OnePlus Pad 2 After 2 Weeks: Everything You Need To Know!

In this review, we examine the OnePlus Pad 2, a sleek and powerful mid-range Android tablet priced at $549 USD. I dive into its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, vibrant 12.1” display with 144Hz refresh rate, and impressive multitasking features. While the tablet excels in gaming and productivity, I also discuss some downsides like the lack of a headphone jack, inconsistent Wi-Fi performance, and a flimsy keyboard. Whether you’re a OnePlus fan or just shopping for a new tablet, I break down everything you need to know about the Pad 2.

The OnePlus Pad 2 is the latest tablet from OnePlus, offering notable upgrades and improvements from the previous generation. With these enhancements, it stands out as one of the most promising Android tablets recently released. The Pad 2 features a significantly improved chipset over its predecessor, paired with impressive specs that make it a compelling option at its price point. However, there are certain aspects that might prevent it from being the top choice for a mid-range tablet, depending on what you're looking to get out of it.

In this review, I’ll dive into the good and bad aspects of the Pad 2, discussing what could be improved and what updates might be on the horizon, all based on my experience using the tablet over the last two weeks. Whether you're curious about the Pad 2’s features or considering buying a new tablet—especially if you're a OnePlus fan—stick around as I break down its performance and features.

OnePlus has a history of delivering affordable devices with great value, and the Pad 2 continues that trend, albeit with some nuances. On paper, the Pad 2 shines with fantastic elements, particularly for its $549 USD price tag. However, when compared to similarly priced tablets, it both excels and struggles in different areas. Starting with the design, the OnePlus Pad 2 impresses with outstanding build quality, featuring an all-metal unibody design with a sleek anodized finish in what OnePlus calls Nimbus Gray. At 6.49 mm thick and weighing 584 grams, it’s comparable to other tablets of this size. The rounded edges enhance comfort, making it feel better in hand than an iPad or a Galaxy Tab, especially without a case. The tablet also resists fingerprints well, particularly on the darker edges.

The Pad 2 comes equipped with essential buttons and ports along its edges, including power and volume controls, a USB-C port, a pogo accessory connector for a keyboard, and a flat surface with a magnet for a stylus. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack and an IP rating, which might be deal-breakers for some users. The most striking feature is the 12.1-inch display on the front, boasting a 3000x2120 resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. While these specs sound amazing, the display's performance is a mixed bag. For most users, the screen will look great, especially with its 900 nits peak brightness and smooth refresh rate, ideal for gaming. But those who are particular about display quality might notice some shortcomings, such as cooler color tones, higher contrast, and slight uniformity issues with black levels.

The audio experience on the Pad 2 complements its display, thanks to a six-speaker sound system with Halo audio AIO technology that optimizes audio channels based on how you hold the tablet. The sound is clear and distortion-free, though it lacks depth, a common issue with tablet speakers. The Pad 2 excels in performance, running on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset with Oxygen OS 14.1 and Android 14. With 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, it’s powerful enough for gaming, photo and video editing, and multitasking. OnePlus has also integrated Open Canvas, allowing users to open three apps simultaneously, making multitasking more efficient.

The tablet’s cameras are serviceable for video calls and document scanning but don’t stand out for general photography. The front-facing camera offers an 8-megapixel image, and the rear camera has a 13-megapixel sensor, which is decent for basic tasks. The Pad 2 also has upcoming AI tools like AI Eraser 2.0, AI Speak, AI Summary, and AI Writer, which will enhance productivity and image editing.

Accessories like the OnePlus Smart Keyboard and Stylo 2 Pen add to the tablet’s functionality. The keyboard attaches magnetically and can be paired via Bluetooth, but its build quality is somewhat flimsy, making it less suitable for use on your lap. The Stylo 2 Pen, on the other hand, is a standout accessory with 16,000 levels of pressure sensitivity and a satisfying writing experience thanks to its vibration feedback.

Connectivity on the Pad 2 includes Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 7, with the former performing well and the latter lagging behind in speed compared to other devices. Battery life is a strong point, with the 9510mAh battery providing over a full day of moderate use. Charging is quick, with a 67W charger taking the battery from 0 to 100% in about an hour and a half.

For OnePlus phone users, the Pad 2 offers additional features like NFC transfer, data sharing, auto-syncing, and content sync. While it might not be the best fit for everyone, the OnePlus Pad 2 delivers a great display, robust multitasking capabilities, and plenty of power for its price, making it a strong contender in the mid-range tablet market. Whether these features align with your needs will determine if this tablet is the right choice for you.