Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra vs. OnePlus Pad 2 – Is the Increased Cost Justified?

Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra vs. OnePlus Pad 2 – Is the Increased Cost Justified?

Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra vs. OnePlus Pad 2 – Is the Increased Cost Justified?


### Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra: An Impressive Tablet That Struggles to Justify Its Price

Samsung has consistently been a key player in the tablet sector, and with the launch of the **Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra**, the brand pushes the limits of what a high-end Android tablet can deliver. Nevertheless, despite its remarkable features, the steep price point prompts the question: is it truly worth the expenditure?

In this piece, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and contrast it with a more economical choice, the **OnePlus Pad 2**, to assist you in determining whether Samsung’s latest model merits the investment.

### **Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra: The Pros and Cons**

#### **Pros:**
– **Impressive 14.6-inch AMOLED display**: The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra boasts an exceptional 14.6-inch AMOLED screen characterized by vivid colors, rich blacks, and HDR10+ compatibility. This makes it one of the finest displays on any tablet currently available, ideal for enjoying media, gaming, and productive tasks.
– **Robust MediaTek hardware**: Samsung’s transition to MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300+ chipset marks a significant shift. The chipset excels in multi-core performance, rendering the tablet a formidable device for multitasking and intensive applications.
– **Excellent software capabilities and prolonged updates**: Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1, built on Android 14, introduces a range of custom features including **Galaxy AI** and **DeX mode**, offering a desktop-like interface. Moreover, Samsung commits to providing **seven years of software updates**, ensuring enduring value.
– **Durable battery life**: The 11,200mAh battery yields remarkable longevity, allowing the tablet to sustain a full day of heavy usage.

#### **Cons:**
– **Extremely expensive**: With a price tag of **$1,199**, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra ranks among the priciest Android tablets available. Although it presents top-tier features, many consumers may find it challenging to rationalize the cost.
– **Limited 45W charging**: In spite of its large battery, the tablet offers only 45W charging, which falls short compared to some rivals that provide accelerated charging options.

### **OnePlus Pad 2: An Affordable Alternative**

On the contrary, we have the **OnePlus Pad 2**, a device that delivers exceptional value at a significantly lower price than the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. At **$549**, it serves as an attractive choice for those seeking a high-performing tablet without overspending.

#### **Pros:**
– **Impressive 144Hz LCD display**: Although it lacks an AMOLED screen, the OnePlus Pad 2’s 12.1-inch IPS LCD display is still outstanding, particularly with its 144Hz refresh rate. It allows for fluid scrolling and gaming, and even supports **Dolby Vision** for improved HDR experiences.
– **Equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3**: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset guarantees that the OnePlus Pad 2 can manage demanding applications and games effortlessly. It stands as a strong performer in its right, even compared to the MediaTek chipset found in the Tab S10 Ultra.
– **Reliable battery life and rapid 67W charging**: The 9,510mAh battery delivers solid longevity, complemented by 67W fast charging for quick battery replenishment when necessary.
– **Satisfactory software features**: While it may lack some of the advanced AI capabilities present in Samsung’s tablet, the OnePlus Pad 2 still provides a clean and effective software experience with **OxygenOS 14.1**.

#### **Cons:**
– **Lacks OLED display**: The absence of an AMOLED panel means that the OnePlus Pad 2 does not offer the same deep blacks and vivid colors as the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra.
– **No ingress protection**: Unlike the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, which features **IP68 dust and water resistance**, the OnePlus Pad 2 does not offer any ingress protection.
– **No cellular options**: The OnePlus Pad 2 is restricted to Wi-Fi connectivity, whereas the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra has a cellular variant for users needing constant internet access.

### **Design and Build Quality**

#### **Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra**
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra carries forward the design language of its predecessor, featuring **flat edges and rounded corners**. While the aluminum frame imparts a premium touch, the flat sides can be somewhat uncomfortable during prolonged use. Weighing in at **718g**, it also ranks among the heaviest tablets on the market, largely due to its substantial 14.6-inch display.