OnePlus Pad Review: A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse with a Few Compromises
Read the OnePlus Pad review for a detailed analysis of this budget-friendly tablet. Discover its performance, design, features, and some compromises that come with the affordable price.
OnePlus Pad
OnePlus has traditionally been known for delivering high-performance smartphones at competitive prices, but in 2024, the company made its debut in the tablet market with the OnePlus Pad. With a growing demand for tablets that offer a mix of performance, portability, and affordability, the OnePlus Pad aims to strike the right balance, delivering a premium experience without the premium price tag.
Positioned as a budget-friendly tablet, it promises a feature-rich package that competes with established players like the Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab series. But does it live up to expectations, or are there too many compromises at this price point?
In this detailed review, we’ll dive deep into the design, performance, battery life, software, and other features of the OnePlus Pad to help you determine if this budget-friendly powerhouse is the right device for you. We’ll also explore the areas where it falls short and provide a comprehensive look at what you can expect.
OnePlus Pad Specifications
The OnePlus Pad combines a modern design with solid performance features, making it a competitive option in the budget tablet market. Here’s a comprehensive look at the technical specifications of the tablet:
Display
- Size: 11.61 inches
- Type: LCD, IPS
- Resolution: 2800 x 2000 pixels (2.8K)
- Aspect Ratio: 16:10
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Peak Brightness: 500 nits
- Color Accuracy: Supports 100% sRGB color space
Processor
- Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 9000
- CPU: Octa-core (1x Cortex-X2 @ 3.05 GHz, 3x Cortex-A710 @ 2.85 GHz, 4x Cortex-A510 @ 1.80 GHz)
- GPU: Mali-G710 MC10
Memory and Storage
- RAM: 8GB LPDDR5
- Storage Options: 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
- Expandable Storage: No microSD card support
Battery
- Battery Capacity: 8,600mAh
- Fast Charging: 67W SuperVOOC
- Charging Time: 0-100% in about 60 minutes
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours of regular use (web browsing, video streaming)
Cameras
- Rear Camera: 13MP, f/2.2, autofocus, LED flash
- Front Camera: 8MP, f/2.4, fixed focus
- Video Recording: 4K at 30 fps (rear), 1080p at 30 fps (front)
Operating System
- OS: OxygenOS based on Android 13
- Features: Customizable UI, Dark Mode, Split-screen, Floating Windows, Zen Mode
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3
- USB: USB Type-C 3.1, OTG support
- Audio: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support
- SIM: No cellular support (Wi-Fi only)
Design
- Material: Aluminum unibody construction
- Color Options: Green (matte finish)
- Dimensions: 258.9 x 185.3 x 6.5 mm
- Weight: 500 grams
Other Features
- Fingerprint Sensor: No
- Face Unlock: Yes (using front camera)
- Audio: Dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos for enhanced sound experience
- Accessories: Supports OnePlus Pad keyboard (sold separately) and OnePlus Pen for productivity
Summary of Key Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display Size | 11.61 inches |
| Display Type | LCD, 144Hz Refresh Rate |
| Resolution | 2800 x 2000 (2.8K) |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 9000, Octa-core |
| GPU | Mali-G710 MC10 |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 |
| Battery | 8,600mAh, 67W fast charging |
| Rear Camera | 13MP f/2.2, LED Flash |
| Front Camera | 8MP f/2.4, fixed focus |
| Operating System | OxygenOS based on Android 13 |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 |
OnePlus Pad: Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design, OnePlus certainly doesn’t hold back. The OnePlus Pad immediately gives off a premium vibe that is often associated with higher-end tablets. The company has crafted this device with a sleek, aluminum unibody design that feels solid and robust.
Sleek and Premium Look
From the first glance, you’ll notice that the OnePlus Pad is nothing like the standard budget tablets you’re used to seeing. The tablet sports an elegant matte green finish on the back, which not only gives it a distinctive look but also helps resist fingerprints and smudges. The finish feels smooth to the touch, adding to the device’s overall luxurious feel.
