OnePlus Pad review

The Android pill renaissance is displaying no indicators of slowing down. Not too way back, this was virtually solely Samsung’s area, however we now have first rate slates from the likes of Xiaomi, Oppo, Nokia and Lenovo to select from. 

OnePlus is the newest firm to affix the occasion with the appropriately named OnePlus Pad. This $479/£439 pill doesn’t reinvent the wheel, however does present a compelling expertise for the cash. 

Does that imply you should purchase one, although? I believe sure, however provided that you utilize your pill in a selected sort of approach.

Design & construct

• Premium glass and aluminium design
• Solely obtainable in darkish inexperienced
• Face unlock, however no fingerprint sensor

The OnePlus Pad has the standard mix of glass and aluminium we’ve come to anticipate from trendy tablets, but it nonetheless manages to face out. 

That’s primarily because of the eye-catching Halo Inexperienced end on the rear. It shimmers attractively within the gentle, but manages to keep away from selecting up many fingerprint smudges or different grime. 

However in a world the place so many tablets are black or gray, it’s a courageous transfer for OnePlus to not provide another color choice. I personally actually just like the darkish inexperienced aesthetic, however you may not. In contrast to with smartphones, many individuals will likely be utilizing the OnePlus Pad case-free. 

At 552g, it’s not particularly gentle for an 11.6in pill. However I had no points holding it for lengthy intervals of time, with the aluminium again making it extra grippy than glass is likely to be. 

The opposite defining function on the rear is a round rear digicam module. It’s a nod to OnePlus’ smartphones, even when there’s just one lens right here. It solely protrudes barely from the again of the pill and has no impact on usability – the Pad continues to be comparatively snug to carry. 

Whereas it received’t be to everybody’s tastes, I don’t have any complaints concerning the design. Regardless of its mid-range value, the OnePlus Pad seems and looks like a flagship pill.

It doesn’t assist cellular information or expandable storage, so there’s no SIM tray. Alongside the standard energy and quantity controls on the facet, you’ll discover 4 audio system and a pogo connector for docking into the non-compulsory keyboard. 

Charging and information switch are through USB-C, though there’s no 3.5mm audio jack. That’s not surprising, contemplating virtually all OnePlus telephones have ditched the port, however lack of area can’t be used as an excuse right here.

Disappointingly, OnePlus has additionally determined to not embrace a fingerprint sensor on the Pad. Face unlock isn’t as safe, but it surely’s simple to arrange, dependable and really quick. The selfie digicam that it depends on is in a pure place – above the display screen when utilized in panorama mode. 

Display screen & audio system

• 11.6in LCD show
• 144Hz refresh fee
• Glorious quad stereo audio system

The show on the OnePlus Pad is undoubtedly its greatest function. It’s an 11.6in, 2800×2000 LCD show, with that decision giving it an uncommon 7:5 facet ratio. OnePlus says that is impressed by bodily books, and it actually feels very pure to carry and use. 

Glorious element makes it an excellent choice for informal studying, however the Pad is able to a lot extra. Excellent, vivid colors assist content material come alive, whether or not it’s common pictures on social media or a feature-length movie. The OnePlus Pad is a complete knockout in relation to content material consumption – every part simply seems so good.

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Earlier than testing the OnePlus Pad, I used to be involved that the dearth of an OLED show would negatively have an effect on the viewing expertise. However I needn’t have frightened – the LCD panel is simply as spectacular in almost each state of affairs. The one actual exception is darker scenes, the place colors can seem extra gray than deep black. 

However that’s a small compromise that most individuals will likely be keen to make at this value, particularly whenever you get the best refresh fee of any pill. The Pad’s show can hit an unbelievable 144Hz, making every part really feel extraordinarily slick and fluid. Whereas the impact isn’t fairly as spectacular as smartphones, you do discover an actual distinction in comparison with 60Hz, which is what Apple’s $599/£669 iPad Air is caught at.

What’s extra, LTPO tech means the refresh fee can dynamically drop all the way in which all the way down to 30Hz, serving to to preserve battery life. It feels such as you’re getting the very best of each worlds, though you possibly can set a most of 60Hz in case you’d want. 

Alongside a contact sampling fee of 144Hz (what number of occasions the show can register contact enter per second), the OnePlus Pad is without doubt one of the most responsive tablets you should purchase. 

The display screen is extremely reflective, so the 485 nits of brightness nonetheless isn’t sufficient for snug out of doors visibility. However in case you’re within the automotive or on public transport, it’ll be simply wonderful. 

Watching stuff on tablets usually depends closely on sound. The excellent news is that the OnePlus Pad has a number of the greatest audio system within the sport. There are 4 in whole – two both facet – and so they ship some impressively punchy audio.  

It’s significantly obvious whereas enjoying music, the place the Pad delivers a wealthy, full-bodied sound with a pleasant hit of bass. Crystal-clear vocals imply podcasts sound simply nearly as good, too. Whereas the amount doesn’t get loud sufficient for room-filling audio, you do handle to keep away from any audible distortion to the sound. 

