The OnePlus Pad 2 is finally here, offering a much-needed flagship killer in the Android tablet market. Equipped with Qualcomm’s top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a vibrant 12.1-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate, and a delightful array of accessories, the OnePlus Pad 2 promises a well-rounded tablet experience. Having used it as my primary workhorse for a couple of weeks, I’m ready to share my impressions of its strengths and weaknesses.
Display, Stylus, and Speakers
The OnePlus Pad 2 boasts a 12.1-inch LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate, the highest among any tablet currently available. While the 7:5 aspect ratio might seem odd at first, it allows for extra vertical space when using apps in split-screen mode, which is a boon for productivity-focused users. The 3,000 x 2,120 pixel resolution delivers a crisp and sharp visual experience, ideal for watching videos and playing games. However, the glossy screen is prone to smudging and reflections, especially in bright environments. While the peak brightness reaches 900 nits, it typically sits around 600 nits, falling short of the iPad Pro’s OLED panel, which can achieve 1600 nits for HDR content. The absence of Corning Gorilla Glass protection is also a concern, as Panda Glass, the alternative used by OnePlus, is known to be more susceptible to scratches. Despite these drawbacks, the display delivers vivid colors and sharp visuals, and the 144Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and responsive experience, especially for stylus input.
The OnePlus Stylo Pen is a premium stylus that mimics the design and functionality of the Apple Pencil Pro. The leather-like finish adds a touch of sophistication, and the pen boasts impressive pressure sensitivity, with OnePlus claiming over 16,000 levels, four times higher than the Samsung S Pen. The included vibration motor enhances the experience, and the pen can also double as a laser pointer that supports touchless scribbling. The stylus is responsive and accurate, making it ideal for sketching and note-taking. However, the touch-sensitive area requires some refinement, as the double-tap gesture for pen switching proved inconsistent in my testing.
The OnePlus Pad 2 features a six-speaker system that delivers impressive audio quality. The speakers are loud and clear, with a strong bass response and excellent vocal clarity. While the soundstage could benefit from further refinement, the speakers excel with bass-heavy or EDM tracks, as well as high-tempo instrumental music. The speaker system intelligently adjusts its directional audio based on the tablet’s orientation, enhancing the listening experience.
Design, Build, and Keyboard
The OnePlus Pad 2 retains the rounded sides of its predecessor, providing a comfortable grip. Despite being slightly thicker than the iPad Air, the OnePlus Pad 2 feels more balanced and less bulky. The all-metal construction, with a beautiful anodized sandblasted finish, adds a premium feel. The tablet is available in a single Nimbus Gray color. The bezels, while not the slimmest, are sized appropriately for a secure grip. However, the metallic back is prone to smudges.
The OnePlus Smart Keyboard is a standout feature. This detachable two-piece keyboard, inspired by the OnePlus Open, boasts a faux leather finish and a built-in kickstand. The keyboard connects to the tablet via Pogo pins and magnetic ridges, offering a secure connection. The keyboard can also be used as a standalone accessory via Bluetooth, providing flexibility for users who prefer to prop the tablet on a table and type on their lap. The touchpad is spacious and responsive, supporting a wide range of gestures. The key layout is familiar, with a full-function row at the top and a multi-function button at the bottom for shortcuts. While the keys offer a springy feel and ample travel, the absence of backlighting is a significant drawback. The lack of larger keycaps with a recessed surface is also a missed opportunity.
Performance
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, the OnePlus Pad 2 delivers exceptional performance. The review unit came with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, while a lower-end version (available in select markets) offers 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The lack of expandable storage is a disappointment for content creators. The tablet effortlessly handles multitasking, even with a dozen apps running in the background, and benchmarks show impressive performance compared to other Android tablets. However, the auto-rotation system can be unreliable, and the tablet falls behind the iPad Pro in terms of raw processing power.
For gaming, the OnePlus Pad 2 delivers a smooth and enjoyable experience. Demanding titles like Devil May Cry: Peak of Combat, Asphalt, Diablo: Immortal, and Zenless Zone Zero run flawlessly at top graphics settings. However, frame rate dips can occur during intensive gameplay, particularly in Battlegrounds Mobile India, despite the gaming mode being enabled. Synthetic benchmarks reveal frame rate instability, indicating room for performance optimization.
The tablet’s performance in productivity workflows is commendable, with fast video exporting speeds and efficient handling of AI filters. However, the Android interface of multimedia editing apps lacks the depth and features of the iPadOS counterparts, which is largely due to the vast disparity in processor power between Android tablets and the iPad Pro.
The Wi-Fi performance is surprisingly underwhelming, with speeds consistently lower than those observed on a MacBook Air on the same network. The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is another drawback.
Software
The OnePlus Pad 2 runs Oxygen OS 14 based on Android 14, offering a familiar experience with some notable additions. The convenient sidebar system provides quick access to tools like the screen recorder, notes, and a file dock for frequently used files. However, the drag-and-drop functionality within the file dock needs improvement, as it didn’t work in the OnePlus Photos app.
OnePlus has introduced One-Touch Transmission, a system that allows for seamless file sharing, screen mirroring, and call communication sharing between the tablet and a paired OnePlus phone. The system utilizes NFC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for a near-instant connection, mirroring Apple’s AirDrop functionality. While the screen mirroring feature sometimes disconnects automatically, it’s a promising feature that streamlines cross-device interaction.
The OnePlus Pad 2’s multi-tasking interface, similar to that found on the OnePlus Open, allows users to run three apps side-by-side in a spacious format. While the window resizing flexibility isn’t as extensive as Samsung’s One UI, the foundation is laid for a potentially powerful multi-tasking environment. The tablet is supported with three years of Android OS upgrades and an additional year of security updates.
Battery Life and Charging
The OnePlus Pad 2’s battery life is generally impressive, lasting all day with typical use, which includes browsing, email, social media, and light productivity tasks. However, heavy gaming and video editing can drain the battery more quickly. The tablet features a 9,510mAh battery, capable of delivering approximately 10 hours of video playback, outperforming its predecessor and exceeding the battery life of comparable Samsung tablets. However, the iPad Pro still outlasts the OnePlus Pad 2 in this regard.
The OnePlus Pad 2 stands out with its lightning-fast charging capabilities. The included 67W charger can fully charge the tablet in approximately 81 minutes, making it the fastest-charging mainstream tablet on the market.
Price and Availability
The OnePlus Pad 2 is priced at $550 and is currently available for purchase. In the U.S., only one configuration is available: 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The OnePlus Smart Keyboard and Stylo Pen are sold separately for $150 and $100 respectively, but OnePlus often runs promotions that can significantly reduce the price of these accessories.
Verdict
The OnePlus Pad 2 is a formidable Android tablet that delivers a compelling user experience, particularly for users who prioritize performance and a stylish design. Its strengths lie in its powerful processor, excellent display, and impressive accessories. However, Android’s current lack of polish compared to iPadOS and Samsung’s feature-rich Galaxy Tab line poses significant challenges. The absence of an IP rating for dust and water resistance is also a drawback. Overall, the OnePlus Pad 2 is a worthy contender in the tablet market, particularly for OnePlus phone users, but it faces a competitive landscape with strong contenders from Apple and Samsung.
