Tablets · Review
Apple iPad (A16)
Still the simplest affordable iPad, but the June 2026 price rise makes a discounted iPad Air worth considering.
84
out of 100
Our verdict
Apple's entry-level iPad moved to the A16 chip and 128GB of base storage in 2025, and TechRadar still rates it one of the best tablets for everyday use such as streaming, reading, browsing and note-taking. It does not support Apple Intelligence, and its 60Hz LCD lacks the wider P3 color and anti-reflective coating of the Air. Pencil support stops at the USB-C and first-generation Apple Pencil. Apple raised its price from $349 to $449 in June 2026, which narrows the gap to the iPad Air, though Amazon sells it for less.
What's good
- Capable A16 performance for everyday tasks
- 128GB base storage
- Good battery life claim of up to 10 hours
- Frequently discounted at retailers
What's not
- No Apple Intelligence support
- 60Hz LCD without anti-reflective coating
- No Apple Pencil Pro support
- Apple list price rose to $449 in June 2026
How it scores
How we rate →Specifications
- Configuration priced
- Wi-Fi, 128GB
- Display
- 10.86-inch Liquid Retina IPS, 2360 x 1640, 500 nits, sRGB
- Chip
- Apple A16, 5-core CPU, 4-core GPU
- Battery
- 28.93 Wh, up to 10 hours web or video (Apple claim)
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
- Port
- USB-C (USB 2)
- Weight
- 477g
- Apple Pencil
- Apple Pencil (USB-C) and 1st generation (adapter needed)