The audio system are even delicate to course, which means the pill can alter which audio system output which sound relying on the way you’re holding it. In portrait orientation, the 2 audio system on the appropriate facet will likely be completely different to panorama mode, for instance. 

Equipment

• All equipment bought individually
• Unconvincing Magnetic Keyboard
• Spectacular Stylo digital pen

Shopping for the OnePlus Pad will solely get you the pill itself, however there are many additional equipment value contemplating. 

An everyday $39/£59 Folio Case is one choice, though I examined the premium $149/£149 model with a keyboard in-built. Pairing is computerized when you connect the pill – no Bluetooth required. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

With a smaller show than virtually all laptops, the keyboard expertise is inevitably compromised. All of the common keys are nonetheless right here, however issues really feel very cramped. It took me some time to get used to, and typing speeds remained slower than traditional all through testing. 

Mixed with low key journey and no backlighting, the keyboard is underwhelming. The tiny trackpad beneath it’s equally irritating – you’ll virtually actually have to attach a mouse for any critical searching. 

Regardless of counting on Bluetooth, the $99/£99 OnePlus Stylo digital pen is rather more profitable. It magnetically attaches to the highest of the pill for pairing and charging, whereas the expertise utilizing it’s impressively near pen on paper. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

A 2ms response time means there’s no noticeable delay earlier than handwritten notes or sketches seem on the display screen. Good palm rejection tech avoids any unintentional marks, but it surely isn’t stress delicate – you’ll have to manually choose completely different shades to simulate it. 

The entire arrange with keyboard and pen may be very harking back to both iPad Professional or Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8 Extremely, however the OnePlus Pad prices so much much less.

Specs & efficiency

• MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chip
• Spectacular efficiency, even whereas gaming
• 128GB of storage, no mobile choice

The OnePlus Pad is powered by Dimensity 9000 chipset. It isn’t MediaTek’s newest and best – that award goes to the Dimensity 9200 – however on the time of writing, the Dimensity 9000 continues to be one of the vital succesful chips on any cellular machine. To see it on a mid-range pill is mightily spectacular, and means efficiency on the OnePlus Pad is great – I couldn’t ask for a lot better.

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

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Regardless of 8GB of RAM being your solely choice, the pill handles all the commonest duties with ease. For me, this included loads of net searching, e-mail, social media and watching movies, plus some occasional images.  

There was no noticeable slowdown or hesitation in any respect, even when rapidly switching between them or utilizing side-by facet. It doesn’t really feel fairly as zippy as one of many newest iPads, but it surely’s not far off. 

Impressively, this nice efficiency extends to gaming, one of the vital demanding use instances for the OnePlus Pad. The expertise enjoying the likes of Name of Obligation: Cellular and PUBG Cellular was indistinguishable from the very best tablets on the market – though only a few titles can output on the full 144Hz refresh fee. 

Whereas there was some noticeable dropped body on Asphalt 9: Legends, it was nonetheless very playable. The Pad additionally remained solely barely heat to the contact, even after round half an hour of gaming. Even with out a fan, I’ve no issues about thermals right here. 

The OnePlus Pad is without doubt one of the most succesful Android tablets you should purchase, the benchmarks are a blended bag when in comparison with the competitors:

Inner storage is likely to be a problem for some individuals. There’s 128GB on the one mannequin obtainable, with no choice to increase through microSD. With round 15GB taken up with system recordsdata you possibly can’t uninstall, it leaves simply over 100GB, which is ok in case you depend on cloud storage and primarily stream movies, however if you wish to set up many video games and save music or video recordsdata, you may run out sooner.

The dearth of any mobile choice can be disappointing. You’ll should make do with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for connectivity as a substitute. 

Cameras

• First rate 8Mp selfie digicam
• Helps 1080p video
• Underwhelming 13Mp rear digicam

Cameras aren’t a precedence on tablets in the identical approach as smartphones, however they’re nonetheless helpful in lots of conditions.  

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

The obvious is utilizing the front-facing digicam for video calling, which depends on an 8Mp sensor on the OnePlus Pad. It may possibly seize in as much as Full HD (1080p) at 30fps, and I used to be pleasantly stunned with the outcomes. 

On the whole, you possibly can anticipate clear, well-exposed footage with loads of element. The selfie lens is nothing particular, but it surely will get the job accomplished for informal video calls or work conferences. Stills are of an identical customary, and similar to funds telephones in lots of instances. There’s a portrait mode right here, but it surely’s not the very best.

I don’t suggest utilizing a pill as your principal images machine, however the 13Mp rear sensor continues to be value having. Stills and movies (as much as 4K at 30fps) are likely to look barely grainy and washed out, however they’re completely wonderful for reference pictures or the occasional dwelling video. 

If you’d like a rear digicam for something greater than the fundamentals, simply get an excellent smartphone as a substitute. Everybody round you’ll thanks. 

