OnePlus has recently launched the new OnePlus Pad 2 with the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor at the same starting price of Rs. 39,999. This has taken the market by storm, as this is the most affordable tablet to house a full-blown Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 inside.

It’s not only about the performance; you also have significant improvements in the display, software, keyboard, and other aspects as well. In this first impressions article, we will talk about everything in detail and whether you should pre-order this now or not:

OnePlus Pad 2 Review: Revolutionary Performance at Same Price

OnePlus Pad 2 Specifications

[Display]: 3K+ Display (12.1-inch/30.73cm), 7:5 ReadFit ratio; Display type: IPS LCD; Display resolution: 3000×2120 Dolby Vision display, 304 PPI; Peak Display brightness (900 nits); Screen refresh rate: 144Hz.
[AI-enhanced Productivity]: AI Eraser 2.0 to remove unwanted objects in photos, Smart Cutout to quickly create stickers, & the AI Toolbox set of features like AI Summary & AI Writer.
[Design & Storage]: 12GB RAM+ 256GB storage. All-metal unibody seamless design for lasting beauty and durability. Anodization enhances durability, ensuring a scratch-free look.
[Processor]: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is one of the fastest SoC in the smartphone industry and with stable diffusion. The upgraded Qualcomm Adreno GPU yields 25% faster graphics rendering and 25% improved GPU power efficiency, enhancing gaming and streaming
[Speakers]: Equipped with 6 speakers (3 on each side), it delivers a more impactful bass effect, clearer high-frequency performance, and a more immersive stereo sound experience.
[Battery & Charging]: 9510mAh Battery with 67W SUPERVOOC fast charging which can fully charge the Pad 2 in just 80 minutes.
[Camera]: Front 8MP & Rear 13MP cameras which clearly capture memorable moments, and scan files/documents easily along with lots of AI features.
[Gaming Mode]: The Pad 2 has HyperBoost which brings users the ultimate gaming experience with a stable frame rate throughout the whole experience. It also has hyper-rendering, which brings players an immersive experience beyond the native game settings.

Design & Build Quality

Having a metallic body ensures the OnePlus Pad 2 have a stylish and sleek design, which sets it apart from its predecessor. The original OnePlus Pad also had a metallic design, but this one feels more premium and a tad bit lighter.

The OnePlus Pad 2 comes with a smooth, textured finish that it claims is tough and scratch-resistant as well. Also, Pad 2 features the same curved edges and a big round camera block in the top center of the back. The volume rockers feel a little premium this time around, and the change of color from Halo Green to Nimbus Grey is a welcome move.

Display

The only complaint everyone had with the original OnePlus Pad’s display was its IPS LCD screen, though it came with a 144Hz refresh rate, people expected an OLED display. However, OnePlus this time, had to keep the display almost the same to help have the same starting price, however, they still managed to pull off a larger 12.1-inch display with 3K resolution.

Thanks to the same 7:5 aspect ratio, it’s taller and wider than most other tablets. Also, you get the 144Hz adaptive refresh rate to help you enjoy everyday tasks or even gaming as well. OnePlus has taken this even further with a high 900 nits of brightness, a lot more than its predecessor. Overall, in terms of display, from binge-watching to casual YouTube sessions, the OnePlus Pad 2 is both reliable and worthwhile.

Performance

The OnePlus Pad 2’s primary highlight has to be its performance, thanks to the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 inside, which gives this tablet a significant edge over its competitors. Coupled with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the tablet performs smoothly not only in daily tasks but also in professional workloads like photo or video editing.

Having the best mobile GPU inside helps you to game even further, play games like BGMI or Call of Duty Mobile at high settings without any lag or so. From scoring over 2 million points in AnTuTu to sporting some phenomenal numbers in Geekbench 6, the performance of this tablet at this price is mind-boggling. Also, the thermals are well managed; the OnePlus Pad 2 doesn’t heat that much, even during heavy tasks.

Audio and Camera

Much like the predecessor, the OnePlus Pad 2 retains its spectacular audio performance all thanks to six speakers, three on each side, giving you a great bass effect with proper clarity. On the camera front, though this tablet acts almost similarly to its predecessor, the OnePlus Pad 2 acts decent.

Software and AI Features

The OnePlus Pad 2 is not just about powerful hardware; it’s also packed with a plethora of software features designed to enhance productivity. This tablet comes equipped with advanced AI functionalities that promise to make everyday tasks easier and more efficient.

Among the standout features is the AI Eraser 2.0, which helps clean up images effortlessly. The AI Summary feature simplifies lengthy documents, while Smart Cutout 2.0 provides precise editing tools. Additionally, you can easily scan documents directly on the device, streamlining workflow processes.

However, the true test of these features lies in real-world use. Beyond AI, the OnePlus Pad 2 includes several productivity tools, such as App Relay, which seamlessly transitions apps between devices, and Remote File Access, which allows you to retrieve files from remote locations. Auto Connect keeps your devices in sync, and Content Sync ensures that your data is consistently updated across platforms.

Connectivity & I/O

In terms of connectivity, the OnePlus Pad 2 features the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, both of which work pretty well with great coverage. I faced no issues in connecting the tablet and using it with Wi-Fi, or even connecting multiple Bluetooth devices all at once. For I/O, you only have one Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 1 for quick data transfers and fast charging.

Accessories

The OnePlus Pad 2 comes with some exciting accessories that promise to elevate your tablet experience. Let’s talk about the Smart Keyboard and the all-new Stylo 2.0. Yes, both have been upgraded from their predecessors.

Starting with the Smart Keyboard, I found it quite impressive. The keys offer good travel, making typing a comfortable experience. It’s a sturdy piece of kit, and the addition of a trackpad is a game-changer, turning the tablet into a more versatile device for productivity tasks.

However, there are a couple of things to note. The keyboard and the back cover come as separate parts, which I found to be a smart design choice. This way, even if you don’t need the keyboard, you still have the back cover to protect your tablet. Plus, the cover doubles as a stand, which is quite handy. That said, the kickstand could be more user-friendly. It’s stable enough, but setting it up isn’t the smoothest process, and it can be a bit wobbly on uneven surfaces.

Moving on to the Stylo 2.0, this stylus has undergone a thoughtful redesign. It now features a leather-like finish that feels much better in hand compared to the plastic feel of the previous generation. The grip is excellent, and the black variant looks sleek and elegant.

The weight distribution is spot on, ensuring it doesn’t feel unbalanced while using it. One of the coolest features is that it charges automatically when you magnetically attach it to a dedicated strip on the right landscape edge of the tablet. This magnetic strip also means you don’t have to worry about losing or separately carrying the stylus.

Putting these accessories together enhances the usability of the OnePlus Pad 2, though it does add a bit of weight if you plan to carry everything around. Overall, the Smart Keyboard and Stylo 2.0 both bring significant value, making the OnePlus Pad 2 a robust tool for various tasks.

Battery Life

Yes, the OnePlus Pad 2 features a supersized 9510mAh battery that has an outstanding battery life, with a super-long standby time of days of normal use. The tablet’s humongous battery allows you to easily last through an entire day and more. Also, thanks to 67W SUPERVOOC charging, the tablet juices up really fast.

Verdict

Now, should you pre-order or buy the new OnePlus Pad 2? Well, it is pretty clear that if you are seeking a value-for-money product, this is it, with incredible performance, great display and long-lasting battery life, OnePlus has nailed on the three key user needs. Also, with upgraded accessories, which we will detail in our comparison articles, the smartphone giant is becoming better at making reliable tablets.

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