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

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.

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Today's best iPad (A16) Black Friday deal

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.