Refurbished iPad 8th Generation (2020) UK: Price and Worth It?

A refurbished iPad 8th generation is still a sensible buy in October 2026 if you want a cheap iPad for streaming, reading, homework, video calls and handwritten notes. At The Tech Gadgets it starts at £99.00 for a Very Good 32GB Wi-Fi model (checked 5 October 2026). That makes it the cheapest iPad in the range that runs iPadOS 26, and £5.00 cheaper than the older 7th generation.

The biggest limitation is software. iPadOS 26 is the last major version the iPad 8th generation can run, because Apple's iPadOS 27, released on 14 September 2026, doesn't support it. Apple still listed it for the iPadOS 26.7.1 security update on 28 September 2026, but it won't get new iPadOS features, and over time some apps will stop installing. If you want the longest runway, the 9th generation is the step up.

Quick decision: who the iPad 8th generation suits

• Best for: a first iPad for a child or student, a sofa or kitchen tablet for video and recipes, ebooks, email, FaceTime, and notes with Apple Pencil (1st generation) or a Smart Connector keyboard.
• Choose something else when: you need an app that already requires iPadOS 27, you make lots of video calls and want a sharper front camera, or you want USB-C charging and a newer design.
• Check before buying: that your school, banking, work and favourite game apps still support iPadOS 26; whether 32GB will be enough; and whether you need mobile data away from Wi-Fi.

iPad 8th generation at a glance: specs and listing facts

This first table lists Apple's design specs for the iPad (8th generation), as published on Apple's UK support site.

This second table shows what The Tech Gadgets lists for sale, separate from Apple's specs.

Full details for the Wi-Fi version are on the refurbished iPad 8th generation (2020) Wi-Fi listing, and Apple's own sheet is on its iPad (8th generation) technical specifications page.

How much is a refurbished iPad 8th generation? Price by grade and storage

The iPad 8th generation price at The Tech Gadgets starts at £99.00 for a Very Good 32GB Wi-Fi model and reaches £164.00 for a Like New 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model (checked 5 October 2026). Each grade step adds £10.00, 128GB adds £20.00 over 32GB on Wi-Fi, and Cellular adds £20.00 to £25.00.

Here is every combination currently listed, from the cheapest price in each grade and storage size.

For context, Apple's UK press release launched the iPad 8th generation from £329 for the Wi-Fi model in September 2020. The refurbished Very Good 32GB at £99.00 is £230.00 less than that launch price, although you're buying a 2020 tablet with a fixed software ceiling, so the comparison only goes so far.

One pairing deserves a closer look. A Very Good 128GB Wi-Fi model costs £119.00, exactly the same as a Like New 32GB Wi-Fi model. At that money, storage usually matters more day to day: a case hides most cosmetic marks, but nothing adds storage to an iPad later.

Is the iPad 8th generation 32GB enough, or is 128GB worth £20 more?

32GB is enough for streaming apps, web browsing, email, ebooks and a few small games if you keep downloads in check. Choose 128GB, £20.00 more (£119.00 − £99.00 for Very Good Wi-Fi), if you download films for travel, keep photos on the iPad, install large games or share it between family members.

iPadOS and its system files take up part of the 32GB before you install anything, and the iPad has no memory card slot. Children's tablets tend to fill up fastest, because offline video and games pile up quickly. If the iPad is mainly for streaming at home, where nothing needs to be stored, 32GB is the cheaper and perfectly workable choice.

Which grade should you choose?

Choose Very Good if the iPad will live in a case or go to a child, because the grades describe cosmetic condition only and every grade works fully. Pick Excellent, £10.00 more, for light marks that are hard to spot. Pick Like New, £20.00 over Very Good, for a gift or if you'll use it without a case.

The listing defines the grades this way: Like New shows little or no sign of use, Excellent may have light marks, and Very Good may have visible marks that don't affect use. The battery-health minimum and the warranty are the same across all three, so you aren't paying for better hardware when you move up a grade.

What iOS version does the iPad 8th gen run in 2026?

The iPad 8th generation runs iPadOS 26, its final major version. Apple's iPadOS 27, released on 14 September 2026, supports the iPad 9th generation and later, not the 8th. Apple did list the 8th generation for the iPadOS 26.7.1 security update on 28 September 2026, but it gets no new iPadOS features.

Apple's list of iPad models compatible with iPadOS 27 starts at the 9th generation for the standard iPad. Apple doesn't publish an end date for iPadOS 26 security fixes, so treat the recent updates as welcome rather than guaranteed. You can see which devices each fix covers on Apple's security releases page.

In practice, the iPad keeps working exactly as it does today. Installed apps carry on until their developers require a newer iPadOS, and the App Store can sometimes offer the last compatible version of an app instead. On 5 October 2026, the current App Store versions of YouTube, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Microsoft Word, Google Classroom, Barclays, HSBC UK, Lloyds and NatWest all listed iPadOS versions the 8th generation can run. The risk is gradual: one of those apps may one day stop supporting it. Apple Intelligence isn't available either, because Apple limits it to iPad models with an M1 chip or later and the iPad mini (A17 Pro).

