The OnePlus Pad 2 has arrived, and it’s already generating a buzz. Priced at $499, this latest iteration of the OnePlus tablet family comes with a slightly higher price tag than its predecessor but promises significant improvements in terms of performance, display, and battery life.
However, it also has its share of quirks and drawbacks. In this detailed review, we’ll dive into the design, features, performance, and overall value of the OnePlus Pad 2 to help you decide if it’s worth the investment.
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Design
Starting with the design, the OnePlus Pad 2 maintains the premium look and feel of its predecessor. The tablet boasts a robust all-metal construction, giving it a solid and premium feel in hand. The aluminum chassis not only enhances durability but also adds a touch of elegance. The 12.1-inch display is surrounded by skinny bezels, which make the tablet look modern and sleek without feeling unwieldy. The bezel size is well-judged; despite their thinness, they don’t interfere with touch responsiveness.
Weighing in at almost 600 grams, the OnePlus Pad 2 is a hefty device. This weight might make extended one-handed use uncomfortable, but it feels sturdy and well-built. OnePlus has opted for a single color option this time, Nimbus Gray, which, while sophisticated, lacks the vibrant personality of the original’s Halo Green. The matte finish does a commendable job of hiding fingerprints and smudges, keeping the tablet looking clean and pristine.
One notable design change is the camera bump, which is now more subdued compared to the original. This improvement makes the tablet sit more comfortably on flat surfaces without wobbling.
Features & OxygenOS
The OnePlus Pad 2 runs on OxygenOS 14.1, based on Android 14. OnePlus promises three major OS updates and four years of security patches, ensuring the tablet remains up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements.
However, there’s no fingerprint sensor on this tablet, a surprising omission for a device at this price point. Instead, you rely on face unlock, which is generally reliable but not flawless. This can be a minor annoyance, especially when trying to access banking apps or other sensitive applications that require biometric verification.
OnePlus has also made some changes to the software interface. The Shelf feature, beloved by many for quick access to frequently used apps and tools, is nowhere to be found. Additionally, there’s no option to change the home screen grid size, limiting customization options.
Multitasking
Multitasking on the OnePlus Pad 2 is generally a smooth experience. The dock, accessible with a long press on the navigation bar, offers quick access to your favorite and recently used apps. This feature works well in most applications but can be unresponsive in some, such as Google Docs. Fortunately, OnePlus is proactive with software updates, so these bugs may be ironed out soon.
The tablet supports split-screen multitasking, allowing you to run two apps side by side. You can also use the smart sidebar for quick access to other apps. This functionality is particularly useful for productivity, enabling you to switch between tasks seamlessly.
One nifty feature is the ability to shunt one app off-screen while keeping the other in view, making it easy to refer to secondary information without disrupting your main task. This setup remains remembered in your recent apps, so you can quickly jump back into multitasking mode.
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Display & Audio
The OnePlus Pad 2 features a 12.1-inch IPS display with a resolution of 3000×2120 pixels, slightly sharper than the original’s 11.6-inch screen. The 7:5 aspect ratio is well-suited for multitasking, providing ample space for two apps to run side by side. Despite being an IPS panel rather than OLED, the display offers vibrant colors and impressive brightness, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
The screen supports a dynamic refresh rate, ranging from 30Hz to 144Hz, which enhances both everyday usability and gaming performance. While Dolby Vision and HDR10 are supported, Netflix hasn’t yet enabled these features, a minor setback for movie enthusiasts.
The audio experience on the OnePlus Pad 2 is bolstered by a powerful stereo speaker setup with Dolby Atmos support. The speakers deliver loud and clear sound, making it a joy to watch movies or play games without needing external speakers or headphones. However, there’s no headphone jack, so Bluetooth headphones are your best bet for private listening.
Keyboard Cover
For those looking to use the OnePlus Pad 2 as a productivity device, the optional keyboard cover is a worthy investment. Priced at $150, it magnetically attaches to the tablet, transforming it into a makeshift laptop. The keyboard itself is well-designed, with comfortably spaced keys that offer a decent amount of travel. Typing on this keyboard feels natural and efficient, though the lack of backlighting may be an issue for those who work in low-light conditions.
The touchpad, while large and generally responsive, can be hit-or-miss in certain applications. For instance, two-finger scrolling works well in most apps but may occasionally be unresponsive in Google Docs. Despite these quirks, the touchpad is a useful addition, though many users may still prefer to interact directly with the touchscreen.
The keyboard’s Bluetooth connectivity allows for flexible use, even when the tablet is not directly attached to it. This feature is particularly handy for cramped spaces like train tables, where you can position the tablet and keyboard separately for optimal comfort.
Performance & Gaming
Under the hood, the OnePlus Pad 2 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications alike. The tablet handles multitasking with ease, and even graphics-intensive games like Zenless Zone Zero run flawlessly.
The tablet stays relatively cool during extended gaming sessions, a testament to its efficient thermal management. While playing via the touchscreen is fine, using a Bluetooth controller enhances the gaming experience, especially for supported titles.
OnePlus includes a dedicated gaming mode, accessible with a quick swipe from the corner. This mode offers various performance settings, do-not-disturb features, and quick access to performance metrics, providing a tailored gaming environment.
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Connectivity & Storage
The OnePlus Pad 2 offers excellent connectivity options, with Wi-Fi performance being particularly strong. However, there’s no 5G support, limiting your internet access to Wi-Fi networks when on the go. This might be a drawback for those who rely on mobile data.
With 256GB of onboard storage, the tablet provides ample space for apps, games, and media. Unfortunately, there’s no option for expandable storage via microSD, so you’ll need to manage your storage wisely or rely on cloud solutions for additional space.
Battery Life
Battery life on the OnePlus Pad 2 is impressive, thanks to its 9,510mAh capacity. The tablet can easily last a full day of heavy use, including multitasking, streaming, and gaming. During lighter use, such as web browsing and reading, the battery drain is minimal, allowing for several days of use on a single charge.
One drawback is the slightly faster standby drain compared to the original OnePlus Pad. The tablet loses about 3-4% of its battery overnight, so turning it off completely when not in use for extended periods is advisable.
Charging the OnePlus Pad 2 is a breeze with OnePlus’s SuperVOOC 67W wired charging. The tablet can go from 0 to 100% in about 80 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime. However, it’s worth noting that a compatible charger is not included in the box, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you don’t already have a suitable charger.
Cameras
The OnePlus Pad 2 features an 8MP front-facing camera and a 13MP rear camera. While the front camera is adequate for video calls and selfies, it doesn’t support 4K video recording. The rear camera, while capable of capturing decent photos, is more of a convenience feature rather than a highlight of the device.
The microphones, however, do an excellent job of capturing clear audio during video calls, ensuring you can communicate effectively without needing an external mic.
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Verdict
OnePlus Pad 2 is a solid tablet that offers significant improvements over its predecessor. With a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, a sharp and vibrant display, excellent battery life, and a premium build, it’s a compelling option for both casual and power users.
However, it isn’t without its flaws. The lack of a fingerprint sensor, the absence of expandable storage, and the omission of a 5G option are notable drawbacks. Additionally, some software quirks and bugs may be frustrating, though OnePlus’s commitment to regular updates is reassuring.
For those looking to use the tablet for productivity, the optional keyboard cover is a valuable accessory, despite its lack of backlighting and occasional touchpad issues. The stylus support is another plus, though it’s an additional cost and may not be necessary for all users.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a high-performance tablet with a premium design and are willing to overlook a few quirks, the OnePlus Pad 2 is a worthy contender. Its price point of $499 is justified by its features and performance, making it a strong competitor in the tablet market.
