Wondering which Apple iPad 11‑inch to buy in 2025? Here’s a full breakdown of storage options, features, pricing, and who it’s best for.
There’s something exhausting about chasing “the next best iPad” every year. Apple doesn’t make it easier. Every spring, they launch another shiny rectangle and expect us to figure out whether it’s actually better or just dressed differently. But this time, the Apple iPad 11‑inch (2025) does something a bit different—it quietly becomes the best deal in the lineup. Buy the iPad A16 chip on Amazon
Released in March 2025, this 11th-gen iPad brings a faster A16 Bionic chip, double the base storage (finally), and a universal USB‑C port. The form factor hasn’t changed much from the 10th-gen model, but under the hood, it’s noticeably more capable. And the starting price? Still incredibly accessible for what it offers.
So, who is this iPad for? Honestly, almost everyone who doesn’t need a rocket ship. It’s ideal for students juggling Zoom and note apps, creators sketching in Procreate, or anyone looking for a reliable tablet for streaming, editing, and light multitasking without paying Pro-level prices. In this guide, I’ll walk through everything you need to know about the 2025 iPad—what’s new, how fast it really is, how the screen holds up, what accessories work with it, and whether it’s worth your money.
What’s New in the 2025 Apple iPad 11‑Inch?
If you owned or looked at the 10th-gen iPad, the design will feel familiar. But under the surface, the 11th-gen version introduces meaningful updates that improve both day-to-day performance and future-proofing.
The biggest leap is the A16 Bionic chip, borrowed from the iPhone 14 Pro. It’s built on a 4nm architecture, meaning it’s not just fast, it’s efficient. You’ll notice quicker app launches, smoother multitasking, and less heat during intensive tasks like light 4K video edits or gaming. It’s a major upgrade from the A14 in the previous model, which was starting to show its age.
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Apple also (mercifully) doubled the base storage from 64GB to 128GB. This is the first time the entry-level iPad comes with a storage size that doesn’t feel like a cruel joke. That means more room for apps, media files, and school or work projects without constantly managing your storage.
And then there’s the long-overdue switch to USB‑C, replacing the Lightning port. That opens the door to faster charging, broader accessory compatibility (like external drives and USB-C hubs), and one less proprietary cable to keep in your bag. You want fast charger for your phone check my post on 7 Best Fast iPhone Chargers in 2025 (Wired & Wireless Options Reviewed) for USB-C charger
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Is the A16 iPad 11‑Inch Fast Enough for Everyday Use?
Short answer: yes—for most people, this tablet is more than fast enough.
The A16 chip, with its 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU, delivers performance comparable to some MacBook Air models from a couple years back. It handles everyday tasks—browsing, streaming, email, note-taking, multitasking between apps—without any hiccups.
I used it for everything from working in Google Docs and Canva to watching YouTube in split view, and it didn’t blink. Apps like Procreate ran flawlessly, and even some light video editing in LumaFusion was smoother than expected for a sub-$500 device.
If you’re comparing it to the newer M3 iPad Air, that chip definitely wins in raw power. But unless you’re editing multi-cam 4K footage or rendering large 3D models, you probably won’t notice the difference. The A16 is a sweet spot for students, casual creators, and multitaskers.
And because it’s paired with 6GB of RAM, you won’t experience the annoying app reloads that plagued older models with less memory.
This is a fast tablet for school, a lightweight iPad for travel, and a solid daily driver for anyone not demanding Pro-level performance.
Display Quality: How Good is the Liquid Retina Screen?
The screen hasn’t changed since the 10th-gen, and that’s… mostly fine.
You still get a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS display (Apple markets it as 11-inch), with a 2360×1640 resolution at 264 PPI. It’s sharp, bright enough at 500 nits, and features True Tone and P3 wide color, making colors accurate and easy on the eyes in different lighting.
For watching Netflix, browsing Instagram, reading on Kindle, or sketching in Freeform, this display more than gets the job done. Text looks crisp, colors pop, and True Tone helps reduce eye strain in low light.
That said, this is still a 60Hz panel, which might feel sluggish if you’re used to ProMotion’s 120Hz buttery smoothness on the iPad Pro or even some newer phones. But unless you’re switching between high-refresh-rate devices daily, it’s unlikely to be a dealbreaker.
Battery Life and Charging: Does It Really Last All Day?
Apple claims up to 10 hours of battery life on Wi-Fi and about 9 hours with cellular use. In reality, those numbers hold up well—especially for a device running an A16 chip.
I got through full workdays on a single charge, including Slack, Notion, Spotify, Chrome, and a bit of Netflix at lunch. When used more heavily (like extended FaceTime or YouTube binge sessions), it dipped closer to 7–8 hours. Still solid.