For comparison, the 7th generation stopped earlier, at iPadOS 18, while the 9th generation runs the current iPadOS 27.

What chip is in the iPad 8th generation, and is it fast enough?

The iPad 8th generation uses Apple's A12 Bionic chip with a Neural Engine. Apple's launch announcement described it as the first time the entry-level iPad got a Neural Engine. For browsing, streaming, email, school apps and video calls it's comfortable; demanding games and heavy video editing suit newer chips better.

The cameras are the weakest part of the spec. The 8MP rear camera is fine for scanning documents and casual photos, but the 1.2MP FaceTime HD front camera records only 720p video. If you or your children spend a lot of time on video calls, the 9th generation's 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Centre Stage is a clear upgrade.

What is the iPad 8th generation screen size?

The iPad 8th generation has a 10.2-inch (diagonal) Retina display at 2160 x 1620 pixels and 264 pixels per inch. The whole iPad measures 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm (9.8 x 6.8 x 0.29 inches) and weighs 490g for Wi-Fi or 495g for Wi-Fi + Cellular, according to Apple.

Apple lists the same outer dimensions for the 9th generation, so many 10.2-inch cases are sold for both. Check the case maker's compatibility list before you order one. The display is rated at 500 nits. It isn't a laminated screen, so there's a small air gap between the glass and the panel, and it lacks True Tone, which the 9th generation adds.

When did the iPad 8th generation come out?

Apple announced the iPad 8th generation on 15 September 2020, and it went on sale on Friday 18 September 2020, which is why many people call it the iPad 2020. It launched with iPadOS 14, from £329 for the Wi-Fi model, and Apple replaced it with the 9th generation in September 2021.

What generation is iPad model A2270?

Model A2270 is the iPad 8th generation Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi + Cellular versions carry A2428, A2429 or A2430. Apple prints the model number in small text on the back cover, and Settings > General > About shows the model name and storage capacity once the iPad is switched on.

Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular: which iPad 8th gen should you buy?

Buy the Wi-Fi model if the iPad stays at home or school, or if you're happy to share your phone's hotspot. Buy Wi-Fi + Cellular, £20.00 more at 32GB (£119.00 − £99.00, Very Good), if you want mobile data and GPS on trains, in the car or on holiday. A data plan isn't included.

The iPad 8th generation Wi-Fi + Cellular listing says the iPad is unlocked and works with UK networks, using a nano-SIM or eSIM. Apple describes the mobile connection as data only, so it isn't a phone, although FaceTime and messaging apps work over mobile data. At 128GB the Cellular premium is £25.00 (£144.00 − £119.00).

iPad 8th gen vs 7th gen vs 9th gen: which is better value?

The 8th generation beats the 7th on both price and software, and the 9th generation costs £65.00 more for a longer support runway and a better front camera. This table compares the cheapest Very Good Wi-Fi prices (checked 5 October 2026).

The pricing anomaly is easy to spot. The 2019 iPad 7th generation costs £5.00 more than the 8th at both sizes (£104.00 − £99.00 at 32GB; £124.00 − £119.00 at 128GB), yet it has an older chip and stopped at iPadOS 18. At these prices there's no reason to choose it over the 8th generation.

The step up to the refurbished iPad 9th generation (2021) costs £65.00 (£164.00 − £99.00) from the cheapest 8th. Against the 8th generation 128GB, the gap narrows to £45.00 (£164.00 − £119.00). That buys the A13 Bionic chip, True Tone, the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Centre Stage, 64GB as the starting storage and support for iPadOS 27. Our iPad 8th vs 9th generation comparison works through that decision in detail, and the 9th generation buying guide covers its grades and storage.

If you'd rather have USB-C and the all-screen design, the 10th generation is listed from £280.00 (Like New). It's covered in our refurbished iPad buying guide, but it's nearly three times the price of the cheapest 8th generation, which changes who it's for.

Condition, warranty and what to check on arrival

These iPads are refurbished UK stock. The listing says each one is checked, cleaned, reset and tested by The Tech Gadgets before dispatch, and that it isn't an Apple Certified Refurbished product. If the labels confuse you, our guide to refurbished, used and renewed labels explains the differences.

Every grade is listed with at least 85% battery health at dispatch. This iPad has no battery-health readout in Settings (Apple shows one only on much newer iPads), so ask the team for the figure recorded at testing if you want it in writing. The warranty policy lists battery defects and reduced capacity as exclusions, so keep an eye on the battery in the first weeks. A faulty battery within 30 days is still covered by your Consumer Rights Act right to reject. The box holds the iPad, a charging cable and protective packaging, with no power adapter, so use a USB adapter you already own that matches the cable.

