OnePlus Pad 2 vs OnePlus Pad differences

OnePlus finally entered the tablet space in 2023 with the OnePlus Pad. It was sleek, powerful, and surprisingly affordable. Fast forward to now, and the brand has launched its second-gen model — the OnePlus Pad 2. Is it just more of the same, or a true upgrade? Let’s compare the two and find out!

Design: Not Just a Pretty Face

At first glance, you may think these tablets are twins. But look closer. There are some notable tweaks.

• Size: The OnePlus Pad 2 is slightly larger. It now sports a 12.1-inch display compared to the Pad’s 11.61-inch screen.
• Weight: The Pad 2 is also a bit heavier, but not by much — you probably won’t notice unless you’re weighing it daily.
• Build: Both feature aluminum bodies and a premium feel. They still come in that striking Halo Green color. Stylish and solid.

Overall, the Pad 2 looks and feels like an evolution, not a revolution. OnePlus kept what worked and polished the edges.

Display: Bigger and Brighter

One area where you’ll definitely notice a change is the screen.

• OnePlus Pad: 11.61-inch, 2800×2000 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate
• OnePlus Pad 2: 12.1-inch, 3000×2120 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate

That’s more pixels, more brightness (600 nits vs 500 nits), and better viewing angles on the Pad 2. Whether you’re watching movies or scrolling social media, it just looks more vibrant and crisp.

Same refresh rate, though. Both sport that buttery smooth 144Hz, and it’s a treat while browsing or gaming.

Performance: Snapdragon Takes the Wheel

This is where things get exciting. The Pad came with a MediaTek Dimensity 9000. Decent chip. Not bad at all.

But the Pad 2 goes all in — with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. That’s a flagship phone chip!

• OnePlus Pad: MediaTek Dimensity 9000, up to 12GB RAM
• OnePlus Pad 2: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, up to 16GB RAM

This means faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. The Pad 2 is more than just a media machine — it’s a productivity beast too.

If you’re someone who uses your tablet like a mini laptop, this upgrade is totally worth it.

Software: Still Good, Still Simple

Both tablets run on OxygenOS, based on Android. OnePlus has refined this skin to be clean, efficient, and tablet-friendly.

• Split screen? Check.
• Floating apps? Check.
• Multi-tab browsing? Oh yes.

The Pad 2 does come with newer software out of the box — but honestly, the experience is quite similar. If you love OxygenOS on phones, you’ll love it here too.

Battery & Charging: Still Marathon Champs

OnePlus nailed battery life with the first Pad. Thankfully, they kept the stamina in the sequel.

• OnePlus Pad: 9510mAh battery, 67W fast charging
• OnePlus Pad 2: 9510mAh battery, 67W fast charging

No change here. But that’s fine, because the battery life was already excellent. 12+ hours of screen time is common.

It charges fast too. From 0 to full in a little over an hour. Very handy for jetsetters and binge-watchers alike.

Cameras: More for Scanning Than Photography

If you’re buying a tablet primarily for photography… don’t. But for video calls and document scanning, these cameras do the job.

• OnePlus Pad: 13MP rear, 8MP front
• OnePlus Pad 2: 13MP rear, 8MP front

Yes, they’re technically the same. Image processing might be a bit better on the Pad 2, thanks to the newer chipset. But don’t expect miracles.

The cameras are serviceable. Great for Zoom, fine for snapping whiteboards.

Audio: Louder, Clearer, Better

Tablets are becoming mini movie theaters — and sound is a big deal.

Both models feature quad speakers with Dolby Atmos. But the Pad 2 takes it up a notch. It’s louder. It’s clearer. You’ll actually want to watch a full movie without headphones.

Whether you’re gaming, Netflix’ing, or TikToking — the Pad 2 offers richer sound.

Accessories: Compatibility and Comfort

Good news! The OnePlus Magnetic Keyboard and Stylus are still available, but…

• They may not work across both devices due to the size change.
• OnePlus has launched updated versions tweaked for the Pad 2’s bigger frame.

So yes, you may need to buy new accessories if you upgrade. But honestly, they’re pretty comfy and make the tablet feel laptop-like.

Pricing: A Slight Bump

Now onto the money talk.

• OnePlus Pad: Launched at around $479
• OnePlus Pad 2: Starts at $549 (depending on region)

That’s about a $70 bump. Not too bad considering the display, performance, and audio upgrades you’re getting.

Who Should Buy Which?

Let’s break it down. If you’re wondering which one suits you — here’s a cheat sheet:

• Pick the OnePlus Pad if:
  • You want value for money
  • You’re using it mostly for media and light work
  • You’re new to tablets and want to test the waters
• Get the OnePlus Pad 2 if:
  • You want more power for gaming or multitasking
  • You plan to use it for productivity
  • You want the best display and audio

Final Thoughts

The OnePlus Pad 2 builds on the original in smart ways. It’s faster, brighter, and sounds better. If you already have the OnePlus Pad, there may not be an urgent need to upgrade — unless you crave that performance boost.

If you’re new to tablets or upgrading from an older device, the Pad 2 is absolutely worth the extra bucks. Either way, OnePlus is proving that it knows how to make a great Android tablet.

And let’s be honest — they also make it look really cool while doing it.