Tablets are predominantly designed for content consumption and productivity tasks. While the latter often necessitates a mouse and keyboard—which I find essential for an optimal experience—most users likely favor the former category. Although creative tasks are possible, they can become cumbersome when reliant on virtual keyboards or touch interaction.
This leads to a delineation where tablets often fall firmly into either consumption or productivity, with the middle ground being scarce. Devices priced between $200 and $800 frequently excel in content consumption yet lack the functionality for serious productivity tasks.
The OnePlus Pad Go 2, priced at approximately $400, occupies this ambiguous territory. My experience testing a review unit over the past two weeks has prompted me to explore its strengths and weaknesses.
Impressive Hardware
The tablet initially impresses with its hardware. The 12.1-inch display is not only expansive, but it also delivers vibrant colors typical of high-end devices. Although it features an LCD panel—a type I usually don’t prefer—it offers an exceptional viewing experience, showcasing deep blacks comparable to AMOLED screens. With a resolution of 2.8K, it may not reach 4K standards, yet it maintains a substantial pixel density. The refresh rate of up to 120 Hz further enhances its appeal for watching video content.
While the 7:5 aspect ratio may require some adjustment, it ultimately contributes to a more comfortable reading experience, which I appreciate. Weighing in at less than 600 grams (approximately 1.3 pounds) and measuring just under 7mm thin, this tablet is quite portable, making it convenient for travel.
Speaker Quality Lacks Depth
Given that this tablet is aimed at media consumption, the speaker quality is disappointing. While they can achieve high volume levels, they tend to resonate in the higher frequency range, which may become grating at elevated volumes. I assessed the audio with a range of tracks, from Lindsey Stirling to Metallica, only to find that bass, while hinted at, was virtually non-existent. Iconic beats that should deliver impactful bass sounded more like tapping on a hard surface, lacking the depth they require.
Reduced Multi-App Capability
OnePlus previously attracted attention with its Open Canvas feature, which enables simultaneous use of two applications—one predominantly while another occupies a smaller portion of the screen. However, the current iteration allows only a 90/10 split for multitasking, snapping it back from a once more capable three-app layout. This shift in functionality, now available to all Android tablets, diminishes the unique advantage this tablet once held.
Seamless Interaction with OnePlus Devices
If you own both the OnePlus tablet and a OnePlus smartphone, you can conveniently cast your phone’s display onto the tablet. This feature facilitates multitasking, enabling you to respond to texts or calls and collect information seamlessly. The ability to copy text or drag and drop photos between devices adds a layer of functionality.
When casting, your phone’s interface appears in a floating window, which can be minimized to a small icon for ease of use. Ideally, I would prefer a more integrated approach, where the floating window operates similarly to an app, allowing for more fluid data transfers. It would also be beneficial to initiate casting from the tablet’s home screen without needing the phone. Although I appreciate the current setup, more options would undoubtedly enhance the overall user experience.
Performance and Battery Life
Equipped with a 10,050 mAh battery, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 offers commendable longevity given its size. Throughout my usage, which typically isn’t as extensive as phone engagement, I’ve found that I only need to charge it every two or three days. Although the 33W charging may seem sluggish compared to the rapid charging speeds of OnePlus smartphones, the duration between charges is a redeeming factor.
Performance-wise, the tablet relies on the MediaTek 7300-Ultra processor with 8 GB of RAM to cover basic tasks fairly well. However, users shouldn’t expect an impressive gaming experience; Geekbench results show single/multi-core scores of 995/3,036, which fall within an average range. For streaming content or browsing the web, it performs adequately, but is unlikely to impress power users.
Is This Tablet Worth It?
Considering its features, one might argue that this tablet should lean more towards enhancing productivity. Its sound output falls short for an optimal viewing experience, and the device’s dimensions make it less than ideal for reading. Although it can perform these functions, it doesn’t excel in any specific category.
In terms of productivity capabilities, it is frustrating that the OnePlus Open can handle more open applications than this tablet. It raises the question of why OnePlus opted for such limitations. My suspicion centers on the chosen processor, which seems to undermine its potential for productivity tasks.
Thus, this tablet occupies a peculiar niche, seemingly created for dedicated OnePlus users who are likely to get the most out of its features. The phone-casting capability is certainly an interesting aspect, yet I desire enhancements in that feature’s execution.
Pricing, Availability, and Conclusion
The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is priced at $399.99 and will be available on OnePlus’s website from December 26th. This price is said to be influenced by current market conditions, primarily the rising costs of memory chips rather than processors. Customers can also find this tablet on Amazon or Best Buy starting in January.
For a limited time, those purchasing from OnePlus’s website can receive a folio case at no extra cost while supplies last. Additionally, students can benefit from a 10% discount and enjoy a 30% reduction on accessories for the Pad Go 2.
Ultimately, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 is primarily catered to OnePlus loyalists, but its price point fails to establish it as a “budget” option. It doesn’t undercut the cheaper iPad, which is currently available for around $350. While this tablet possesses certain advantages, such as size and longevity, it’s unlikely to dethrone its competitors in vital areas. Overall, I find myself unconvinced about this tablet, leaning towards disappointment rather than optimism.
