The OnePlus Pad 3 represents OnePlus’s ambitious attempt to create a premium Android tablet that can compete with the iPad Pro while offering better value.
The tablet features the world’s fastest mobile CPU, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Chipset, a 13.2″ 3.4K resolution 144Hz Display, 12,140mAh Battery for up to 18 hours of video playback, and 80W fast charge.
Released in late 2024, the OnePlus Pad 3 positions itself as a productivity-focused tablet with entertainment capabilities, targeting users who want a laptop alternative without compromising on performance.
Complete Specifications of OnePlus Pad 3
Category | Specification |
---|---|
Display | 13.2-inch LCD |
Resolution | 3392 x 2400 (3.4K) |
Refresh Rate | 144Hz adaptive |
Aspect Ratio | 7:5 |
Pixel Density | 315 PPI |
Color Depth | 12-bit |
Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
RAM | 12GB LPDDR5x |
Storage | 256GB/512GB (No expandable storage) |
Operating System | OxygenOS 15 (Android 15) |
Rear Camera | 13MP |
Front Camera | 8MP |
Battery | 12,140mAh |
Charging | 80W SuperVOOC fast charging |
Audio | 8 speakers (4 woofers + 4 tweeters) |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 |
Dimensions | TBA |
Weight | 675g |
Colors | Storm Blue |
Price | Starting at $699 |
Software Support | 3 years OS updates, 6 years security patches |
Design & Build Quality
The OnePlus Pad 3 moves away from the distinctive circular camera design of its predecessor, adopting a more conventional tablet aesthetic. The device features an aluminum unibody construction that feels premium and durable.
Key Design Elements:
- Aluminum unibody chassis for enhanced durability
- Storm Blue color option with premium finish
- Magnetic connection points for accessories
- Traditional rectangular camera module
- Slim 6mm profile (though weighs 675g)
Build Quality Assessment: The tablet feels solid and well-constructed, though the 675g weight makes it less comfortable for extended handheld use. The weight makes the tablet uncomfortable to hold for extended periods, and you’ll need to keep it at a distance to view the entire display.
Display Performance
The new 13.2 inch LCD with a 3.4k resolution, 7:5 aspect ratio, 12-bit color and pixel density of 315 PPI offers a crisp display ready for pretty much anything you throw at it.
Display Highlights:
- Size: 13.2-inch LCD panel
- Resolution: 3392 x 2400 (3.4K)
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz adaptive
- Brightness: Excellent outdoor visibility
- Color Accuracy: 12-bit color depth for vibrant visuals
- Aspect Ratio: 7:5 for better productivity tasks
The display excels in both entertainment and productivity scenarios, offering sharp text rendering and vibrant colors that make it suitable for content consumption and creative work.
Performance & Processor
It’s powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite with 12GB of RAM, providing ample horsepower for even the most intensive Android apps.
Performance Specifications:
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite (flagship-grade)
- RAM: 12GB LPDDR5x
- Storage: 256GB/512GB options
- Gaming: Handles Genshin Impact on high settings smoothly
- Multitasking: Excellent with Open Canvas feature
The Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers flagship-level performance, easily handling demanding applications, games, and multitasking scenarios without lag or thermal issues.
Battery Life & Charging
OnePlus included a massive 12,140mAh battery, which the company claims can hold a charge for 70 days on standby.
Battery Features:
- Capacity: 12,140mAh
- Video Playback: Up to 18 hours
- Standby Time: Up to 70 days
- Charging Speed: 80W SuperVOOC fast charging
- Charger Included: Yes, 80W adapter in the box
- Usage: 1-2 days for heavy users, longer for moderate use
The combination of the large battery and power-efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite ensures excellent battery life across all usage scenarios.
Software Experience
The OnePlus Pad 3 runs OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, offering a clean and intuitive interface optimized for tablet use.
Software Highlights:
- Operating System: OxygenOS 15 (Android 15)
- Updates: 3 years of OS updates, 6 years security patches
- Open Canvas: Advanced multitasking interface
- O+ Connect: Remote desktop capabilities
- AI Features: Dedicated AI button on keyboard
- Tablet Optimization: Improved UI for large screens
OnePlus excels at multitasking better than any other Android manufacturer, and I’m disappointed that other companies haven’t derived inspiration from the fluid Open Canvas experience.
Camera Performance
While not the primary focus of a tablet, the OnePlus Pad 3 includes adequate cameras for video calls and occasional photography.
Camera Specifications:
- Rear Camera: 13MP
- Front Camera: 8MP
- Video Calling: Suitable for Zoom/Teams meetings
- Photo Quality: Basic, acceptable for documents and casual shots
The cameras serve their purpose for video conferencing and basic photography needs but aren’t exceptional compared to dedicated camera devices.
Audio Quality
Its eight speakers (four woofers and four tweeters) provide a decent sound that gets loud without distortion.
Audio Features:
- Speaker Configuration: 8 speakers total
- Driver Types: 4 woofers + 4 tweeters
- Volume: Loud output without distortion
- Quality: Good stereo separation and clarity
- Use Cases: Excellent for movies, music, and gaming
The audio system provides an immersive experience for entertainment content and video conferencing.
Accessories
The OnePlus Pad 3 ecosystem includes premium accessories that enhance productivity and protection.
