### The OnePlus Pad 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: An Unexpected Rival
In the realm of Android tablets, Samsung has historically dominated with its Galaxy Tab lineup, especially the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, a popular option for anyone in search of a premium, productivity-driven device. However, the OnePlus Pad 2 has recently emerged, presenting an intriguing alternative that rivals the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra in several crucial aspects, all while being considerably more affordable. Let’s explore the specifics to understand how these two tablets compare.
#### **Design and Build Quality**
The OnePlus Pad 2 showcases a stylish and lightweight design, weighing just 584 grams, making it 146 grams lighter than the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. This advantage enhances the Pad 2’s portability and comfort during extended use. It is finished in a matte aluminum surface in a singular Nimbus Gray hue, which, although minimalistic, imparts a sense of quality.
Conversely, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a giant, better suited for stationary tasks rather than on-the-go usage. Its sizable 14.6-inch screen and weight of 730 grams render it less comfortable for prolonged handling. Nonetheless, it boasts IP68 water and dust resistance—an element missing from the Pad 2—improving its resilience in diverse situations. The Tab S9 Ultra also offers two color choices: Graphite and Beige, which adds some variety.
#### **Display**
In terms of display quality, each tablet has unique advantages and drawbacks. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra features a colossal 14.6-inch Super AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz and a resolution of 2960 x 1848 pixels, delivering rich blacks, vibrant hues, and a fluid user interface. Its display is safeguarded by Gorilla Glass 5 and includes an in-display fingerprint sensor, enhancing its premium appearance.
The OnePlus Pad 2, while marginally smaller at 12.1 inches, presents a superior resolution of 3000 x 2120 pixels and boasts a dynamic 144Hz refresh rate. This results in a sharper and smoother experience in specific scenarios, notably in gaming and browsing content. However, it employs an IPS LCD panel, which, while bright and clear, doesn’t match the color depth and contrast provided by the Tab S9 Ultra’s AMOLED display.
#### **Performance**
Internally, the OnePlus Pad 2 is equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, outperforming the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy found in the Tab S9 Ultra. This translates into a slight performance advantage for the Pad 2, especially when it comes to multi-core tasks and gaming. Additionally, the Pad 2 features 12GB of RAM and storage options up to 256GB, ample for most users’ needs.
Though the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra trails slightly in raw performance, it still delivers impressive processing capabilities thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset. It also offers more RAM configurations (12GB or 16GB) and increased storage space, including a 1TB variant with expandable storage via microSD card—an option unavailable on the Pad 2.
#### **Audio and Battery Life**
The OnePlus Pad 2 excels in audio quality, featuring six speakers with Holo Audio technology for a more immersive sound experience compared to the Tab S9 Ultra’s quad speakers with Dolby Atmos. This makes the Pad 2 a preferable option for media enjoyment, especially for users who like to watch films or listen to music without relying on headphones.
Both tablets excel in battery longevity, with the Pad 2 holding a 9,510mAh battery and the Tab S9 Ultra containing an 11,200mAh battery. However, the Pad 2 supports faster 67W SUPERVOOC charging, enabling it to reach a full charge in roughly 90 minutes, whereas the Tab S9 Ultra requires about two hours with its 45W charging capability. Furthermore, the Pad 2 comes with an 80W charger included, while Samsung mandates the separate purchase of a charger.
#### **Software and Features**
Both tablets operate on Android 14, with the Pad 2 equipped with OxygenOS 14.1 and the Tab S9 Ultra featuring One UI 6.1. Samsung’s One UI is recognized for its productivity features, especially DeX mode, which allows the tablet to emulate a desktop experience when connected to a keyboard and mouse. This makes the Tab S9 Ultra more appealing for users aiming to substitute their laptop with a tablet.
While the OnePlus Pad 2 doesn’t offer a desktop mode akin to DeX, it significantly enhances multitasking capabilities through its Open Canvas software, enabling floating windows and improved app organization. This positions it as a robust competitor for power users who
