OnePlus Pad 3 is all fun and no hustle for serious tasks
OnePlus Pad 3 is great for fun like videos and games but still not ideal for real work or multitasking. Priced at Rs. 58,000 in India.
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OnePlus has unveiled the third generation of its Android tablet, the OnePlus Pad 3, marking a notable shift toward enhanced display quality, software capabilities, and cross-platform compatibility. Priced at Rs 58,000 ($699.99), the new device brings incremental improvements while positioning itself closer to flagship rivals in the tablet market.
The Pad 3 sports a 13.2-inch LCD panel with a resolution of 3392 x 2400 pixels and a refresh rate of 144Hz, offering better readability and smoother visuals. Weighing 675 grams, it is heavier than some competitors, but the flattened aluminum chassis aids grip and portability. A new eight-speaker setup, including woofers and tweeters, delivers significantly improved audio for multimedia users.
Battery life gets a boost with a 12,140mAh unit. OnePlus claims a full charge in 92 minutes using the bundled fast charger. Real-world tests show 20 to 80 percent charge in about 76 minutes, affirming its quick-charging promise. Despite the size and weight, the Pad 3 proves efficient for daily multimedia consumption.
Internally, the Pad 3 continues with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, coupled with options for 12GB RAM/256GB storage and 16GB RAM/512GB storage. Performance remains fast for general tasks, though productivity limitations persist due to Android’s app ecosystem.
OnePlus has pushed software updates significantly with OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15. The new operating system adds features such as Circle to Search, integration of Google’s Gemini Assistant, and AI-driven tools for transcription and photo editing. A major highlight is improved compatibility with Apple devices — users can now mirror screens and transfer files with Macs and iPhones, making it an appealing option for cross-platform users.
The tablet’s smart keyboard accessory sees a refresh with larger keys and a built-in NFC chip, plus a shortcut for AI assistant access. Though useful for basic tasks, the trackpad's sensitivity remains an issue. The pogo pin connection also limits usability on non-flat surfaces.
OnePlus offers three major Android version updates and six years of security patches for the Pad 3 — a policy improvement over its predecessor, though still short of Samsung’s update timeline. Accessories, including the Rs 16,500 Smart Keyboard and the Rs 4,200 Folio Case, are sold separately.
While the Pad 3 does not drastically depart from its predecessor in design or internal specs, it solidifies OnePlus’ commitment to refining user experience. For entertainment, reading, and light work, the tablet remains a strong contender. For serious productivity, however, it still falls short.
