OnePlus has set out to make a definitive statement with the OnePlus Pad 2. With a focus on both productivity and entertainment, the Pad 2 brings several firsts to the table. We have been using the device primarily for entertainment and email over the summer. Now that things have settled down, here’s our experience.
Design and Build
The OnePlus Pad 2 is as sleek as they come, measuring just 6.49mm thin and weighing 584 grams, making it extremely portable. It feels solid in hand, though the magnetic back cover could use a bit more strength. We had a few minor drops, but fortunately, nothing serious. The design is pretty sleek and the bezels are thin, while the Nimbus Gray colour is nice.
Display
One of the biggest highlights is the 12.1-inch display with 3K resolution and 900 nits of brightness. This screen is very sharp, boasting 301 PPI. It’s also the first Android tablet to feature Dolby Vision, offering deep contrasts and vibrant visuals with a 144Hz refresh rate.
Whether you’re watching videos or working on spreadsheets, the 7:5 aspect ratio makes it feel like reading a book while allowing for more lines of text or rows of data to be displayed on the screen. It’s perfect for multitasking, thanks to the ability to run multiple apps simultaneously with the Open Canvas feature.
I really enjoyed watching YouTube, Netflix, Paramount+, Disney+ and Crave on the Pad 2. The larger screen made me replace my aging iPad 9 for consuming entertainment. The speakers are plenty loud for your streaming needs.
Performance
The OnePlus Pad 2 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the first tablet to use this next-gen chipset. With 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, there’s plenty of hardware for multitasking. Whether we were streaming, handling email, or light gaming, the performance was always snappy.
As for the cameras, it’s still 8MP on the front and 13MP on the back, with the camera bump still there. Honestly though, who uses their tablet to take photos aside from your aunt at the front row at someone’s wedding?
Battery Life and Charging
The 9000 mAh battery is huge and offers lots of juice, providing more than enough time for extended use. We easily got through long video sessions and multitasking without charging. When it did need a charge, the 67W SUPERVOOC fast charging can charge the tablet way faster than normal when you need power fast.
Productivity and Connectivity
OnePlus is positioning the Pad 2 as a go-to productivity device, and the accessories can support this goal.
The OnePlus Smart Keyboard ($199.99) is more akin to a laptop keyboard, with an additional row of function keys and a larger trackpad, making it a breeze to type and navigate. It also supports as a standalone Bluetooth keyboard. I did find it a bit flimsy when resting on my lap while on the couch. There’s too much give on the part where the keyboard attaches to the Pad 2.
Additionally, if you’re connected to a OnePlus phone, NFC allows for easy file transfers between the two devices.
What else could we want on this Pad 2? Maybe a microSD slot?
The OnePlus Stylo 2 ($149.99) is another great addition, with 16,000 levels of pressure sensitivity and near-zero latency, making it feel as smooth as writing on paper. It attaches to the side of the tablet with magnets and also charges in the same spot, taking a page out of Apple.
As for getting work done? Honestly, I still prefer working on my laptop. I just can’t get used to working on a tablet. But this set up would be fine for a student for light typing and notetaking.
Conclusion and Pricing
The original launch price was $749 CAD, but the OnePlus Pad 2 is on sale for $629.99 right now in September (coupon sep50 saves $60), plus it includes free Buds 3 (worth $139.99). Students can also save 10% on top. There’s only one storage option and that’s 265GB.
The first OnePlus Pad was priced at $650 CAD (it’s now $549.99), so this sale right now is a decent price.
The OnePlus Pad 2 is a solid Android tablet, running the company’s OxygenOS based on Android 14. With its high-resolution display, Dolby Vision support, excellent performance, and productivity features, it’s one to consider if you don’t want to shell out for a more expensive iPad with lower hardware specs.
While there are minor issues, such as the flimsy magnetic cover, its overall power, design, and functionality make it a solid choice for anyone seeking a good choice in entertainment and productivity. This thing is always ready to stream shows and lets me relax at the end of the night.
