OnePlus Pad 3 first impressions: Almost perfect gets an upgrade

The OnePlus Pad 2 earned rave reviews and was a personal favorite of many, including myself. Its success as a go-to device for media consumption, whether at home or on the go, set a high bar. Therefore, the announcement of the OnePlus Pad 3 for the Indian market sparked both excitement and curiosity about what enhancements could be made to an already impressive tablet. In terms of design, the OnePlus Pad 3 introduces a striking new color, officially dubbed Storm Blue, which is a step up from the Pad 2's green. Additionally, a Frosted Silver variant is exclusive to India. Weighing in at 675g and measuring just under 6mm in thickness, this tablet has a sleek profile. Notably, the rear camera has been repositioned from the center to the top left corner, reminiscent of the camera setup found in the OnePlus 13s. The display on the OnePlus Pad 3 is another highlight, featuring a 13.2-inch LCD with a stunning 3.4K resolution. It supports a refresh rate of up to 144Hz and boasts a brightness of 900 nits, making it suitable for various lighting conditions, although I remain cautious about using it outdoors in intense sunlight. Performance-wise, OnePlus has yet to disclose the pricing for the Pad 3 in India. However, historical trends suggest that this model could be the most budget-friendly device equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. This new flagship processor promises a significant enhancement in performance, boasting a 45% increase in CPU capability and a 40% boost in GPU performance, all while improving energy efficiency. Potential buyers can choose between two configurations: 12GB of RAM with 256GB of storage or a robust 16GB of RAM with 512GB. Battery life is crucial for tablets, especially those used for prolonged media consumption. The OnePlus Pad 3 steps up to a massive 12,140mAh battery, an upgrade from the Pad 2's already impressive 9510mAh. OnePlus claims that the new model can maintain standby for up to 70 days, a bold assertion. Fast charging has also improved, with support for 80W charging compared to the previous 67W. Accessory compatibility remains strong, as the new tablet supports the previous year's Stylo 2. Additionally, a new, larger, and lighter keyboard attaches magnetically, featuring more spaced-out keys and a dedicated AI button. A redesigned folio case with a tri-folding feature enhances stability at various angles. While the global starting price is set at $699.99 (around ₹60,000), there are no confirmed details on Indian pricing or availability yet, which is puzzling given the significant market presence of OnePlus in India. Stay tuned for more updates regarding the OnePlus Pad 3’s pricing and launch details.