Review of the OnePlus Pad 3: An Android tablet with lots of performance

Navigating the Android tablet market can often be overwhelming, but the OnePlus Pad 3 steps in to simplify things by offering premium features and hardware at a more accessible price point. It succeeds impressively in delivering what it promises. Traditionally, when someone asks for a tablet recommendation, the default answer has been an iPad — unless the budget restricts it. Recently, however, there’s been a growing interest in Android tablets, likely due to their flexibility. While Samsung’s Galaxy Tab lineup dominates the high-end Android segment, and numerous options clutter the entry-level range around Rs 20,000, there’s a clear gap in between. The OnePlus Pad 3 seems to bridge this gap effectively by providing flagship-like performance at a relatively modest price, much like OnePlus did in the smartphone space.

Visually, the Pad 3 maintains a sleek yet minimal design, boasting a large 13.2-inch display with a unique 7:5 aspect ratio — slightly wider than the usual 16:10, closer to what you find on the iPad Pro. This makes multitasking and productivity easier, though it feels large in hand and is better suited for tabletop use. At just 5.97mm thick and 675 grams, it remains impressively slim and light for its size. Its aluminum unibody construction gives it a premium, durable feel. However, it lacks features like a fingerprint scanner and any IP rating, which might matter in unpredictable usage scenarios.

The Pad 3 is packed with performance, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset paired with 12GB RAM and extended memory options up to 24GB. It handles multitasking smoothly, staying cool even under load. The LCD panel offers a 3.4K resolution with near-complete DCI-P3 coverage and a 144Hz refresh rate, making visuals sharp and vibrant. Despite not being OLED, it stands out among LCD displays. The 8-speaker system is loud but could use better bass output.

Battery life is another strong point, with a 12140mAh cell delivering up to two days of regular use and recharging quickly via the included 80W charger. OxygenOS 15 has been optimized for tablets, offering multitasking enhancements and a few AI features that improve the user experience. Camera performance is average at best, which is typical for tablets, though the front camera suffices for video calls.

The keyboard accessory shows promise with its responsive keys and large trackpad, though its two-piece magnetic attachment lacks stability on uneven surfaces. If the expected Indian price hovers around Rs 55,000, the Pad 3 could easily become the most compelling Android tablet available today, offering real value without serious compromises.