Let’s be real for a second. Whenever Apple drops a "new" base-model iPad, the tech world usually groans. We look at the spec sheet, see a chip that’s two years old, and wonder if Tim Cook is just trying to clear out some old warehouse stock.
The iPad A16 (officially the 11th-generation iPad released in March 2025) is exactly that kind of device. It’s got the A16 Bionic chip—the same one that powered the iPhone 14 Pro—and honestly, on paper, it looks a bit boring. But after living with one for a while, I’ve realized that the "is the iPad A16 worth it" question isn't about benchmarks. It’s about whether you actually need a $1,000 "Pro" slab to watch Netflix and answer emails.
Spoiler: You probably don't.
The A16 Bionic: More Than a Hand-Me-Down?
People love to bash the A16 because it’s not an M-series chip. If you’re looking for "Apple Intelligence" or those fancy AI features Apple keeps pushing, you're out of luck here. This chip doesn't have the NPU (Neural Processing Engine) grunt to handle on-device AI like the iPad mini or the Air.
But here’s the thing. For 90% of people, the A16 is absolute overkill.
It’s roughly 30% faster than the A14 found in the 10th-gen model. That might not sound like a life-changing jump, but in daily use, it’s the difference between an app "opening" and an app "appearing." Because Apple bumped the RAM to 6GB this time around (up from 4GB), the multitasking feels way more fluid. You can have Safari, Notes, and a YouTube window open without the tablet gasping for air.
If you're coming from an iPad 8 or 9—the ones with the old-school home button—the iPad A16 will feel like moving from a tricycle to a Ducati.
The $349 Trap (And Why It’s Actually a Good Deal)
Apple did something rare here. They kept the price at $349 but finally—finally—killed off the 64GB base storage.
You now get 128GB for your entry-level money.
In 2026, 64GB is basically a paperweight once you download a couple of high-res games or sync your photo library. By doubling the storage, Apple effectively made the iPad A16 worth it for students and casual users who don't want to pay the "storage tax" just to keep their files offline.
Why you might hate the screen
I have to be honest: the display is still unlaminated.
If you tap the screen with your fingernail, it sounds hollow. There’s a tiny air gap between the glass you touch and the pixels that show the image. Does it matter if you’re just watching The Bear in bed? No. Does it matter if you’re a digital artist? Yeah, it kinda sucks. It feels like you’re drawing above the paper rather than on it.
Also, it’s still 60Hz. If you’re used to the 120Hz "ProMotion" on an iPhone Pro or an iPad Pro, this screen will look a little choppy to you. It’s the "vanilla ice cream" of displays—totally fine, but zero thrills.
Is the iPad A16 Worth It for Gaming?
I tested Genshin Impact and Zenless Zone Zero on this thing.
The A16 handles them beautifully at medium-to-high settings. You aren't getting ray tracing or console-level graphics like you would on an M4 Pro, but for a $350 tablet, it’s impressive. The 5-core GPU is a workhorse. Just don't expect it to stay cool if you're playing for three hours straight; the back gets noticeably warm near the Apple logo.
📖 Related: What Did Isaac Newton Make? The Real History Behind the Genius
Comparing the Alternatives (The "Should I Just Get the Air?" Dilemma)
This is where it gets tricky.
If you find a refurbished iPad Air with an M2 chip for around $450, the math changes. The Air has a better, laminated screen and supports the Apple Pencil Pro. But for a brand-new device with a warranty, the iPad A16 is the "safe" choice.
- iPad 10th Gen: Usually on sale for $299 or less. Honestly? If you’re on a strict budget, the 10th gen is still "good enough," but that 64GB storage limit is a ticking time bomb.
- iPad Air (M3): It’s $599. It’s a better tablet in every single way. But is it $250 better for someone who just wants to browse Reddit? Probably not.
- iPad Mini (A17 Pro): Great if you want a tiny powerhouse with AI features, but the screen is too small for serious productivity.
The "Hidden" Costs of This iPad
Don't let the $349 price tag fool you. You’re going to spend more.
Apple still uses the USB-C Apple Pencil or the 1st-gen Pencil (with a dongle, which is still hilarious and annoying). If you want the Magic Keyboard Folio, that’s another $249. Suddenly, your "budget" iPad is pushing $600.
My advice? Buy a third-party keyboard case and a cheap stylus from Amazon. This is a budget tablet; don't dress it up in tuxedo accessories.
Real-World Battery Life
Apple claims "all-day battery life," which is their code for about 10 hours. In my testing—mostly heavy web browsing, some Slack messages, and a lot of YouTube—I got about 9 hours and 15 minutes.
It’s consistent. It’s reliable. It’s exactly what an iPad has been for the last decade. It won't blow your mind, but it won't die in the middle of a flight across the country either.
The Verdict: Who Should Actually Buy This?
So, is the iPad A16 worth it right now?
It’s for the "standard" user. If you are buying a tablet for your kid, for a grandparent, or for yourself as a dedicated "couch device," this is the best value in the lineup. You’re getting a modern design, a chip that will receive software updates until at least 2031, and enough storage to not constantly delete apps.
If you’re a "power user," move along. You’ll be frustrated by the 60Hz screen and the lack of Apple Intelligence.
But for everyone else? It’s the most sensible tech purchase you can make this year. It does everything an iPad needs to do without the "Pro" price tag.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the storage: If you find a 256GB iPad 10 for the same price as the 128GB iPad A16, take the A16. The RAM and chip longevity are more important than the extra space.
- Skip the Apple accessories: Look for the Logitech Combo Touch or an ESR keyboard if you want to turn this into a laptop-lite. You'll save $100 easily.
- Wait for the sales: This model frequently hits $299 during back-to-school or holiday seasons. If you see it at that price, it becomes an instant "buy."