iPad (A16) review

The iPad (A16) is the simplest way into an iPad for streaming, reading, video calls and school apps. Apple's specs list the A16 chip, an 11-inch Liquid Retina display at 500 nits and 128GB of starting storage, with 256GB and 512GB options. Battery is rated at up to 10 hours of web or video on Wi-Fi, the same figure Apple gives the Air and the Pro, and a 20W USB-C adapter comes in the box. The 12MP Center Stage front camera on the long edge keeps you framed on calls when the tablet sits in a case. For notes it supports Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the first-generation Apple Pencil, plus the Magic Keyboard Folio. The limits show up in work and drawing: there is no Apple Pencil Pro support, the screen is not laminated and has no antireflective coating, and the USB-C port runs at USB 2.0 speeds, which slows large file transfers. At $449 it is $300 under the iPad Air.

Who it is for

budget buyers who mostly stream, browse and read

Price

From $449 with 128GB.

iPad The colorful, all-screen iPad for the things you do every day. From $449
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• A16 chip with a 5-core CPU and 4-core GPU
• 11-inch Liquid Retina display, 2360 by 1640 at 264 ppi, 500 nits
• 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of storage
• Supports Apple Pencil (USB-C), Apple Pencil (1st generation) and Magic Keyboard Folio
• Up to 10 hours of web or video on Wi-Fi, 20W USB-C adapter in the box

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Lowest starting price of the iPads on this list at $449
• Strength: Same 10-hour battery rating as iPad Air and iPad Pro
• Strength: 12MP Center Stage front camera on the long edge for video calls
• Weakness: Does not support Apple Pencil Pro
• Weakness: USB-C port runs at USB 2.0 speeds (up to 480Mb/s)
• Weakness: Display is not laminated and lacks an antireflective coating

Key facts

• Starting price: $449 (128GB)
• Chip: A16
• Screen: 11-inch Liquid Retina (LCD), 500 nits
• Battery: Up to 10 hours web or video on Wi-Fi
• Weight: 477 g (Wi-Fi)

Where it ranks

iPad (A16) is No. 2 in our Best Tablets verdict.