OnePlus Pad 2 Review: Is This the Best Android Tablet of 2024?

Introduction

In this review, we’re diving into the OnePlus Pad 2, a sleek and stylish tablet that’s being touted as one of the best Android tablets of 2024. Priced at £499 in the UK, the OnePlus Pad 2 offers a blend of powerful hardware and elegant design, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a stunning 12.1-inch display, and a robust battery life. However, like any device, it comes with its quirks and additional costs for accessories. Let’s explore its features in detail.

Design

The OnePlus Pad 2 sports a sleek and durable design, crafted from aluminum that gives it a premium feel. The tablet features a sizable 12.1-inch display with thin bezels, making it feel compact despite its large screen size. This design choice ensures that the device remains responsive, even if your fingers or palm touch the screen edges. Weighing in at nearly 600 grams, the tablet is a bit hefty, so prolonged use might require some muscle endurance.

The tablet is available only in Nimbus Gray, which, while sophisticated, might feel a bit mundane compared to the more vibrant options of its predecessor. The build quality is solid, and the device has a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, a power button, and volume controls, but lacks the iconic OnePlus alert slider. The minimalist design might not stand out, but it certainly fits well within the premium tablet segment.

Display & Audio

The OnePlus Pad 2 boasts a 12.1-inch IPS display with a resolution of 3000×2120 pixels, offering sharp visuals and vibrant colors. The 7:5 aspect ratio is particularly well-suited for multitasking, allowing for comfortable use of multiple apps side by side. The display supports Dolby Vision and HDR10, although HDR streaming support is not yet available on platforms like Netflix.

The display’s refresh rate ranges from 30Hz to 144Hz, making it versatile for different types of content, from movies to high-refresh-rate gaming. The tablet also features a powerful stereo speaker setup with Dolby Atmos support, delivering clear and immersive audio, though audiophiles may still prefer to use headphones for a more detailed listening experience.

Software & Features

Running on OxygenOS 14.1, based on Android 14, the OnePlus Pad 2 provides a smooth and intuitive user experience. OnePlus promises three major OS updates and four years of security updates, ensuring long-term support. However, the device lacks a fingerprint sensor, relying instead on facial recognition for biometric authentication. This can be inconvenient, especially since face unlock cannot be used for secure applications like banking apps.

Multitasking is handled efficiently with features like a customizable dock and smart sidebars, allowing for easy app switching and multitasking. However, there are occasional bugs, such as issues with app orientation and dock accessibility in certain apps, which may need addressing in future updates.

Keyboard & Accessories

The OnePlus Pad 2 can be paired with a keyboard cover and a stylus, transforming it into a makeshift laptop. The keyboard is comfortable to use, with well-spaced keys and decent travel, making it suitable for long typing sessions. However, it lacks backlighting, which can be a drawback in low-light conditions. The keyboard also functions via Bluetooth, allowing for flexible use even when not physically connected to the tablet.

The stylus, sold separately, offers additional functionality for tasks like note-taking and drawing, though its utility will depend on individual needs. The combined cost of these accessories adds significantly to the overall price, so potential buyers should consider whether these additions are essential for their use case.

Performance & Gaming

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the OnePlus Pad 2 delivers robust performance, handling everyday tasks and intensive gaming with ease. The device remains cool during extended gaming sessions, and features like a dedicated gaming mode enhance the overall experience by optimizing performance and minimizing distractions.

The tablet offers ample storage with up to 256GB of internal memory, though it lacks expandable storage options via microSD cards. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, but there’s no support for 5G, limiting its use for on-the-go internet access unless paired with a hotspot.

Battery Life & Charging

The OnePlus Pad 2 is equipped with a 9,510 mAh battery, providing impressive battery life that can easily last a full day of heavy use. Whether multitasking with multiple apps or engaging in prolonged gaming sessions, the battery drain remains minimal. However, the tablet does consume some power even when in standby mode, so it’s advisable to turn it off if not in use for extended periods.

The device supports 67W SuperVOOC fast charging, capable of fully recharging the battery in about 80 minutes. However, a charging adapter is not included in the box, so users will need to purchase one separately or use an existing compatible charger.

Conclusion

The OnePlus Pad 2 is a compelling choice for those seeking a high-performance Android tablet with a premium build and a rich feature set. While it has some minor quirks and lacks certain conveniences like a fingerprint sensor and built-in kickstand, its strengths in display quality, performance, and battery life make it a strong contender in the tablet market. The added cost of accessories like the keyboard cover and stylus may be a consideration, but for those looking for a versatile and capable device, the OnePlus Pad 2 is worth a serious look.