Apple's newest iPad is down to its best price yet

Engadget - Apr 27th, 2025

The new iPad A16, recently released by Apple and already considered the best budget iPad, is now available at a record low price of $299, $50 off the regular price. This discount applies to the entry-level model, which includes 128GB of storage, 6GB of RAM, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. While the iPad A16 isn't as powerful as the iPad Air, it offers a solid build, a more powerful chipset than its predecessor, and can handle common tasks, including casual gaming and light photo editing. However, it lacks support for Apple Intelligence and has some accessory compatibility issues, such as requiring a USB-C to Lightning adapter to charge the Apple Pencil.

Despite these limitations, the iPad A16 presents a compelling option for those seeking an affordable tablet for basic tasks like watching movies or reading the news. It retains a robust 10-hour battery life, making it a practical choice for everyday use. This price reduction highlights Apple's strategy to maintain competitive pricing while enhancing specifications, which could attract more budget-conscious consumers. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for more tech deals and guidance on the best Apple offers.

Apple Tech Deals I Pad A16 Tablet Budget Technology Wi Fi 6 Apple Pencil Magic Keyboard Casual Gaming

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the iPad A16, focusing on its affordability and features. It is timely and relevant to consumers interested in budget-friendly tech options. The content is clear and well-structured, making it accessible to a broad audience. However, the lack of explicit source citations and transparency regarding information gathering slightly undermines its credibility. While the article effectively highlights the iPad's strengths, it could benefit from a more balanced exploration of its limitations, particularly regarding accessory compatibility. Overall, the story serves as a useful guide for potential buyers, though it could be enhanced by more detailed source attribution and verification of specific claims.

Accuracy

The story accurately presents the iPad A16 as a budget-friendly option, noting its sale price of $299, which is consistent with current listings. It correctly outlines the specifications such as 128GB storage, 6GB of RAM, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. However, the claim that this price is a 'record low' requires verification against historical pricing data. The description of the iPad's performance, including its capability for casual gaming and light photo editing, aligns with typical user reviews, though it would benefit from more specific benchmarks. The mention of accessory compatibility issues, such as the charging method for the Apple Pencil, is accurate but could use further detail on how this impacts usability.

Balance

The article generally maintains a balanced perspective by highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the iPad A16. It praises the device's affordability and solid performance for basic tasks while also noting its limitations compared to higher-end models like the iPad Air. However, the focus is predominantly on the iPad A16's positive aspects, with less emphasis on potential drawbacks. For instance, the accessory issues are mentioned but not deeply explored, which could present a more comprehensive view of the user experience.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, accessible language to convey its points. The flow of information is logical, starting with the iPad's pricing and moving through its specifications, performance, and accessory compatibility. The tone is neutral and informative, making it easy for readers to understand the main points. However, the inclusion of specific technical jargon, like 'Wi-Fi 6 connectivity,' might require further explanation for a lay audience.

Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite sources, which makes it difficult to assess the reliability of the information presented. It appears to rely on common knowledge and general reviews of the iPad A16, but without direct attribution to specific reviews or expert opinions. This lack of source transparency slightly undermines the credibility of the claims, especially regarding the device's performance and pricing history.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of its sources and the basis for its claims. While it provides a clear description of the iPad A16's features and pricing, it does not disclose where this information was obtained or whether it was verified against multiple sources. Additionally, there is no mention of potential conflicts of interest, such as affiliations with retailers or manufacturers, which could influence the article's tone or content.