Discovering the OnePlus Pad: A New Chapter in Android Tablets
The OnePlus Pad is OnePlus’s ambitious attempt to break into the increasingly competitive tablet space. Known for its high-quality, value-driven smartphones, OnePlus has applied the same philosophy to its first-ever tablet, the OnePlus Pad. Featuring a sleek design, impressive specs, and a competitive price point, it stands as a compelling option for Android users looking for something between productivity and entertainment. This review delves into the ins and outs of the OnePlus Pad, exploring its design, performance, battery life, and more to help you decide if it meets your needs in a tablet.
Overview of the OnePlus Pad
The OnePlus Pad enters a market dominated by established players such as Apple’s iPad series and Samsung Galaxy Tabs. This tablet promises a new approach to Android tablet use with its clean interface, optimized performance, and a seamless blend of design and practicality. Let’s take a quick look at what makes this tablet stand out.
- Display and Design: This sports an 11.61-inch LCD with a resolution of 2800 x 2000 pixels. The screen is ideal for streaming and light drawing, even doubling as a drawing tablet.
- Processor and Memory: It comes with MediaTek’s Dimensity 9000 chipset, an impressive choice that powers the device for multitasking, gaming, and more.
- Battery and Charging: Equipped with a 9510 mAh battery, this supports 67W fast charging, promising quick top-ups and extended use throughout the day.
This tablet is designed for users who prioritize portability and reliability without sacrificing quality. For those considering alternatives to Wacom tablets for basic sketching or digital note-taking, this may also present a refreshing option.
Key Features
- 11.61-inch LCD Display: High-resolution display for immersive viewing.
- Dimensity 9000 Processor: Handles multitasking and productivity apps with ease.
- 67W Fast Charging: Rapid recharges for uninterrupted usage.
- 8GB RAM/128GB Storage: Ample storage and memory for day-to-day tasks.
- Android 13-Based OxygenOS: Optimized, user-friendly interface for Android enthusiasts.
OnePlus Pad Pros and Cons
The OnePlus Pad offers a variety of strengths and a few limitations worth noting. Here’s a straightforward breakdown.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional build quality and sleek design | Lacks headphone jack |
| High-resolution display with vivid colors | Limited storage options |
| Reliable battery life with fast charging | No cellular variant (Wi-Fi only) |
| Optimized OS for smoother performance | Limited stylus support compared to Wacom |
In-Depth Analysis of the OnePlus Pad
The OnePlus Pad has a lot to offer as an entry into the tablet market, particularly with its standout design, efficient performance, and versatile usability features. Below, we break down each key aspect in greater detail.
Design
OnePlus’s design aesthetics are evident in the Pad’s sleek metal body, rounded corners, and lightweight feel, which make it easy to carry around. The large display with thin bezels offers a premium viewing experience, and the centered rear camera adds to the modern look. The device’s comfortable form factor is ideal for reading, drawing, or streaming. However, unlike professional drawing tablets like Wacom or Huion, this lacks pressure sensitivity in its stylus support, which limits it for advanced digital artists.
Display and Functionality
With its 11.61-inch LCD, the display offers crisp images and supports a smooth 144Hz refresh rate. The high pixel density ensures visuals look sharp, and colors are vibrant enough for casual photo editing and digital sketching. This display rivals certain entry-level Wacom tablets, making it a good choice for those looking to use it for light digital art projects. For graphic designers used to the functionality of Wacom drivers or the Wacom pen, however, there may be a learning curve due to the limited stylus capabilities.
Performance
The MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor, paired with 8GB RAM, makes this suitable for multitasking and handling resource-intensive applications. It operates seamlessly with OnePlus’s custom OxygenOS, which provides a clutter-free and responsive experience. Though it may not match high-end tablets in raw power, it handles apps smoothly, and casual games perform well without significant lag.
Battery Life and Charging
Equipped with a 9510 mAh battery, the OnePlus Pad impresses with long-lasting power that can easily get through a full day of usage. The 67W fast charging is a noteworthy feature, reducing downtime significantly. Battery optimization works effectively, making it reliable for all-day work or entertainment.
OnePlus Pad Comparison
The OnePlus Pad is positioned among Android tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 and Lenovo Tab P11, offering similar performance and price ranges. Below is a comparative table highlighting the differences and similarities.
| Feature | OnePlus Pad | Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 | Lenovo Tab P11 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 11.61-inch LCD | 10.5-inch AMOLED | 11-inch IPS |
| Processor | Dimensity 9000 | Snapdragon 855 | Snapdragon 662 |
| Battery | 9510 mAh | 7040 mAh | 7700 mAh |
| Storage Options | 128GB | 128/256GB | 64/128GB |
| Fast Charging | Yes, 67W | No | No |
| Operating System | OxygenOS (Android-based) | One UI | Android 10 |
While the OnePlus Pad holds its own in terms of display quality and fast charging capabilities, it may fall short for users seeking cellular connectivity options or a more versatile stylus.
Conclusion
Overall, this is an impressive first entry into the tablet market for OnePlus. It combines an appealing design, strong battery life, and solid performance, positioning itself as an affordable, mid-range Android tablet option. It’s ideal for users seeking a device for entertainment, basic productivity, or casual sketching. However, for professionals in digital art requiring specialized tools like Wacom tablets with advanced pen pressure or customizable Wacom drivers, this may not offer the depth required.
OnePlus Pad Rating
Rated 4 out of 5 stars for its value, usability, and design, this is an excellent Android tablet choice, especially for budget-conscious consumers looking for versatility.
Should You Buy the OnePlus Pad?
If you’re looking for a reliable Android tablet for daily use, streaming, or digital sketching, this offers great value. With its solid build and user-friendly interface, it’s an ideal choice for those who don’t need the extensive features found in high-end drawing tablets. However, for professional artists or users needing a drawing tablet with Wacom-level stylus support, this device might fall short.
FAQ
What makes the OnePlus Pad a good option in the tablet market?
The OnePlus Pad stands out for its design, long battery life, and affordability. It’s a practical choice for daily tasks and entertainment, though it may not meet professional drawing tablet needs.
Can the OnePlus Pad replace a dedicated drawing tablet like a Wacom or Huion tablet?
The OnePlus Pad can handle light sketching and digital art but lacks the advanced stylus features of dedicated drawing tablets such as Wacom tablets or Huion devices, especially for pressure-sensitive artwork.
Does the OnePlus Pad support cellular connectivity?
No, the OnePlus Pad is currently Wi-Fi only. Users requiring mobile data may need to look at alternatives with cellular options.
Resources
- oneplus.com OnePlus Pad
- gsmarena.com OnePlus Pad Specifications
- cnet.com OnePlus Pad Review: The Flip Side of the Pixel Tablet
- YouTube OnePlus Pad Video Review
- X (Twitter) OnePlus Pad Leak by Mukul Sharma
Brijesh Gohil is the founder of Tech Brij, A popular Tech Blog which is focused on Tech tips & Buying Guides. You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Google + & LinkedIn.