The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
The tablet offers solid performance and a bright display, with great battery life and a sleek design.What's good
- Impressive display
- Strong performance
- Great sound quality
- Excellent battery life
- Comfortable design
What's bad
- Mediocre camera quality
- Heavy to hold
- No waterproofing
- Keyboard accessory issues
Design
The OnePlus Pad 2 stands out with its sleek design. Its aluminum unibody construction gives it a solid and premium feel, while the Nimbus Gray finish adds a touch of elegance. This design targets a professional and understated look.
Reviewers from various outlets noticed the tablet's rounded edges, which enhance grip and comfort, particularly compared to other tablets with flat edges. "It makes for a comfy grip and, in my opinion, looks really smart," one reviewer shared on Talk Android.
Despite weighing more than some rivals like the iPad Pro, the device balances well for casual use. However, you might want to use a case to prop it up for extended viewing sessions.
Display(s)
The tablet features a stunning 12.1-inch screen with a crisp 3K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. This setup ensures smooth animations and detailed images. Reviewers highlight the display's vivid colors and sharp text.
OnePlus has designed the screen to be particularly useful for tasks like reading ebooks, where the unique 7:5 aspect ratio lets you view more lines of text. Experts note this aspect as an advantage for reading in both portrait and landscape modes.
While it doesn't reach the brightness level promised, the display remains bright enough for outdoor use, which is a frequent concern for tablet users. Overall, it sets the stage for an engaging multimedia experience.
Performance
The OnePlus Pad 2 enhances its predecessor's speed with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, offering a noticeable boost in everyday tasks. Experts are impressed by how efficiently it handles demanding apps, ensuring you can switch between tasks without delay.
Reviewers at Talk Android praise its smooth gaming capabilities, noting that even heavy games like Genshin Impact run with ease. Multitasking is also a breeze, with the device managing multiple apps with no strain, thanks to its generous 12GB of RAM.
This tablet shines as a competent choice for anyone seeking a powerful Android experience, perfect for both entertainment and productivity.
Software & Storage
Running on OxygenOS 14.1, based on Android 14, the OnePlus Pad 2 promises three software upgrades and four years of security patches, providing ongoing peace of mind for your device's longevity, although this support still trails behind industry leaders like Samsung.
Open Canvas enables you to efficiently use three simultaneous apps with seamless interaction, making it a practical feature for multitasking without cluttering your view.
This tablet lacks a proper desktop mode, as tech experts at Tom's Guide have shared, impacting its potential to fully replace a laptop for highly productive tasks.
Cameras
The rear 13MP camera on the OnePlus Pad 2 captures images that are sufficient for casual use, but reviews describe the images as somewhat average and lacking sharp detail. It's not perfect for photography enthusiasts but does the job when needed for quick captures.
The 8MP front camera excels during video calls, delivering clear selfies for conferencing. As one reviewer from PhoneArena mentioned, "The camera is not great," summarizing the general sentiment across reviews.
Battery
The OnePlus Pad 2 boasts a robust 9510mAh battery, allowing for nearly 15 hours of usage, as reported by Tom's Guide, which is exceptional for marathon sessions whether it's streaming, browsing, or gaming. This long battery life minimizes the need for frequent recharging, offering a worry-free experience during long-haul flights or busy workdays.
Recharging the Pad 2 is quick and efficient with support for 67W fast charging. Experts have noted that reaching 64% of charge in just 30 minutes relieves the hassle of long wait times, providing a quick top-up so you can get back to using your tablet with minimal downtime.
The lack of an included charger may require an additional purchase, but the rapid charging benefits make it a worthwhile consideration.
Audio
The OnePlus Pad 2 is equipped with six quality speakers, allowing for louder and more distinct sound whether you're binge-watching shows or playing games. Reviewers from Tom's Guide found that music sounds "phenomenal," especially when it reproduces progressive metal tracks with clear instrument separation.
Reviewers also reported that voices and effects come through sharply during video calls, adding value when using the device for productivity or communication. You won't need external speakers to enjoy clear and loud audio playback, making it a great choice for entertainment at home or on the go.
The Bottom Line
This tablet stands out for its excellent performance and a sharp, vibrant display, making it ideal for media consumption and multitasking. Its battery life is impressive, providing long hours of use without frequent charging.
While it lacks some productivity features and has an average camera, its portability and smooth operation make it suitable for everyday tasks and entertainment.
"If you want the experience of an iPad Air or iPad Pro but pay less, this tablet may be for you," according to Pocket-lint.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Tim Sweezy, HothardwareAll-in, the OnePlus Pad 2 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a good-performing, Android-based tablet, especially if you already own a OnePlus smartphone. Its premium build quality, good battery life, and excellent mobile gaming performance all add to the overall appeal of this Android sla...
- Joe Fedewa, How-To GeekI love it when I review a product that’s easy to recommend. If you're looking for a premium Android tablet experience without the premium price tag, the OnePlus Pad 2 is an excellent choice. This tablet fires on all cylinders with its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, stunning 12.1-inch display...
- Marc Saltzman, USA TodayAndroid fans who can’t afford an uber-premium Samsung tablet at twice the price shouldn’t be disappointed with the OnePlus Pad 2. Its attractive and bright screen, thin form factor, powerful performance and long battery life are all commendable. On the power side, we were surprisingly impressed with...
- Andrew Myrick, Android CentralWhat do you get when you combine an affordable price tag with incredible performance and some pretty great accessories? I don't want to say the OnePlus Pad 2 is a "flagship killer," but it definitely gives me those kind of vibes. Especially considering that Samsung dropped the smallest model from it...
- Peter Holden, Talk AndroidI'm a big fan of the OnePlus Pad 2, and as my venerable Xiaomi Pad 5 was on its last legs, I was in the market for a new Android tablet. It's comfy to hold, performance is knocked out of the park, battery life is excellent, and the display is positively gorgeous to view, whether you're watching movi...
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