iPad 11 Review: Apple’s Best Affordable Tablet Yet! See Why It’s a Game-Changer.

October 11, 2025

iPad 11 review: Apple nails the affordable tablet


By

Darragh Murphy 

published 10 October 25



A worthy update to Apple's base iPad

The 11th generation iPad raises the question, “How much power does one really need in a tablet?” It answers emphatically that it’s everything most users could want.

The iPad 11 introduces several upgrades including a swifter A16 Bionic chip, increased storage options starting at 128GB, improved battery longevity, and a refreshed aluminum chassis similar to its predecessor, the iPad 10. These enhancements make it an attractive option that’s hard to overlook.

Starting at $349/£329, the iPad 11 is the most affordable model in Apple’s lineup. This price point, combined with its new features, makes it a compelling choice for many consumers.

However, like its predecessor, the iPad 11 has its shortcomings. It does not support the Apple Pencil Pro or the second generation Apple Pencil, which is a disappointment for those who use their tablet for drawing or note-taking. Additionally, while the display is brighter than previous models, it still struggles under direct sunlight or very bright environments.

While the iPad 11 may lack some of the high-end features found in more expensive models like the iPad Air with M3 chip and the iPad Pro with M4 chip, it meets the needs of most users with its excellent display, long battery life, and robust performance for web browsing, media consumption, and gaming.

Is the iPad 11 the right tablet for you? If affordability is a key factor, then yes. Read on for more details in my full review.

  • What is it? A budget-friendly Apple tablet for everyday tasks.
  • Who is it for? Perfect for users seeking a dependable tablet for web browsing, streaming media, and light gaming.
  • How much does it cost? The iPad 11 starts at $349 in the U.S. and £329 in the U.K. Occasionally, discounts can reduce these prices to $279/£299 on Amazon, highlighting its value for money.
  • What do we like? Its slim profile, enhanced performance from the A16 chip, extended battery life, and increased starting storage of 128GB.
  • What don’t we like? The Liquid Retina display, though vivid, struggles in bright conditions; the absence of Apple Intelligence features; and the lack of compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro or Gen 2.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Row 0 – Cell 0

iPad 11 (2025)

Starting price

$349 / £329

Display

11-inch Liquid Retina display (2360 x 1640)

Rear camera

12MP main (ƒ/1.8)

Front camera

12MP (f/2.4)

Chipset

Apple A16

Storage

128GB

Battery life

11 hours 25 minutes (tested)

Size

9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 inches (248.6 x 179.5 x 7mm)

Weight (Wi-Fi model)

1.05 pounds (477 grams)

Colors

Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow

The iPad 11 capitalizes on the essential redesigns of its previous iteration, enhancing key areas such as performance, storage capacity, and battery life, all while maintaining its affordability.

Enhanced and Faster Performance

The primary enhancement in the 11th-generation iPad is the inclusion of the A16 chipset, which is also used in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15. Although the technology has progressed to the A19 chip with the iPhone 17, the A16 chip’s performance is still competitive today. The latest iPad now sports the oldest chipset in Apple’s current lineup, with the iPad mini 7 already advancing to the A17 Pro chip.

Despite this, the iPad 11 manages to support iPadOS 26, multitask with split-screen apps, and maintain robust performance levels for gaming, proving its capability.

Leave a Comment

Share to...