In an era where the tablet market is fiercely competitive, OnePlus has unveiled the OnePlus Pad 3 — a device that seeks to combine elegance, power, and functionality. Positioned as a premium tablet, the OnePlus Pad 3 aims to appeal to content creators, gamers, and productivity enthusiasts alike. Let’s delve into what makes this tablet stand out and whether it deserves a place in your tech arsenal.
Launch Date and Availability
The OnePlus Pad 3 was officially launched in June 2025, with global availability following shortly after. Priced competitively at $599 for the 12GB/256GB variant and $699 for the 16GB/512GB model, it’s set to challenge flagship rivals like the iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9.
Design and Build Quality
Sleek Aluminum Design
- Crafted from a single piece of aluminum, the OnePlus Pad 3 exudes premium quality.
- At 5.97mm thin and weighing approximately 533 grams, it’s easy to carry while maintaining durability.
Display Perfection
- The 13.2-inch LCD panel offers a 3.4K resolution (2800 x 2000 pixels) with a buttery-smooth 144Hz refresh rate.
- Brightness peaks at 900 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even under harsh lighting conditions.
- The unique 7:5 aspect ratio optimizes the screen for multitasking and immersive content viewing.
What’s New in the OnePlus Pad 3
The OnePlus Pad 3 delivers a range of updates that set it apart from its predecessor:
Larger & Sharper Display
- Upgraded to a 13.2″ LCD with 3.4K resolution.
- Maintains a smooth 144Hz refresh rate with brightness up to 900 nits.
More Powerful Chipset
- Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, offering better performance and efficiency compared to previous models.
Enhanced Battery Life and Charging
- Features a 12,140mAh battery, supporting 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging, enabling a full charge in ~92 minutes.
Improved Audio System
- Equipped with 8 speakers (4 woofers + 4 tweeters) and Dolby Atmos support for immersive sound quality.
Software Advancements
- Runs on OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, with AI tools like AI Writer and Summarize powered by Google Gemini.
- Offers better multitasking and cross-platform integration, especially with Apple devices.
Extended Software Support
- Promises 3 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches, ensuring long-term usability.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 13.2” LCD, 3.4K resolution, 144Hz |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB |
| Battery | 12,140mAh |
| Charging | 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging |
| Rear Camera | 13MP with OIS |
| Front Camera | 8MP |
| Operating System | OxygenOS 15 (based on Android 15) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Audio | 8-speaker stereo system, Dolby Atmos |
| Dimensions | 5.97mm thickness, 533 grams weight |
Performance and Hardware
Next-Gen Power
Under the hood, the OnePlus Pad 3 features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset—a powerhouse designed for heavy multitasking, gaming, and content creation. Paired with up to 16GB of RAM, it ensures seamless performance even with demanding apps.
Battery and Charging
- The 12,140mAh battery delivers an impressive 17 hours of video playback or 6 hours of intensive gaming.
- Equipped with 80W SUPERVOOC charging, it reaches full charge in just over 90 minutes, setting a benchmark for fast charging in tablets.
Software and Features
OxygenOS 15
Built on Android 15, OxygenOS 15 introduces:
- AI Writer and Summarize: Powered by Google Gemini, these tools simplify productivity tasks.
- Enhanced Multitasking: Features like split-screen and drag-and-drop make it easy to juggle multiple apps.
- Seamless Integration: Enjoy better interoperability with Apple devices, including file sharing and remote Mac control.
Long-Term Support
OnePlus guarantees 3 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches, ensuring the device remains secure and up-to-date.
Multimedia and Camera
Immersive Audio
- An eight-speaker stereo system (4 woofers + 4 tweeters) delivers rich, immersive sound.
- Dolby Atmos support enhances the experience, making it perfect for movies and games.
Capable Cameras
- A 13MP rear camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) ensures sharp photos and 4K video recording.
- The 8MP front camera is ideal for video calls and selfies, providing excellent clarity.
Accessories and Productivity Tools
Keyboard and Stylus
- The new keyboard offers comfortable typing, though it’s better suited for light productivity tasks.
- The OnePlus Stylo 2 supports precise note-taking and sketching, making it a great tool for creatives.
Connectivity
While the tablet supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, it lacks cellular connectivity, which might be a drawback for some users.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stunning 144Hz display
- Industry-leading performance
- Long battery life with rapid charging
- Strong software and Apple integration
Cons
- No cellular variant
- Expensive accessories sold separately
- Limited app ecosystem compared to iPadOS
FAQs
1. Is the OnePlus Pad 3 good for gaming?
Yes, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 144Hz display make it an excellent choice for gaming.
2. Can the OnePlus Pad 3 replace a laptop?
While it’s great for light productivity, its Android-based OS limits it as a full laptop replacement.
3. Does it support 5G connectivity?
No, the OnePlus Pad 3 only supports Wi-Fi and does not have cellular connectivity.
4. What’s the warranty period?
It comes with a standard 1-year warranty, extendable through OnePlus Care.
Final Verdict
The OnePlus Pad 3 is a compelling option for users seeking a premium Android tablet. While it may not completely replace a laptop, its combination of powerful hardware, excellent display, and long-term software support makes it a worthy investment. For media enthusiasts and casual productivity users, it’s hard to beat the value offered by the OnePlus Pad 3.
