Apple iPad 11 (2025) Review: A Budget-Friendly Tablet That Gets the Job Done

Introduction

Apple has unveiled Apple iPad 11 (2025), the latest refresh in their entry-level iPad series. Priced at a modest $349, this tablet attempts to cater to a value-driven proposition offering satisfactory performance to students, casual users, and for those seeking a dependable gadget at affordable price. But how does it compare to the previous generations? Is it the best value iPad this year? Let’s take a closer look.

Is the iPad 11 (2025) Worth It? A Budget-Friendly Option for Most Users

For users looking to browse the web, stream, take notes, and engage in other light productivity tasks, the iPad 11 (2025) is an excellent option. It competes favorably with Android tablets in this range thanks to its improved performance and price.

If you are looking for pro-grade features like a high refresh rate display, advanced support for Apple pencil, or the powerful M-series chips, this tablet is not for you. It is ideal for students, casual users, and families who need a decent device at a very reasonable price.

ALSO READ: Apple Launches MacBook Air M4 (2025)

Design & Build Quality

Apple makes no bold moves in terms of design. The flat edged aluminum body of the iPad 11 (2025) has rounded corners and a display that is 10.9 inches wide resembling the iPad Air series. Despite being an entry-level model, it still feels premium in hand, thanks to Apple’s high-quality materials.

What’s Changed from the 10th-Gen iPad?

• Thinner Bezels: The slimmer bezels on the displays give the IPads a modern appearance.
• New Color Options: The addition of new colors is appealing to younger audiences.
• Lighter Body: The new model is a bit lighter making it easier to carry around.

Display & Visual Experience

The previous generations have always had 10.9 inch Liquid Retina Displays iPads, but Apple has upgraded the screen size to 11 inches. It is a bit bigger then previous model. The other features are the same. You can still enjoy videos and gaming as much as before.

The Air Gap Issue: Does It Affect Your Experience?

This version also doesn’t have a laminated display like most budget iPads which means there is usually a gap between the glass and the screen. Most people won’t mind this but if you are an artist or use the Apple Pencil you might experience some lag, or what feels like activity when inputting by drawing or writing.

Performance & Hardware

The A16 Bionic chip powers this 11 inch model, the same as the iphone 15 pro. This means:

• Apps will load faster making multitasking smoother and easier.
• Popular games like Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact will receive better gaming performance.
• Enjoy improved battery life with powerful and efficient performance.

Now, multitasking is smoother with the latest RAM upgrade to 6GB. Users can also choose to customize the 64GB storage option up to 256GB. But keep in mind, there is no microSD card slot available. Pick your preferences carefully.

Software & Features

Just like before, iPadOS provides a seamless experience as an Operating System with the following features:

• Multitasking with the Stage Manager
• Universal Control for connecting to your Mac
• Integration to Apple’s ecosystem

iPadOS is also missing support for external display and advanced multitasking features which lessen its appeal to those seeking for Pro-level features.

No Apple Intelligence:

Apple’s (AI) powered features are missing Apple’s secondary Intelligence and is expected to become available in mid level iPads. If you were looking for on-device ai integration, Apple most certainly did not deliver the expectation on this model.

Apple Pencil & Accessories

The Apple Pencil Confusion: Which One Works?

The iPad 11 (2025) is compatible with the first generation Apple Pencil and the new USB C Apple Pencil, excluding the Apple Pencil Pro. Advanced stylus features, such as hover and pressure sensitivity, are therefore limited.

Overpriced Accessories? Finding Budget-Friendly Alternatives

• The Magic Keyboard Folio is quite exepnsive, especially Apple, which drastically raises the price. This must be bought through a third party seller for usability on other devices.
• Those less involved with design will find third party Bluetooth, and stylus, even at the low end, will certainly do the job.

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Battery Life & Charging

According to Apple, the device lasts for about 10 hours on a full battery, and for web browsing and media consumption, it can last for around 10-11 hours. For gaming and multitasking, the device lasts around 6-8 hours.

Charging is done via USB-C port, but fast charging is limited to 20W which means it will take around 2.5 hours to fully charge the device.

Pricing & Value for Money

The Apple iPad 11 (2025) is priced at $349 and like its predecessors, this model also delivers better value for casual users. It beats the competition by providing:

• Five plus years of better software support as iPads receive updates frequently.
• Stronger performance compared to other Amdroid tablets of that price range.
• Remarkable build quality coupled with the benefits of the Apple ecosystem.

The tablet is still lacking in some aspects by not featuring high refresh rate displays, a laminated screen, and some pro device features which lowers it’s lack appeal for power users.

Pros & Cons Summary

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Affordable price	Non-laminated display with noticeable air gap
Smooth performance with A16 Bionic chip	No Pro-level features (120Hz refresh rate, M-series chip)
Decent battery life	Limited stylus and accessory compatibility
Supports Apple Pencil & Magic Keyboard	Slow charging
Long-term software support

Conclusion: Who Should Buy iPad 11 (2025)?

Overall, the Apple iPad 11 (2025) is a decent budget tablet that has good performance, decent battery life, and is reasonably priced. It’s ideal for students, casual users, or anyone looking for an affordable Apple device.