OnePlus Pad Long-Term Review: Premium Tablet Experience with Room for Improvement

In this long-term review of the OnePlus Pad, used over a month, we explore whether this premium tablet can truly compete with Apple's iPad.

Design and Build Measuring 258 x 189.4 x 6.5mm and weighing 552 grams, the OnePlus Pad features a glass front with a metal back and frames, offering a premium feel. Its curved edges and thin profile provide a comfortable grip, though the weight can become tiring during prolonged single-handed use. The design avoids the flat edges seen on recent Apple and Samsung tablets, opting instead for a more ergonomic approach.

Display The 11.61-inch IPS LCD panel boasts a sharp 2800 x 2000 pixel resolution with a 296 PPI density and a unique 7:5 aspect ratio, ideal for reading and web browsing. While not an OLED, the display offers good brightness levels, wide viewing angles, and a smooth 144Hz refresh rate for responsive scrolling. However, only specific apps like Chrome achieve the full 144Hz rate, and the panel lacks HDR support despite Dolby Vision certification.

Audio Equipped with a quad-speaker setup and Dolby Atmos, the OnePlus Pad delivers rich, clear audio with decent volume. The "Omnibreaing Sound Field" technology adjusts audio based on holding position, though the effect is less pronounced in portrait orientation.

Performance Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor, the tablet handles multitasking and gaming smoothly. Apps launch quickly, and memory management is efficient, though occasional stutters occur in the recent apps menu. The main drawback is inconsistent app optimization, particularly for landscape mode and split-screen functionality, which affects the overall experience.

Productivity Features The OnePlus Stylo stylus offers tilt sensitivity, pressure control, and palm rejection, making it suitable for drawing and note-taking. However, it lacks text conversion capabilities found on competing products. The tablet also supports split-screen multitasking and floating windows, enhancing productivity on the large display.

Camera The 13MP rear and 8MP front cameras are adequate for quick snapshots and video calls, with the "Limelight" feature keeping users centered during calls. However, the lack of biometric security options is a notable omission.

Battery The 9510mAh battery provides impressive endurance, offering 7-7.5 hours of mixed use. The included 67W fast charger can fully recharge the tablet in about an hour and 20 minutes.

Conclusion The OnePlus Pad succeeds as a well-built tablet with a great display, strong performance, and excellent battery life. However, it falls short of being an "iPad killer" due to persistent app optimization issues and missing features like cellular connectivity. For users within the OnePlus ecosystem seeking a premium media consumption device, it holds value, though alternatives like the Xiaomi Pad 6 may offer better value for those prioritizing affordability.