WhichOneToGet
Compare Β· Updated 18 Oct 2026

Apple iPad 11-inch (A16) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+

Get the iPad (A16). Unless you use Android or want a big screen for streaming for as little as possible β€” then the Galaxy Tab A11+, ideally on offer.

Apple iPad 11-inch (A16)
Our pick

Apple iPad 11-inch (A16)

The cheapest iPad: plenty fast for streaming, browsing, schoolwork and games, with 128GB to start. No Apple Intelligence and no Pencil Pro.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+

A cheap 11-inch Android tablet with good speakers, a memory card slot and seven years of updates. The screen is basic and it slows with lots of apps open.

We earn a commission from these links.

The short answer

The basic iPad is faster, has the better screen and works with Apple Pencils. The Tab A11+ costs much less and adds four speakers, a headphone jack and a memory card slot, so it suits streaming on a budget, especially on offer.

Get the iPad (A16) if
  • β€”You can stretch to the faster tablet with the better screen.
  • β€”It's for schoolwork or notes.
  • β€”You keep lots of apps open.
Check price at Best BuyBuy β†—
Get the Galaxy Tab A11+ if
  • β€”You use an Android phone.
  • β€”You want a big screen for streaming on a budget.
  • β€”You want a headphone jack and a memory card slot.
Check price at Best BuyBuy β†—

Key differences

Speed
Smooth for everyday use
iPad (A16)
Slows with lots of apps open
Galaxy Tab A11+
Screen
Good indoors, dim in bright light
iPad (A16)
90Hz LCD, washed out from an angle
Galaxy Tab A11+
Pen
USB-C and first Apple Pencils
iPad (A16)
No pen support
Galaxy Tab A11+
Price
Higher
iPad (A16)
Much lower
Galaxy Tab A11+

Pros and cons

Apple iPad 11-inch (A16)
  • +Smooth for everyday use
  • +128GB to start
  • +Good battery life
  • βˆ’No Apple Intelligence.
  • βˆ’Works with the USB-C and first Apple Pencils only, not the Pencil Pro.
  • βˆ’The screen is dimmer in bright light than on the Air.
  • βˆ’Not much changed from the previous iPad.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+
  • +Low price, often discounted
  • +Four speakers and a headphone jack
  • +7 years of updates
  • βˆ’The screen looks washed out from an angle.
  • βˆ’Slows down with lots of apps open.
  • βˆ’No fingerprint reader or pen support.
  • βˆ’Poor value at full price.

Ready to choose?

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