Apple iPad 11 A16 Review: Still the Tablet to Buy

Apple’s cheapest iPad got the A16 chip and a price bump. It is still the tablet to buy.

Apple iPad 11 Inch A16 product photo

Product Image: Amazon

8.3

KADS SCORE

Quick Take

The iPad 11 with A16 is the best tablet for most people, even after the 2026 price increase to $449. It runs every app smoothly, the display is lovely, and battery life is excellent. Power users should look at the Air, but everyone else can stop here.

What We Like

  • A16 chip handles games, drawing, and multitasking smoothly
  • 11 inch Liquid Retina display is bright and colorful
  • 128GB of base storage, double the old entry model
  • Touch ID in the top button is fast and reliable
  • 10 hour battery for school and travel days

What We Don’t Like

  • Price rose from $349 to $449 in 2026
  • No Apple Intelligence support on the A16
  • 60Hz display with a visible air gap
  • Keyboard and Pencil sold separately

Product Details

Price$449
BrandApple
CategoryTech
Best Forstudents, families, and casual users wanting a great cheap iPad
Where to BuyApple

Full Review

Quality

The iPad 11 keeps the modern flat edge design with thin bezels and fun color options. The 11 inch display is crisp for reading, streaming, and note taking, though the non laminated panel shows a slight gap under the glass. Build quality is pure Apple: solid aluminum, tight tolerances, zero creaks.

Value

At $449, the iPad 11 costs more than it did at launch, but it still undercuts every Android tablet worth buying while offering better apps and longer software support. Refurbished units soften the blow. For the money, nothing in tablets touches it.

Who Should Buy It

Buy it if you want a tablet for browsing, streaming, schoolwork, and casual creativity.

Who Should Skip It

Skip it if you need Apple Intelligence, a 120Hz screen, or pro level drawing precision.

FINAL VERDICT

The iPad 11 A16 earns an 8.3 as the default tablet recommendation. Fast, light, and versatile enough for work and play. The price hike stings, but the product remains excellent.

8.3 / 10

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Apple’s cheapest iPad got the A16 chip and a price bump. It is still the tablet to buy.

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