Apple iPad (A16) Review: More than Enough
At a Glance
Expert’s Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Pros:
– Great performance for the basics
– Lovely and lightweight design
– Good battery life
– Double the storage of the predecessor
Cons:
– No anti-reflective display
– Slow charging
– Accessories not included
– Doesn’t work with Apple Pencil Pro
Our Verdict
The Apple iPad (A16) is an excellent tablet that excels in delivering the basics at a fraction of the cost of other Apple options. With solid performance, great battery life, and an intuitive software experience from iPadOS, it offers exceptional value for its price, catering to the needs of many users. However, it falls short in terms of display quality compared to the iPad Air (M3), lacks Apple Intelligence support, and requires separate purchases for accessories.
Design & Build
The iPad (A16) retains the familiar design of its predecessor, featuring a premium aluminum body, slim profile, and uniform bezels that contribute to its sleek appearance. The inclusion of Touch ID in the power button enhances usability, while the available color options add a touch of personalization. Despite lacking design updates, the iPad (A16) remains a visually appealing and portable device suitable for various tasks.
Screen & Speakers
Equipped with an 11-inch Liquid Retina display, the iPad (A16) offers sharp details and vibrant colors, suitable for everyday tasks like content consumption and browsing. However, the absence of an anti-reflective coating impacts outdoor visibility, and the non-fully laminated display affects responsiveness, particularly with accessories like the Apple Pencil. While not compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro, the standard Apple Pencil provides a satisfactory user experience.
Specs & Performance
Powered by the Apple A16 processor and offering 128GB of base storage, the iPad (A16) sees an upgrade in performance compared to its predecessor. The enhanced RAM and storage capacity contribute to improved multitasking and storage options, making it a reliable choice for everyday use. While not as powerful as higher-tier models like the iPad Air (M3), the iPad (A16) handles basic tasks efficiently but may show limitations with more demanding applications.
Cameras
Featuring a 12MP rear camera and a 12MP front camera with Center Stage, the iPad (A16) provides adequate camera capabilities for casual photography and video calls. While not intended to replace dedicated cameras or smartphones, the cameras offer practical use cases for document scanning and video conferencing, enhancing the tablet’s versatility.
Battery Life & Charging
With a promise of 10 hours of video playback and 9 hours of web browsing, the iPad (A16) delivers reliable battery performance suitable for extended use. However, the lack of fast charging support limits quick replenishment, requiring a few hours for a full charge. While the battery life accommodates daily tasks, the absence of an included charging brick necessitates additional accessories for optimal charging.
Software & Apps
Running on iPadOS 18, the iPad (A16) offers a seamless software experience with access to a wide range of optimized applications from the App Store. While providing smooth operation and customization features, the device lacks Apple Intelligence support, limiting access to advanced AI-driven functionalities available on other Apple devices. The software enhancements offer usability improvements, but potential future software advancements may require consideration for long-term usability.
Price & Availability
Starting at £329/$329, the iPad (A16) provides a cost-effective entry point into the Apple tablet ecosystem, offering various storage and connectivity options to suit different user needs. Additional accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio are available at separate costs, enhancing the tablet’s functionality. While discounts on Apple products are rare, occasional promotions may offer slight savings, making the iPad (A16) an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
Should You Buy the Apple iPad (A16)?
The iPad (A16) presents a compelling choice for users seeking a budget-friendly yet capable tablet for everyday tasks. With its solid performance, excellent build quality, and intuitive software experience, the device caters to a wide range of users. While it may lack advanced features like Apple Intelligence support and fast charging, the iPad (A16) offers exceptional value for its price point, making it a worthwhile consideration for both new and existing iPad users.
Specs
– Operating System: iPadOS 18
– Display: 11-inch IPS LCD (2360 x 1640, 264ppi)
– Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB
– Processor: Apple A16
– Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
– Cameras: 12MP rear, 12MP front with Center Stage
– Battery: 28.93Wh
– Dimensions: 248.6 x 179.5 x 7mm
– Weight: 477g (Wi-Fi) / 481g (Wi-Fi & Cellular)
In conclusion, the Apple iPad (A16) offers a compelling mix of performance, design, and affordability, making it a versatile choice for users seeking a reliable tablet experience. With its balanced features and competitive pricing, the iPad (A16) stands out as a valuable addition to Apple’s tablet lineup, catering to a broad audience of tech enthusiasts and casual users alike.