You get a 12-month warranty from The Tech Gadgets, starting on delivery, covering faults that develop in normal use (not accidental or liquid damage); the terms are in the refund and warranty policy. You also have change-of-mind returns within 30 days if unused and complete (you pay return postage), plus your 14-day right to cancel. Our explainer on refurbished warranties and your consumer rights applies to iPads too.

Orders placed by 3pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same day from Manchester. Every iPad 8th generation costs more than £50, so standard delivery (1–3 working days) is free; Special Delivery, next working day, is £9.99. The delivery and dispatch policy covers weekends and bank holidays.

When the iPad arrives, run through these checks:

• Switch it on and check it starts at the Hello screen, then set it up with your own Apple Account. If it shows a screen saying it's locked to an owner, stop and contact the team.
• Match the model number on the back (A2270 for Wi-Fi; A2428, A2429 or A2430 for Cellular), then check the storage in Settings > General > About.
• Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest iPadOS 26 update.
• Test Touch ID, both cameras, the speakers, the headphone jack, Lightning charging and Wi-Fi, plus a SIM or eSIM on the Cellular model.
• Look at the screen on a white page and a dark one, and compare the body with your grade's description.
• Use it normally for a few days. If the battery drains much faster than expected, contact the team within 30 days.

Who should not buy a refurbished iPad 8th generation?

• Anyone who needs an app that already requires iPadOS 27, or who wants every new iPadOS feature for years to come.
• Buyers who want Apple Intelligence or the new Siri AI; neither is available on this iPad.
• Frequent video callers who'd benefit from the 9th generation's 12MP front camera and Centre Stage.
• Artists set on Apple Pencil (USB-C), Apple Pencil (2nd generation) or Apple Pencil Pro, none of which this model supports.
• People who need more than 128GB of storage.

iPad 8th generation FAQ

Does the iPad 8th generation work with Apple Pencil?

Yes. Apple lists Apple Pencil (1st generation) as supported by the iPad 8th generation, and it's sold separately. It pairs and charges through the Lightning port, and it's enough for handwritten notes, annotating PDFs, sketching and colouring apps. Apple Pencil (USB-C), Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil Pro don't work with this model, so check which pencil you own first.

Does the iPad 8th generation have a headphone jack and Touch ID?

Yes to both. Apple's specs list a 3.5mm headphone jack, so wired headphones plug straight in, which is handy for children and for school headsets. Touch ID sits in the Home button and unlocks the iPad, signs in to apps and approves App Store purchases. It charges through a Lightning port rather than USB-C.

Is the iPad 8th generation good for school and kids?

For most school and family use, yes. It runs iPadOS 26, takes Apple Pencil (1st generation) and a Smart Connector keyboard, and the Very Good grade at £99.00 keeps the cost of a knock or drop easier to live with. The caution is software: ask the school which iPadOS version its apps need, because a school that moves to apps requiring iPadOS 27 would rule this model out.

Does a refurbished iPad 8th generation come with a charger?

It comes with a charging cable but no power adapter. The listing's box contents are the iPad, a charging cable and protective packaging. Most homes already have a USB plug from a phone, so check which end the cable uses and pair it with a matching adapter. Apple rates the battery at up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi when new.

Is the iPad 8th generation the same size as the 9th generation?

Yes. Apple lists both at 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm with a 10.2-inch display, and the weights differ by only a few grams (490g against 487g for Wi-Fi models). Many cases and screen protectors are sold for both generations, but check the accessory maker's list, because camera cut-outs and fit can vary between products.

Can I put a SIM card in the iPad 8th generation?

Only in the Wi-Fi + Cellular version, which takes a nano-SIM or eSIM for mobile data and is listed as unlocked. The Wi-Fi model has no SIM tray at all. If you mainly need data now and then, the Wi-Fi model plus your phone's hotspot saves £20.00 at 32GB and £25.00 at 128GB.

Will my apps stop working on the iPad 8th generation?

Not overnight. Apps you already use keep working until their developers require a newer iPadOS, and some will stay compatible with iPadOS 26 for a long time. The risk grows each year, so check the App Store pages of the apps you can't do without, especially banking, school and streaming apps, before you buy.

Verdict: should you buy a refurbished iPad 8th generation?

Yes, if you want a cheap iPad for everyday tasks and accept that iPadOS 26 is its ceiling. At £99.00 for Very Good 32GB, it undercuts the 7th generation while offering a faster chip and newer software, and Apple was still shipping iPadOS 26 security fixes for it at the end of September 2026.

Choose the 8th generation when budget comes first and the iPad is for streaming, reading, notes and homework. Choose the 128GB model when anyone will download films or games. Choose the 9th generation instead when you want iPadOS 27, a better front camera or more starting storage, and the extra £65.00 fits your budget. You can compare everything else in our refurbished iPads and tablets in stock.