OnePlus Pad 3 Review – The Ultimate Android Tablet Redefining Portability and Power

There’s a lot of noise in the tablet world right now. Brands are throwing bigger screens, faster chips, and bold claims into the mix, hoping to crack the formula for a true Android powerhouse. In the middle of all that, OnePlus has quietly dropped something special.

The OnePlus Pad 3, launched in June 2025, is aiming high. And not just for Android fans. It’s reaching for the iPad Air crowd, the Galaxy Tab loyalists, and anyone who wants a no-compromise tablet that still feels portable.

At $699.99, it isn’t cheap. But it’s not trying to be a budget tablet. It’s aiming to deliver top-tier performance, long battery life, and a display you’ll actually want to watch movies on.

So let’s break it down. What’s good, what could be better, and whether this thing is worth putting in your backpack.

Design and Portability

The OnePlus Pad 3 immediately feels like a serious device. You’re getting an all-metal unibody design that looks and feels high-end. It comes in two shades depending on where you live: Storm Blue for Europe and North America, and Frosted Silver for India.

Here are the basic dimensions:

While the thin profile feels great in the hand and slips easily into a laptop sleeve, that 675g weight might catch you off guard.

It’s fine for occasional handheld use, but if you plan to use it for long reading sessions or gaming in bed, it can get uncomfortable fast.

Pairing it with a stand or keyboard helps, but if you’re coming from a lighter tablet, you’ll notice the heft.

There’s no fingerprint scanner. Security is handled by facial recognition, and it works fine in decent lighting, but it lacks the reliability of a dedicated sensor.

Another missing piece is an IP rating. There’s no official protection against water or dust, which might concern users who plan to travel with it or use it on-site for fieldwork.

Display

This is the OnePlus Pad 3! i’ts one of my favourite tablets of the year. Everything about it is very good & I love the Storm Blue colour

Snapdragon 8 Elite 🔥
13.2″ LCD display 💻
12,140 MAH 🔋
5.97 mm 📐 pic.twitter.com/uTGrrSqaHN

— Paul J (@1PaulJ_) June 5, 2025

Let’s talk screen. OnePlus went all-in with the display, and it pays off. The 13.2-inch LCD panel pushes a 3.4K resolution (3392 x 2400), which comes out to about 315 pixels per inch.

You’ll get sharp text, rich images, and crisp video playback, perfect for streaming, casual gaming, or even trying your luck in an online casino. If you’re curious about what’s popular lately, click here.

The 144Hz refresh rate makes everything feel buttery smooth, from scrolling through emails to gaming. Dolby Vision support is a nice bonus for Netflix bingers, and the 900-nit peak brightness means it’s usable outdoors, though reflections can still be an issue.

The 7:5 aspect ratio is an interesting choice. It feels more square than most tablets, which works well for split-screen multitasking. You can run three apps side by side without things feeling too cramped.

One of the Fastest Android Tablets Out There

The engine under the hood is the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, backed by 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 512GB of storage. It flies. No stutters, no weird slowdowns, even with demanding games or heavy multitasking.

Benchmark results give you an idea of what it’s packing:

In real-world terms, that means you can edit 4K videos, run multiple design apps, or switch between a dozen tabs without a hiccup. It doesn’t overheat either, thanks to a vapor chamber cooling system that covers 34,857mm². That’s a 14% boost over the previous Pad 2 model.

The only catch is storage. There’s no microSD slot, so what you buy is what you get. If you’re editing large media files or want to load up with offline movies, go for the 512GB version.

Battery and Charging

You can expect a full day of work, video watching, or gaming without reaching for the charger. And when you do need juice, the 80W SuperVOOC fast charging helps a lot.

You’ll get around 20% in 15 minutes or 34% in 30. That’s handy when you’re rushing out the door.

Just note that the fast charger might not come in the box, depending on your region. If you’re in the U.S., expect to buy it separately.

Software and Features

The Pad 3 runs Android 15 with OxygenOS 15 layered on top. OnePlus kept things clean and fast, without unnecessary bloat.

You’ll get three years of OS updates and six years of security patches, which is solid for a tablet.

One of the big features is Open Canvas. It’s a multitasking tool that lets you run three apps side-by-side, float windows, and organize your workspace. Paired with the large screen and high refresh rate, it’s genuinely useful for work or school.

Other standout features:

• AI Tools: Long-press the nav bar or use the keyboard to access tools like AI Summary, AI Translate, AI Writer, and AI Speak.
• Google Gemini: Integrated for smart search and generative help.
• O+ Connect: Lets you control a Mac or Windows PC remotely, though setup is a little tedious.

Most of the AI features feel like early experiments. They work, but unless you’re writing essays or translating on the fly, they may go unused. Still, it’s nice to have the option.

Audio and Cameras

The Pad 3 has an eight-speaker system that gets loud and mostly clear. You’ve got four tweeters and four woofers, capable of hitting up to 93.8 dB.

The stereo separation is noticeable when watching movies or playing games, but the bass is a bit weak.

There’s no headphone jack, but Bluetooth 5.4 does a good job maintaining quality with wireless gear. Camera quality is just average.

Fine for Zoom calls or snapping a doc, but don’t expect it to replace your phone for photos or video. Colors look a little washed out, and video recording can get shaky.

Accessories

If you want to turn the Pad 3 into a workhorse, you’ll want the optional accessories. They’re well-built and thoughtfully designed, but they do raise the total cost.

The Smart Keyboard connects quickly and types well, though it’s only officially sold in the U.S. The Stylo 2 works beautifully for artists and note-takers, but the magnetic hold isn’t very strong. The folio case is simple but effective, and helps with both protection and viewing angles.

Some early adopters scored these accessories in preorder bundles. If you’re buying now, you’ll need to budget for them separately.

Connectivity

The OnePlus Pad 3 supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, which means top-tier wireless performance. PCMag measured download speeds of 556Mbps and upload speeds of 22.8Mbps near a router.

Key connectivity features:

• Wi-Fi 7
• Bluetooth 5.4
• 5G via phone hotspot
• Multi-Screen Connect with OnePlus phones
• App Relay and Content Sync

You can’t get a cellular variant of this tablet. If you want data on the go, you’ll need to tether to your phone.

That’s a miss for some users, especially those who use tablets for fieldwork or travel without a phone nearby.

Price and Competition

At $699.99, the Pad 3 comes in below its closest rivals while offering competitive specs. Here’s a side-by-side look:

For raw performance and screen quality, the Pad 3 punches well above its price. It misses a few convenience features, but the value is clear.

So, Who Should Buy It?

@imparkerburton What do we think of the new OnePlus Pad 3? #techtok #tech #android #oneplus #onepluspad3 #imparkerburton #androidguy #techguy ♬ original sound – Parker Burton

The OnePlus Pad 3 is a serious Android tablet for users who want premium performance, a brilliant screen, and enough battery to go all day. It handles everything from productivity to gaming with ease and looks good while doing it.

It isn’t perfect. It’s a little heavy, lacks water resistance, and skips a fingerprint reader. But none of those are dealbreakers if you’re after a tablet that does the big things right.

If you’re a creative, a multitasker, or just want a media machine that won’t slow down, this tablet belongs on your shortlist. It’s one of the best Android tablets you can buy in 2025.