Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4)
- Fast M4 chip
- Works with Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
- Light, with a sharp screen
- 60Hz screen and Touch ID, not the Pro's 120Hz OLED and Face ID
Updated 18 Oct 2026
Best tablets
The iPad Air (M4) is the tablet most people should buy. For streaming and browsing, the basic iPad (A16) does the job for much less.
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Best value
Apple iPad 11-inch (A16)
- Smooth for everyday use
- 128GB to start
- Good battery life
- No Apple Intelligence, and no Apple Pencil Pro support
Best small tablet
Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)
- Small enough for one hand
- Apple Pencil Pro support
- Fast, with Apple Intelligence
- An older design with thick bezels and a 60Hz screen
Best for creative work
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5)
- Best screen on any tablet: 120Hz OLED
- Fastest chip, Face ID
- Very thin and light
- Very expensive, and the keyboard and Pencil cost extra
Best Android
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11
- Bright 120Hz AMOLED screen
- S Pen in the box
- Water resistant, 7 years of updates
- More expensive than an iPad Air at full price
Best budget
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+
- Low price, often discounted
- Four speakers and a headphone jack
- 7 years of updates
- Basic screen, and it slows with lots of apps open
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: Tom's Guide, TechRadar, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 18 Oct 2026How we decide