The iPad continues to be a compelling tablet, and the 11th generation model reinforces that position. With a starting price of $329, Apple offers a compelling blend of performance and affordability, making it arguably the best tablet for the average consumer in 2025. This review dives deep into the 11th-gen iPad, exploring its design, display, performance, battery life, software experience, and overall value.
Top view of the rear shell on the 11th Gen iPad.
Design and Build: Premium Feel, Familiar Form
The 11th-gen iPad retains the familiar design language of its predecessor. The all-metal chassis, crafted from 100% recycled aluminum, exudes a premium feel that belies its affordable price point. Available in four colors, the iPad’s sleek design is even more understated than the iPad Pro, lacking the latter’s prominent camera bump. At just over one pound, it’s comfortable to hold for extended periods, aided by a balanced weight distribution. This is crucial for a device primarily intended for media consumption and light productivity tasks. The non-slippery finish is also a welcome addition. While the coating does a decent job of resisting fingerprints, a case or skin is highly recommended to protect the vulnerable corners from bumps and scratches. The physical buttons offer satisfying tactile feedback, and the Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button remains quick and reliable.
Angled side rear view on the 11th Gen iPad.
Display: A Solid Performer for Everyday Use
The 11-inch LCD display with a 2360 x 1640 resolution (264 ppi) and 60Hz refresh rate is carried over from the previous generation. While not groundbreaking, it’s a perfectly adequate display for the price. Colors are well-saturated, contrast is good, and viewing angles are acceptable. While blacks aren’t as deep as OLED displays, there’s no noticeable light bleed. Brightness peaks at 500 nits, sufficient for most indoor scenarios, though the reflective nature of the panel can be an issue in direct sunlight.
Watching nature video on the 11th Gen iPad.
One notable drawback is the non-laminated display. The gap between the glass and display panel creates a slightly hollow feel when using the Apple Pencil (only the first-gen and USB-C capped models are supported), impacting the overall drawing experience. However, it’s not a deal-breaker for casual note-taking and sketching.
Reading document on the 11th Gen iPad.
Performance: Smooth Sailing for Most Tasks
The A16 Bionic chip powers the 11th-gen iPad, delivering a noticeable performance boost over its predecessor. Everyday tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and light photo editing are handled with ease. However, when pushing the iPad with more demanding workflows, such as split-screen multitasking or running multiple resource-intensive apps, some occasional stutters can occur. This is likely due to the limited RAM, impacting background app management.
3DMark benchmark score on the 11th Gen iPad.
Gaming performance is surprisingly robust. The iPad handles graphically demanding titles like Diablo Immortal, Devil May Cry: Peak of Combat, and even Warframe with respectable frame rates and visual settings. However, don’t expect to run AAA games at their highest settings without compromise.
Playing Diablo on the 11th Gen iPad.
Battery Life: A Reliable Companion Throughout the Day
The iPad boasts a 10-hour battery life, which holds true in real-world usage. With light to moderate usage, the iPad easily lasts for two to three days on a single charge. Heavier workloads, such as extended productivity sessions, reduce battery life to around 6-7 hours. While not the fastest charging tablet, it’s more than adequate for most users.
Angled view of the rear panel on the 11th Gen iPad.
Software: iPadOS 18 – Familiar Yet Frustrating
The iPad runs iPadOS 18, offering a familiar and reliable experience. However, it lacks some of the more advanced features found on M-series iPads, such as Stage Manager and the full suite of Apple Intelligence features. While the app ecosystem remains a strength, the lack of advanced multitasking features and the limitations of Apple’s AI offerings compared to competitors like Google Gemini can be frustrating for power users.
Control Center on the 11th Gen iPad.
Verdict: An Easy Recommendation for Most
The 11th-gen iPad is a compelling value proposition. With double the base storage of its predecessor, a faster processor, a sleek design, and a solid display, all for the same $329 starting price, it’s hard to beat. While it may not satisfy power users seeking advanced multitasking or the latest AI features, it remains the best iPad for most people in 2025.
