In a market long dominated by Apple’s iPads and Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs, OnePlus has steadily carved out a niche for itself with its Pad series. The OnePlus Pad 3, launched in mid-2025, is a bold step forward—blending premium design, top-tier performance, and AI-powered features into a sleek, productivity-focused device. It’s not just a tablet; it’s a statement that Android tablets can be just as compelling as their iOS counterparts.
Design and Build: Slim, Sleek, and Sophisticated
The OnePlus Pad 3 is a visual and tactile delight. With an ultra-slim metal unibody measuring under 6mm in thickness, it feels both featherlight and sturdy in the hand. The aluminum frame, available in Storm Blue and Frosted Silver, features smooth, rounded edges that enhance grip and aesthetics. Compared to its predecessor, the Pad 3 is slightly taller and broader but noticeably thinner—making it easier to carry and use on the go.
Despite its large footprint, the tablet’s design is minimalist and elegant. The rear camera is subtly integrated, and the overall finish exudes a premium quality. It’s a device that looks just as good in a boardroom as it does on a coffee table.
Display: A Feast for the Eyes
Front and center is the 13.2-inch 3.4K LCD with a 144Hz adaptive refresh rate and 12-bit color depth. The screen is bright, sharp, and vibrant—perfect for everything from binge-watching Netflix to editing high-res photos. The 7:5 aspect ratio is a wise choice, offering more vertical space for reading, writing, and multitasking. It’s a middle ground between the traditional 16:10 Android tablets and the 4:3 iPad Pro, and it works beautifully.
Whether you’re gaming, sketching, or simply scrolling through social media, the display delivers a smooth and immersive experience. The high refresh rate ensures fluid animations, while the color accuracy makes it ideal for creative professionals.
Performance: Flagship Power Under the Hood
At the heart of the Pad 3 is the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, Qualcomm’s most powerful mobile processor to date. Paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, this tablet is a multitasking beast. Whether you’re running three apps side by side, editing 4K videos, or playing graphics-intensive games, the Pad 3 handles it all without breaking a sweat.
The upgraded Adreno GPU ensures ultra-smooth frame rates. At the same time, the advanced cooling system—featuring a vapor chamber and graphite composite materials—keeps the device cool even during extended gaming sessions.
Battery and Charging: Built to Last
Powering all this is a massive 12,140mAh battery, which easily delivers up to two days of moderate use. Whether you’re working remotely, attending virtual meetings, or streaming content, the Pad 3 keeps up with your pace. And when it’s time to recharge, 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging gets you back to 100% in under an hour.
This combination of battery life and charging speed makes the Pad 3 one of the most reliable tablets for both professionals and students.
Software and AI Features: Smarter Than Ever
Running on OxygenOS 15, the Pad 3 brings a clean, intuitive interface with a host of AI-powered tools. These include:
- AI Writer: Helps polish your writing, change tone, and boost productivity.
- AI Summary: Instantly summarizes articles, websites, and documents.
- AI Speak: Reads on-screen content aloud for multitasking on the go.
- AI Translation: Translates websites, screenshots, and articles in real-time.
The tablet also features Google Gemini, a built-in AI assistant that helps you brainstorm, plan, and learn more efficiently. With a dedicated AI button on the keyboard or a long press on the nav bar, Gemini is always just a tap away.
Multitasking and Productivity: A True Workhorse
OnePlus has introduced an updated Open Canvas multitasking system, allowing users to run up to three full-screen apps simultaneously. Whether you’re attending a video call, taking notes, and browsing the web—all at once—the Pad 3 handles it with ease.
The tablet also supports seamless connectivity with OnePlus smartphones. Features like Instant Share, Clipboard Sync, and App Relay make switching between devices effortless. You can even remotely control your Mac, drag and drop files, and use native Mac gestures—making the Pad 3 a true productivity powerhouse.
Audio and Media: A Cinematic Experience
The Pad 3 doesn’t skimp on audio, either. It features eight speakers—four tweeters and four bass units—for a rich, immersive sound experience. Whether you’re watching a movie or attending a virtual meeting, the audio is crisp, loud, and spatially dynamic.
Combined with the stunning display, the audio setup makes the Pad 3 a fantastic device for media consumption.
Accessories and Ecosystem
The Pad 3 supports a range of accessories, including a Smart Keyboard with a dedicated AI button and a stylus for note-taking and creative work. These accessories transform the tablet into a mini laptop, ideal for students, creatives, and professionals.
OnePlus has also focused on ecosystem integration. From file transfers to notification sync, the Pad 3 works seamlessly with other OnePlus devices, creating a unified digital experience.
Pricing and Verdict
While the official pricing has yet to be announced, the Pad 3 is expected to be competitively priced, offering flagship-level performance at a more accessible cost. This positions it as a strong alternative to the iPad Pro and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, especially for users who prefer Android.
Final Thoughts
The OnePlus Pad 3 is more than just an Android tablet—it’s a bold reimagining of what a tablet can be. With its stunning display, powerful internals, AI-enhanced software, and thoughtful design, it’s a device that caters to both work and play.
Whether you’re a student looking for a versatile study companion, a professional in need of a portable workstation, or a creative seeking a digital canvas, the Pad 3 delivers on all fronts. It’s not just a flagship killer—it’s a flagship creator.
