What the reviews support
The A16 handles ordinary tablet workloads well; this is not a substitute for a desktop workflow by default.
Tom’s GuideNotebookcheckPhones & tablets / Review roundup
Apple iPad (A16)
11-inch 2025, Wi-Fi, 128GB; not iPad Air
Roundup updated 2026-10-03 · 2 assessment sources
What reviewers found
Enough iPad for watching, reading and everyday work
The A16 iPad handles the jobs most people buy a basic tablet for. Its non-laminated 60Hz screen and lack of Apple Intelligence are the main reasons to consider an Air instead. Pencil and keyboard compatibility deserve a check before purchase, because accessories can change the total cost considerably.
A roundup of published reviews; we haven’t tested this product. How we work
At a glance
Good for
Web, video, schoolwork and everyday tablet use
The catch
60Hz non-laminated screen and no Apple Intelligence
Where to buy
Current prices are available at the retailer.Check price at Amazon Product search
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Strengths and limitations
Pros
- Everyday performance
- More useful base storage than earlier base models
Cons
- No Apple Intelligence
- Non-laminated 60Hz display
In depth
What changes the experience
The screen’s air gap and 60Hz refresh are material compromises for drawing and premium-display buyers.
Tom’s GuideNotebookcheckBefore you buy
Choose accessories by exact compatibility; an Air’s keyboard or pencil support should not be assumed here.
Tom’s GuideNotebookcheckMeasurements & observations
Published measurements include their original test conditions.
Review observation · Reported review observation
Qualitative findingNotebookcheck reports the non-laminated 60Hz panel as a significant weakness of the otherwise affordable tablet; this is an observation, not a shared score.
NotebookcheckMeasurement · Geekbench CPU result
2,589 / 6,176 pointsTom’s Guide’s 2025 A16 iPad review reports single-core / multi-core results. Its table calls the second column dual core, while the surrounding text identifies multi-core. Software and benchmark versions limit comparisons.
Tom’s GuideSpecifications
Check the configuration: memory, storage and cooling can vary between models.
Hardware & configuration
- Chip
- Apple A16
- Memory
- 6 GB in reviewed sample
- Storage
- 128 GB selected
- Panel
- IPS, non-laminated
- Screen size
- Approximately 11 inches
- Resolution
- 2360 × 1640
Features & compatibility
- Refresh rate
- 60 Hz
- Rear camera
- 12 MP
- Front camera
- 12 MP ultrawide
- Weight
- 477 g Wi-Fi model
- Apple Intelligence
- Not supported
Still unknown
- Check your required pencil and keyboard generation before ordering.
Published reviews & comparisons
Tom’s Guide · Review ·
Apple iPad (A16) review ↗
Everyday responsiveness and the storage upgrade make the base tablet useful. Apple Intelligence and premium Pencil support remain reasons to compare other iPads.
Test scope
2025 base iPad; everyday use and original pricing
Publisher group: Future
Notebookcheck · Review
Apple iPad (A16) review ↗
The 128GB sample is capable, but the non-laminated 60Hz display remains a central compromise.
Test scope
A16 128GB tablet; screen, memory and benchmark examination
Publisher group: Notebookcheck
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