OnePlud Pad 3: A Tablet or a Laptop?
Android tablets have often struggled to prove they can be more than oversized phones. Most either lack the power or the software finesse to compete with laptops or premium tablets. But now, OnePlus is trying to change that story. The OnePlus Pad 3, priced around $699 (roughly ₹58,000–₹60,000 in India), enters the scene as a bold, all-in-one productivity device that pushes the boundaries of what Android tablets can do.
This is the third tablet from OnePlus, and clearly its most ambitious. Backed by a flagship processor, a high refresh rate display, and a fresh multitasking interface, the Pad 3 wants to convince you that a tablet can replace your laptop — especially when paired with its new keyboard accessory. While the Apple iPad still dominates in mindshare, OnePlus is quietly building a serious alternative for Android users who want more from their tablet.
So, can it really be your next everyday work machine? Let’s find out.
A Slim, Stylish Tablet That Feels High-End
The OnePlus Pad 3 looks premium right out of the box. The Storm Blue version we tested offers a muted, clean finish that stands out without being loud. Built with an aluminum unibody, it feels sturdy but lightweight at 675 grams and only 5.97 mm thick. It’s a well-balanced device that doesn’t feel bulky, even with its large display.
Button placement is logical and convenient — the power button sits on the top right, volume rockers on the side, and the USB-C port is placed at the bottom, aligning perfectly when using the tablet in landscape with the keyboard attached.
This is clearly a tablet designed for work, not just media consumption.
A Display Built for Productivity
You get a 13.2-inch LTPS LCD with 3392 x 2400 resolution and a 7:5 aspect ratio, which offers more vertical space for documents and split-screen multitasking. It’s a clever move that boosts usability.
The panel supports up to 144Hz refresh rate with adaptive scaling, ensuring both smooth scrolling and power efficiency. Colors are vivid, thanks to 98% DCI-P3 coverage, and the screen can hit up to 900 nits brightness, making it usable even in bright sunlight.
More importantly, the display feels made for actual work. There’s plenty of room to run multiple apps side-by-side, browse documents, and take notes. Paired with the keyboard, the screen size starts to feel closer to a traditional laptop than a media-only tablet.
OxygenOS 15 Gets Multitasking Right
The OnePlus Pad 3 runs OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, but it’s not just another tablet skin. OnePlus has built a multitasking interface called Open Canvas, tailored to this large screen.
You can place three apps at once — two split-screen and one floating. Need to switch between them? Just tap. There’s also a new bottom app dock that shows recent apps, shortcuts, and even allows drag-and-drop file sharing across apps.
Then comes the AI integration. Open a file, and you’ll see smart suggestions — translate, summarize, or search — all within the app itself. The keyboard has an AI key that launches Google Gemini instantly, adding a level of smart functionality most Android tablets lack. The best part? These features work seamlessly and don’t feel bolted on.
Flagship Performance, No Shortcuts
Inside, the Pad 3 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite platform. That includes the Qualcomm Oryon CPU clocked up to 4.32GHz, the Adreno 830 GPU, and memory options of 12GB or 16GB RAM, depending on the variant.
Storage uses UFS 4.0 and comes in 256GB or 512GB options. In real use, the Pad 3 is fast. App switching is instant, multitasking doesn’t lag, and even graphic-heavy games run smoothly. Thermal performance is also impressive — the tablet stays cool, even with sustained tasks.
Benchmark scores back it up too. It clocks 3081 (single-core) and 9375 (multi-core) on Geekbench, putting it ahead of most Android tablets and close to some lightweight laptops. That kind of power in a portable device is rare — and useful.
Good Sound, Okay Cameras
The Pad 3 includes an 8-speaker setup — 4 tweeters, 4 woofers — and they deliver loud, rich sound. Whether you’re in a video call or watching a show, the audio doesn’t feel like a compromise. It even supports spatial audio, a rarity in this segment.
The cameras? Functional. You get a 13MP rear camera capable of 4K video and an 8MP front camera for video calls. Both are perfectly usable, though far from best-in-class. That’s acceptable — tablets rarely shine in this area anyway.
Battery Life That Outlasts the Day
Powering the device is a 12,140 mAh battery, one of the largest in any tablet. OnePlus promises up to 17 hours, and in actual use — combining video playback, browsing, and productivity — it lasted 13 to 14 hours consistently.
When it’s time to charge, the 80W SuperVOOC fast charging ensures you’re back to full in under an hour. That’s a big win, especially for people who travel or work long hours.
Keyboard: Optional, But A Must-Have
While the keyboard accessory is sold separately, it changes everything. The magnetic connection is firm, and the keys feel great to type on. For students, professionals, or anyone writing often, it’s a must-buy. There’s even a trackpad, turning the Pad 3 into a mini-laptop without needing a third-party accessory.
It’s not just an add-on. It completes the device.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy It?
The OnePlus Pad 3 is not just a tablet — it’s a serious productivity device wrapped in a sleek body. If you’re looking for a premium Android tablet that offers real multitasking, high-end performance, and excellent battery life, this is one of the best options out there.
Yes, it lacks a SIM tray for on-the-go connectivity and the stylus isn’t bundled. But these are small trade-offs for what is otherwise a complete package.
For Android users wanting a real laptop alternative, the OnePlus Pad 3 delivers.
