In a benchmarking test analysed by The Verge, the latest base model iPad (the 11th generation) revealed a significant performance deficit versus both the previous year’s Air model and this year’s updated Air.
While the test focussed on the device’s multicore performance, the deficit was also evident in GPU performance, with the result that the base model iPad cannot run certain apps and games such as Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty.
The article concludes that, while the base model is still a capable tablet and may be sufficient for the intended use cases of many of its purchasers, it lacks the horsepower to evolve with its user, and its lack of support for Apple Intelligence and AI features in future updates may mean it could quickly become outdated.