OnePlus is setting its sights on the productivity space with the OnePlus Pad 3, a device designed to go beyond media consumption and serve as a full-fledged laptop replacement. Featuring a large 12.1-inch IPS LCD panel with 144Hz refresh rate, stylus and keyboard support, and powered by Qualcomm’s cutting-edge Snapdragon X Elite processor, the Pad 3 promises speed, versatility, and endurance.
🧠 Powered by Snapdragon X Elite: Performance That Impresses
At the heart of the Pad 3 lies the Snapdragon X Elite, Qualcomm's flagship SoC built on a 4nm process, offering a serious performance boost over its predecessor. The chipset is paired with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage, making multitasking, gaming, and editing smoother than ever. In benchmark tests, the Pad 3 has outperformed many mid-range laptops, putting it in serious contention for work-focused users.
🖥️ Display and Design: Bigger, Brighter, Better
The 12.1-inch 3K display with ultra-slim bezels and 144Hz refresh rate is a visual treat. With 900 nits peak brightness and Dolby Vision support, the screen is equally suited for Netflix binge sessions and editing documents. The sleek, aluminum unibody feels premium and is just 6.5mm thick, weighing under 600 grams – making it ultra-portable.
🔋 Battery Life: A Full Day and Then Some
OnePlus claims up to 14 hours of battery life, and real-world use comes close. Thanks to a massive 9,500mAh battery and improved thermal efficiency, users can comfortably get through an entire workday on a single charge. The 67W SUPERVOOC fast charging ensures you’re back up to 100% in just about an hour.
🎮 Software and Features: OxygenOS Optimized for Tablets
The tablet runs OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14, with features tailored for multitasking – including split screen, floating windows, and multi-user profiles. While it lacks some desktop-level capabilities, integration with OnePlus phones and Windows PCs via OnePlus Connect boosts its usability as a hybrid device.
✍️ Accessories: Stylus and Magnetic Keyboard
The new OnePlus Stylo 2 with improved latency and tilt sensitivity makes drawing and note-taking smoother. Meanwhile, the magnetic keyboard case offers a laptop-like experience with a responsive touchpad and shortcut keys – though it’s sold separately.
⚖️ Verdict: A Strong Contender with a Few Caveats
The OnePlus Pad 3 is a bold attempt to redefine what an Android tablet can do. While it doesn’t fully replace a high-end Windows or Mac laptop, it handles most day-to-day tasks with ease, thanks to its top-tier hardware and thoughtful software additions. At a competitive price (starting around ₹49,999 in India), it offers tremendous value for students, creatives, and mobile professionals.
✅ Pros:
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Powerful Snapdragon X Elite chip
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Gorgeous high-refresh-rate display
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Excellent battery life and fast charging
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Solid build quality and sleek design
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Good stylus and keyboard support
❌ Cons:
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No native desktop mode like Samsung DeX
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Accessories sold separately
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Limited pro-level apps on Android
In summary:
The OnePlus Pad 3 walks the fine line between a powerful Android tablet and a laptop alternative. For many users, especially within the Android ecosystem, it may just be the right fit.