If you’re a tech lover like me, you’ll understand that feeling when a brand-new Apple box lands in your hands. The soft pull of the seal, that faint new-device smell, and the first glance of that iconic Apple logo — it just hits different every time. This time, I got my hands on the iPad 11th Generation, the 2025 edition, and honestly, this one feels like a solid jump from the previous 9th-gen model I used last year.
I ordered it from Flipkart, and thankfully, it arrived with Apple’s signature open-box delivery — neat, clean, and safe. Let’s talk about what makes this tablet a strong contender for anyone looking for an affordable yet powerful iPad this year.
First Impressions and Unboxing Experience
The moment I opened the box, that classic “Designed by Apple in California” card welcomed me again. Inside, you get the iPad itself, a USB-C to USB-C cable, and yes — a 20W charging brick! Apple finally decided not to skip the charger, which is honestly a relief in today’s world of “bring your own adapter”.
The model I picked is the 128GB Wi-Fi-only variant in Blue, and man, it looks premium. The finishing feels smooth, the Apple logo gleams beautifully, and the device fits perfectly in hand. You also get that Touch ID power button on top, volume rockers, and stereo speakers — one on each side. The Type-C port at the bottom makes life simpler, especially if you’ve already moved to Type-C devices.
Right out of the box, the iPad boots into iOS 26, Apple’s latest tablet OS. I had used iPadOS 17 earlier, and trust me, the jump to iOS 26 feels refreshing — smoother animations, better app organization, and a cleaner multitasking layout.
Design and Display – Sleek, Modern, and Comfortable
Apple has stuck to its tried-and-tested design philosophy, and it works well here. The bezels are slightly thinner compared to the older generation, giving it a modern look. The 11-inch Liquid Retina IPS display with a 2360×1640 resolution is bright, vibrant, and extremely sharp. Watching Netflix or YouTube on this feels like sitting in front of a small TV — rich colors and just the right contrast.
Even indoors under low light or outdoors on a bright day, the brightness holds up well. Touch response is quick, and gestures like pinch-to-zoom or swipe navigation feel buttery smooth. The 60Hz refresh rate might sound basic on paper, but Apple’s optimization makes it feel smoother than many 90Hz Android tablets.
Performance – The A16 Bionic Beast
Now, the biggest reason why I bought this iPad — the A16 Bionic chip. Apple’s silicon game is on another level, and this chip is the same one that powered the iPhone 15 Pro. That means you’re basically holding iPhone-level power in a tablet body.
I ran a few benchmark tests — Geekbench and 3DMark — and the scores were impressive. But real-world usage matters more, right? So I tested it with BGMI, Call of Duty, and even a few editing apps like Photoshop Express and LumaFusion. Not once did it lag or heat up badly.
BGMI runs at HDR + Extreme settings without a hiccup. The graphics are crisp, shadows are realistic, and touch controls respond instantly. In Call of Duty, I maxed out everything to “Very High” and the gameplay stayed buttery smooth. If you’re into gaming, this iPad is going to surprise you.
The 6GB RAM is well-optimized with iOS 26. You can switch between 10–15 apps easily, open multiple tabs in Safari, and still experience zero stutter. Apple’s software and hardware harmony really shines here.
Camera and Multimedia Experience
Let’s be real — nobody buys an iPad for its camera. But still, the 12MP rear camera and 12MP ultra-wide front camera are surprisingly good. I clicked a few shots in daylight, and they came out clear and detailed. The front camera shines during FaceTime or online meetings — the Center Stage feature automatically keeps you in the frame, which is super handy.
The stereo speaker setup is another highlight. They get loud, clear, and balanced, making movies, music, and even gaming sessions more immersive. Combine that with the display, and you get a mini home-theatre feel.
Battery Life and Charging
Apple claims around 10 hours of battery life, and in my real-world test, it pretty much delivers. I got around 9 hours of screen time with a mix of YouTube, gaming, and browsing. For light users, it can even stretch to a day and a half.
Charging speed is decent with the 20W charger — around 2 hours for a full charge. Since it’s a Type-C, you can also charge it with your laptop adapter if needed, which is quite convenient.
iOS 26 – Fresh, Fluid, and Feature-Packed
The new iOS 26 update adds a lot of polish to the iPad experience. You get a redesigned Control Center, better widgets, improved split-screen multitasking, and smarter Siri suggestions. I especially liked the new Glass Display effect, which gives your icons a semi-transparent reflection — it looks premium.
Also, if you’re into productivity, the Stage Manager and File app improvements make multitasking easier than ever. Apple Pencil support is flawless here too — smooth for drawing, note-taking, or editing.
Real Talk – My Honest Thoughts
After using it for about a week, I can confidently say this iPad feels like that perfect middle ground — not too expensive like the Air or Pro, yet not too basic like the entry models. For around 30,000 (during Flipkart sales), you get a powerful tablet that can handle gaming, editing, studying, entertainment, and even light professional work.
Yes, you can find Android tablets in the same range, but Apple’s ecosystem advantage, regular updates, and overall build quality just make this one feel more refined. Even simple things like AirDrop, iCloud sync, or Apple Pencil pairing work so seamlessly that you won’t miss Android’s customization much. If you’re a student, a creator, or just someone who loves clean tech experiences, this iPad is totally worth considering.
A16 Bionic Magic in Budget
To wrap it up, the iPad 11th Generation is easily one of the best tablets you can buy under ₹35,000 in 2025. It nails all the basics — display, performance, battery, and design — while giving you that unmistakable Apple feel. Add to that the A16 Bionic power and you’ve got a device that’s future-ready for the next few years.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Especially if you catch it during a sale, this one’s a no-brainer. Just pair it with a good cover, maybe an Apple Pencil, and you’re good to go for gaming, work, or binge-watching your favorite shows.
So that’s my complete hands-on experience with the iPad 11th Generation. If you’re thinking of upgrading or switching to Apple for the first time, this tablet might just be the perfect gateway
