When it comes to entertainment, the new OnePlus Pad 2 is a true standout. Its dazzling display and top-notch speakers make it an excellent choice for watching movies, listening to music, and playing games. During my time with the tablet, I found myself reaching for it over my 2022 iPad Air, which says a lot about its entertainment prowess.

However, the Pad 2 isn’t just marketed as an entertainment device—it’s also being pitched as a productivity tool. And this is where it falls short. With a price tag that’s $70 higher than its predecessor, now at $549.99, it’s no longer the value-for-money proposition that the original OnePlus Pad was. Competing with other midrange Android tablets has become a tougher battle for OnePlus.

A Flagship Screen at a Midrange Price

The OnePlus Pad 2’s screen is undoubtedly its highlight. Like its predecessor, it boasts a 144Hz variable refresh rate, which makes for silky smooth scrolling and effortless navigation. The 3K LCD screen supports Dolby Vision and can hit a peak brightness of 900 nits, with a sharp resolution of 3000 x 2120. Watching movies on this display is a treat, with vibrant colors and good contrast levels. The only caveat is that the screen’s performance diminishes in bright outdoor settings.

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, paired with 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, ensures apps and games load quickly and run smoothly. The performance boost doesn’t come at the cost of battery life either, which remains comparable to its predecessor.

At 12.1 inches, the screen size of the Pad 2 is ideal for content consumption. Its 7:5 aspect ratio provides a more comfortable viewing experience compared to the 16:10 ratio seen in Samsung and Google tablets. However, at 1.29 pounds (584 grams), the tablet can feel heavy during prolonged use. Holding it for extended periods while watching movies or reading can become tiresome, necessitating the use of a case to prop it up.

Despite this minor inconvenience, the movie-watching experience is further enhanced by the tablet’s six speakers. Even though OnePlus has dropped Dolby Atmos support, the speakers deliver a rich and immersive sound with Holo Audio, which adjusts audio channels based on the tablet’s orientation. However, the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a drawback, though not an uncommon one in today’s tablets.

Still Not a Serious Productivity Device

While the OnePlus Pad 2 excels as an entertainment device, it struggles to deliver as a productivity tool. OnePlus has introduced the Open Canvas feature, allowing you to run three apps in split-screen and customize their layout. However, compared to the multitasking options available on Apple and Samsung tablets, Open Canvas feels limited.

The main issue is that many Android apps aren’t optimized for larger displays, resulting in a less-than-ideal user experience. Slack, for example, appears stretched out and lacks multiple-column views, which wastes valuable screen space. When using Open Canvas to share the screen with two other apps, Slack becomes even harder to navigate, making multitasking more frustrating than productive.

That’s not to say you can’t do any work on the Pad 2. For light productivity tasks, it performs adequately. Google and Microsoft Office apps run smoothly, and the recording app allows you to mark specific points during meetings or lectures. The Notes app, with its built-in templates, is a nice touch for students and those who like to journal.

OnePlus has promised future AI-powered features, such as AI Recording Summary, AI Speak, and AI Writer, which could enhance the tablet’s productivity capabilities. But for now, these features aren’t available, and what’s currently offered isn’t enough for serious work.

Accessories That Hold It Back

In addition to software limitations, the OnePlus Pad 2 is held back by its accessories. The $149.99 Smart Keyboard and $99.99 Stylo 2, while functional, don’t quite meet the standards required for a true productivity device.

The keyboard, though comfortable to type on and equipped with a spacious trackpad, lacks sturdiness. It attaches magnetically to the tablet via three pogo pins, which can sometimes detach unexpectedly, especially when resting on your lap. While the keyboard supports Bluetooth, allowing it to be used separately from the tablet, this doesn’t make up for its lack of reliability as a laptop replacement.

Conclusion: A Tablet for Fun, Not Work

In conclusion, the OnePlus Pad 2 is an exceptional tablet for entertainment. Its sharp display, powerful speakers, and solid performance make it a great choice for media consumption. However, if you’re looking for a device that can double as a productivity tool, the Pad 2 might leave you wanting more. With a higher price tag and limitations in both software and accessories, it’s a tablet that shines in some areas but stings in others.