Updated 18 Oct 2026
Is the Apple iPad 11-inch (A16) worth it?
Yes — the best value iPad for everyday use.
The A16 chip handles streaming, browsing, video calls, schoolwork and most games smoothly, and the base model now has 128GB of storage. The 11-inch screen is good indoors but dimmer than the Air's in bright light. It doesn't run Apple Intelligence and works only with the cheaper Apple Pencils, not the Pencil Pro. Apple raised its price in June 2026, so it's best bought on offer.
96%of 2,304 owners give it 4 or 5 stars
- Smooth for everyday use
- 128GB to start
- Good battery life
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What owners say
Owners love the value, the build quality and the big step up from an older iPad. The most common complaints are units that stopped working or wouldn't charge, and screen faults.
Good to know
- No Apple Intelligence.
- Works with the USB-C and first Apple Pencils only, not the Pencil Pro.
- The screen is dimmer in bright light than on the Air.
- Not much changed from the previous iPad.
From 2,304 buyer ratings at Currys, Target (US) and Otto (Germany), every complaint read by us, October 2026. How we do this
What they love
- Good value for moneyMentioned a lot
- Well madeMentioned a lot
- A big upgrade on an older iPadMentioned a lot
- Great for videos, games and studyMentioned a lot
- Easy to set up and useMentioned often
What they complain about
- Stopped working, froze or wouldn't chargeVery rare
- Screen faults: lines, dead pixels or unresponsive touchVery rare
- Poor battery lifeVery rare
Get it if…
- You mostly stream, browse, video-call and read.
- It's for a child or for schoolwork.
- You want an iPad for as little as possible.
Skip it if…
- You want to draw or take lots of notes: the Air works with the Pencil Pro.
- You want Apple Intelligence.
How we reached this verdict
TechRadar gives it 4.5/5 after weeks of testing and says it's still one of the best tablets even without Apple Intelligence. Tom's Guide (4/5, Editor's Choice) praises the faster chip, longer battery and 128GB base, but finds the screen dim in bright light. Both reviewed it at its older, lower price.
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: TechRadar, Tom's Guide, Apple, Tom's Guide, TechRadar, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 18 Oct 2026How we decide