OnePlus Pad 2 Review: A Leap Forward in Tablet Technology

After a year and a half of anticipation, the OnePlus Pad has finally met its match in the form of the OnePlus Pad 2. This sequel promises a host of upgrades, including a more expansive and luminous display, a top-tier chipset, enhanced audio capabilities, and refined accessories. Let’s delve into what makes this new model a noteworthy successor.

Introduction

The original OnePlus Pad impressed with its no-frills approach—offering essential features at a competitive price without any unnecessary bells and whistles. Its successor, the OnePlus Pad 2, aims to elevate the experience by introducing a plethora of enhancements. The question is: does it succeed?

OnePlus Pad 2 Review

At first glance, the OnePlus Pad 2 commands attention with its sleek aluminum unibody, housing a substantial 12.1-inch IPS LCD screen. This display boasts a resolution of 2,120 x 3,000 pixels, delivering a vibrant 10-bit color depth and supporting both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision streaming. With peak brightness reaching up to 900 nits, this screen promises to be both stunningly bright and remarkably clear. Notably, it also supports the new optional Stylo 2 stylus, adding another layer of versatility.

The heart of the OnePlus Pad 2 is its cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, designed to maximize performance across the expansive screen. The inclusion of this advanced processor, coupled with a substantial heatsink embedded within the aluminum frame, ensures that the device remains cool and responsive under heavy use.

In terms of photography, the OnePlus Pad 2 retains the same camera configuration as its predecessor: a 13MP rear camera capable of 4K video recording, alongside an 8MP front-facing camera that captures 1080p video. While these specs remain unchanged, they continue to deliver satisfactory performance for both casual photography and video calls.

Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the upgrade from four to six speakers, providing a richer and more immersive sound experience. Connectivity has also seen improvements, with the introduction of Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. However, it’s worth noting that the OnePlus Pad 2 lacks GPS and cellular options, making it a Wi-Fi-only device. For users who already own a OnePlus phone, there are additional continuity features to enhance the overall ecosystem experience.

Battery life remains robust, with the OnePlus Pad 2 housing a 9,510mAh battery capable of 67W fast charging. The battery specs mirror those of the original Pad, ensuring that users can expect a full day’s use with rapid recharging capabilities.

OnePlus Pad 2 Specs at a Glance

• Body: 268.7 x 195.1 x 6.5 mm, 584g; Glass front, aluminum back and frame; Stylus support
• Display: 12.10″ IPS LCD, 1B colors, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 144Hz, 600 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak), 2120 x 3000 px resolution, 12.74:9 aspect ratio, 304 ppi
• Chipset: Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm): Octa-core (1×3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2×3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2×2.3 GHz Cortex-A520); Adreno 750
• Memory: 128GB with 8GB RAM, 256GB with 12GB RAM; UFS 3.1
• OS/Software: Android 14, OxygenOS 14.1
• Rear Camera: 13 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide)
• Front Camera: 8 MP, f/2.3 (wide), 1/4.0″, 1.12µm
• Video Capture: Rear: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS; Front: 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
• Battery: 9510mAh; 67W wired, 64% charge in 30 min, 100% in 81 min (advertised)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7; BT 5.4, aptX HD, LHDC
• Misc: Accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only), compass; Stereo speakers (6 speakers)

At a price point of €499, the OnePlus Pad 2 stands out with a well-rounded specification sheet. It balances powerful features with affordability, and buyers who purchase directly from OnePlus will receive a complimentary charger and stylus. The one potential drawback? The absence of a fingerprint reader, which might be a deal-breaker for some.

Unboxing the OnePlus Pad 2

The OnePlus Pad 2 arrives in a slender paper box, housing the tablet and OnePlus’ signature red USB-A-C cable. While there is no charger included in the box, OnePlus offers a complimentary charger and stylus if purchased through their official website. Additionally, buyers can opt for a Folio Case, further enhancing the tablet’s value proposition.

In summary, the OnePlus Pad 2 builds upon its predecessor’s solid foundation with substantial upgrades across the board. Its combination of advanced hardware, expanded features, and competitive pricing makes it a compelling choice for anyone in the market for a high-performance tablet.