Apple iPad (11th Generation) Review – Apple’s 11th-generation iPad arrives with a modest yet meaningful performance upgrade, maintaining its $349 price point while boosting its internal processor to the A16 Bionic chip. Though it doesn’t support Apple’s AI-powered features, this tablet still delivers impressive performance for web browsing, gaming, streaming, and everyday tasks—outshining nearly all competitors in its class.
Key Specifications:
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Operating System: iPadOS 18
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Dimensions: 9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 in
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Weight: 1.05 lbs
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Display: 11 inches, 2360 x 1640 pixels
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Processor: Apple A16 Bionic
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Storage: 128 GB
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Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
Subtle Design, Solid Build
While Apple hasn’t drastically changed the iPad’s appearance over recent generations, the familiar slim and symmetrical design remains sleek and modern. Available in four colors—blue, pink, silver, and white—the tablet looks identical to the previous model, weighing 1.05 pounds with a compact 11-inch form factor.
It’s nearly the same size as the 11-inch iPad Air and only slightly thicker than the iPad Pro of the same size. Apple has standardized this design approach across its mid-size tablets, offering consistency in usability and accessory compatibility.
Ports and Features
On the bottom edge sits a USB-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer, flanked by speaker grilles on both short sides. Apple has eliminated the physical SIM card slot in favor of eSIM for cellular versions. The three pogo pins along the back edge support various magnetic accessories, including keyboards and cases.
Display Quality and Experience
The screen gets a small bump in size from 10.9 to 11 inches, but most of the display specs remain unchanged. It’s a 2360 x 1640 resolution LED-backlit panel with a pixel density of 264ppi and a maximum brightness of 500 nits. True Tone technology adjusts white balance based on ambient light, and the display supports sRGB color for natural visuals.
While it lacks premium features like a laminated screen or anti-reflective coating found in the iPad Air, the display still offers vibrant colors and sharp visuals suitable for video playback, reading, or creative tasks.
Performance That Goes the Distance
Apple iPad (11th Generation) Review – The A16 Bionic chip marks a significant performance jump from the previous A14, offering faster processing and better graphics for demanding apps and games. With 128 GB of base storage and efficient power management, this iPad handles multitasking with ease, all while lasting up to 10 hours on a full charge.
Compared to its closest Android rival, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ ($219.99), the iPad delivers a more powerful chipset and refined software experience. However, the Tab A9+ offers a few advantages, such as microSD support and a headphone jack.