The rounded edges make the tablet comfortable to hold, whether you’re using it in portrait or landscape mode. While it’s not as thin as some other premium tablets, the OnePlus Pad still manages to stay reasonably slim at 6.5mm and weighs around 500 grams, making it portable and easy to carry in a bag.
What’s particularly striking is the camera module at the back, which is positioned in the top-left corner, keeping the aesthetics clean and unobtrusive. This tablet is available in a green color variant, but depending on your region, other color options may also be available.
Display: Crisp and Bright, But a Few Limitations
One of the standout features of the OnePlus Pad is its 11.61-inch LCD display. This screen boasts a 2.8K resolution (2800 x 2000 pixels), delivering crisp and clear visuals for almost any use case. Whether you’re reading articles, streaming videos, or playing games, the OnePlus Pad excels at offering sharp text and vibrant images.
144Hz Refresh Rate
The tablet features a 144Hz refresh rate, which is especially noteworthy at this price range. The higher refresh rate ensures that scrolling, navigating the interface, and playing games are all incredibly smooth. It’s a feature typically found in mid-range smartphones and gaming laptops, but the OnePlus Pad brings it to the tablet world at an
affordable price.
However, the LCD panel on the OnePlus Pad does come with some compromises. While it’s bright and vibrant, it doesn’t have the deep blacks or high contrast that an AMOLED or OLED display offers. If you’re used to the sharpness and contrast of an OLED display, the difference may be noticeable, especially in dark scenes.
That said, the display performs well for most everyday tasks, such as browsing, watching YouTube videos, and casual gaming. The 2.8K resolution strikes a solid balance between clarity and battery efficiency, giving users a satisfying visual experience.
Performance: Smooth and Capable
The OnePlus Pad is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset, which is one of the flagship-level processors from MediaTek. Paired with 8GB of RAM, the OnePlus Pad is built to handle a variety of tasks, from multitasking to media consumption, and even gaming.
MediaTek Dimensity 9000 Processor
The Dimensity 9000 is a high-performance chip that competes with premium processors like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. This SoC (System on Chip) is designed to deliver great performance for both everyday tasks and intensive activities like gaming and video editing. During testing, we found the tablet to be responsive and quick, whether we were opening apps, switching between multiple tasks, or streaming content.
The 8GB of RAM allows for smooth multitasking, letting you run multiple apps simultaneously without experiencing slowdowns or lag. You can easily split the screen to use two apps at once, whether you’re checking emails while watching videos or browsing the web while chatting on social media.
Gaming Performance
Gaming on the OnePlus Pad is an enjoyable experience, thanks to the Mali-G710 MC10 GPU and 144Hz refresh rate. You can play graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact, and Call of Duty Mobile on high settings without noticeable frame drops. The display provides smooth, fluid motion, making it great for action-packed games.
However, extended gaming sessions can cause the tablet to heat up slightly, which is typical of many devices with powerful chips. During longer gaming sessions, the device does experience thermal throttling, which can cause slight drops in performance. While it doesn’t affect the overall experience significantly, it’s something to keep in mind for users who plan to game on the tablet for extended periods.
Multitasking and Productivity
In addition to gaming, the OnePlus Pad is equipped to handle productivity tasks. Whether you’re using the tablet for note-taking, document editing, or video conferencing, the performance is smooth, making it a solid choice for students and professionals. While it doesn’t feature the advanced multitasking options of iPadOS or Samsung’s One UI, it still allows for split-screen views and floating windows, which should satisfy most casual users.
Battery Life: Impressive All-Day Performance
The OnePlus Pad is equipped with a generous 8,600mAh battery that offers good battery life, especially considering its size and performance. Whether you’re watching videos, browsing the web, or using productivity apps, the battery will likely last a full day of use.
