Is The Ipad Air Worth Upgrading From An Ipad 8 For Students

For students relying on technology to manage coursework, take notes, collaborate, and study, the iPad has become more than a luxury—it’s a productivity hub. If you're currently using an iPad 8th generation and considering a move to the newer iPad Air, the decision isn’t just about specs. It's about whether the upgrade translates into meaningful improvements in your academic routine.

The iPad 8, released in 2020, was a solid entry-level device with a 10.2-inch Retina display, A12 Bionic chip, and support for the first-generation Apple Pencil. Fast forward to today, and the iPad Air offers a modern design, faster processor, better display, and enhanced accessories compatibility. But does that justify the cost for a student on a budget?

This article examines the tangible benefits of upgrading from the iPad 8 to the iPad Air, focusing on real-world usage in academic settings—note-taking, multitasking, digital reading, and collaboration—so you can decide if the investment pays off.

Performance: From Functional to Fluid

The iPad 8 runs on the A12 Bionic chip, which, while still capable, is now several generations behind current silicon. In contrast, the iPad Air (5th generation, as of 2024) features the M1 chip—the same processor used in many MacBooks. This leap in processing power results in noticeable differences in everyday tasks.

Students working with multiple apps—such as referencing a PDF in one window while typing notes in another or editing a presentation while streaming a lecture—will experience smoother performance. The M1 chip handles these workloads effortlessly, whereas the iPad 8 may struggle with lag or app reloads when switching between tabs.

Additionally, the iPad Air includes 8GB of RAM compared to the iPad 8’s 3GB. This means better background app retention, faster app launches, and improved responsiveness during intensive workflows like video editing for media studies or running STEM simulation tools.

Tip: If you frequently use split-view or slide-over multitasking, the extra RAM in the iPad Air will significantly reduce frustration.

Display and Design: Modern Features That Enhance Learning

The iPad Air features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with thinner bezels and a centered front camera—making video calls and online classes more natural. Unlike the iPad 8, which has thick top and bottom bezels and a home button, the iPad Air uses Face ID and edge-to-edge screen design, offering a more immersive experience for reading textbooks, watching lectures, or annotating documents.

The upgraded display supports P3 wide color and True Tone, improving readability under different lighting conditions—a crucial advantage for students studying in dorm rooms, libraries, or outdoor spaces.

Portability also improves. The iPad Air is slightly lighter (about 460g vs. 490g) and thinner, making it easier to carry in a backpack alongside textbooks and laptops. While the weight difference seems minor, over months of daily use, every gram counts.

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	iPad 8	iPad Air (5th Gen)
Processor	A12 Bionic	M1 Chip
RAM	3GB	8GB
Display Size & Type	10.2\", LCD with wide bezels	10.9\", Liquid Retina, edge-to-edge
Front Camera Position	Side bezel (awkward for Zoom)	Top center (natural eye line)
Biometric Security	Touch ID (home button)	Face ID
Apple Pencil Support	1st gen (requires Lightning charging)	2nd gen (magnetic attach & charge)
Storage Options	64GB or 256GB	64GB or 256GB
Weight	490g	460g

Digital Note-Taking and Apple Pencil: A Game Changer?

For students who rely on handwritten notes, diagrams, or annotations, the Apple Pencil is essential. Here, the iPad Air pulls ahead with support for the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches to the side for pairing and wireless charging. This eliminates the need to plug in the stylus via Lightning—a frequent pain point with the iPad 8.

The seamless integration means you’re less likely to lose the Pencil or forget to charge it. For a student rushing between classes, this convenience adds up. You can wake the Pencil with a tap and start writing immediately.

Moreover, the iPad Air’s display has reduced latency and improved palm rejection, resulting in a more natural writing experience. Apps like Notability, GoodNotes, and OneNote perform better with the combination of M1 speed and advanced Pencil tracking.

“Students using the second-gen Apple Pencil report higher engagement in note-taking because the tool feels invisible—like writing on paper.” — Dr. Lisa Tran, Educational Technology Researcher, University of Michigan

Real Example: Maya’s Upgrade Experience

Maya, a third-year biology major, used her iPad 8 for two years with the first-gen Apple Pencil. She often took longhand notes during lectures and annotated research papers. However, she found herself frustrated by the Pencil dying mid-class and having to carry a charging adapter.

After upgrading to the iPad Air, she noticed immediate improvements. “I no longer worry about my Pencil battery,” she said. “It stays charged just by sticking to the iPad. And when I’m drawing cell structures in Procreate for a project, everything feels smoother and more precise.”

She also appreciated the centered front camera during virtual office hours. “Professors actually see my face now instead of the top of my head,” she joked.

