The content creation vs. content consumption debate has raged for a while in the tablet segment. Most tablets under Rs 25K are best for content consumption, great for videos or e-books but not the best machines for serious productivity. The premium tab segment has essentially been an Apple and Samsung show. Both brands have taken their own approach to make their premium tablets more ‘productive’ adding accessories like keyboards and tweaking the UI to make multi-tasking easier. OnePlus’ first foray in the tablet segment aims to offer consumers another option at a slightly more affordable price point. The OnePlus Pad comes with a heap of features and well-conceived accessories but does it do enough to be the tablet to beat?
An all-new experience
We’ll start by saying that the OnePlus Pad is probably the best tab you can buy under Rs 40,000. OnePlus has priced this below Apple’s iPads as well as Samsung’s premium Galaxy Tab S8 line. The only similar priced devices would be Samsung’s Tab S7 FE and the iPad 10th Generation. OnePlus has opted to break away from the established template with a unique display. OnePlus calls it the world’s first 7:5 144Hz ‘Read Fit’ display and it works particularly well when you’re reading an e-book or browsing the web.
Immersive appeal
Most folks would never guess that this is an LCD display. It passes off for an AMOLED panel largely because of the smooth 144Hz refresh rate. Gaming or Netflix on this device is sheer joy. The bezels are almost non-existent (OnePlus stretches the screen: body ratio beyond 88%) and the display maxes out at 500 nits adding to its immersive appeal. The 7:5 ratio takes some getting used to while watching videos but we think this is a clever move by OnePlus
Business trip proof
If you’re like me, you’d probably prefer a tab over a laptop for a one-day work trip. A fully functional tab is all you need to edit files on a day when you’re in and out of meetings and can lean on an immersive screen for the in-flight entertainment. OnePlus has launched two handy accessories (optional) that add to the productivity creds of the OnePlus Pad. The OnePlus magnetic keyboard (Costs Rs 7,999) is one of the best we’ve experienced on any tablet. It’s comfortable to type with handy shortcuts despite a slightly cramped layout (a given for tablet keyboards). And then there’s the Stylo (costs Rs 4,999), OnePlus’ answer to the Apple Pencil. It’s quite intuitive and attaches on to the tab magnetically like the Apple Pencil.
Wrap up
The OnePlus Pad has the hardware to get stuff done. At its heart is a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 Processor. We checked out the top-end 12GB/256GB variant; the Pad also comes in a 8GB/128GB option. It’s enough firepower for work or play; gaming is particularly fun on this device. We also approve of the design language with its prominent camera lens for the (13MP) rear cam. It comes in just one colour that is one of our favourite shades of green and one that has already played out in OnePlus devices in the past. But tough luck if green is not your favourite colour. The tab is also remarkably slim and light (just 552 gm) despite a large, 11.4-inch display. We would have liked a Micro SD card slot that is always a handy storage option for a tab. The OnePlus Pad marks an impressive debut for the brand in the tab space. It’s slinky, comes with an immersive display, terrific battery life (you also get a fast charger in the box) and is a great work + play device.
The OnePlus Pad costs Rs 37,999 (8GB/128 GB) / Rs 39,999 (12GB/256GB) and comes in Halo Green. OnePlus is offering an instant discount of Rs 2,000 on ICICI cards.
