OnePlus Pad Review: A Strong First Tablet Effort

The OnePlus Pad marks the company’s first entry into the tablet market, and it arrives swinging. At $479, it offers a Dimensity 9000 processor, 11.61-inch 2800 x 2000 IPS LCD with a 7:5 aspect ratio, and OnePlus’s signature fast charging. The unusual aspect ratio and competitive price position it as a productivity-focused alternative to Samsung’s mid-range tablets.

How We Reviewed: Our assessment is based on real-world battery drain and app performance testing and at least two weeks of daily use before scoring. Ratings reflect hands-on testing, benchmark data, and real-world usage. Our editorial team made all selections independently of brand relationships.

The 7:5 Aspect Ratio

The most distinctive feature is the 7:5 aspect ratio, which is taller and narrower than the standard 16:10 found on most tablets. This ratio provides more vertical space for reading documents, browsing web pages, and using split-screen multitasking. Each app in split view gets a nearly square working area rather than a narrow strip.

The trade-off appears during video playback. 16:9 content has noticeable black bars on the top and bottom, reducing the effective viewing area. For users who primarily stream movies and shows, a standard 16:10 tablet like the Galaxy Tab S9 FE provides a better viewing experience.

The 11.61-inch LCD panel runs at 2800 x 2000 resolution with a 144Hz refresh rate. The high refresh rate makes this one of the smoothest-scrolling Android tablets available. Colors are accurate, brightness peaks at approximately 500 nits, and the high resolution keeps text razor-sharp.

Performance

The MediaTek Dimensity 9000 with 8GB or 12GB of RAM delivers strong performance. Geekbench 6 multi-core scores land around 4,400, placing it between Samsung’s mid-range and flagship offerings. App launches are fast, multitasking is smooth, and the tablet handles demanding apps without hesitation.

Gaming performance is a highlight. Genshin Impact runs at medium-to-high settings with stable frame rates, and the 144Hz display makes supported games feel exceptionally fluid. Call of Duty Mobile and Asphalt 9 benefit noticeably from the high refresh rate.

The Dimensity 9000 runs warm during sustained gaming but does not throttle as aggressively as some competitors. Extended gaming sessions maintain playable performance throughout.

OxygenOS for Tablets

OxygenOS 13.1 on Android 13 brings OnePlus’s clean interface to tablet form. The software is lighter than Samsung’s One UI with fewer preinstalled apps and a more streamlined settings menu. Split-screen multitasking and floating windows work reliably.

OnePlus promises three years of major Android updates and four years of security patches. The update track record on phones has been decent, and the commitment on the Pad is competitive.

However, OxygenOS lacks Samsung’s depth of tablet-specific features. There is no equivalent to DeX mode, the stylus integration is less refined, and the overall tablet optimization of third-party apps is not as thorough.

Stylus and Accessories

The OnePlus Stylo, sold separately at $99, supports 4,096 pressure levels and attaches magnetically to the top of the tablet for charging. Latency is noticeable compared to Samsung’s S Pen, particularly in fast sketching. For note-taking and annotation, performance is adequate. For serious digital art, the stylus falls short.

The optional Magnetic Keyboard costs $149 and provides decent typing with a built-in trackpad. The keyboard attaches via magnetic pogo pins, eliminating the need for Bluetooth pairing. Build quality is good for the price.

Battery and Charging

The 9,510mAh battery delivers 10 to 12 hours of mixed use. OnePlus includes its signature 67W SUPERVOOC charging, filling the battery from empty in approximately 80 minutes. This is significantly faster than Samsung’s 25W or 45W charging and is a genuine differentiator for users who need quick top-ups.

Build Quality

The aluminum unibody in Halo Green is distinctive and well-constructed. At 552 grams, it is manageable for extended use. The star-shaped camera bump on the rear is a love-it-or-hate-it design choice.

Audio

Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos deliver wide stereo sound. Volume and clarity are competitive with Samsung’s mid-range tablets. Bass presence is modest but adequate for casual viewing. For a direct comparison, check our OnePlus Pad vs Xiaomi Pad 6 analysis.

Final Verdict

The OnePlus Pad is an impressive first tablet from OnePlus. The 144Hz display, strong performance, and 67W fast charging create a compelling package. The 7:5 aspect ratio is polarizing, and the software ecosystem lacks Samsung’s maturity. For productivity-focused users who value fast charging and smooth performance, it is a strong contender. Score: 7.7 out of 10.

Sources

Tom’s Guide — Best Android Tablets — accessed March 26, 2026
Android Central — Tablet Reviews — accessed March 26, 2026