OnePlus Pad Go
OnePlus initially gained recognition for its approach of producing high-performance smartphones at reasonable prices, a strategy that later extended to earbuds and, subsequently, tablets. In April, they introduced the OnePlus Pad, a sleek tablet featuring a high-resolution 144Hz screen and a top-notch chipset, all at a price lower than Apple’s entry-level iPad.
Now, OnePlus is taking a step further towards affordability with their latest tablet, the OnePlus Pad Go. The company exclusively shared promotional images of the tablet with Digital Trends and delved into their commitment to improving a product category that has often been criticized for subpar software experiences.
Starting with its design, the OnePlus Pad Go maintains the essence of the OnePlus Pad, with its signature green color profile, albeit in a lighter shade this time. Additionally, it retains curved sides, a distinctive feature uncommon in today’s tablet market, enhancing its grip and comfort, without the worry of sharp edges digging into your palms.
OnePlus Pad
The bezels on the OnePlus Pad Go maintain the same sleek profile found on its more expensive counterpart, and it continues to exhibit the subtle wraparound effect where the glass seamlessly meets the frame. Turning our attention to the rear, the OnePlus Pad Go takes it a step further, embracing a two-tone design with a thick horizontal strip running along the top edge.
This design might feel familiar, and based on my previous experience with the OnePlus Pad, I anticipate that the OnePlus Pad Go will deliver a refined Android tablet experience. It offers a distinctive aesthetic approach along with the gratifying software experience characteristic of Oxygen OS.
Despite being categorized as a budget tablet, the OnePlus Pad Go doesn’t compromise on one of the most essential aspects of a tablet – its display. Kinder Liu, OnePlus COO and President, has confirmed that the forthcoming tablet will feature a 2.4K display.
OnePlus President and COO, Kinder Liu
In accordance with the conventional definition, a 2K panel is characterized by its wider edge contributing 2000 pixels to the overall resolution. For context, the OnePlus Pad boasts a screen resolution of 2800 x 2000 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 296ppi on its 11.6-inch display.
This resolution surpasses that of the 11-inch iPad Pro, which features a 120Hz panel with resolution specifications of 2388 x 1668 pixels. The OnePlus Pad Go seems to follow suit, sharing the same desirable attributes as its more premium counterpart, even adopting the 7:5 aspect ratio.
Liu refers to it as “a mid-tier entertainment tablet,” one that delivers “exceptional visual quality without straining your budget.” Alongside the pixel-rich screen on the OnePlus Pad Go, you’ll find some additional perks, including TÜV Rheinland certification for eye protection (a safeguard against harmful rays emitted by bright LCD panels) and Dolby Atmos for high-quality audio output.
The OnePlus Pad Go distinguishes itself in several notable ways. One standout feature is Content Sync, which simplifies media access and clipboard sharing between OnePlus smartphone users and the tablet. This multimedia transfer process is straightforward, involving a user-friendly drag-and-drop gesture, without the need for intricate account logins, as is typically the case with Apple ID syncing between an iPhone and iPad.
Additionally, OnePlus aims to eliminate the hassle of data hotspots by introducing a networking tool that facilitates native data sharing between its phones and tablets. Notification synchronization, screen mirroring, and the ability to manage calls across devices are also part of the software toolkit. Ultimately, Liu envisions establishing a comprehensive OnePlus ecosystem as the overarching goal.
It’s encouraging to witness OnePlus developing features that transcend the conventional content consumption aspect of tablets. However, Google’s fluctuating interest in large-screen devices raises concerns about the tablet’s future. OnePlus, on the other hand, appears committed to a long-term presence in this space.
OnePlus Pad
We are fully committed to continually developing and expanding both of these product lines to meet the diverse needs of our ever-growing consumer base in the near future,” states the OnePlus executive. Initially, the OnePlus Pad Go will run on Android 13-based Oxygen OS, but it’s worth noting that OxygenOS 14 is on the horizon and expected to arrive on the budget tablet soon.
OnePlus is placing significant emphasis on “cross-device interaction,” a strategic move aligning with their expanding array of devices. This strategy mirrors what has made Apple’s devices so appealing due to the advantages of their ecosystem. It is hoped that OnePlus will delve deeper into this aspect of software-hardware synergy in the future.
This effort to integrate devices seamlessly doesn’t stop here, as Liu mentions, “While these two categories are already well-integrated, other categories such as our smartwatches, are in the early stages of optimization.” He’s referring to OnePlus’ initial smartwatch, which is no longer available in the U.S.
As for the OnePlus Pad Go’s launch date, it remains uncertain at this time, but the path forward is promising. In addition to the new tablet, the company is also gearing up for the release of its inaugural foldable phone later this year. We’ll soon have the opportunity to experience these devices firsthand and will keep you informed about our impressions of OnePlus’ latest hardware.