The USB‑C port is a huge improvement here. Not just because it allows faster charging, but because it supports a wide range of chargers. You can use your MacBook charger, your Samsung phone cable, or a USB-C hub to plug in external drives or even HDMI monitors.
How long does the iPad A16 battery really last?
Expect 8–10 hours with normal usage, and slightly less with intensive tasks like gaming or video editing.
Can you charge the iPad 11 with any USB‑C cable?
Yes—any standard USB‑C PD charger will work. Apple recommends 20W, but higher wattages won’t harm the device.
Camera Quality: Good Enough for Zoom and Content Creation?
If you’re expecting to shoot cinematic content, look elsewhere. But for video calls, online classes, and basic photo needs, the 11th-gen iPad’s cameras are surprisingly capable.
The 12MP front-facing camera supports Center Stage, which keeps you framed as you move around—a real bonus for remote work and school. It’s located on the landscape edge, which finally makes sense for Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Meet.
The 12MP rear camera is serviceable for scanning documents, taking quick photos, or recording casual clips. You won’t get ProRAW or deep computational photography like on iPhones, but it’s perfectly fine for non-professional use.
Audio quality also holds up well, thanks to dual microphones and stereo speakers that make calls and video content sound clear and immersive.
iPad 11 Accessories: What Works and What’s Worth Buying?
Apple didn’t redesign the hardware here, which means most existing 10th-gen accessories still work.
You can use the Apple Pencil (USB‑C version), which charges directly from the port. Alternatively, the 1st-gen Apple Pencil also works—with the infamous USB‑C adapter, which is still as clunky as ever.
The Magic Keyboard Folio is supported, and it’s surprisingly good for typing—especially if you’re someone who likes working on the go. The trackpad is responsive, and the folio doubles as a decent stand for streaming or drawing.
If you don’t want to spend $250+ on official gear, third-party cases and keyboards from brands like Logitech, ESR, and Zagg offer great alternatives. For styluses, Adonit and Zagg Pro Stylus 2 work well at half the price.
Best combo if you’re on a budget: ESR Rebound Magnetic Case + Logitech K380 + USB-C Apple Pencil.
What Storage Option Should You Buy: 128GB vs 256GB vs 512GB
If you’ve ever run out of space on an iPad mid-project or during a trip, you know storage isn’t something to take lightly. The 2025 iPad 11-inch (A16) finally ditches the insulting 64GB base and now starts at 128GB, which makes a huge difference for casual users.
So which one should you buy? That depends on your habits.
- 128GB: Perfect for students, casual users, and anyone who streams more than they download. You can comfortably store class notes, a few offline playlists, social apps, and even a game or two. With iCloud integration, you can offload photos, documents, and app data automatically if you’re running low.
- 256GB: Ideal for digital artists, frequent flyers, or those using the iPad as a laptop alternative. If you’re storing lots of Procreate files, offline videos, or Adobe docs, this tier gives you breathing room.
- 512GB: Frankly, this is overkill for most users. If you regularly edit large 4K videos or use the iPad for work with massive file sizes, this might make sense—but you’re creeping into iPad Air or Pro pricing at this level.
iCloud Tips
iCloud+ now includes shared folders, backup encryption, and smart storage optimization, so even 128GB can feel bigger. Just be ready to pay monthly for cloud space beyond the free 5GB. The 200GB iCloud+ plan is the sweet spot for most users and starts at $2.99/month.
Is 128GB enough for iPad in 2025?
Yes—for most people. If you stream, use iCloud, and aren’t editing massive files, 128GB will work just fine.
Colors, Build, and Design: What’s the Vibe?
Let’s be honest—after hours of Zoom calls or lecture notes, it helps if your iPad doesn’t look like corporate sadness. The 2025 iPad keeps things cheerful with four bold colors: Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow.
The build is classic Apple: flat aluminum edges, slim bezels, and a lightweight but premium feel. It weighs just over 1 pound (about 477g) and is thin enough to slip into most backpacks without making it feel like you’re lugging around bricks.
If you’re upgrading from an older iPad with a home button, the edge-to-edge design feels modern and fluid, and the Touch ID button on the top remains snappy and reliable.
How Much Does the iPad 11 (2025) Cost?
Here’s where Apple really hit the sweet spot.
- Wi-Fi only models start at $349 for 128GB, $449 for 256GB, and $649 for 512GB.
- Wi-Fi + Cellular versions cost about $150 more, depending on your carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.).
This pricing positions the A16 iPad as a budget-friendly alternative to the iPad Air and Pro—especially if you’re not chasing AI features or M-series power.
Amazon listings often dip lower during sales. Around back-to-school or Black Friday, it’s not uncommon to see the 128GB Wi-Fi model for under $300.
