One of the goals of tablets as a device since their conception is that they can one day replace the laptop. But it takes a lot to achieve this: good performance, suitable software, quality accessories, etc. No, replacing the computer is not up to any tablet or job.
When OnePlus introduced the new OnePlus Nord 4, it didn’t come alone. It was accompanied by the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro earphones, the OnePlus Watch 2R smartwatch (which I was able to test), and the OnePlus Pad 2, which I was able to get my hands on. The new OnePlus tablet aims high in terms of performance, but beyond the spec sheet, it’s everyday. I used the OnePlus Pad 2 for my editorial work and this is my experience.
Some preliminary considerations. This is an experiential article focused on my work, so what works for me might not work for you. In my case, I mainly use the Webedia content management system, the Google suite, a little ChatGPT, a website for calls to EITB and GIMP, although I usually do photo editing so simple that I run it from my iPhone. Before I start, I already run into some limitations: there is no GIMP app and Apple-exclusive tools like AirDrop are not available for Android, although I can get by with Telegram.
Premium design on all four sides
What I was able to try these days is the OnePlus Pad 2 tablet accompanied by the keyboard – case and the stylus, although I barely used the latter simply because it is not integrated into my routine (I don’t need it).
What caught my attention the most was the very high quality of materials and design: It has an elegant aluminum chassis, the keyboard is very comfortable both when writing and using the pad, and the finishes are top notch. I have an iPad Pro 2020 and it has nothing to envy aesthetically.
The tablet in question weighs just over half a kilo and is quite thin, although I have always carried it with the case, made of imitation leather and divided into two parts, one for the back of the device with a foot to put it vertically and the other integrates the keyboard. With or without cover, It is a very convenient device to carry in your backpack or by hand.. My laptop is a 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro, which weighs almost twice as much.
The screen is another element that impressed me, because it’s one thing to use the tablet to watch a movie or a series and another to spend a day writing. It doesn’t reach the 13″ size of my Mac, but it’s still close and is ambitious in terms of performance for intensive use: 12.1″ with 3K resolution and up to 900 nits of brightness. A larger screen diagonal is appreciated, but I managed quite well. In fact: it has a 7:5 aspect ratio that is quite reminiscent of the iPad’s 4:3. and working comfort compared to more landscape models (interesting for viewing content, but not so much for productivity).
The tablet only has one USB-C portbut that hasn’t been a problem as long as I don’t usually connect additional devices… and since Apple doesn’t really stand out for its port generosity, I always have an adapter with me.
Performance
The OnePlus Pad 2 doesn’t have any desktop hardware, but it also doesn’t have a desktop operating system, so in a nutshell: runs like a breeze for standard tasks. Under the hood we find a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 accompanied by 12 GB of RAM (much more than my MacBook Pro, which only has 8 GB!) and 256 GB like my computer. As an operating system, Android 14 with OxygenOS 14.1.
During my testing days, I used it for general tasks like checking email, browsing the internet, watching occasional videos, and the aforementioned productivity tasks and performance was smooth, with no noticeable lags, crashes, or delays. It’s not as fast or efficient at handling multiple items open, but performance was not an issue.
From the OnePlus customization layer, I want to point out that taskbar from the lower area with open and most used applications, which significantly speeds up the multitasking and also allows you to have three applications on the screen at the same time. Both of these things have been very useful to me in my daily professional life.
Experience
Between the good feel of the keyboard and pad, the quality and diagonal of the screen and the productivity tools of the OS, the proposal to replace the computer was promising. I had already tried it before with my iPad and with a Samsung tablet occasionally last summer and the same thing always happened to me: in the end, the computer is much more comfortable and practical. Will the same thing happen to me with the OnePlus Pad 2?
I have mentioned several times the care and quality of the keyboard and I reaffirm myself: it is better than the Logitech one that I have on my iPad. It is a keyboard with a different layout, without eñes or accents and although the operating system has productivity options, it does not have the possibility to change it to QWERTY-ES, so I was forced to always use the Google suite to correct words and suggest others. So, from “tomorrow” it goes to “tomorrow” and from “day” to “day”. Annoying but manageable. Yes, there is the possibility of writing on screen, but for a journalist who writes so much throughout the day, it is not viable.
While my tasks aren’t demanding per se, it’s pretty common that I have 17 tabs open in the browser, a few browsers, the CMS, the photo editor, and the occasional PDF. Yeah, The OnePlus Pad 2 allows for multitasking, but its management is not as smooth and efficient. like the computer, even if it has more RAM.
The pad is a real lifesaver for a computer-like experience, since switching to touch on the screen or the pen would have involved some physical learning (don’t get me wrong: I know how to use both, but I haven’t internalized them), but it’s not that fluid.
Let’s talk about tasks and processes. Although the experience is intended to be closer to a desktop software, it is not and it shows: the pages open in mobile format (in some cases they appear arranged vertically even if you have the tablet horizontally), the adaptation is different and for example, in the case of the content management system (designed for a computer), its menu appears in the area immediately above the cursor as well as the format menu.
Two menus in the same place force you to juggle to choose one or the other. That is, interface adaptation can be improvedbecause in practice you have the tablet horizontally and elements designed for tablet/mobile and others for computer coexist.
In all cases, I solved the poll: I wrote a few articles in Google Suite, pasted them into the CMS, uploading and adding photos was quick (Android makes it much easier than iOS) and I was also able to get started on the radio. While I was able to edit a few photos, this is something I normally do on iPhone and since I wasn’t able to use GIMP, it’s a half-experience in that sense.
I had to make some adjustments (I should have also done it on Windows instead of Mac), but For a basic office usage scenario, this is more than enough..
Finally, I don’t want to forget its battery: 9,510 mAh which allowed me I have been using it for almost a few days without any problems.almost at the height of my laptop. Of course, it comes without a charger and to power it easily, you have to use a 67W SUPERVOOC adapter.
Conclusions
The OnePlus Pad 2 is one of the best tablets i have ever tried and we must recognize several virtues: its finishes, its power, its layout for professional use, the quality of its accessories and even the quality-price ratio. Knowing that it is a high-end tablet, 549 dollars is a very attractive price.
But it’s time to do the math.. The keyboard is sold separately and costs 149 dollars, although currently for 499 dollars you get a case – keyboard and tablet (or if you prefer, tablet and pencil). Adding their recommended price we get to 700 dollars and in the best case, 500 dollars.
The problem is that For this price there are already laptops: Yes, they have a worse but bigger screen, probably less RAM and are heavier and less premium, but you gain versatility, you have a consolidated full desktop experience that lets you do everything without resorting to compromises.
This, yes, if lightness is an essential factor and your use is limited to office automationthen the OnePlus Pad 2 is a great candidate because in practice an ultrabook usually costs around a thousand dollars in base price. If you can live with something less bright or need it for other needs, it means making concessions.
The tablet is about to replace my computer, but I have to keep waiting.
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