The best cheap tablet just got cheaper thanks to this Black Friday iPad deal

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A steal on a great cheap tablet

Apple iPad on a Purple Background. Text reads: TechRadar Black Friday Deals
(Image credit: Apple)

Sometimes Black Friday means great deals get even better. For example, I’m now spotting some substantial discounts on the best cheap tablet, and the best iPad for most people – it could only be the iPad 11-inch (A16), which you can now get for $279 (was $349) at Amazon.

• Shop Amazon's full Black Friday sale

Though Apple has a well-earned reputation for expensive tech, the base-model iPad has actually settled into its current role as one of the best deals in tech – and that’s as true at retail price as it is at this Black Friday deal price. To keep it simple, you won’t find another tablet that runs as well at this price point, and the great 11-inch display is a big plus too.

(Not in the US? See today's best deals in your region below)

Today's best iPad (A16) Black Friday deal

Apple iPad
Apple iPad: was $349 now $279 at Amazon

The standard iPad is such a good deal that it almost feels like an open secret: it's the best cheap tablet by a wide margin, and a great everyday companion for casual users and families. The A16 chipset is still a solid performer, and while there's no Apple Intelligence support, 6GB of RAM is enough for some multitasking with iPadOS 26's new features.

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Apple iPad
Apple iPad: was £329 now £299 at Amazon

UK customers get a smaller discount at Amazon, which has knocked £30 off the price of the base-model iPad. As mentioned, the iPad is already a pretty great deal, so any sort of discount is a welcome sight. The A16 chipset, 11-inch display, and 6GB of RAM make this iPad a great pick for casual and family use.

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The base-model iPad comes with a balanced spec sheet tailored to everyday use, lighter productivity, and mobile gaming. Its 11-inch LCD display might run at 60Hz, but is still one of the best looking tablet displays on the market, and is effectively the same panel as the one on the more expensive iPad Air.

Under that big screen, the iPad packs Apple’s A16 chipset, lifted from the iPhone 15, which is still a solid performer for daily use, as well as 6GB of RAM for multitasking in iPadOS 26’s new window management system. It also comes with a battery which Apple rates for 10 hours of use.

In terms of extra features, the iPad comes with a 12MP rear camera and a 12MP selfie camera with Apple’s center stage technology, keeping you in-frame during video calls. It also supports Apple’s Magic Keyboard Folio and Apple Pencil with USB-C accessories, so you can type and draw with built-in and third-party apps (though these accessories are sold separately).

Personally, I think the base-model iPad is a great choice for casual users, families, and as a gift. I use a 2020 iPad Pro, but 99% of what I do with it can be done on the base-model iPad too, so unless you’re looking to do professional-grade work or the most intensive multitasking, it’s worth considering picking up Apple’s cheapest tablet at this discount price.

Shop more of today's best Black Friday sales in the US

Shop more of today's best Black Friday sales in the UK

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Jamie Richards
Jamie Richards
Freelance contributor

Jamie is freelance journalist who has written for TechRadar and MusicRadar as well as various specialist news outlets and music blogs. A lifelong tech-obsessive, Jamie began his writing career as a music blogger before studying journalism at Goldsmiths College, and worked at TechRadar between 2024 and 2026. He thinks the iPhone 5S is the greatest phone of all time, but is currently an Android user.

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