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OnePlus debuted in the tablet segment with ‘the Pad’ at a relatively lower price last year, while offering a keyboard and stylus accessory that too priced at an attractive Rs 37,999. This year, it has released its successor, the Pad 2. It also comes in two different prices – 39,999 for the 8GB + 128GB model and Rs. 42,999 for the 12GB + 256GB version. The Pad 2 boasts a high-end processor that promises great value for money on paper. Of course, the moot question is: Does it match up to those expectations with its accessories, and is the bigger display good enough to be considered a laptop replacement? This review explores those aspects.
OnePlus Pad 2 Review
The new model is the same as the predecessor in the OnePlus Pad 2, which sits in the center. The innovations can be noticed design-wise. The new model gets a compact, premium unibody metal chassis on the rear panel, crafted by a fine machine, mated perfectly to the high-resolution display. The rounded edges and flat rear make the tablet look sophisticated, with the protruding part being the camera module.
The new 2-piece Smart Keyboard adheres pretty constantly to the tablet. The kickstand portion adheres very constantly to the back panel, while the tablet was held up nicely by its mass of 584 grams. The upper half attaches with strong magnets and maintains several viewing angles that are very functional while watching movies and whenever I use a stylus. This bottom half has a 205mAh battery that attaches through a 3-pogo pin connector. However, the keyboard attachment easily becomes wobbly if not downright messy, given the weak magnets and lack of rigidity almost every time it is fixed. To add to this, it is not exactly very convenient for lap use, unlike the keyboard cover of the old OnePlus Pad. No prizes for guessing that the keyboard is quite useful for typing, but this Rs. 8,499 price tag might just be a tad too overvalued, adding an extra 504 grams to the weight of the tablet.
Coming to the new OnePlus Stylo 2 now gives a pen-like feel with a grippy texture. Using it for writing and drawing is very pleasant.
The OnePlus Pad 2 now comes with a larger display and a taller aspect ratio. The sharpness has also increased now to 306PPI, and that's a noticeable enhancement seen in both productivity and entertainment. The 900 nits brightness is good enough for the outdoors, but not getting the HDR certification just means the HDR content's viewing experience is watered down. The display does have not as deep blacks as those on OLEDs, and the 144Hz refresh rate is effectively capped at 120Hz to run most applications, hence is a bit of a gimmick.
The OnePlus Pad 2 will be equipped with several new AI features, among others, borrowed from Oppo's ColorOS such as AI Eraser 2.0, Smart Cutout 2.0, and AI Toolbox. Besides good results in audio-to-text conversion, a recording summary tool is given, too. AI helps a lot in performing with the Scan Document tool. All of these are a bit light on features with competition like Samsung. The large trackpad on the new Smart Keyboard case offers smooth swipes but is affected by software jitters. Before a recent firmware update, Chrome browser links were a pain to tap. Good to have finally implemented the 'Tap to click' feature. On the other note of this issue, touching the screen was less often an alternative.'
OnePlus Pad 2 is power-driven in performance by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC. Performance remains top-notch, and the tablet barely heats up during regular activities. It does heat up when one spends time with the camera outdoors. It runs games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile fine at high settings. The new Stylo 2 pen has 16,000 pressure-sensitivity levels and has a vibration motor for feedback. The haptics on the pen is a good touch that adds to the writing experience, although there have been slight alignment issues with the laser pointer feature.
The camera arrangement on the OnePlus Pad 2 is pretty run-of-the-mill and par for the course for a tablet in this price range. There is one massive focus in the camera department for this device, and that would be the front-facing camera that would see more camera action as the tablet isn't very handy due to its size and weight to snap a lot of picture.
The OnePlus Pad 2 keeps a very good, though not class-leading, battery life despite the bigger display. It can run for 15 hours and 28 minutes in a video loop trial, a bit less than the previous model though enough to provide two normally extensive workdays. A lot of gaming on the large screen reduces battery life to just over a day. Charging is notably faster, reaching 56 percent in 30 minutes and a full charge in 1 hour and 14 minutes.
While Android tablets remain a far cry from Apple's iPads for working purposes, the OnePlus Pad 2 is a step in the right direction it may not replace a laptop, but strongly reduces a gap in OnePlus' ecosystem, mainly thanks to better connectivity features. Though I have small grudges against the touchpad and the keyboard's design, the Pad 2 delivers the best-in-class hardware value for money if one is looking for an Android tablet. Competing options remain dealer-exclusive, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ at Rs 42,999 and Lenovo's Legion Tab for gamers at Rs 34,999, which further make the OnePlus Pad 2 a tad bit of a standout.