Tips on Deals
- Use Apple’s trade-in program for credit toward your new iPad.
- Check Apple Refurbished Store for certified models with warranty.
- Look for carrier bundles offering 0% financing and AppleCare options.
iPadOS 18: What Software Features Are Included?
The 2025 iPad ships with iPadOS 18, and while it’s not a game-changer, it’s stable, clean, and pretty feature-rich.
You get:
- Stage Manager for improved multitasking
- Split View and Slide Over
- Home screen widgets and customizable lock screen
- Better file handling and support for external storage
But there’s a catch: The A16 chip does not support Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of generative AI tools (like Smart Replies, Genmoji, and AI-enhanced image cleanup). Those features are locked behind the M1, M2, and M3 chips for performance and RAM reasons.
If you want Apple Intelligence, you’ll need to look at the M3 iPad Air or M4 iPad Pro.
Who Should Buy the iPad 11‑Inch (A16)?
This iPad feels like it was built for people who just want to get stuff done without spending $900+.
Buy this iPad if:
- You’re a student juggling school apps and video calls
- You want a tablet for drawing or watching content
- You need a kid-friendly or family-shared device
- You’re a remote worker who doesn’t need AI or pro display specs
Skip this iPad if:
- You want Apple Intelligence
- You need ProMotion 120Hz, OLED, or ultra-high-end multitasking
- You rely on heavy creative workflows (look at M3 iPad Air or M4 iPad Pro)
Quick Comparisons
- iPad Air (M3) offers more power and AI support but costs ~$250 more.
- iPad Pro (M4) offers OLED, Face ID, and crazy performance—for a premium price.
iPad 11 vs iPad Air M3 vs iPad Pro M4: Which One Is Right for You?
| Feature | iPad 11 (A16) | iPad Air (M3) | iPad Pro (M4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chip | A16 Bionic | M3 | M4 |
| Display | 10.9\” Liquid Retina | 11\” Liquid Retina | 11\”/13\” Tandem OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | 120Hz (ProMotion) |
| Apple Pencil | USB-C / 1st-gen | Apple Pencil Pro | Apple Pencil Pro |
| AI Features | No | Yes (Apple Intelligence) | Yes |
| Starting Price | $349 | $599 | $999 |
Which iPad should I buy in 2025?
- If you want value, go iPad 11.Buy the iPad A16 chip on Amazon
- If you want speed + AI, go iPad Air M3. Buy the iPad air M3 on amazon
- If you want no-compromise everything, go iPad Pro M4. Buy the iPad Pro M4 on amazon
FAQ Apple iPad 11‑inch
Does the iPad A16 support Apple Pencil 2?
No. It supports the Apple Pencil (USB‑C) and 1st-gen Apple Pencil via adapter, but not the 2nd-gen Pencil or Pencil Pro.
Is the iPad 11th-gen worth upgrading from 10th-gen?
If you need better performance, more storage, or USB-C, yes. If your 10th-gen is still snappy and has enough space, you can probably wait.
Can you use Apple Intelligence on this iPad?
No. Apple Intelligence is only supported on M-series iPads (M1 and newer) due to hardware requirements.
What’s the difference between A16 iPad and M3 iPad Air?
The M3 is significantly faster, has AI features, and supports the new Pencil Pro. The A16 iPad is cheaper and still very capable for daily tasks.
Is this iPad good for digital art or Procreate?
Yes. Paired with the USB-C Apple Pencil, it’s responsive and accurate. For most casual to intermediate artists, it’s more than enough.
What is the battery life on Wi-Fi vs Cellular models?
Wi-Fi models last around 10 hours, while cellular usage brings it closer to 8–9 hours depending on activity.
Final Verdict: Is the iPad 11‑Inch with A16 Worth It in 2025?
After weeks of use and way too many side-by-side comparisons, here’s the honest take: This is the best everyday iPad Apple makes.
What you get: solid performance, a nice display, excellent battery life, and all the basics—at a price that doesn’t feel like an insult to your wallet.
What you don’t get: high-refresh-rate screens, OLED visuals, or Apple’s new AI features.
If you’re a student, casual creator, family tech support person, or just tired of overspending on tech, the iPad 11 (A16) is where it’s at.
Where to Buy the iPad 11th Gen (A16)
- Apple Store — for full pricing, customization, and trade-ins
- Amazon — often has lower prices and faster delivery Buy the iPad A16 chip on Amazon
- Carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile — offer financing plans and cellular models
Tips to Get the Best Deal
- Watch for Back-to-School discounts (August–September)
- Don’t miss Black Friday/Cyber Monday for $50–100 off
- Trade in your old iPad or iPhone at Apple Trade-In or Best Buy
- Check Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store for warranty-backed savings