OnePlus Pad 2 Review: A Tablet That Redefines Versatility

In today's fast-paced digital world, tablets have evolved from simple reading devices to powerful multi-functional tools. Barring iPads, tablets are not exciting to me anymore. Apart from reading a bit of manga and binge-watching new TV shows when traveling, I barely put my personal Xiaomi Pad 5 to good use. Besides, being at the heart of the tech industry, we get a tad too many low-specced tablets with rarely any of them turning out to be worth revisiting. However, the recently launched OnePlus Pad 2 brought me some rather fresh perspective, doubling down as more than a mere tablet for me. At this point, I’ve spent around two weeks with it, and I think I can confidently say that OnePlus Pad 2 is my favorite tablet to date!

Quick Look at OnePlus Pad 2 Specs!

Before diving into my experience with the tablet, let’s take a closer look at its technical specifications. The OnePlus Pad 2 features a large 12.1-inch 144Hz 3K LCD panel that’s backed by Dolby Vision. This impressive display offers brightness levels of up to 600 nits (900 nits HBM), which ensures that everything you watch looks vibrant and clear. Additionally, the tablet comes equipped with a six-speaker setup that is tuned by Dolby Atmos, delivering immersive audio quality.

Under the hood, the OnePlus Pad 2 is powered by the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, complemented by up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The top variant I have is fantastic for multitasking, while there’s also an 8GB+128GB variant available. For photography enthusiasts, it features a 13MP primary rear camera and an 8MP selfie camera, making it versatile for various photography needs.

In terms of software, the OnePlus Pad 2 runs on Android 14-based OxygenOS 14.1. It also boasts a robust 9510mAh battery with 67W fast charging support, ensuring you won’t be tethered to a charger for long. With its impressive specs, let’s explore how the OnePlus Pad 2 performs in real-world scenarios!

A Multimedia Feast for the Senses

The display on the OnePlus Pad 2 is genuinely stunning. Despite being an LCD panel, the colors are vivid, and the overall quality is remarkable. Backed by Dolby Vision, the viewing experience is enhanced further, making it ideal for watching movies and shows. When I cranked up the volume, I was blown away by the sound quality. I never had to reach for my earbuds; the six stereo speakers on this tablet are incredibly loud, with audio quality that’s nothing short of exceptional.

Previously, I had a habit of using my PC for watching shows, but with the OnePlus Pad 2, I found myself comfortably lounging in bed, enjoying my favorite series. The combination of the excellent display and speaker setup consistently surprised me with its quality.

Solid Performance Meets Reliable Software

One of the standout features of the OnePlus Pad 2 is the seamless performance. From booting up to daily tasks, the entire experience has been stutter-free. This smooth operation is something I couldn't say for other tablets I’ve used, like the OnePlus Pad Go or my Xiaomi Pad 5 after a year. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor indeed packs a punch, but the software also plays a critical role in delivering a bug-free experience.

The OxygenOS on the OnePlus Pad 2, while not groundbreaking, performs well and includes useful features. Animations are smooth, which contributes to an overall enjoyable experience. For those who own a OnePlus phone, the Multi-Screen Connect feature is a game-changer, allowing you to mirror your phone on the tablet and sync notifications, enhancing productivity.

Gaming on the OnePlus Pad 2 is a treat. I went from being a three-finger gamer to a five-finger one in Call of Duty Mobile, and it was a blast! I also tested out Asphalt Legends, and it was so much fun to play on a larger screen.

Can Double Down as a Laptop

The OnePlus Pad 2 is not just a tablet; it’s versatile enough to serve as a laptop replacement. I put it to the test by replacing my usual 15.6-inch work laptop for about four days. Paired with the Smart Keyboard and Stylo 2 stylus, the setup felt perfect. Whether I had a dozen tabs open on Chrome or was using Canva for image editing, the OnePlus Pad 2 handled everything with ease.

The typing experience on the keyboard was solid, and I quickly adapted to its layout. Standard keyboard shortcuts like Alt + Tab and Windows + W worked seamlessly, allowing for smooth multitasking without always reaching for the touchscreen. The front camera is suitable for meetings, and while I didn’t use the stylus much, it can be very handy for students or anyone into digital art.

Battery life was impressive too; I managed to get about five hours of continuous usage. With 67W fast charging, getting back to a full charge took only about 1.5 hours, making it convenient for busy users.

As All-Rounder As It Can Get

Throughout my experience with the OnePlus Pad 2, I found that many tablets tend to miss the mark in one aspect or another. You might find a great display but lack performance, or good performance with poor battery life. The OnePlus Pad 2, however, strikes a balance for a starting price of Rs 39,999. While it may seem steep for an Android tablet, the features and performance justify the cost.

Moreover, the OnePlus Pad 2 offers comparable power to Apple M1 iPads like the iPad Air 5th Gen, but at a lower price point. In the same price range, during sales, you might also find the Samsung Galaxy S9 with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and a stunning 2K AMOLED display, but it often sells out quickly.

All things considered, the OnePlus Pad 2 has proven to be the most complete Android tablet I’ve used in a long time, and I am excited to continue using it. It’s a versatile device that fulfills the needs of both casual and power users alike, making it a worthy investment.