The OnePlus Pad 2 looms as an affordable option in the tablet market, equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and positioned as a direct competitor to the iPad Air.
The OnePlus Pad 2 promises to be an ideal companion to the new OnePlus 12, with both devices benefiting from the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and outstanding features available at a competitive cost.
OnePlus entered the tablet market with the OnePlus Pad, ignoring the competition and current market trends. Their first tablet was distinguished by an unconventional design, with an unusual photo island located on the long edge and a screen reminiscent of previous generations of iPads, plus a bulky battery that influences the weight and proportions of the device.
However, the original OnePlus Pad impressed positively as a debut device. It offered an enviable autonomy and a clean version of Android without unnecessary additional applications. And the LCD screen, while not OLED, provided a satisfying viewing experience.
Awaiting the launch of the OnePlus Pad 2, it seems that the new tablet will switch from the Dimensity 9000 chipset to the new and more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This change raises questions about the possible price difference between the new version and the previous model.
If the rumors are confirmed and not related to a potential OnePlus Pad 2 Pro variant, the new tablet looks promising with a Geekbench score of 2079 points for single-core and 6077 for multi-core. Considering the importance of the cooling system to the performance of a generously-sized tablet, the possibility cannot be discounted that it is in fact the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, also used in other premium devices, with OnePlus implementing a robust battery and sophisticated adjustments at the level of firmware to maximize efficiency.
Alleged Geekbench results reveal details about the OnePlus Pad 2's configuration, indicating the presence of 8GB of RAM and Android 14, suggesting that software updates will be rolled out after launch.
According to rumors in China, the launch of the OnePlus Pad 2 is not yet guaranteed, with the manufacturer reevaluating strategies for the successor to the OnePlus Pad 3 and for the OnePlus Watch 3. Speculations suggest that differences in popularity between BBK brands in China and other regions could influence marketing decisions . OnePlus faces challenges in foreign markets, where sales don't compare to those in China and import tariffs can eat into profits.
If the OnePlus Pad 2 is released, it could compete with the Galaxy Tab Ultra, featuring a 12.1-inch IPS LCD screen, not OLED, with a high resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. The device is expected to include a 13MP main camera and an 8MP front camera.
In comparison, the original OnePlus Pad had an 11.6-inch screen, and moving to a larger screen requires significant design adjustments, with the first tablet being quite rugged and lacking in aesthetic appeal.