Apple's 11th-Gen iPad Delivers Pro-Level Power at Entry-Level Pricing

In a rare reversal of tech industry trends, Apple's 11th-generation iPad offers significant upgrades while dropping $100 from its launch price—a strategic move that reshapes the tablet value proposition. Featuring the A16 Bionic chip (the same silicon powering the iPhone 14 Pro lineup), 6GB of RAM, and double the base storage of its predecessor, this base-model iPad now delivers performance that challenges premium competitors at just $349.

Performance That Punches Above Its Weight

Independent Geekbench 6 testing reveals dramatic generational leaps:

| Device                  | Single-Core | Multi-Core | GPU Score |
|-------------------------|------------|------------|-----------|
| iPad 11th Gen (2025)    | 2,596      | 6,237      | 19,848   |
| iPad 10th Gen (2022)    | 2,083      | 4,902      | 16,973   |
| Samsung Tab S10 FE+     | 1,353      | 3,923      | 6,982    |

The 30% CPU and 50% GPU improvements translate to tangible real-world benefits: seamless 4K video editing, lag-free multitasking across productivity apps, and console-quality gaming. During ZDNET's testing, the device handled Adobe Lightroom exports and LumaFusion video projects without throttling—a remarkable feat for an entry-level tablet.

Strategic Compromises

Apple's value proposition comes with calculated limitations:
- No Apple Intelligence: Requires A17 Bionic or newer
- Pencil Pro Incompatibility: Supports only 1st-gen/USB-C Apple Pencils
- Display: Retains Liquid Retina panel (2360x1640) rather than advancing to OLED

These exclusions intentionally segment the market, reserving AI features and advanced stylus capabilities for higher-margin Pro models. As ZDNET's Maria Diaz notes:

"Apple knows most base-model buyers prioritize core functionality over bleeding-edge features. At $299 on sale, these compromises become remarkably easy to accept."

The Developer Angle

For app creators, the new iPad presents compelling opportunities:
1. Broader performance baseline: The A16 Bionic establishes a new floor for graphics-intensive apps
2. Backward compatibility: Works with existing 10th-gen accessories, reducing ecosystem fragmentation
3. Market expansion: Lower pricing could accelerate iPadOS adoption, expanding potential user base

The Verdict: A New Value Benchmark

While the iPad Pro remains essential for creative professionals needing Stage Manager or advanced color accuracy, the 11th-gen model redefines expectations for mainstream tablets. Its combination of A16 horsepower, 128GB entry storage, and aggressive pricing creates unprecedented pressure on Android competitors—especially notable when outperforming Samsung's $650 Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ in benchmarks. For students, casual creators, and business users needing a portable workhorse, this iPad represents Apple's most compelling value proposition in years.

Source: ZDNET