Generation is its price. In 2024, you can find it for less than $200, sometimes even as low as $130-$140. This makes it a great budget option, especially if you’re a student or someone who doesn’t need the latest and greatest technology.
Should You Buy the iPad 8th Generation in 2024?
So, is the iPad 8th Generation still worth buying in 2024? For some people, yes. If you’re looking for an affordable iPad that can handle basic tasks like note-taking, web browsing and video streaming, this iPad is still a good choice.
However, if you want the best performance or plan to use it for many years, it might be better to invest in a newer model like the iPad 9th or 10th Generation. These newer iPads offer better performance, USB-C ports and longer software support.
In conclusion, the iPad 8th Generation is still a decent option in 2024, especially if you’re on a budget. But for long-term use, newer models might be a smarter choice.
