OnePlus Pad 3 Overview: Perfect for game, not for work

When One Plus first introduced its pill to the world, it impressed with high -end springs at a cheap price. Now, with the OnePlus Pad 3, the company is improving this formula. This latest model brings minor hardware upgrades – which includes a large, sharp display, a large battery, and a latest smart keyboard – as well as meaningful software improvement that helps inch an inch near competitors like Samsung and Apple.

Yet the decision remains largely the same: this is an excellent Android tablet of entertainment, and is fine for light productivity. But at 9 699.99, the original $ 150 more, raises the question: Does it still offer the same value?

A year ago, my answer was probably not. But in today’s tariff climate and growing costs throughout the board, Pad 3 is still one of its own – especially similar rivals like $ 749.99 Galaxy Tab S. 10 per. Even if you buy this right for you, finally depend on what you want out of your pill.

The OnePlus Pad 3 contains a large 13.2 -inch LCD display with a slightly faster 3392 x 2400 resolution, making films and showing shows more dynamic. It is placed in a thin, flattering aluminum frame that is easy to carry, though at 675 grams, it is heavier than a 13 -inch iPad Pro and is very burdensome to keep comfortable for long reading or viewing sessions. The new eight speaker systems-which have four woofers and four Twitters are placed around the device-is even higher than that, providing more prolonged audio experience for YouTube, sports and streaming.

One Plus has improved battery life with a slightly 12,140mAh cell. After a couple of hours with two apps and two tabs, the battery fell only 15 %, which shows that it can run more easily than a day. One Plus says it can charge 0 to 100 % in 92 minutes, with a 10 -minute top -up supply of 18 %. In my test, he received 20 % to 80 % in 76 minutes, which increased by 20 % within 20 minutes – as faster promised, and still impressive.

Most users will not probably see a huge jump from Pad 2. Experience is much more repetitive than changing the game-but it is not necessary to have a bad thing.

7: 5 aspect ratio was still ideal to read Adam Grant Think againWhile 144hz refresh rate ensured smooth visuals while I caught in the last season of the last season You And play games like Asphalt legends And Block blast! The screen is still at the top of the 900 knots, making it outdoors. Under the hood, the pad 3 retains the same snap dragon 8 general 3 processor, which has 12 GB RAM and 256GB storage or 16GB RAM and 512 GB options. Performance is faster and more than enough for most users.

Oxygenosis 15 with the OnePlus Pad 3 ship, which is the operating system of the Android 15 -based company, and it is where the most interesting improvement is found. The OnePlus software has retreated behind competitors like Samsung, Google, and Apple, but oxygenosis 15 represents a significant step forward, especially for mild productivity.

One of the most notable upgrades is how well Pad 3 plays with Apple Devices now. It supports the screen mirroring and easily sharing files and direct images with Max or iPhones, which especially appeals to mixed Apple-Android households. As an Apple user, I found the Mac Remote Control feature amazingly useful (when it actually worked, which would dive soon), as it helps you to see and control your laptop or desktop in real time, accessing the files and accessing the files.

Setup is straightened: Download O+ app for Mac or Windows, sign in to your One Plus account, and make sure all devices are on the same Wi -Fi network. Once formed, the connection is accelerated, though not always permanent. At the time of writing, I have struggled to re -connect my MacBook Air. Input intervals and slightly blurred mirror displays make this feature less ideal for media or video calls (especially since 8 mp of the 8MP front camera underwhelms), but it is useful to convert the tablet into a secondary display or to rely on cloud storage or messaging apps. It also made it easier for me to use pad 3 on my laptop for more tasks, reminding me of Samsung’s dex – though, though, requires internet connection in the version of OnePlus, which works offline with just one cable.

Oxygenus also supports 15 Google’s AI tools. The Circle Two Search is finally on the ship, which allows you to immediately find anything on the screen with indicators. Google’s Gemini Assistant Power or dedicated smart keyboard is easily accessible through shortcut. Other features feel basic but genuinely helpful, by writing the tools that polish your text on the Voice Note Cleanup feature that protects your original audio with copies of filler words. One Plus also included the basic tools of photo editing such as AI details promoting and changing modifications, making it easier to re -work photos.

Pad 3 is still short for serious productivity. Although the large screen and the Open Canvas Multi -Tasking System – which debuted on Pad 2 – you run for three apps simultaneously or stack and swim them (something that was particularly helpful in reading and taking notes), overall experience is limited by Android software barriers. For example, many Android apps – silic and air tables – are still not good for large display.

Beyond the new features, the OnePlus software stands a lot thanks to a much better update policy-which makes it easier to swallow the price increase of Pad 3. Now it comes with three Android version updates (starting with Android 15) and six -year security patch, a pad more than two years offering. This is a long -term investment safer. Nevertheless, Samsung has promised seven years of OS and security updates for Tab S. 10 per plus, so it would be nice to see a pill at this price, it would be nice to see that One Plus moves even further.

Finally, like your predecessor, the pad can be purchased with a set of 3 accessories. Unchanged styling 2 styls work as well, but to accommodate the large size of the tablet, you’lll, you $ 199 Pad 3 smart keyboard or. 49.99 pad 3 folio case will be needed. The latter feels like the previous version, but there are more significant changes to the smart keyboard. It now includes large keys that make Make Make Make Maximum Typing experience, which includes a built -in NFC recipient for quick file sharing and a dedicated key to launching Google’s Gemini AI assistant.

Although the keyboard was great to type emails, it is not ideal for heavy work. My main problem was the trackpad – though commercial, it often interrupted the production capacity by making the text’s choice difficult and often stimulating unnecessary shortcuts like accident screenshots. The keyboard stability also needs improvement. It still connects through Pogo Pins, which works well on a desk but feels unstable in your lap. Thankfully, Bluetooth support allows you to separate and use it wirelessly.

The OnePlus Pad is better suitable for watching, reading, streaming music, and light multi -tasking than the first. Improved software update policy makes it more proof in the future. Software limits prevent it from being a real laptop change or productive powerhouse, but then, there are some bullets.

Photography of Sheena Vasani / The Verge