Available Accessories:
- Smart Keyboard: $200 (included with preorders)
- Folio Case: $100 (included with preorders)
- Magnetic Connection: Seamless attachment via pogo pins
- Trackpad Integration: Intuitive gesture controls
I wouldn’t recommend the OnePlus Pad 3 without the keyboard, and that’s the only reason why it comes close to making me believe a tablet can be used for productivity.
Pros and Cons
Pros ✅
- Flagship Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers exceptional speed
- Excellent Display: 13.2″ 3.4K 144Hz screen with vibrant colors
- Outstanding Battery Life: 12,140mAh with 70-day standby
- Fast Charging: 80W charging with adapter included
- Premium Build: Aluminum construction feels durable
- Great Audio: 8-speaker system with excellent sound quality
- Advanced Multitasking: Open Canvas interface excels
- Value Proposition: Competitive pricing vs iPad Pro
- Good Software Support: 3+6 years of updates
- Excellent Accessories: High-quality keyboard and case
Cons ❌
- Heavy Weight: 675g makes extended handheld use uncomfortable
- Large Size: May be unwieldy for some users
- Limited Storage Options: No expandable storage
- No Cellular Option: Wi-Fi only model
- Average Cameras: Basic photo/video capabilities
- Expensive Accessories: Keyboard and case cost extra (unless preordered)
- Android Tablet Limitations: App ecosystem still behind iPad
- Productivity Questions: May be overkill for basic tasks
Who Should Buy
The OnePlus Pad 3 is ideal for:
Power Users
- Heavy multitaskers who need split-screen capabilities
- Users who want flagship performance in tablet form
- People who consume lots of media content
Creative Professionals
- Digital artists and designers (with compatible stylus)
- Content creators who need large screen real estate
- Video editors working with mobile content
Business Users
- Professionals who travel frequently and need laptop alternative
- Users who attend many video conferences
- People who need remote desktop capabilities
Entertainment Enthusiasts
- Movie and streaming content lovers
- Mobile gamers who want the best performance
- Users who prioritize audio-visual experience
Android Ecosystem Users
- OnePlus phone owners who want seamless integration
- Users committed to Android ecosystem
- People who prefer Android’s flexibility over iOS
Who Should Not Buy
The OnePlus Pad 3 may not be suitable for:
Casual Users
- Basic tablet needs (web browsing, reading, light apps)
- Budget-conscious buyers who don’t need flagship specs
- Users who primarily use tablets for simple tasks
iPad Ecosystem Users
- Heavy users of Apple’s creative apps
- People invested in Mac/iPhone ecosystem
- Users who rely on specific iOS tablet apps
Portability-Focused Users
- People who need truly lightweight tablets
- Users who primarily use tablets handheld
- Travelers who prioritize minimal weight
Photography Enthusiasts
- Users who need excellent tablet cameras
- Content creators focused on mobile photography
- People who use tablets for serious photo editing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the OnePlus Pad 3 price?
A: The OnePlus Pad 3 starts at $699 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage model. Preorders include the Smart Keyboard ($200 value) and Folio Case ($100 value) for free.
Q: Does the OnePlus Pad 3 support cellular connectivity?
A: No, the OnePlus Pad 3 is Wi-Fi only. There is no cellular/5G variant available.
Q: How long does the OnePlus Pad 3 battery last?
A: The tablet offers up to 18 hours of video playback and can last 1-2 days with heavy use, or up to 70 days on standby.
Q: Is the OnePlus Pad 3 good for gaming?
A: Yes, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset handles demanding games like Genshin Impact smoothly on high settings, making it excellent for mobile gaming.
Q: Does it support stylus input?
A: While not explicitly mentioned in reviews, most modern Android tablets support universal styluses. Check with OnePlus for official stylus compatibility.
Q: How fast does the OnePlus Pad 3 charge?
A: The tablet supports 80W fast charging and includes the charger in the box for rapid power replenishment.
Q: What Android version does it run?
A: The OnePlus Pad 3 runs OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, with 3 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches guaranteed.
Q: Is the keyboard essential?
A: Reviews suggest the keyboard is highly recommended for productivity tasks, though not strictly necessary for entertainment use.
Q: How does it compare to iPad Pro?
A: At $699, it might just be the best value tablet you can buy in 2025 offering similar performance at a lower price point, though with different ecosystem benefits.
Q: Can it replace a laptop?
A: For many users, yes. The powerful specs, large screen, and keyboard accessory make it capable of handling most laptop tasks, though software limitations may apply for specific professional workflows.
Final Verdict
The OnePlus Pad 3 represents a significant achievement in Android tablet development, offering flagship-level performance, excellent battery life, and premium build quality at a competitive price point. The OnePlus Pad 3 isn’t just another Android tablet; it’s a powerhouse that rivals the iPad Pro in performance, undercuts it in price, and throws in some truly useful software tricks.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Strengths: Exceptional performance, beautiful display, outstanding battery life, competitive pricing, excellent accessories
Weaknesses: Heavy weight, limited app ecosystem compared to iPad, expensive accessories (if purchased separately)
The OnePlus Pad 3 succeeds as a premium Android tablet that can genuinely compete with the iPad Pro in many areas while offering better value. However, its success will largely depend on individual user needs and ecosystem preferences. For Android enthusiasts and power users seeking a tablet that can double as a laptop replacement, the OnePlus Pad 3 presents a compelling option that pushes the boundaries of what Android tablets can achieve.
Last Updated: July 2025 | OnePlus Pad 3 Price: Starting at $699 | Availability: Global markets except cellular variants