1. What are the key features of the OnePlus Pad 2?
The OnePlus Pad 2 offers several noteworthy features that enhance its appeal:
Display: It boasts a larger 12.4-inch display with a resolution of 306PPI and 900 nits of brightness. This makes it suitable for both productivity tasks and entertainment. Although it supports a 144Hz refresh rate, it is effectively capped at 120Hz for most applications.
Processor: The tablet is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC, ensuring high performance and smooth multitasking.
Accessories: The Pad 2 includes a new 2-piece Smart Keyboard and the OnePlus Stylo 2 stylus. The Smart Keyboard features a detachable design with a 205mAh battery and offers various viewing angles. The Stylo 2 provides 16,000 levels of pressure sensitivity and haptic feedback.
Battery Life: It offers up to 15 hours and 28 minutes of video playback on a single charge and supports fast charging, reaching 56% in 30 minutes and a full charge in 1 hour and 14 minutes.
AI Features: The device includes AI tools like AI Eraser 2.0, Smart Cutout 2.0, and AI Toolbox, enhancing productivity and convenience.
2. How does the OnePlus Pad 2 compare to its predecessor?
The OnePlus Pad 2 represents a significant upgrade from the original OnePlus Pad. Key improvements include:
Display: The Pad 2 features a larger and sharper display with a 306PPI resolution compared to the original model’s lower resolution.
Performance: The new Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC provides superior performance, making the Pad 2 more capable of handling demanding tasks and games.
Design: The Pad 2 has a more refined and premium unibody metal chassis, enhancing both aesthetics and durability.
Battery Life: Despite the larger display, the Pad 2 maintains impressive battery life, though it is slightly lower than the original model’s performance.
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the OnePlus Pad 2’s design?
Advantages:
Premium Build: The OnePlus Pad 2 features a high-quality metal chassis with rounded edges and a flat rear panel, giving it a sophisticated look and feel.
Strong Magnets: The Smart Keyboard’s top half attaches securely with strong magnets and provides various viewing angles for better usability.
Stylus: The OnePlus Stylo 2 has a grippy texture and provides a natural writing and drawing experience with haptic feedback.
Disadvantages:
Keyboard Wobble: The keyboard’s bottom half, which connects via a pogo pin, tends to wobble and lacks rigidity, making it less suitable for lap use.
Overpriced Accessories: At Rs. 8,499, the Smart Keyboard may feel overpriced for some users, especially given the added weight of 504 grams.
Keyboard Design: The keyboard's design is less convenient compared to the previous model’s keyboard cover.
4. How does the display of the OnePlus Pad 2 perform in different scenarios?
The display of the OnePlus Pad 2 is designed to offer versatility:
Productivity: The larger display with a higher resolution improves productivity by providing more screen real estate for multitasking and detailed work.
Entertainment: The 900 nits of brightness make it suitable for outdoor use, but the lack of HDR certification limits the quality of HDR content.
Gaming: The display’s 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals during gaming, though it is capped from the advertised 144Hz.
5. What are the battery life and charging capabilities of the OnePlus Pad 2?
The OnePlus Pad 2 offers robust battery performance:
Battery Life: It lasts up to 15 hours and 28 minutes on a single charge in a video loop test. For regular use, it can comfortably last through two workdays.
Charging Speed: The tablet supports fast charging, reaching 56% in just 30 minutes and a full charge in 1 hour and 14 minutes, making it convenient for users who need quick top-ups.
6. What are the pros and cons of the OnePlus Pad 2’s performance?
Pros:
High Performance: The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC ensures smooth performance, handling demanding applications and games without issue.
Cool Operation: The tablet remains cool during regular use and gaming, enhancing comfort during extended sessions.
Cons:
Stylus Alignment: The OnePlus Stylo 2’s laser pointer feature suffers from alignment issues, with the pointer often being off-target.
Minor Software Issues: The large trackpad on the Smart Keyboard had initial software glitches, such as difficulty clicking certain links, though recent updates have improved functionality.
7. How does the OnePlus Pad 2 perform in terms of camera quality?
The camera setup on the OnePlus Pad 2 is typical for its price range:
Rear Camera: The rear camera is adequate for basic photography but is not the primary focus of the device.
Front Camera: The front-facing camera is crucial for video calls and conferences, given the tablet’s large size, which makes it less practical for casual photography.
8. How does the OnePlus Pad 2 compare with other tablets in its price range?
The OnePlus Pad 2 competes well with other tablets in its segment:
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+: Priced at Rs. 42,999, it offers an IP68 rating and 5G connectivity but is more expensive.
Lenovo Legion Tab: Priced at Rs. 34,999, it targets gamers with better performance but lacks some features of the Pad 2.
Overall, the OnePlus Pad 2 stands out for its performance and value, making it a strong contender in the Android tablet market.