Battery life & charging

• 9510mAh battery
• Comfy all-day battery life
• 80W charger not included in UK

OnePlus has geared up the Pad with a 9510mAh battery, which equates to round 37Wh in case you’re extra acquainted with laptop computer batteries. That’s a good capability for a pill of this dimension, though the excessive decision 144Hz show inevitably places it below pressure.  

Even so, you received’t have to fret about battery life fairly often. The OnePlus Pad can final a full day of utilization – together with a few hours of power-hungry gaming – and nonetheless have cost to spare by bedtime. In the event you solely use a pill within the night, two and even three days on a single cost is feasible. 

That is mirrored within the PCMark app’s battery take a look at, which goals to simulate real-world utilization at 200 nits of brightness. A time of 10 hours and 43 minutes is above common, even in case you’re taking a look at about half of that for precise display screen time. 

Whereas I wasn’t in a position to take a look at it attributable to my shorter evaluation interval, OnePlus additionally claims you may get a full month of standby time. In the event you solely use a pill sometimes, it’s good to have this peace of thoughts. 

However whenever you finally run out, the charging state of affairs varies relying on the place you’re based mostly. Whereas US prospects get the 80W charger (which expenses at 67W due to US mains energy restrictions) within the field, it’s £39 additional within the UK the place prospects solely get a USB-C to USB-A cable in any other case.

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

If in case you have a quick charger mendacity round at dwelling – nice. However I solely had a 33W model, which charged the OnePlus Pad painfully slowly. It reached simply 18% in half-hour, which was very underwhelming. 

With no wi-fi charging both, I used to be anticipating higher from OnePlus. 

Software program

• OxygenOS, Android 13
• Pill-specific options work effectively
• Lack of succesful, optimised apps

The OnePlus Pad runs OnePlus’ OxygenOS 13.1 pores and skin over Android 13. In the event you’ve used a OnePlus (or Oppo) telephone, the software program expertise will likely be acquainted, however there are some helpful additional options right here.

They embrace a two-finger swipe down from the center of the display screen (in panorama mode) to entry split-screen multitasking, which is pleasingly intuitive as soon as you work it out. The OnePlus Pad can show as much as three apps on the display screen at anyone time, plus one other in a separate floating window. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

OnePlus additionally has what it calls a ‘Good Sidebar’, which gives fast entry to those choices and different generally used apps. However I discovered it extra annoying than helpful, as a swipe from the appropriate facet can simply set off it by accident. 

Elsewhere, the OxygenOS expertise is like what we’ve seen earlier than. Other than a redesigned fast settings menu and new inventory apps, it’s a lot the identical as so-called ‘inventory’ Android. There are a handful of apps which may very well be thought of bloatware, however most of those will be uninstalled. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

OnePlus’ software program expertise makes it simple to load up a sport or begin watching a video, however you’ll run into issues when attempting to get work accomplished. Most desktop-level productiveness apps merely aren’t obtainable, whereas these which can be – comparable to Microsoft Phrase and Adobe Lightroom – are lacking some key options. 

Then there’s the truth that most third-party pill apps are merely bigger variations of the telephone app, with no optimisations for the bigger show. The dearth of highly effective, optimised apps impacts all Android tablets, but it surely’s nonetheless the principle motive to not purchase the OnePlus Pad.

OnePlus has dedicated to 4 main Android model updates and 5 years of safety updates for its flagship telephones, however there’s no particular dedication for the OnePlus Pad.

Value & availability

Given the specs on provide, the OnePlus Pad is competitively priced. The one configuration obtainable will get you 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for $499/£449. It’s obtainable to pre-order now.

Equipment are non-compulsory extras, with the Folio Case ($39/£59), Magnetic Keyboard ($149/£149) and Stylo pen ($99/£99) all value contemplating. 

First rate Android tablets at this value level are only a few and much between, with the Xiaomi Pad 5 essentially the most credible different. In the event you’re not set on Android, different tablets together with 2022 iPad (from $449/£499) and Floor Go 3 (from $399/£369) are additionally value contemplating.  

However for every part you’re getting right here, the OnePlus Pad is superb worth for cash. 

Verdict

OnePlus is late to the pill sport, however its first try has been well worth the wait.

The OnePlus Pad excels on the fundamentals of an amazing slate, with a shocking show, glorious efficiency and nice battery life. You even get top quality audio system, all inside a slick, premium design. 

However with just one storage choice and no mobile or fingerprint assist, it’s value contemplating different choices if these items are necessary to you.

In the end, the restrictions of Android on tablets means this an amazing pill for leisure, however not critical work. 

Specs

• MediaTek Dimensity 9000 
• 8GB RAM 
• 128GB non-expandable storage 
• 11.6in 2800×2000 LCD show 
• 144Hz dynamic refresh fee 
• 9510mAh battery 
• 67W quick charging (charger not included in UK) 
• Entrance-facing 8Mp digicam 
• Rear 13Mp digicam 
• Quad stereo audio system 
• 258 x 189.4 x 6.5mm 
• 552g (pill solely)