OnePlus has significantly refined its tablet offering with the Pad 3, delivering a compelling Android alternative that directly challenges Apple's iPad Pro and Samsung's Galaxy Tab lineup. This latest iteration builds upon the success of its predecessor while introducing meaningful hardware upgrades and software improvements that position it as a serious contender in the premium tablet market.
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| The OnePlus Pad 3 positioned between the iPad Pro M4 and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, highlighting its premium design and competition in the tablet market |
Display and Design Excellence with Practical Trade-offs
The OnePlus Pad 3 features a substantial 13.2-inch LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 3392 x 2400 resolution, delivering vibrant visuals that excel for media consumption and gaming. OnePlus made the deliberate choice to stick with IPS LCD technology rather than switching to OLED, a decision that benefits users who suffer from PWM sensitivity while maintaining excellent color reproduction and brightness levels up to 900 nits for outdoor usability.
The design language has evolved toward a more conventional approach with flat edges replacing the curved design of previous models, creating a more professional aesthetic that mirrors the iPad Pro and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. However, this premium build comes with a weight penalty—at 675 grams, the Pad 3 is notably heavier than the 13-inch iPad Pro, making extended handheld use less comfortable for reading or casual browsing sessions.
Performance Powerhouse with Snapdragon 8 Elite
Under the hood, the OnePlus Pad 3 is powered by Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. This configuration delivers exceptional performance across demanding tasks, from high-end gaming to Windows emulation through tools like GameHub. The chip handles intensive games like GTA V and maintains frame rates above 100 FPS in titles like Hades 2, demonstrating its capability to compete with the best mobile processors available.
The enhanced eight-speaker system with four woofers and four tweeters provides immersive audio that significantly improves the multimedia experience. Battery life receives a boost from the larger 12,140mAh cell, which can charge from zero to full capacity in 92 minutes and provides more than a day of typical usage.
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| OnePlus Pad 3 displaying its advanced interface and Gemini AI assistant, showcasing the power of its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor |
Software Improvements and Apple Integration
OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15, represents a significant software advancement for OnePlus tablets. The most surprising addition is seamless integration with Apple devices through the O+ Connect feature, enabling screen mirroring, file sharing, and remote control functionality with Macs and iPhones. This cross-platform compatibility is rare in the Android ecosystem and adds genuine value for users in mixed-device households.
Google's AI features are now properly integrated, including Circle to Search and enhanced Gemini Assistant access. The Notes app includes AI-powered writing assistance, while photo editing tools offer basic but useful enhancements. However, OnePlus has taken a restrained approach to AI implementation, avoiding the feature overload seen in some competing devices.
Productivity Limitations and Desktop Mode Absence
Despite hardware improvements, the OnePlus Pad 3 remains primarily an entertainment device rather than a true productivity powerhouse. The Open Canvas multitasking system allows up to three apps to run simultaneously, but Android's inherent limitations with tablet-optimized applications continue to hinder serious work scenarios. Many professional apps like Slack and Airtable still lack proper large-screen optimization.
OnePlus has chosen to wait for Google's official Desktop Mode implementation rather than developing its own solution, which means users seeking laptop-replacement functionality will need to look elsewhere or wait for future Android updates. The Smart Keyboard, while improved with larger keys and NFC file sharing capabilities, suffers from trackpad issues that can disrupt productivity workflows.
Market Position and Value Proposition
At USD 699, the OnePlus Pad 3 sits competitively against the USD 749 Galaxy Tab S10 FE while offering superior raw performance. The pricing represents a USD 150 increase over the original OnePlus Pad, but the hardware improvements and enhanced software support policy help justify the premium. OnePlus now provides three Android version updates and six years of security patches, though this still falls short of Samsung's seven-year commitment.
The tablet excels in its intended role as a premium entertainment device with light productivity capabilities. For users seeking the best Android tablet experience without the constraints of iPadOS or the premium pricing of the iPad Pro, the OnePlus Pad 3 presents a compelling option that successfully challenges the established market leaders.
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| OnePlus Pad 3 connected to a MacBook Pro via O+ Connect, emphasizing integration and versatility in a multi-device setup |