If you’re like me, you probably rely on your tablet for almost everything — streaming, taking notes, editing photos, and even doing light work on the go. I’d been using my older iPad Air for years, and while it served me well, it started to show its age. Apps were slower to load, and multitasking felt clunky. So when Apple released the new iPad 11-inch powered by the A16 chip, I decided to give it a try.
After several weeks of daily use, I can confidently say this is the iPad that most people should buy in 2025. It hits the perfect balance between power, portability, and price. It’s not as extreme (or expensive) as the iPad Pro, but it’s miles ahead of the base iPad when it comes to speed and display quality. Here’s my honest hands-on experience and how it stacks up against two popular competitors — the iPad Air M2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9.
Comparison Overview
| Product | Best For | Key Highlights | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPad 11-inch (A16 chip) | Everyday users, students, creatives | Flagship performance, Liquid Retina display, all-day battery | 👉 Check Price on Amazon |
| iPad Air M2 | Light professionals, students | M2 chip, sleek design, lightweight | 👉 View on Amazon |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 | Android enthusiasts | Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, includes S Pen | 👉 See Today’s Deals on Amazon |
First Impressions & Build Quality
Apple knows how to make a first impression, and the iPad 11-inch is no exception. The packaging feels premium right out of the box. The moment I lifted it, I noticed how thin yet sturdy it felt. It’s lightweight enough to hold with one hand for reading or streaming, but solid enough that it doesn’t flex or feel cheap.
The aluminum body has that same smooth, matte finish Apple is famous for, and the edges are perfectly rounded for comfort. The Liquid Retina display instantly stands out — crisp, bright, and color-accurate. Watching videos on it feels immersive thanks to the minimal bezels and the 11-inch sweet spot that’s big enough for multitasking but still easy to carry around.
The speakers also deserve praise. They produce surprisingly rich, full sound for a tablet this size. And while it doesn’t have Face ID, the Touch ID built into the top button is fast and reliable. Overall, it’s the kind of build that makes you realize why Apple continues to dominate the tablet market.
Performance & Real-Life Use
The A16 Bionic chip is the same processor found in Apple’s iPhone 15 lineup — and it absolutely flies here. Apps open instantly, games run buttery smooth, and even when editing 4K videos in LumaFusion, I didn’t experience lag. Switching between multiple apps felt seamless, whether I was writing emails, sketching in Procreate, or watching YouTube.
Battery life has been impressive as well. I consistently got around 10 to 11 hours of screen time doing a mix of tasks — streaming, note-taking, web browsing, and Zoom calls. It easily lasts a full day, sometimes more. The Wi-Fi 6 connection is also noticeably faster and more stable than older models, which makes remote work smoother.
The Liquid Retina display continues to shine here. Colors pop beautifully without looking oversaturated. It doesn’t have the ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate of the iPad Pro, but honestly, most users won’t miss it. Scrolling and drawing feel fluid, and the screen’s brightness is high enough for outdoor use.
Pros
- A16 chip delivers lightning-fast performance
- Lightweight but durable aluminum body
- Gorgeous Liquid Retina display with true color accuracy
- Excellent battery life and Wi-Fi 6 support
- Perfect balance between power and price
Cons
- No Face ID (Touch ID only)
- No 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate
- Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard sold separately
Comparison – How It Stacks Up Against Others
iPad Air M2 vs Apple iPad 11-inch (A16 chip)
The iPad Air M2 and the A16 iPad 11-inch are close siblings. Both have similar dimensions and overall design, but the Air uses the M2 chip — technically more powerful, especially for professional tasks like video rendering. In real-world use, however, I found the performance difference minimal. The A16 iPad felt just as smooth for everyday tasks like streaming, editing photos, or multitasking.
The Air M2 supports the new Apple Pencil Pro, while this iPad only supports the second-generation Pencil. So if you’re into illustration or graphic design, the Air might give you a small edge. But if you just need a fast, reliable tablet for work or school, the iPad 11-inch with A16 gives you nearly identical performance for a bit less money.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 vs Apple iPad 11-inch (A16 chip)
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is arguably the best Android tablet on the market right now. It features a stunning AMOLED 2X display and comes with an S Pen included in the box — something Apple should really consider. If you’re already in the Android ecosystem, it’s a compelling choice.
That said, iPadOS remains superior in terms of app availability, multitasking experience, and long-term software updates. Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Tab S9 is strong, but the A16 chip still wins in efficiency and sustained power. The iPad also feels slightly more refined when switching between apps and managing workflows.
iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) vs Apple iPad 11-inch (A16 chip)
Now, what about the big brother — the iPad Pro M4? It’s a powerhouse, no question. It has an OLED display, a faster chip, and better accessory support. But it also costs almost twice as much. Unless you’re a professional video editor, 3D designer, or digital artist who truly needs that extra horsepower, the iPad 11-inch will more than meet your needs.
In daily use, the difference is hardly noticeable for most tasks. The A16 iPad feels nearly as smooth while being far more affordable. Think of it as the “smart buy” — all the essentials, none of the excess.
Verdict – Should You Buy It?
Absolutely — if you want a tablet that offers premium performance, sleek design, and long battery life without the Pro-level price tag, the Apple iPad 11-inch (A16 chip) is a no-brainer. It’s ideal for students, content creators, families, and professionals who need power and portability in one device.
It’s the kind of product that just works, effortlessly. Whether you’re typing essays, editing reels, or binge-watching Netflix, it handles everything with ease. For most people, it delivers the best value in Apple’s lineup right now.
If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable option that actually works, this one’s hard to beat.
👉 Check Price on Amazon
Final Thoughts
After weeks of testing, I can confidently say that the Apple iPad 11-inch (A16 chip) is one of those devices that seamlessly fits into your life. It’s fast, beautifully designed, and versatile enough for both work and play. Apple didn’t try to reinvent the wheel here — they just made the perfect everyday iPad.
If you’re curious to see the latest deals or color options, you can check it out on Amazon here.
FAQ
Can I use the new Apple Pencil Pro with this iPad?
No, it supports the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation), but not the newer Pencil Pro.
Does it work with the Magic Keyboard?
Yes, it’s fully compatible with the standard 11-inch Magic Keyboard.
Is it worth upgrading from the iPad Air M1?
If you want faster performance, Wi-Fi 6, and longer battery life, then yes — it’s a worthwhile upgrade.
