,%20Is%20This%20the%20Best%20Value%20Tablet%20of%202025%20Let's%20Break%20It%20Down!%20(2).webp&description=Apple iPad 11-inch (A16), Is This the Best Value Tablet of 2025? Let’s Break It Down!){kind=link}
Alright, let’s be real for a sec… Shopping for an iPad can be a total headache. The iPad Pro? Absolute beast, but that price tag? Oof. Makes your wallet cry. But then I saw the new iPad 11-inch (A16) and thought, “Wait, this actually looks pretty solid for the price.”
,%20Is%20This%20the%20Best%20Value%20Tablet%20of%202025%20Let's%20Break%20It%20Down!%20(2).webp "Apple iPad 11-inch (A16), Is This the Best Value Tablet of 2025? Let’s Break It Down!") |
| Apple iPad 11-inch (A16), Is This the Best Value Tablet of 2025? Let’s Break It Down! |
Let’s Talk Price—Because That’s What Matters
First things first: the price. Right now, it’s going for $319.00 on Amazon. That’s down from $349.00, so you’re getting a 9% discount. Compare that to the iPad Pro, which starts at $999… yeah, huge difference.
And here’s the kicker: you get 128GB of storage for that price. The old base models only had 64GB, which filled up fast. With 128GB, you’ve got plenty of room for apps, photos, and whatever else you need.
But Is the Performance Actually Good? What’s Up With the A16 Chip?
This is the big question, right? The A16 Bionic chip is inside—same one as the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15. For the numbers nerds
,%20Is%20This%20the%20Best%20Value%20Tablet%20of%202025%20Let's%20Break%20It%20Down!%20(1).webp "But Is the Performance Actually Good? What’s Up With the A16 Chip?") |
| But Is the Performance Actually Good? What’s Up With the A16 Chip? |
- 5-core CPU
- 4-core GPU
- 16-core Neural Engine
- 6GB RAM
Benchmarks? You’re looking at around 1.37 million on AnTuTu. Sure, the M4 chip in the iPad Pro hits over 2.5 million, so there’s a gap. But for everyday stuff? Most reviewers say it’s more than enough.
In real life: web browsing, YouTube, light gaming, note-taking—all smooth. App switching is snappy. If you’re trying to edit 4K video or run heavy-duty games, you might hit some limits, though.
How Does It Stack Up Against the iPad Pro M4?
Performance Gap: A16 vs. M4
The M4’s Geekbench scores are 3,695 single-core / 14,550 multi-core. But let’s be honest… Most people aren’t doing pro-level creative work. If you just want to watch Netflix, check emails, and take some notes, the iPad 11-inch (A16) is totally fine.
What About the Display? Any Downsides?
Okay, time for some real talk. The Liquid Retina display is nice, but there are a few caveats:
- 60Hz refresh rate (no 120Hz ProMotion)
- Not fully laminated (there’s a noticeable air gap)
That air gap? You’ll notice it if you use the Apple Pencil a lot—there’s a tiny space between the pen tip and the actual pixels. On the bright side, 500 nits of brightness means it’s fine outdoors, and True Tone helps with eye strain.
Is This a Good Pick for Students? Honestly, Yeah
For students, this thing hits the sweet spot. Why?
- PDF note-taking is smooth
- Lecture slides look great
- Multitasking is decent for basics
- Battery lasts all day
- Super portable
One bummer: No Apple Pencil Pro support. You’re limited to the first-gen or USB-C Apple Pencil. But for basic notes, it’s fine.
So, Who Should Buy This—and Who Shouldn’t?
Go for it if you
- Are buying your first iPad
- Care about value for money
- Mostly browse, stream, or use light apps
- Are a student or need a light work device
Maybe skip it if you
- Need pro-level performance
- Want Apple Intelligence features
- Play heavy games or edit videos
- Want something super future-proof
Bottom Line: Worth It?
WIRED gave it an 8/10, calling it “Brilliantly Basic,” and that sums it up perfectly. It nails the basics and does what you need.
At $319, with this performance and feature set? It’s a killer entry-level iPad. If you ever need more, you can always upgrade later.
Apple, iPad11inch, A16chip, BestValueTablet, StudentiPad, TabletReview, 2025Tech, AppleProducts, MobileDevices, TechReview, AmazonFinds, TouchScreen, iPadOS, SmartTablet, PortableTech, EducationTablet, MultimediaTablet, ApplePencil, EntryLeveliPad, TabletForStudents
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the A16 Bionic chip powerful enough for the iPad 11-inch in 2025?
Yes, for most users. The A16 chip provides smooth performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, light gaming, and note-taking. It is more than sufficient for general use, though it falls short of the M-series chips for professional creative work.
What are the main drawbacks of the iPad 11-inch display?
The main trade-offs are the 60Hz refresh rate (lacking the smoother 120Hz ProMotion) and the non-laminated screen, which creates a small air gap between the glass and the display. This can be noticeable when using an Apple Pencil.
How much storage does the base model come with?
The base model of the iPad 11-inch (A16) comes with 128GB of storage, which is double the 64GB offered in previous entry-level models. This provides ample space for most users' apps, photos, and documents.
Which Apple Pencil models are compatible with this iPad?
This iPad does not support the new Apple Pencil Pro. It is compatible with the Apple Pencil (1st generation) and the Apple Pencil (USB-C), which are suitable for basic note-taking and drawing.
Who is the ideal user for the iPad 11-inch (A16)?
It's ideal for students, casual users, and those looking for a great value tablet. It excels at media consumption, web browsing, email, and light productivity tasks, making it a perfect first iPad or a budget-friendly choice.
Looking for ways to get the most out of your Amazon shopping? Here is a helpful guide to Prime benefits that can save you time and money.
Get More from Amazon: Prime Benefits Guide
Did you know you can get more out of your Amazon shopping?
- Standard Shipping: Free on orders over $35.
- Prime Shipping: Get FREE Next-Day Shipping on all eligible orders with a Prime free trial
Plus, unlock even more value
- Share with Family: Prime members can share benefits with a Household member
- Student Discount: Students get a 6-month trial and a discounted membership
- Special Savings: EBT/Medicaid cardholders can get a 50% discount on Prime
Discover all benefits and find the right plan for you on the official Amazon Prime page
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Post a Comment