The OnePlus Pad Go 2, priced at $399.99, enters the competitive midrange tablet market with its large 12-inch screen, quick performance, and fast charging capabilities. While it offers a seamless integration with OnePlus phones and a straightforward Android experience enhanced by AI tools, it does face stiff competition from devices like the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro. The Lenovo tablet, slightly cheaper at $389.99, includes a stylus and boasts longer battery life, earning it the Editors’ Choice for midrange Android tablets.
The OnePlus Pad Go 2’s design and performance have been crafted to appeal to users seeking a laptop-sized screen for entertainment and productivity. However, the lack of a stylus in the box and slower Wi-Fi capabilities are notable drawbacks.
Design: Familiar Yet Functional
The OnePlus Pad Go 2’s design is reminiscent of a plastic iPad, which may not be a disadvantage for some. It features a well-balanced build, though it lacks premium materials and features like a fingerprint sensor or expandable storage, which are found in other similarly priced tablets. The device measures 7.59 by 10.47 by 0.27 inches and weighs 1.32 pounds, slightly larger than its predecessor.
Compared to the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro, which measures 7.44 by 11.49 by 0.27 inches and weighs 1.37 pounds, the OnePlus tablet is slightly more compact. The aluminum-alloy frame and Panda Glass protection add durability, though the device lacks an IP rating, making it vulnerable to dust and water exposure.
Display: Spacious and Versatile
The 12.1-inch LCD display of the Pad Go 2 offers a resolution of 2,800 by 1,980 pixels, supporting refresh rates of 30Hz, 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz. This flexibility allows for smoother animations or battery conservation as needed. The screen’s brightness peaks at 900 nits, ensuring visibility indoors but requiring shade for outdoor use.
In comparison, the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro features a slightly larger 12.7-inch display with a higher refresh rate of up to 144Hz, though its brightness maxes out at 400 nits.
Performance: Competitive Yet Limited
Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 offers competent performance for most users. However, the absence of expandable storage could be a limitation for those with extensive app and game libraries. During performance tests, the Pad Go 2 lagged behind the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro, which uses a more powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8300 processor.
The OnePlus Pad Go 2 scored 1,022 on the Geekbench 6 single-core test and 3,112 on the multi-core test, while the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro achieved 1,406 and 4,204, respectively.
Such results indicate that while the Pad Go 2 is suitable for everyday tasks, it may not satisfy power users or gamers looking for top-tier performance.
Battery and Charging: Fast but Short-Lived
The 10,050mAh battery of the Pad Go 2 supports fast charging with OnePlus’s 33W SuperVOOC technology. In testing, the tablet reached a full charge in just over an hour. However, its battery life fell short, lasting only 7 hours in a continuous video streaming test, compared to 8 hours and 21 minutes for the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro.
This shorter battery life might be a concern for users who need their device to last through a full day of use without frequent recharging.
Connectivity and Audio: Adequate but Not Cutting-Edge
The Pad Go 2 supports Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 6, offering improvements over its predecessor but lacking the latest connectivity standards. In real-world tests, the tablet’s Wi-Fi performance was adequate but not as fast as competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+.
Audio quality is a strong point, with four speakers delivering robust sound. However, for the best audio experience, users may still prefer Bluetooth earbuds.
Software and Features: A Modern Touch
Running on Android 16 with OxygenOS 16, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 incorporates AI features to enhance productivity. The device promises five years of OS updates and six years of security patches, offering a longer support window than some competitors but falling short of Samsung’s commitment.
Overall, while the OnePlus Pad Go 2 presents a solid option in the midrange tablet market, its limitations in performance, battery life, and connectivity may lead potential buyers to consider alternatives like the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro or Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+.
