When it comes to tablets, OnePlus doesn't get nearly enough love. If you're looking for a flagship option in that form factor and Samsung's choices are way too expensive, I really think you shouldn't be looking anywhere else but OnePlus' house. The OnePlus Pad 2 was excellent and didn't compromise on performance.
Today, the OnePlus Pad 3 has arrived, and it brings absolutely everything that a tablet enthusiast could want out of one of these big-screened devices. It takes the template that the OnePlus Pad 2 provided and builds on it in several ways. This is going to be a hard device to compete against.
The OnePlus Pad 3 Is Bigger and Better in So Many Ways
OnePlus has never joked around when it comes to delivering devices that get straight to the point on the spec sheet. The same applies to the company's tablets, and the OnePlus Pad 3 is among the best devices the OEM has ever released.
The Design
The OnePlus Pad 3 looks like a tablet, so there isn't much that is special about its aesthetic. It has a large flat display, a flat back panel with a slight bump for the camera, and flat rails. The corners are gently rounded.
The device has a metal unibody, which certainly adds to its premium feel, and it gets half a centimeter thinner than its predecessor, measuring in at 6mm. It is a lot heavier than last year, though: 675g vs 584g. Keep that in mind.
The Screen
The screen is another aspect of the spec sheet that sees an upgrade. It goes from last year's 12.1-inch unit to a 13.2-inch display, and with the increase in size, it also brings an increase in resolution, to 2,400 x 3,392. That brings a slight bump in pixel density from 304ppi to 315ppi. Plus, there's 12-bit color depth now, too.
You still get a 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision certification, and IPS LCD tech running the show. Overall, it is a superior screen to last year's.
The Software
The OnePlus Pad 3 comes with Android 15 in the form of OxygenOS 15, as expected, and should be in line for an update to Android 16 in a few months. You get the expected array of AI features for writing, image editing, and translation. Circle to Search and Gemini aren't left out either.
OnePlus also brings its Open Canvas multitasking feature, making split-screen operation more convenient than ever.
The Hardware
In the hardware department, the OnePlus Pad 3 is a beast, but that shouldn't be too much of a surprise. Here's a quick look:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.
- Two storage options: 12/256GB, like last year; and 16/512GB, an entirely new option. Plus, that's with UFS 4.0 storage.
- Eight stereo speakers; two more than last year.
- Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth 5.4
- USB Type-C 3.2
The Battery and Charging
The upgrades aren't over yet. The battery in the OnePlus Pad 3 is approximately 30% larger, at 12,140mAh, and this might be the most notable upgrade of all. That much of an upgrade is bound to be felt in daily use, and even when you have to plug it in, faster 80W wired charging will get it juiced up relatively quickly.
The Cameras
I always say that you don't buy a tablet for its camera, and I think that remains true. The OnePlus Pad 3 will take pictures good enough for social media, but it isn't close to competing with a flagship bar phone. Pretty much nothing changes in this department.
| Rear Camera | Front Camera | |
| Resolution | 13MP | 8MP |
| Stabilization | EIS | None |
| Max. Video Recording | 4K/30 | FHD/30 |
The Pricing and Availability
The OnePlus Pad 3 is available in a single colorway, Storm Blue, and will be available in the United States, Europe, and other regions.
In the US, the only variant will be the 12/256GB model, and it will cost $699.99. You can get both the official Smart Keyboard (worth $199.99) and Folio Case (worth $49.99) bundled if you pre-order the device.
In the UK, the 12/256GB and 16/512GB versions are available at £529 and £599, respectively, though you can currently get the higher-end model at the £529 price point for a limited time. Plus, there's the option of one free gift: a Smart Keyboard, Folio Case, Stylo 2, or a SuperVOOC 80W dual-port charger.
