iPad 11th generation review: Upgrade or sit this one out?

Why you can trust this review 

As one of the world's leading online marketplaces for refurbished devices, we're able to stay up to date with a wide array of devices as they're released. Our reviewers are specialists in their fields, with deep knowledge of the features and inner workings of all the models we sell. We work with expert, certified third-party refurbishers who also evaluate the devices and feed that information back to us. 

We've reviewed dozens of devices, making sure that we're objective and that we provide fair and balanced information to help our customers with their buying decisions. We tell it like it is, without trying to push one brand over another. You can trust us to provide fair reviews that are accurate, in the interest of helping you find the most suitable device for your particular needs. So, let's go ahead with our iPad 11th generation review and tell you all you need to know. 

iPad 11th generation review: Specifications 

• Colors: Silver / Blue / Yellow / Pink 

• Screen size: 11 in 

• Weight: 1.05 lbs (477 g) 

• Dimensions: 9.79 in  (248.6 mm) x 7.07 in  (179.5 mm) x 0.28 in (7 mm) 

• Operating system: iPadOS 18 

• Chip: Apple A16 with 5-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine 

• Display: Liquid Retina 2360 x 1640-pixel resolution at 264 pixels per inch (ppi) 

• Battery: 28.93-watt‑hour lithium‑polymer battery / Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‐Fi or watching videos 

• Ports: USB-C port with support for charging and DisplayPort 

• Memory (RAM): 6GB 

• Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB 

• Wi-Fi: Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11) 

• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 

• Audio: Stereo speakers 

• Main camera: 12MP, HDR, panorama 

• Selfie camera: 12MP, HDR ultrawide 

iPad 11th generation: Pros and cons  

iPad 11th generation review: Features and benefits  

The iPad 11th generation is also known as the iPad A16, named for its faster A16 chip. Other than that, it doesn't offer anything particularly new compared to the previous model that came out in 2022. However, don't underestimate the difference that the new processor makes. It's like installing an upgraded power unit in an Indy car. It's not outwardly visible, but once you get behind the wheel you discover all the extra performance nuances. 

The enhanced performance probably makes this the best new tablet to buy for most people. It has power to burn. It's a genuine all-rounder, whether you want to stream movies or series, play games, or perform a wide range of everyday computing tasks. You can run the most demanding apps on the iPad 11 smoothly, including music and video editing software.  

In the words of a Reddit user:

"I upgraded from my 2021 iPad 9th gen to the new base iPad. I am loving this device so far and it’s perfect for all my use cases." 

Virtually the entire upgrade is based around the chip. Whereas the previous iPad model used the A14 chip, the iPad 11 skips a generation straight to the A16. This isn't Apple's latest chip (we're already on the A18), but it's perfectly suitable for the iPad. The A16 enables smoother multitasking, faster app performance and enhanced power efficiency. With its 4 efficiency cores it can perform 40% faster than its peers in the same class. It has improved graphics, thanks to a 5-core GPU that provides around 50% more working memory than its predecessor.  

Perhaps the best news is that while it has a new chip, it doesn't have a new price. The iPad 11 costs the same as the previous model. In other words, you can get the latest 2025 iPad at 2022 prices. It also offers more storage. These alone make it our top iPad choice for affordability. Imagine swapping A-Rod for Aaron Judge without the salary increase! 

The overall design is carried over from the 2022 model. It has the same dimensions and color choices, as well as Apple's characteristic wrap-around edges. The LED screen has a high enough resolution to watch HD media, but you'll need to dial it up to full brightness to get the most out of this, especially outdoors. The lack of an OLED screen is noticeable. 

Its battery life is on par for a tablet. With unconnected light use, it will last the whole day. When connected to Wi-Fi, you can expect about 10 hours of continuous surfing or streaming. The side speakers give a true sense of stereo sound, and volume is no problem — you can easily hear it from across the room. 

The camera has very good resolution in the daytime, but it struggles with graininess when the lighting is poor. That said, this isn't unusual for a tablet, and the iPad 11’s camera is still better than most others, and easily the best in its price range. 

