OnePlus Pad 3 Review: A New Era in Tablets

OnePlus Pad 3 is making waves as an impressive new product, following the successful legacy of the previous model. This tablet has gained popularity as a top choice for content consumption, designed for use at home, during flights, and just about anywhere else. With the launch of OnePlus Pad 3 in India, there is anticipation around how OnePlus will refine a device that is already close to perfection. The upcoming weeks will involve testing the OnePlus Pad 3, but here are initial impressions of the latest tablet.

OnePlus Pad 3 Design

The green of the previous generation was well-received, yet this year’s offering in Storm Blue captivates even more attention. Additionally, OnePlus Pad 3 features an exclusive Frosted Silver option specifically for the India market. The reviewer tested the blue variant, which boasts a sleek design, measuring just under 6mm and weighing 675g. Design adjustments include relocating the rear camera from the centre to the top left corner, resembling the camera setup on the OnePlus 13s.

OnePlus Pad 3 Display

The display of OnePlus Pad 3 is notable, featuring a 13.2-inch LCD with an impressive 3.4K resolution. With a refresh rate of up to 144Hz and maximum brightness reaching 900 nits, it stands as a commendable option for outdoor viewing. Observations regarding its performance in harsh daylight conditions will be explored once tested in Delhi’s June sunshine.

OnePlus Pad 3 Performance

While pricing for OnePlus Pad 3 in India has not yet been disclosed, historical data suggests it may emerge as the most affordable tablet equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. This device marks the debut of Qualcomm’s premier chipset in tablets, boasting a 45% increase in CPU performance and a 40% enhancement in GPU capabilities, all while being energy efficient. Insights from smartphones using this chip indicate that these performance improvements are well-founded.

Support for performance comes from two configurations: 12+256GB and a substantial 16+512GB model, providing ample power and storage for even the most demanding users.

OnePlus Pad 3 Battery

Essential for tablets, large batteries are necessary to power expansive displays and cater to the needs of content consumers. Previous usage of the OnePlus Pad 2 for gaming and streaming highlights this necessity. The Pad 2 featured a commendable 9510mAh battery capacity, while the Pad 3 elevates this with a robust 12,140mAh cell. OnePlus advocates that this device can stay on standby for up to 70 days, a noteworthy claim. Additionally, the upgrade to 80W fast charging support surpasses the 67W charging capability of the Pad 2.

OnePlus Pad 3 Accessory Support

The OnePlus Pad 3 maintains compatibility with last year’s Stylo 2 and introduces a new keyboard that magnetically attaches to the tablet’s rear. This keyboard is larger, lighter, and features more spaced-out keys compared to its predecessor. An AI button has been added as a dedicated feature.

Also on offer is a folio case, now with a tri-folding mechanism, enhancing stability at various viewing angles.

OnePlus Pad 3 Price and Availability

As of now, OnePlus has yet to disclose the India pricing details for Pad 3. Globally, it is listed starting at approximately $699.99 (~₹60,000); however, expectations lean toward a lower cost for the Indian market. Availability information for Pad 3 remains sparse, which is intriguing given India’s significance to OnePlus. Further updates regarding pricing and offers for OnePlus Pad 3 will be shared as they emerge.