Battery Life and Longevity: Planning for the Academic Journey

Battery life on both devices is rated around 10 hours, but real-world usage shows differences. The M1 chip is more power-efficient under load, meaning the iPad Air sustains performance without draining the battery as quickly during heavy multitasking.

For students attending back-to-back virtual classes, working on group projects, or studying in locations without easy access to outlets, sustained performance matters. The iPad Air maintains brightness, connectivity, and responsiveness longer under continuous use.

Longevity is another factor. The iPad 8, while durable, is no longer receiving major iOS updates beyond iOS 17. The iPad Air, with its modern architecture, will likely support future iPadOS versions for five or more years. This extended software support ensures compatibility with upcoming educational apps and security updates—critical for students using institutional platforms.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If the Upgrade Makes Sense

1. Evaluate your current pain points: Are you experiencing slow app switching, frequent crashes, or insufficient storage?
2. Assess your note-taking needs: Do you use the Apple Pencil regularly? Would magnetic attachment and wireless charging improve your workflow?
3. Consider multitasking demands: Do you frequently use split-screen, reference materials side-by-side, or run demanding apps like Adobe Illustrator or coding environments?
4. Check your budget: The iPad Air starts at $599 (plus $129 for the 2nd-gen Pencil), totaling nearly $750. Can this be justified against potential productivity gains?
5. Explore resale or trade-in options: Selling your iPad 8 can offset up to $150–$200 of the cost, especially if it’s in good condition.

Tip: Wait for back-to-school promotions. Apple often offers gift cards or discounts through campus stores or authorized resellers.

When the iPad 8 Is Still Enough

Not every student needs an upgrade. If your academic work consists mainly of web browsing, document editing in Google Docs, light note-taking, and watching recorded lectures, the iPad 8 remains fully capable. Many students successfully complete degrees using this model without hitting performance limits.

Additionally, if you’re within a year or two of graduation, investing in a new iPad may not provide enough return. Instead, consider allocating funds toward textbooks, software subscriptions, or a laptop with more robust multitasking capabilities.

The key is aligning device performance with actual usage. Overbuying for underused features leads to wasted resources—especially important when managing tight student budgets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my first-gen Apple Pencil with the iPad Air?

No, the iPad Air (4th and 5th gen) only supports the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil. The first-gen Pencil is compatible only with older models like the iPad 8, iPad mini 5, and iPad Pro 2018 and earlier.

Is the iPad Air worth it for college students majoring in humanities?

Yes, especially if you annotate readings, write essays, or participate in online discussions. The better display, longer software support, and improved multitasking enhance the overall experience—even without heavy technical apps.

Does the iPad Air come with the Apple Pencil?

No, neither the iPad Air nor any current iPad model includes the Apple Pencil. You must purchase it separately, adding to the total cost.

Action Checklist Before Upgrading

• ✅ Back up your iPad 8 via iCloud or computer
• ✅ Test your current workflow: identify bottlenecks (e.g., slow app launch, Pencil charging issues)
• ✅ Research student discounts or back-to-school deals
• ✅ Sell or trade in your iPad 8 to reduce net cost
• ✅ Confirm required apps are optimized for iPad Air and M1
• ✅ Consider bundle pricing for iPad + Pencil + keyboard

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The iPad Air is unquestionably superior to the iPad 8 in performance, design, and accessory integration. For students deeply engaged in digital learning—especially those using Apple Pencil daily, multitasking across apps, or pursuing majors in design, engineering, or health sciences—the upgrade delivers measurable benefits.

However, for casual users or those nearing the end of their academic journey, the iPad 8 remains functional and cost-effective. The decision ultimately hinges on how much you rely on your iPad as a core academic tool versus a supplementary device.

If you plan to keep your iPad beyond graduation—for grad school, professional certifications, or creative projects—the iPad Air’s longevity and future-proofing make it a smarter long-term investment.

“The right tablet doesn’t just keep up with your workload—it anticipates it. For students building digital portfolios or mastering complex subjects, that edge matters.” — Mark Rivera, EdTech Consultant

Take the Next Step

If you’ve been holding off on upgrading due to uncertainty, now is the time to audit your current setup. Try replicating a typical study day on your iPad 8: take notes, join a Zoom class, open three apps at once, and see where friction occurs. Then compare that experience to what the iPad Air enables.

Technology should serve learning—not hinder it. If your current device is slowing you down, distracting you with outdated features, or limiting your creative expression, an upgrade isn’t indulgence—it’s strategy.

🚀 Ready to optimize your academic toolkit? Share your iPad experience in the comments—what works, what frustrates you, and whether you'd make the jump to iPad Air.