Why I prefer this OnePlus tablet over the iPad for mobile entertainment - and it's on sale

The display on the OnePlus Pad 2 is solid for an LCD screen, measuring 11.61 inches diagonally with a crisp 2800x2000 resolution, a smooth 144Hz refresh rate, and a bright 900-nit output. OnePlus put a lot of effort into color calibration, ensuring everything from films to games looks vibrant and true-to-life. While Apple still reigns supreme when it comes to LCD displays on tablets—take the iPad Air, for instance—OnePlus isn’t far behind.

And hey, if you’re digging that sweet screen and suddenly realize you’ve forgotten your headphones, don’t sweat it. The speakers on the Pad 2 are pretty impressive, especially compared to its predecessor. OnePlus bumped up the audio game by adding a couple more speakers, delivering rich, full sound that gets impressively loud. There’s even a satisfying amount of bass for such a slim device. I tested it with some tunes, and it held its own beautifully.

Oh, and speaking of competition, Samsung’s latest Galaxy tablets seem to edge out the iPad Air in certain areas for the same price tag. But let’s circle back to the Pad 2.

Flagship Performance That Stands the Test of Time

Under the hood, the OnePlus Pad 2 packs a punch. It’s powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, which means lightning-fast speeds, buttery-smooth animations, and no hiccups during gaming sessions—all thanks to OnePlus’ HyperBoosted optimizations. I haven’t encountered anything that slows it down, so it’s safe to say this tablet is built to handle current demands and future-proof itself for years to come. Backing up that powerhouse processor is 12GB of RAM, so multitasking feels seamless, and apps stay alive without crashing.

Long Battery Life and Fast Charging

Battery life on the Pad 2 is nothing short of impressive. Given its size, OnePlus managed to squeeze in a massive 9,510mAh battery. If you keep usage light, it can last several days on a single charge. For heavier use—say, streaming videos, gaming, and managing emails—it holds up well for about a day and a half. And yes, OnePlus didn’t forget about fast charging. The included 67W SuperVOOC charger fills the tank from zero to full in roughly an hour and a half. Not bad for such a hefty battery!

Multitasking Made Easy

OnePlus clearly put thought into making multitasking intuitive. On top of Android 14 with OxygenOS, the Pad 2 supports Open Canvas, a feature that first appeared on the OnePlus Open last year. This setup lets you juggle three apps simultaneously in a dynamic grid layout, pull apps from the dock or floating drawer, and even drag-and-drop files between apps. Honestly, it’s the best multitasking experience I’ve had on an Android tablet.

There’s also a neat trick for apps that don’t natively support tablet layouts. OnePlus offers adjustments to stretch these apps across the screen, though results vary depending on the app. It’s handy for basic tools like calendars or to-do lists, though some programs still fall flat.

Integration for OnePlus Phone Users

For anyone already in the OnePlus ecosystem, the Pad 2 ties in beautifully. You can make calls, send texts, sync notifications, and even control apps on your phone—all from the tablet. It’s a slick feature for those deeply invested in the OnePlus family, though it’s naturally less relevant for everyone else.

On top of that, OnePlus threw in a $150 Smart Keyboard and $40 Folio Case 2 to enhance productivity, along with the $99 Stylo 2 stylus. Both accessories feel solid, adding practicality to the package.

Software and Future Updates

Speaking of software, OnePlus promises three major OS updates and four years of security patches. Considering the price point, that’s a decent commitment.

Should You Buy It?

If you’re looking for a media-focused tablet with strong performance, a stellar screen, and long-lasting battery life, the OnePlus Pad 2 is a solid pick. However, if you’re hoping for something more versatile—like turning into a laptop—you might want to explore pricier options like the iPad Pro or Surface Pro.

At $549, the OnePlus Pad 2 is a great value, especially with ongoing trade-in deals and bundles. It’s a winner in its category, offering balanced performance across the board.

Tariffs and Their Impact

Recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to encourage domestic manufacturing but could hike prices on consumer electronics. Smartphones, laptops, and TVs might see cost increases as companies adjust their supply chains. Devices coming from China and Vietnam face particularly high duties, potentially pushing retail prices up by 20% or more. Brands like Apple and Google, reliant on Asian production hubs, may either pass these costs onto consumers or take a hit to profits.

These tariffs might also cause delays in new product releases or push manufacturers to shift production to regions with better trade terms.