For everyday browsing, streaming, schoolwork, handwritten notes and light creative work, the 2025 iPad 11-inch (A16) is an easy recommendation if you do not need higher-tier display or performance features. Tom’s Guide reported on October 5, 2026, that Amazon had the 128GB Wi-Fi model for $399, $50 below its then-normal $449 price. That is a dated U.S. deal, not a guaranteed live price; check the retailer listing before buying.
Is the iPad 11 worth buying?
It is a sensible all-purpose tablet for people who want a large screen, mainstream apps, video calls and enough speed for typical daily tasks. Apple identifies this model as the iPad 11-inch (A16). Its A16 chip has a five-core CPU, four-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine. That hardware suits general use, schoolwork and light creative tasks; this recommendation is not a claim that it replaces a laptop or matches higher-tier iPads in every feature.
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The display measures 10.86 inches diagonally as a rectangle, according to Apple; rounded corners reduce the actual viewable area. Resolution is 2360 by 1640 pixels at 264 pixels per inch, and Apple lists brightness at 500 nits. It also includes True Tone and an oleophobic coating. These are useful everyday display specifications, but shoppers who prioritize more advanced screen features should compare higher-tier models directly. Apple’s technical specifications provide the full model details.
How much is the iPad 11 on sale?
Tom’s Guide reported Amazon’s 128GB Wi-Fi iPad 11 at $399 on October 5, 2026, down $50 from the then-normal $449. The report noted that $399 was still above the model’s pre-price-hike $349 cost. MacRumors’ October 6, 2026 roundup also listed the 128GB Wi-Fi model at $399, $50 off, and reported these U.S. prices for other Wi-Fi capacities:
#1 Best Overall
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
| Configuration | Reported price | Reported discount |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB Wi-Fi | $399 | $50 off |
| 256GB Wi-Fi | $499 | $50 off |
| 512GB Wi-Fi | $699 | $50 off |
These are prices reported by MacRumors on October 6, 2026, not confirmed current offers. Price, stock, color and configuration availability may change. Check Amazon’s live listing for the exact model and price before checkout. The $399 report concerns the 128GB Wi-Fi model, not a cellular configuration.
Is the iPad 11 good for students?
For reading, web research, video lessons, note-taking and ordinary school apps, the iPad 11 has the basic capabilities many students need. Apple lists a landscape 12MP front camera with Center Stage and 1080p video recording, plus a 12MP Wide rear camera that records 4K video. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 are included across models.
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
For handwritten notes or drawing, the iPad supports Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil (1st generation). The first-generation Pencil needs Apple’s USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter for pairing and charging. The tablet also supports Magic Keyboard Folio for people who type frequently; Apple’s product page names Smart Folio as well. Accessories are separate purchases, so include them in your budget if you need them. Apple lists the supported options on its iPad 11-inch product page.
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Which Apple Pencil works with the iPad 11?
Apple lists two compatible styluses: Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil (1st generation). The USB-C Pencil is the straightforward option to consider for writing or drawing. The first-generation Pencil requires the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter to pair and charge with this iPad. Neither Pencil should be assumed to come in the box; confirm what is included in the specific listing before purchase.
Rank #3
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
How long does the battery last?
Apple’s stated estimate is up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or video playback, and up to nine hours of web browsing using cellular data. Tom’s Guide reported 11 hours and 25 minutes in its custom battery test. That is one publication’s test result, not a guaranteed runtime; actual battery life varies with use and conditions. See Apple’s specifications for its estimate and Tom’s Guide’s deal report for its test figure.
Wi-Fi or cellular: which model should you choose?
Wi-Fi models are for connecting through Wi-Fi networks. Cellular models add sub-6 GHz 5G and use eSIM rather than a physical SIM card, according to Apple. Choose cellular if you expect to use mobile data away from Wi-Fi and have considered the associated service plan; otherwise, the reported $399 deal applies to the 128GB Wi-Fi configuration.
Rank #4
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
The USB-C port supports charging, DisplayPort and USB 2.0 data transfer up to 480 Mb/s. That is useful for charging and connecting compatible displays or accessories, but the listed USB data rate is a consideration if moving large files over a wired connection matters to you.
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Should you get the iPad or iPad Air?
The iPad 11 is the straightforward choice when your priorities are everyday apps and the lower reported entry price. Compare it with an iPad Air or another higher-tier model if advanced display features, greater performance headroom, particular connectivity options or a different accessory setup are central to your needs. The deal reports cited here do not establish current prices or a full specifications comparison for those alternatives, so check Apple’s current model pages before deciding.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display,* advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi and 5G,* USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors. iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI AND 5G CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast wireless connectivity to download files, play multiplayer games, stream movies, check in with friends, and more. And with 5G cellular capabilities, you have the option to stay connected when you’re away from Wi-Fi and to add a flexible data plan whenever you need it.*
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