Battery Life: Up to 10 Hours of Screen-On Time
On average, users can expect 8 to 10 hours of screen-on time in regular usage, which includes tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and light gaming. This is more than enough to get you through a full day of use without needing a charge.
For more intensive use, such as gaming or video editing, battery life may dip closer to 6-7 hours, but it’s still respectable for a device in this price range. The 8,600mAh battery provides a great balance of performance and power consumption.
Fast Charging
The OnePlus Pad also supports 67W fast charging, which is a huge bonus for users who need to get their device powered up quickly. With this charging speed, you can go from 0% to 100% in just over an hour, which is incredibly fast compared to most tablets in this category.
Software: OxygenOS for Tablets
The OnePlus Pad runs on OxygenOS, OnePlus’s custom skin over Android 13. OxygenOS is known for being lightweight, fast, and close to stock Android, making it a user-friendly operating system for those who don’t want unnecessary bloatware or complicated UI elements.
Custom Features
Some notable features of OxygenOS include Slide for Do Not Disturb, Zen Mode, and Dark Mode, which allow for a more personalized experience. The tablet also supports split-screen multitasking, allowing users to run two apps simultaneously. However, compared to the more feature-rich Samsung One UI or iPadOS, OxygenOS lacks some advanced features that might appeal to power users or those using the tablet for heavy productivity.
OnePlus has made some improvements to OxygenOS for tablets, but it’s clear that the tablet market is still a new frontier for them. While it’s functional and pleasant to use, it doesn’t offer the same level of productivity features that other tablets do.
Cameras: Serviceable but Not Outstanding
The OnePlus Pad is equipped with a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera, both of which are fine for basic tasks but not groundbreaking in terms of quality.
Rear Camera
The 13MP rear camera takes decent photos in well-lit environments, producing clear and detailed shots. However, in low-light conditions, you’ll notice some graininess, which is common among tablets. The rear camera is good for quick snapshots or scanning documents but not for serious photography.
Front Camera
The 8MP front camera is ideal for video calls and selfies. It delivers clear, crisp video, making it suitable for Zoom or Google Meet meetings. While it won’t replace a dedicated webcam or DSLR camera, it’s perfectly fine for everyday use.
Pros and Cons of the OnePlus Pad
Pros:
- Sleek design with premium build quality.
- 144Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming.
- Powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chip for great performance.
- 67W fast charging for quick power-ups.
- Affordable price point for the features provided.
Cons:
- LCD display doesn’t offer the same contrast as OLED panels.
- Lacks advanced multitasking features found in other tablets.
- Rear camera struggles in low-light conditions.
Where to Buy the OnePlus Pad
The OnePlus Pad is available through various online and physical retailers, including:
- OnePlus Official Website – For the latest promotions and official warranty.
- Amazon – Often features competitive prices and fast shipping.
- Best Buy – If you prefer purchasing in-store.
- Walmart – Offers a range of shipping and pickup options.
FAQs about OnePlus Pad
- What is the price of the OnePlus Pad?
- The OnePlus Pad starts at around $479 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
- Does the OnePlus Pad support 5G?
- No, the OnePlus Pad does not support 5G connectivity. It only supports Wi-Fi connectivity.
- How is the gaming performance on the OnePlus Pad?
- Thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset and Mali-G710 GPU, the OnePlus Pad handles mid-range games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile smoothly at high settings.
- Does the OnePlus Pad support fast charging?
- Yes, the OnePlus Pad supports 67W fast charging, which allows it to fully charge in about an hour.
- Can the OnePlus Pad replace a laptop?
- The OnePlus Pad can handle basic productivity tasks, but lacks advanced multitasking features like Samsung DeX or iPadOS, so it may not be a full replacement for a laptop.
- What kind of camera does the OnePlus Pad have?
- The OnePlus Pad comes with a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera, which are suitable for basic tasks but not ideal for professional-level photography or content creation.
