In recent times, OnePlus has consistently delivered high-quality phones and watches at prices below the industry average. Despite this, their products have often been overlooked in favor of major players like Google and Samsung. However, with the release of the OnePlus Pad in 2023, OnePlus demonstrated its ability to create one of the most well-rounded Android tablets available on the market, packed with exceptional features at a mid-range price.
After impressing with their initial tablet offering, it’s time to evaluate whether the new OnePlus Pad 2, with its improved specifications and larger screen, justifies the higher price tag it carries.
OnePlus Pad 2 – Design and Features
On first glance, the OnePlus Pad 2 may not appear significantly different from its predecessor in terms of design, aside from a notable change in color – the sleek matte Nimbus Grey colorway replacing the previous Halo Green. However, there are several noteworthy upgrades to explore.
The standout feature is the stunning 12.1-inch 3K display. While only slightly larger than the original model’s 11.6-inch screen, the increased screen real estate and vibrant, clear display make a noticeable difference. The tablet also retains the unique 7:5 aspect ratio of its predecessor, offering a wider and taller viewing experience compared to typical tablets.
Furthermore, the Pad 2 boasts a brightness of 900 nits, making it superior for outdoor usage. Even in direct sunlight, the display remains visible, providing an excellent viewing experience.
Weighing 1.29 pounds, the OnePlus Pad 2 is slightly heavier than its predecessor but still lighter than other popular 12-inch Android tablets. The tablet is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and multitasking.
The device’s 9,510mAh battery offers impressive longevity, lasting up to 12 hours under heavy use, with rapid 80W charging capabilities for quick recharging. However, the lack of expandable storage and subpar cameras are notable drawbacks.
In terms of audio, the tablet features six speakers that deliver remarkable spatial sound quality, enhancing the overall multimedia experience.
To unlock the device conveniently, users can utilize the front-facing camera for biometric face unlock, which has proven to be highly reliable even in low-light conditions.
OnePlus Pad 2 – Software
The OnePlus Pad 2 runs on Android 14 with OnePlus’ OxygenOS skin, offering a near-stock Android experience with added OnePlus-specific features. Users can expect three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, aligning with OnePlus’ update policy for its smartphones.
Unique AI features like AI Eraser 2.0 and Smart Cutout 2.0 enhance photo editing capabilities, while the AI Toolbox provides tools for various tasks such as listening on the go, summarizing articles, and aiding in writing content.
While the software experience is largely positive, some users may find the update timeline of three years relatively short compared to other manufacturers.
OnePlus Pad 2 – Gaming
The OnePlus Pad 2 offers a solid gaming experience, capable of handling games like Call of Duty Mobile and Zenless Zone Zero at reasonable settings. While it may not deliver enthusiast-level gaming performance, the tablet can manage most gaming tasks effectively.
Users can optimize gaming performance by balancing heat and performance settings, ensuring a smooth gaming experience without overheating the device.
OnePlus Pad 2 – Accessories
Pairing the OnePlus Pad 2 with its accessories, the Stylo 2 and Smart Keyboard, further enhances the tablet experience. The Stylo 2 stylus provides a paper-like writing experience with haptic feedback, catering to artists and note-takers.
Meanwhile, the Smart Keyboard offers a seamless typing experience, making the tablet a versatile workstation on the go. While the accessories come at an additional cost, they significantly improve productivity and usability for users.