2025 Base iPad (11th Gen) Review: Affordable Tablet Faces Tough Choices
Key Insights
A16 Chip Performance: While adequate for basic tasks like browsing, streaming, and casual gaming (similar single-core performance to M2 Air), it significantly lags in multi-core and graphics performance compared to M-series chips in iPad Air and Pro models.
No Apple Intelligence or Stage Manager: The A16 chip and 6GB RAM aren't sufficient for Apple's latest AI features or the advanced Stage Manager multitasking interface, limiting future potential and external display usability.
Improved Base Storage: The starting storage has doubled to 128GB for the same $349 price point (previously 64GB), with a 512GB option now available.
Display Limitations: The 11-inch screen remains non-laminated (creating a visible air gap) and lacks an anti-reflective coating, making it feel less premium and harder to use in bright conditions compared to the Air. It also uses the sRGB color space, not the wider P3.
Accessory Compromises: It only supports the older 1st-Gen Apple Pencil (requiring an adapter) or the feature-limited USB-C Apple Pencil. It's incompatible with the Pencil Pro and the better Magic Keyboard available for Air/Pro models, using the less stable Magic Keyboard Folio instead.
Why this matters: These limitations impact the device's longevity, suitability for demanding tasks (heavy multitasking, high-end gaming, creative work), and overall user experience compared to slightly more expensive models. The lack of future software features like Apple Intelligence could make it feel outdated sooner.
In-Depth Analysis
The 2025 base iPad represents an incremental update, inheriting the design of the 10th-gen model but upgrading the processor to the A16 chip (a variant of the chip found in iPhone 14 Pro/15). Benchmarks confirm it handles everyday tasks smoothly, matching older Air models in single-core speed. However, multi-core and graphics tests reveal a significant performance gap compared to the M2 and M3 chips in the current iPad Air lineup – often scoring 40-60% lower in demanding benchmarks. This translates to noticeable slowdowns in high-end games (some, like *Assassin's Creed Mirage*, aren't supported at all) and intensive productivity apps.
While the RAM increase to 6GB and doubled base storage (128GB) are welcome improvements for longevity and value, the display remains a key compromise. The non-laminated screen creates a visible gap between the glass and the panel, making interactions (especially with a Pencil) feel less direct. The lack of an anti-reflective coating also increases glare significantly compared to the iPad Air.
Accessory support continues to be a confusing pain point. Users miss out on the best Apple Pencils (Pro and 2nd-Gen) and the superior Magic Keyboard. Instead, they're limited to the older 1st-Gen Pencil (which needs a dongle to charge) or the USB-C Pencil (lacks pressure sensitivity), and the lap-unfriendly Magic Keyboard Folio.
The absence of Apple Intelligence might not be a huge loss *today*, as the features are still evolving, but it does mean buyers are locked out of potential future AI advancements on iPadOS. Similarly, the lack of Stage Manager hinders its use as a potential laptop replacement, especially with external monitors.
FAQs
Q: Is the 2025 iPad good for gaming?
A: It's fine for casual games like *Mini Metro* or *Dredge*. However, it struggles with graphically intensive titles like *Call of Duty: Warzone* or *Infinity Nikki* at higher settings, and cannot run some demanding games available on other iPads.
Q: Does the 2025 iPad support the Apple Pencil Pro or 2nd Gen?
A: No. It supports the original 1st-generation Apple Pencil (requires a USB-C to Lightning adapter for pairing/charging) or the newer USB-C Apple Pencil (which lacks pressure sensitivity).
Q: Should I buy the 2025 iPad or the iPad Air?
A: If your budget is strictly limited and your needs are basic (web browsing, video streaming, light productivity, casual games), the base iPad is adequate. However, if you plan on heavier use, value a better display and accessories, want more future-proofing, or intend to do creative work, the iPad Air offers significantly more power and features and is likely the better long-term investment.
Key Takeaways
Who This Affects Most: Budget-conscious buyers, students needing a basic tablet, families looking for a device for kids, users with simple needs (media consumption, browsing).
How to Prepare: Assess your primary use cases. If they involve demanding apps, high-end gaming, extensive multitasking, or digital art, consider saving for an iPad Air. If your needs are simple, the base iPad offers core functionality at a lower price.
Key Action: Weigh the $349 starting price against the compromises in performance, display quality, accessory support, and future software features. Consider if a refurbished M-series iPad Air might offer better value.
Discussion
The 2025 base iPad makes calculated trade-offs to hit its price point. Do you think the lower price is worth the compromises compared to the iPad Air? Let us know!
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Sources & References
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