OnePlus Pad 2 review: A solid iPad alternative

OnePlus Pad 2

Android tablets have largely struggled to escape the iPad’s long shadow. When the iPad was launched, there was a flurry of mediocre Android tablets. The perception that no one but Apple could get the tablet rightly persisted for quite a while. But things are changing.

In recent years, Android tablets have quietly been levelling up by offering a blend of hardware and software at competitive prices. Plus, there’s a market for non-iPad tablets — people who don’t want to buy the iPad for a myriad reasons. Samsung, Xiaomi, and most recently OnePlus have upped the ante when it comes to tablets.

OnePlus Pad 2 comes as a successor to a rather good debut in the tablet space from OnePlus last year. What also works in the favour of the Pad 2 is that OnePlus has created an ecosystem for the device to thrive. But is it worth your money? Read on to find out more:

OnePlus Pad 2 review: Design and display

The OnePlus Pad 2, while visually similar to its predecessor, has a new design that exudes a premium aesthetic with its sleek, unibody metal design. The rounded edges and the flattened top give it a striking look. At 584 grams, the tablet — without the keyboard — is rather portable and easy to carry around.

OnePlus has experimented with the keyboard this time. There’s a new two-piece smart keyboard. The back case is now separate and can attach nicely to the rear of the tablet. The keyboard sticks to the magnets that are attached on the tablet. This gives it a kickstand look and reminiscent of the early generation Microsoft Surface devices. The new matte Nimbus Grey colour provides a more sophisticated aesthetic to the OnePlus Pad 2 compared to its predecessor.

But I am not sure if this is a design that would be appreciated by many. For starters, it takes time to get used to the two-piece stand. The keyboard when attached does seem a bit wobbly all the time. Not to forget, it totally kills the whole laptop vibe as it is literally impossible to keep the tablet on your lap with the keyboard and work on it. Also, the keyboard is on the heavier side at close to 504 grams.

The OnePlus Pad 2 features a vibrant 12.1-inch 3K display. This slightly larger screen, coupled with the unique 7:5 aspect ratio, delivers a more immersive viewing experience, especially for content consumption and productivity tasks.

One of the most notable improvements is the increased brightness, reaching a peak of 900 nits. This makes the OnePlus Pad 2 significantly more usable in outdoor settings, ensuring crisp and clear visuals even under direct sunlight. The combination of a larger, higher-resolution display with enhanced brightness makes the Pad 2 one of the better Android tablets out there. Especially in this price range.

OnePlus Pad 2 review: Performance

It’s no surprise to see AI features coming to tablets as well. OnePlus brings its AI phone features like AI Eraser 2.0, Smart Cutout 2.0, and AI Toolbox, to the OnePlus Pad 2.

The Recording Summary tool effectively converts recorded audio into text summaries, while Scan Document leverages AI for efficient document scanning. While these AI enhancements offer value at a competitive price point, I am not sure if many users would use them frequently.

Speaking of OnePlus phone features, OnePlus has been creating an ecosystem of its devices and it is very much at display on the OnePlus Pad 2. For instance, OnePlus has introduced Auto Connect, a feature designed to seamlessly connect the tablet to a paired OnePlus smartphone's cellular network. To enable this functionality, users must be logged into their OnePlus account on both devices — very much like Apple.

Also, there’s a new Content Sync feature, which allows for convenient transfer of photos, videos, and other files between OnePlus smartphones and the Pad 2. That’s not all as there’s another feature called the Notification Sync. This enables users to view and respond to smartphone notifications directly from the tablet's physical keyboard. It’s baby steps into creating an ecosystem of devices but OnePlus’ attempt is certainly notable. If you have the OnePlus earbuds, then pairing them is quite seamless as well.

The OnePlus Pad 2 strikes a balance between performance and portability, offering a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and a large 9,510mAh battery. The tablet's 12GB of RAM and variable 144Hz refresh rate ensure smooth multitasking and responsive app switching. Whether browsing the web, watching videos, or listening to music, the Pad 2 delivers a seamless and enjoyable experience. The battery easily lasts for over 12 hours of heavy use, and the fast charging capabilities allow for quick top-ups.

Another thing that is improved on the OnePlus Pad 2 is the introduction of Open Canvas — an interface borrowed from OnePlus Open. Multitasking is much better on the OnePlus Pad 2 but its bogged down by certain Android and Oxygen OS limitations.

However, the Pad 2 falls short in a few areas. The lack of expandable storage can be limiting for users who require significant storage space for media or files. Additionally, the cameras are underwhelming, particularly for photography enthusiasts. But having said that, not many people actually use their tablets to shoot any images or videos, so OnePlus can be given a pass on it.

While the six speakers provide excellent audio quality, the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack may be inconvenient for some users.

Finally, the reliance on facial recognition for biometric authentication can be limiting for those who prefer fingerprint sensors. While the face unlock feature works well, it may not be as convenient or secure as a fingerprint scanner, especially in certain lighting conditions.

The OnePlus Pad 2 runs on OxygenOS, a custom Android skin that closely resembles stock Android. While it includes a few OnePlus-specific apps, most of these can be easily deleted to maintain a clean and uncluttered interface. OnePlus has committed to providing three years of OS updates and four years of security updates.

The OnePlus Pad 2's versatility is enhanced by its optional accessories. Take the new stylus — the Style 2 — which is sold separately but gets upgraded features. The Stylo 2, a magnetically attachable stylus, provides a natural writing experience with haptic feedback and fast response times. Ideal for artists and notetakers, the stylus can also be used for general navigation and simple tasks like creating grocery lists.

Its 16,000 levels of pressure sensitivity cater to creative professionals, while the integrated haptic motor provides tactile feedback for gestures and pen-tip vibrations. The Stylo 2 doubles as a laser pointer when you press and hold the flat side near the tip, adding a touch of convenience to presentations and interactions with the display.

While the accessories add significant value to the OnePlus Pad 2, they also increase the overall cost. The Smart Keyboard is highly recommended for those who require a keyboard for productivity, but the Stylo 2 may be less essential for casual users who don't have artistic or note-taking needs.

OnePlus Pad 2 review: Verdict

The OnePlus Pad 2 is a powerful Android tablet that does well on performance, display quality, and battery life. Its versatile capabilities make it suitable for gaming, consuming content and getting some routine work done.

TheOnePlus Pad 2 starts at Rs 39,999 for the 8GB +128GB variant and Rs. 42,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant. That’s just the tablet. If you want the keyboard, then that’s another Rs 8,499. The Stylo 2 is another Rs 7,499. If you want a fully-loaded OnePlus Pad 2 — even with the base variant — it will cost you close to Rs 56,000.

If you are in the market for an iPad alternative, the OnePlus Pad 2 is definitely worth a dekko.