Apple iPad 11" A16 Chip 2022, A16 Bionic, 6GB, 256GB, Blue

The A16 iPad is fast, has a great camera for horizontal video calls, and 256GB of storage at a reasonable price. The 60Hz screen and non-laminated display are the main drawbacks. If you can find it near USD 449, it's a no-brainer.

The A16 Bionic with 6GB of RAM chews through everyday tasks without breaking a sweat. Apps open instantly, multitasking is smooth, and even 4K video editing is doable, though not exactly a joy on a 60Hz panel. The 12MP front camera with Center Stage is a genuine upgrade for video calls, keeping you framed even when you move around. Storage at 256GB is generous for the price. The weak spot is the display: 500 nits is fine indoors but struggles in direct sunlight, and the standard refresh rate makes scrolling feel less fluid than it should in 2025.

Against the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, the iPad wins on app polish and battery life, but loses on display tech and productivity flexibility. The Surface has a 120Hz screen and full desktop OS, which matters if you're doing real work. The Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus and Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 both offer higher refresh rates and better screens for media consumption, but neither matches the iPad's app ecosystem or long-term software support. The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro undercuts it on price but can't touch the iPad's accessory ecosystem. For most people, the iPad is still the safest bet, but it's no longer the only good option.

Pricing is all over the place right now. In the US, we're seeing this config listed anywhere from USD 449 to USD 628 across nine listings. That's a USD 179 spread, which is wild. If you're buying, shop around. B&H tends to have the best deal in our database, and their shipping speed gets consistent praise from buyers. In Canada, the spread is CAD 96, from CAD 630 to CAD 726. At the low end, this is a fantastic value. At the high end, you're paying too much for what you get.

The 11-inch iPad with the A16 chip is Apple doing what Apple does best: taking a proven formula and making it feel effortless. It's fast, the screen is bright and crisp, and the front camera in horizontal orientation finally makes video calls feel natural. For students and casual users, this is the default tablet for a reason.

But it's not perfect. The 60Hz display feels dated if you've used anything with a faster refresh rate, and the non-laminated screen has a visible air gap when you use the Apple Pencil. Still, for most people, this is the iPad to buy.

Skip this if you need a high refresh rate display for gaming or drawing, or if you want a true laptop replacement. The 60Hz screen and iPadOS limitations will frustrate you. Also skip it if you're an artist who cares about pen precision, the non-laminated display has a noticeable air gap that makes the Pencil feel less direct.

If you're a student, a casual user, or someone who just wants a tablet that works without fuss, this is the one. The A16 chip, the improved front camera, and the 256GB of storage make it a genuinely great package. It's not for power users who need a high refresh rate display or a desktop-class OS, but for everyone else, it's the easiest recommendation in the tablet world.