OnePlus Pad Go Review: A Mid-Range Tablet Worth Considering

OnePlus has entered the mid-range tablet arena with the OnePlus Pad Go, a more budget-friendly alternative to its flagship sibling, the OnePlus Pad. Having experienced the impressive OnePlus Pad earlier this year, my curiosity was piqued to see how the OnePlus Pad Go measures up.

In this review, we'll delve into the key aspects of the OnePlus Pad Go to determine whether it's a worthy purchase.

PROS

• Sleek and lightweight design
• Vibrant 2K display with a 90Hz refresh rate
• Clear audio with quad-speaker setup and Dolby Atmos
• Competitive pricing at ₹19,999

CONS

• Prone to smudging
• Front camera excels, but the rear camera disappoints
• OxygenOS 13.2 lacks some tablet-friendly features
• Performance issues in some scenarios

Tech Specs

The OnePlus Pad Go boasts a sleek design with dimensions of 255.1 x 188 x 6.9 mm and a weight of 532g. Featuring an 11.35-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate, it runs on Android 13 with OxygenOS 13.2. Powered by a Mediatek MT8781 Helio G99 chipset, it offers up to 256GB internal storage with 8GB RAM. The tablet supports stylus input and features an 8MP main and selfie camera. With stereo speakers, Wi-Fi dual-band, and an 8000mAh battery, the OnePlus Pad Go delivers a comprehensive user experience.

Design: Aesthetic Appeal with Some Functional Quirks

The OnePlus Pad Go retains the signature 'Pad' design, featuring a sleek aluminum frame and a unique metallic Twin Mint color. The tablet's slim and lightweight build adds to its portability, making it an attractive choice for on-the-go users.

However, the power and volume button placement, perpendicular to each other, may cause confusion when the device is flipped. Additionally, the smudging issues on the screen and camera bar detract from an otherwise elegant design.

Display and Audio: A Visual and Auditory Feast

The 11.35-inch 2K resolution screen of the OnePlus Pad Go boasts a 90Hz refresh rate, offering a vibrant and visually pleasing experience. The display's peak brightness of 400 nits and 96% NTSC color gamut coverage contribute to accurate color reproduction, though vivid mode may accentuate certain colors.

The quad-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos delivers crystal clear audio, but the Realme Pad 2 (which we also reviewed) edges ahead in terms of volume and sound richness.

Performance and Software: Where Compromises Are Evident

Driven by the Mediatek Helio G99 SoC with 8GB of RAM, the OnePlus Pad Go handles everyday tasks adequately but stumbles in more demanding scenarios. Frame drops and stutters are noticeable, especially during intensive gaming sessions.

Take a look at the benchmarks if you're wondering about the numbers it spits out:

The tablet's OxygenOS 13.2, while bloatware-free, could benefit from additional tablet-friendly features. The OnePlus Pad, OnePlus's first tablet, is set to get the innovative Open Canvas feature, which allows users to view multiple applications simultaneously through simple gestures. This feature was first introduced on the OnePlus Open.

Although the release date is unknown, OnePlus confirmed the development during a Reddit Ask Me Anything session. The company expressed its commitment to bringing this intuitive feature to the OnePlus Pad, hoping to enhance the multitasking experience on the tablet's 11.61-inch screen.
Image: OnePlus-8

It is unclear whether the functionality will be extended to the budget-friendly OnePlus Pad Go. Still, there is optimism that OnePlus will include the Open Canvas feature in its more affordable tablet.

Moving on, the given promise of two major software updates is a positive move in an era where budget tablets often fall short in this department.

Camera: Mixed Results

The OnePlus Pad Go's 8MP front camera excels in video calls, offering a satisfactory experience. However, the rear 8MP camera disappoints with poor image clarity.

AI enhancements marginally improve lighting and hues, but the overall camera performance is mediocre. Despite these shortcomings, the tablet stands out for its immersive screen and high-quality audio.

Battery Life: Satisfactory for Standard Use

With an 8,000mAh battery and 33W fast charging, the OnePlus Pad Go delivers above-average battery life. For moderate use involving content streaming and web browsing, the tablet lasts around 6 to 7 hours of screen-on-time.

However, heavy streaming at a maximum refresh rate and brightness may require daily charging. The tablet's standby performance is commendable, dropping by single digits over extended periods.

Verdict: A Solid Contender for Content Consumption

The OnePlus Pad Go, priced competitively at ₹19,999 (our configuration costs ₹23,999 for the 8/256GB model with LTE), emerges as a strong contender in the sub-₹20,000 tablet market. Its superior build quality, impressive screen, and immersive audio experience make it an appealing option for those seeking a budget-friendly tablet primarily for content consumption.

While the OnePlus Pad Go has its limitations, including performance issues and a lackluster rear camera, it fulfills its role as a visually and acoustically pleasing device.

Should You Buy the OnePlus Pad Go?

If your tablet needs revolve around content consumption, the OnePlus Pad Go is a compelling choice. Its affordability, coupled with the OnePlus brand's reputation, makes it an attractive option for users on a budget.