PAX A920 vs A80: Which Mobile Payment Terminal Is Best for You?

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PAX A920 vs A80: Which Mobile Payment Terminal Is Best for You?

As contactless payments and mobile checkouts become the new standard, having the right payment terminal is critical for modern businesses. Two of the most popular and trusted devices in the PAX Technology lineup are the PAX A920 and the PAX A80—both built to support seamless transactions and enhanced mobility.

But how do they compare? And which one is best suited for your business?

In this post, we’ll break down the core differences between the A920 and A80 models—from design and mobility to performance, security, and use cases—so you can make the right investment for your point-of-sale operations.

Overview: PAX A920 and A80 at a Glance

PAX A920: A sleek, all-in-one mobile payment terminal that combines the features of a smartphone and a POS system. Ideal for businesses that need mobility and versatility.
PAX A80: A more traditional countertop smart terminal with advanced capabilities and support for both wired and wireless connections. Designed for semi-mobile or fixed retail environments.

While both support EMV, NFC, and magnetic stripe transactions, their form factor and intended use cases differ significantly.

1. Design & Form Factor

PAX A920

Sleek, tablet-like design
Large 5” color touchscreen
Built-in receipt printer
Lightweight and portable
Android-based interface

PAX A80

Compact, rugged countertop terminal
4” touchscreen + physical keypad
Can be used with a customer-facing display (PED)
Optional battery for semi-mobile use
Also Android-based, but less app-focused than the A920

Verdict:

If design, mobility, and aesthetics are important—especially for on-the-go businesses—the A920 wins. If you’re looking for a reliable, space-saving terminal that stays mostly at the checkout counter, the A80 is ideal.

2. Mobility & Connectivity

PAX A920

Designed for full mobility
Built-in 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
Ideal for delivery, curbside, pop-ups, or tableside service

PAX A80

Primarily for fixed-location use
Ethernet connection standard; Wi-Fi optional
Can be used with an optional battery for some mobility
Suited for semi-mobile use with occasional movement

Verdict:

The A920 is the clear winner for mobile businesses or those offering contactless payments away from a counter. The A80 works best for semi-permanent installations with limited movement.

3. Performance & User Experience

PAX A920

Powered by a Qualcomm quad-core processor
Fluid, app-like interface
Optimized for multi-function apps (inventory, CRM, loyalty)
Supports custom Android apps via PAXSTORE

PAX A80

Also supports Android apps and PAXSTORE
Slightly smaller screen may limit app flexibility
Built for speed and reliability with minimal training required

Verdict:

If your business uses multiple apps, relies on a flexible UI, or wants a more modern user experience, the A920 is the better fit. For fast transactions and minimal app usage, the A80 holds up well.

4. Payment Acceptance & Security

Both the A920 and A80 support:

EMV chip cards
Magnetic stripe swipes
Contactless payments (NFC, Apple Pay, Google Pay)
PCI PTS 5.x certified security
Point-to-point encryption (P2PE) for secure transactions

Verdict:

It’s a tie here. Both terminals provide top-tier payment security and compatibility with all major card types and digital wallets.

5. Printing & Receipts

PAX A920

Integrated high-speed thermal printer
Seamless all-in-one hardware design

PAX A80

Does not include a built-in printer by default
External printers can be connected if needed

Verdict:

The A920 includes a built-in printer for maximum mobility and convenience. If printing is essential and you want an all-in-one device, go with the A920. The A80 requires additional setup to support printing.

6. Use Cases: What Type of Business Should Use Each?

PAX A920 is Best For:

Restaurants (tableside payments, food trucks)
Delivery services and mobile sales teams
Outdoor vendors, trade shows, or pop-up shops
Salons, spas, and appointment-based businesses
Retailers that value design, portability, and advanced software

PAX A80 is Best For:

Brick-and-mortar retail stores with dedicated checkouts
Medical offices or service providers that use countertop check-in
Convenience stores and quick-service businesses
Businesses that want a simple, durable terminal

7. Price & Value

While prices vary depending on the provider and setup, the PAX A920 is generally more expensive due to its built-in printer, 4G capability, and portability. The PAX A80 is more budget-friendly, especially for businesses that don’t require mobility.

Verdict:

Choose the A80 if you’re on a tighter budget and need a reliable countertop terminal. Choose the A920 if you want future-proof mobility, flexibility, and advanced features.

Final Verdict: Which Terminal Is Right for You?

If your business model relies on mobility, modern design, and flexibility, the PAX A920 is the superior choice. It’s perfect for businesses that want an all-in-one device that can go wherever the customer is.

If your business operates from a fixed location and values simplicity, durability, and cost-efficiency, the PAX A80 delivers reliable performance at a lower investment.

Still not sure which one to choose?

At First National Processing, we’ll help you select the right terminal based on your operations, customer flow, and growth goals. Whether it’s the A920 or A80—or another POS solution altogether—we provide expert guidance and top-tier merchant support.

Get started today by contacting us for a personalized POS consultation.

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First National Processing