iPad A16 drops to $279 — Best budget iPad deal for Black Friday
The iPad A16 (11-inch) is on sale for $279 this Black Friday — a record‑low price for Apple’s newest budget tablet. With the A16 chipset (the same family used in recent iPhones), the tablet delivers smooth performance for streaming, note‑taking, light creative work and general everyday use.
The 11-inch Liquid Retina display (2360 x 1640) offers sharp detail and vivid color up to roughly 500 nits of brightness, making it a solid pick for media and casual drawing with the Apple Pencil (USB‑C). The iPad also includes a 12MP rear camera, a 12MP Center Stage front camera positioned along the landscape edge, Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, USB‑C and Touch ID in the top button.
Why $279 is a strong value
- Performance: A16 chip gives snappy app performance and longevity for future iPadOS updates.
- Display & cameras: High‑resolution 11″ Liquid Retina screen and Center Stage front camera for video calls.
- Accessory support: Compatible with Apple Pencil (USB‑C) and Magic Keyboard Folio — though not Apple Pencil Pro.
- Battery life: Around 10 hours on Wi‑Fi for typical mixed use.
Who should buy it
This iPad is an excellent choice for students, casual creatives, and anyone who wants a capable tablet without paying Pro‑level prices. It’s particularly well‑suited to media consumption, note taking and web browsing — and for users who want a reliable device that will receive software updates for years.
How it compares
The iPad A16 sits below the iPad Air M3 and iPad Pro M5 in performance and display tech, but for many users the A16 hits the sweet spot between price and capability. If you need extra power for heavy video editing or pro workflows, consider the iPad Pro; otherwise, this A16 deal is hard to beat.
Buy the iPad A16 at this price on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in a new tab): https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Apple+iPad+A16&tag=f1rede-20.
Buying tips: Choose the storage and connectivity (Wi‑Fi vs Wi‑Fi + Cellular) that match your needs. Confirm accessory compatibility (Apple Pencil USB‑C vs Pencil Pro) before adding peripherals. Also check retailer return policies for holiday purchases.
Discussion: At $279, will you pick up the iPad A16 as a tablet for work, school or entertainment — or are you stretching to the M3 Air for extra performance? What would you use it for first?