Smartphones and tablets have been steadily increasing in size, blurring the lines between the two. While some manufacturers offer smaller options, they are the exception. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S10 series, for instance, skipped a direct successor to the regular Tab S9, leaving users looking for alternatives. The OnePlus Pad 2 presents a compelling option. Larger than the Tab S9, yet slightly smaller than the Tab S10 Plus, the OnePlus Pad 2 strikes a balance between productivity, portability, and power. While Android tablets still face challenges competing with the iPad’s app ecosystem, the OnePlus Pad 2 offers a compelling formula. Here’s why it remains my favorite Android tablet in 2025.
Flagship Performance in a Tablet
Using OnePlus Pad 2 to cast Windows in a laptop form.
Like other OnePlus devices, the Pad 2 combines flagship specifications with a more affordable price. Featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, paired with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage, performance is top-notch. Its 12.1-inch display, while slightly smaller than the Tab S10 Plus’s 12.4-inch screen, boasts a modified aspect ratio, making it shorter and wider. At 584 grams, it’s heavier than Samsung’s latest offering, but its compact size and ergonomic design make it comfortable to hold and carry.
Blazing-Fast Charging and All-Day Battery
Back of the OnePlus Pad 2
OnePlus users will be familiar with the brand’s commitment to fast charging. The Pad 2 continues this tradition, offering significantly faster charging than competitors, along with impressive battery life. A USB cable is included, but like the Galaxy Tab S10 series, a charging brick is not. If you own a OnePlus phone, you likely already have a compatible 67W charger. While a full charge takes about 90 minutes, reaching 60% takes only 30 minutes. The 9,510mAh battery, though not the largest, comfortably lasts several days with moderate use. I’ve consistently achieved over 11 hours of mixed usage on a single charge, and standby time is exceptional.
Immersive Media and Gaming Experience
Video playing on the OnePlus Pad 2
The OnePlus Pad 2 excels as a media consumption device thanks to its impressive display features: Dolby Vision support, a 144Hz refresh rate, and 900 nits peak brightness. While it uses an IPS panel, and I occasionally miss the vibrant colors of the Tab S10 series’ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, it remains one of the best screens on an Android tablet.
Forza Horizon 5 on OnePlus Pad 2 used as secondary monitor for windows.
Its portability and display quality make it ideal for streaming services like Netflix. Connecting the Pad 2 to a hotel TV via a USB-C to HDMI cable provides a convenient way to enjoy streaming content on a larger screen.
A Great Keyboard with a Minor Drawback
The OnePlus Pad 2 smart keyboard and trackpad while attached to the tablet
The OnePlus Pad 2 keyboard is a pleasure to use, with soft-touch keys, satisfying key travel, and a springy feel. However, unlike previous OnePlus tablets, the Pad 2 features a Smart Keyboard-style design rather than a magnetic keyboard, which is less ideal for on-the-go use in your lap.
All accessories for OnePlus Pad 2.
The detachable design does offer some flexibility, and hopefully, OnePlus will reintroduce the magnetic keyboard option in the future.
Innovative Multitasking with Open Canvas
Multitasking on the OnePlus Pad 2
Compatible with the OnePlus Stylo 2 stylus, the Pad 2 also features Open Canvas, a unique multitasking system that debuted on the OnePlus Open. Instead of the traditional split-screen approach, Open Canvas allows users to swipe between multiple screens, offering a more intuitive and productive multitasking experience.
Multitasking apps menu on the OnePlus Pad 2
This innovative approach shines on the Pad 2’s larger display.
Exceptional Value
A youtube video being played on the OnePlus Pad 2
The OnePlus Pad 2 offers outstanding value, delivering flagship specifications and a refined user experience at a competitive price. In the U.S., the higher-spec version with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage retails for $550, with frequent discounts available. The Smart Keyboard and Stylo 2 are priced at $135 and $100 respectively, but are often bundled as promotional offers.
Open Canvas on OnePlus Pad 2 that is also being used as a Windows monitor.
This positions the Pad 2 competitively against the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus (which includes the S-Pen but charges extra for the keyboard) and significantly undercuts the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus’s $1,000 price tag. It also offers a compelling alternative to the iPad Air. The OnePlus Pad 2 has earned a place in my daily carry, and while I miss the magnetic keyboard, it’s a standout Android tablet.
