Apple iPad 11-inch (A16) vs Apple iPad Air 11-inch (2025)

The iPad Air (2025) is the better tablet for anyone doing real work: its M3 chip, 12MP rear camera, Wi-Fi 6E and Apple Pencil Pro support put it a clear step above the A16 iPad. The 11-inch iPad with A16 is the smarter pick for browsing, streaming, notes and schoolwork, where its A16 chip and 8GB of RAM are plenty. Both share the same 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina resolution, 10-hour battery rating and USB-C, so the gap is performance, cameras and accessory support, not the screen. Owners rate the A16 iPad well at 4.4 out of 5 across roughly 47,000 ratings, and reviewers consistently call the Air the better long-term buy for creative and multitasking use.

• Choose the 11-inch iPad (A16) if you want a dependable everyday tablet for streaming, browsing, email and light note-taking and don't need pro-level performance or accessories.
• Choose the iPad Air (2025) if you edit video, draw with Apple Pencil Pro, run heavy apps or want a tablet that stays fast for years.