# OnePlus Pad 2: A Mid-Range Tablet That Delivers
The OnePlus Pad 2 represents a notable enhancement over its earlier version, providing a combination of robust hardware, enhanced software, and an overall elevated user experience. Priced at $499 for the 12GB/256GB variant, it establishes itself as one of the leading mid-range tablets currently on the market. Here’s an in-depth examination of what makes the Pad 2 shine in a competitive landscape.
## Design and Build Quality
One of the initial features you’ll observe about the OnePlus Pad 2 is its high-quality construction. The tablet moves away from the unique green color of its previous model, choosing a more understated grey finish. While the new hue may be less striking, the aluminum body, curved sides, and rounded edges contribute to a sturdy and pleasant feel in hand.
Weighing in at 584 grams, the tablet is relatively heavy, but the weight distribution is well-proportioned, so it does not feel awkward during extended usage. OnePlus has excelled in the overall design, ensuring that the Pad 2 maintains a premium appearance and feel, distinct from the average mid-range tablet.
## Display: A 12.1-Inch LCD Featuring 144Hz Refresh Rate
The OnePlus Pad 2 sports a 12.1-inch LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for smooth scrolling and gaming experiences. Although it lacks the AMOLED display found in some flagship tablets, the LCD offers commendable color accuracy and impressive brightness. The 3:2 aspect ratio is especially advantageous for reading, appealing to individuals who frequently engage with lengthy content or eBooks.
Additionally, the screen supports Dolby Vision, enhancing the visual experience while streaming. While it might not achieve the deep blacks and lively colors of an OLED display, the Pad 2’s screen is more than adequate for most users, particularly at its price point.
## Audio: Six Drivers for Superior Sound
One domain where the OnePlus Pad 2 really shines is in audio quality. The tablet is fitted with six drivers, delivering rich and immersive sound without distortion, even at elevated volumes. Whether you’re watching films, enjoying music, or playing video games, the audio experience is remarkable for a mid-range device.
## Performance: Driven by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Internally, the OnePlus Pad 2 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM. This setup guarantees seamless performance across various tasks, ranging from multitasking to gaming. The tablet manages demanding games effortlessly, though the refresh rate is limited to 120Hz for most tasks, with games capped at 60fps.
Despite this restriction, the Pad 2 provides a lag-free experience, making it an excellent option for gamers and power users alike. The device also features outstanding thermal management, preventing overheating during prolonged gaming sessions.
## Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance is yet another strong feature of the OnePlus Pad 2. The tablet can provide up to 10 hours of video playback on a single charge, making it perfect for long journeys or binge-watching sessions. When it comes to powering up, the Pad 2 supports 67W fast charging, allowing you to fully charge the device in under an hour. This offers a significant advantage over many other mid-range tablets.
## Software: OxygenOS 14.1 Based on Android 14
A major enhancement in the OnePlus Pad 2 is its software. It operates on OxygenOS 14.1, built on Android 14, which delivers a far more refined experience compared to last year’s version. OnePlus has introduced numerous tablet-centric features, including a dock, split notification panel, tabbed browsing, and a dual-pane view in applications like Gmail and messaging services.
The highlight of the software is the Open Canvas multitasking capability, allowing you to have up to three windows open simultaneously. This makes multitasking effortless, especially for productivity-oriented tasks. The software is responsive, and during a month of evaluation, no significant bugs were identified.
OnePlus has also pledged to offer four Android OS updates for the Pad 2, indicating that it will eventually receive Android 18. While the updates may not roll out as swiftly as for OnePlus smartphones, the extended software support is a welcomed enhancement.
## Accessories: Stylo 2 and Smart Keyboard
The OnePlus Pad 2 supports a variety of accessories, including the Stylo 2 and Smart Keyboard. The Stylo 2 represents a substantial improvement over its predecessor, boasting a textured finish and heightened pressure sensitivity, making it perfect for both note-taking and sketching.
However, the Smart Keyboard presents a somewhat mixed experience. While the keys are more responsive than the previous year’s model, the detachable design can be somewhat tricky to handle, and the absence of backlighting is a notable drawback.