Depending on your intended use, the lack of support for the Apple Pencil Pro or Pencil 2. The iPad 11 only works with the first-generation Apple Pencil. This has pressure sensitivity, and tilt motion support, but it lacks the more advanced features of the later versions. The Pencil Pro also has hover capabilities and has custom gestures for functionality. The Pencil 2 is an even bigger upgrade, with haptic feedback, barrel roll features that rotate like a real pencil, and a broader range of custom gestures. This makes the iPad 11 a very basic note-taking or drawing tablet. If you're a graphic artist, you may want to consider a later model that supports the more advanced Apple Pencils.  

If you've started relying on AI integration on your devices, you'll probably miss the lack of Apple Intelligence in this model. That said, many people prefer not to use AI, for various reasons, so if you're one of them it won't bother you at all. 

All in all, the combination of high performance, good battery life, excellent build quality, and low price make the iPad 11th generation a solid choice for everyday use. 

"The base iPad for 2025 isn't Apple's most powerful tablet, but it's the one most people should buy."  - PCMag  

Comparing the iPad 11 with the iPad 10  

*Prices as at time of writing, subject to change 

iPad 11 shopping tips 

If you're on the hunt for an iPad 11, you can either pay the full price of a new one now, or wait for the big annual sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Usually when Apple drops a new model, stores will offer discounts on the previous model to clear their shelves. Unfortunately, with the iPad 11th generation being a new release, this isn't an option yet. 

On the other hand, you can get a perfectly functional refurbished iPad 11 on Back Market. Restored down to the finest detail, you can trust its reliability, and it will have premium performance as if it were just out of the box. The best part? You won't have to pay the full retail price. It's the most convenient way to pick up a replacement tablet any time you want while saving money at the same time. 

Why buy a refurbished iPad 11th generation? 

That's a very good question, given how recently the iPad 11 was released. There are two main reasons to consider buying refurbished. The first is the price point. While everyone else is shelling out top dollar for a new one, you don't have to pay as much if you buy a refurbished iPad 11, even though it was very recently released.  

This leads us to another question: isn't a refurbished iPad inferior to a new one? Not at all. Our certified refurbishers perform exhaustive restorations and quality checks, replacing and repairing any damaged parts, and then testing the iPad to ensure that it performs up to the original benchmarks of a new one. Buying refurbished is buying intelligently: you get all the performance and style, while doing your bit for the planet. 

But you don't just need to take our word for it. Let one of our recent customers reassure you:  

"I recently purchased an Apple iPad through Back Market, and the experience exceeded my expectations! The ordering process was seamless, and the refurbished iPad arrived in excellent condition, looking and functioning like new."

- R M. (Purchased on May 14, 2025)  

The second reason to consider buying refurbished is that we need to get serious about reducing the amount of electronic waste we create. There's no need to explain the precarious state of our environment now, and every little thing we can do counts. By buying a refurbished iPad, one less item is thrown onto the trash heap. Sure, you might wonder how much difference your one little decision makes, but if we all start switching to this kind of recycling, it adds up. 

We at Back Market have an unwavering commitment to sustainability. For proof of this, look no further than our B Corp status certification, which recognizes that we are an inclusive "Benefit" company with transparent eco-friendly operations.    Here's some more detailed info on why you can trust our refurbished iPads. 

Trade in your old device for cash 

You can get yourself an even better deal on a refurbished iPad 11 by trading in your old iPad — or any other device, for that matter. It's really simple. Fill in a short online form to give us the specs of your device, and within minutes one of our refurbishers will reply with an offer. If you accept it, we'll pay for you to ship your device to us, and five business days later you'll have the money in your bank account. Even if you don't buy anything, you can still sell us any electronic device that you're not using anymore. Trading in our old tech doesn’t only pay off in your pocket; it also sustains the recycling of electronics and increases the number of refurbished devices available. Our trade in program is a central part of our sustainability model. 

Save money with a refurbished iPad 11th generation 

*Back Market prices taken at the date of publication — these are subject to change. 

Is the iPad 11 worth buying in Aug 22, 2025? 

While the iPad 11 doesn't offer anything particularly new in terms of features and functions, it provides significant performance improvements with its upgraded A16 chip. It can handle demanding apps and multitasking with power to spare. And with no price increase over the 2022 model, it's a no-brainer for anyone who wants to upgrade. It doesn't have Apple Intelligence, which might be a deciding factor for you, but if you want a real workhorse of a tablet at an affordable price, the iPad 11 is ideal. It's more of a trusty Ford F-150 than a modern muscle car, built for getting things done without all the latest mod cons that an average user might not even need.