OnePlus Pad Evaluation: A Fantastic First Try

Value When Reviewed

$479

Finest Costs At present: OnePlus Pad

$479

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

OnePlus is the newest firm to affix the social gathering 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 can purchase one, although? I feel sure, however provided that you utilize your pill in a selected sort of means.

Design & construct

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

The OnePlus Pad has the same old mix of glass and aluminium we’ve come to count on from fashionable 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 mild, 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 possibility. I personally actually just like the darkish inexperienced aesthetic, however you may not. In contrast to with smartphones, many individuals might be utilizing the OnePlus Pad case-free. 

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

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 remains to be comparatively snug to carry. 

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

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

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Charging and information switch are by way of USB-C, though there’s no 3.5mm audio jack. That’s not sudden, contemplating virtually all OnePlus telephones have ditched the port, however lack of house 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, however it’s straightforward to arrange, dependable and really quick. The selfie digicam that it depends on is in a pure place – above the display when utilized in panorama mode. 

Display & audio system

• 11.6in LCD show
• 144Hz refresh fee
• Wonderful 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 side ratio. OnePlus says that is impressed by bodily books, and it definitely feels very pure to carry and use. 

Wonderful element makes it a superb possibility 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 images on social media or a feature-length movie. The OnePlus Pad is a complete knockout on the subject of content material consumption – every thing simply appears to be like 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 apprehensive – the LCD panel is simply as spectacular in almost each scenario. 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 might be prepared to make at this value, particularly if you get the very best refresh fee of any pill. The Pad’s show can hit an unbelievable 144Hz, making every thing 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 right down to 30Hz, serving to to preserve battery life. It feels such as you’re getting the most effective of each worlds, though you’ll be able to set a most of 60Hz if you happen to’d favor. 

Alongside a contact sampling fee of 144Hz (what number of instances 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 is extremely reflective, so the 485 nits of brightness nonetheless isn’t sufficient for snug outside visibility. However if you happen to’re within the automotive or on public transport, it’ll be simply nice. 

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

It’s notably 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 pretty much 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 path, that means the pill can modify which audio system output which sound relying on the way you’re holding it. In portrait orientation, the 2 audio system on the correct aspect might be totally different to panorama mode, for instance. 

Equipment

• All equipment offered 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 price contemplating. 

A daily $39/£59 Folio Case is one possibility, 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 typical all through testing. 

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

Regardless of counting on Bluetooth, the $99/£99 OnePlus Stylo digital pen is far 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. Good palm rejection tech avoids any unintentional marks, however it isn’t strain delicate – you’ll must manually choose totally different shades to simulate it. 

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

Specs & efficiency

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

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

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

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

There was no noticeable slowdown or hesitation in anyway, even when shortly switching between them or utilizing side-by aspect. It doesn’t really feel fairly as zippy as one in all the newest iPads, however it’s not far off. 

Impressively, this nice efficiency extends to gaming, one of the vital demanding use circumstances for the OnePlus Pad. The expertise enjoying the likes of Name of Obligation: Cellular and PUBG Cellular was indistinguishable from the most effective 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 no 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 combined bag when in comparison with the competitors:

Inside storage is perhaps a difficulty for some individuals. There’s 128GB on the one mannequin obtainable, with no choice to increase by way of microSD. With round 15GB taken up with system recordsdata you’ll be able to’t uninstall, it leaves simply over 100GB, which is ok if you happen to 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 would possibly run out sooner.

The dearth of any mobile possibility can be disappointing. You’ll must make do with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for connectivity as an alternative. 

Cameras

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

Cameras aren’t a precedence on tablets in the identical means 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 shocked with the outcomes. 

Normally, you’ll be able to count on clear, well-exposed footage with loads of element. The selfie lens is nothing particular, however it will get the job achieved for informal video calls or work conferences. Stills are of the same normal, and akin to finances telephones in lots of circumstances. There’s a portrait mode right here, however it’s not the most effective.

I don’t advocate utilizing a pill as your major pictures system, however the 13Mp rear sensor remains to be price having. Stills and movies (as much as 4K at 30fps) are likely to look barely grainy and washed out, however they’re completely nice for reference images or the occasional house video. 

If you’d like a rear digicam for something greater than the fundamentals, simply get a good smartphone as an alternative. 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 if you happen to’re extra conversant in laptop computer batteries. That’s a good capability for a pill of this measurement, though the excessive decision 144Hz show inevitably places it below pressure.  

Even so, you gained’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 if you happen to’re taking a look at about half of that for precise display time. 

Whereas I wasn’t in a position to take a look at it resulting from my shorter overview 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 if you ultimately run out, the charging scenario 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

In case you have a quick charger mendacity round at house – 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 might be acquainted, however there are some helpful additional options right here.

They embrace a two-finger swipe down from the center of the display (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 at anybody time, plus one other in a separate floating window. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

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

Elsewhere, the OxygenOS expertise is like what we’ve seen earlier than. Apart from 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 could possibly be thought-about bloatware, however most of those will be uninstalled. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

OnePlus’ software program expertise makes it straightforward to load up a sport or begin watching a video, however you’ll run into issues when attempting to get work achieved. Most desktop-level productiveness apps merely aren’t obtainable, whereas these which are – 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, however it’s nonetheless the principle purpose 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 price 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 various. 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 price contemplating.  

However for every thing 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 definitely worth the wait.

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

However with just one storage possibility and no mobile or fingerprint help, it’s price contemplating different choices if this stuff are necessary to you.

Finally, the restrictions of Android on tablets means this an ideal pill for leisure, however not severe 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)