OnePlus Pad Go 2 Review: Bigger and Better, but not as Pretty

At a look

Knowledgeable’s Score

Execs

• Beautiful, expansive show
• Nice audio system
• Superior software program
• Wonderful battery life
• 5G possibility accessible

Cons

• Not the very best for gaming
• Nerfed multitasking capabilities
• Poor cameras

Our Verdict

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 impresses with its giant, shiny show and wonderful battery life. It’s extra highly effective than its predecessor, and it’ll deal with day-to-day duties with ease, however it won’t have sufficient grunt for eager players. A 5G-connected possibility sweetens the deal, and makes for a really tempting iPad various.

Value When Reviewed

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Greatest Pricing As we speak

Value When Reviewed

$399

Greatest Costs As we speak: OnePlus Pad Go 2

We completely cherished the OnePlus Pad 3. It’s a pill that actually offers you a large number for an asking value of simply over £500 – however what if you would like one thing extra reasonably priced? The OnePlus Pad Lite is an alternative choice. It’s less expensive and options the identical nice software program, however it would possibly lower too many corners to supply a premium expertise.

That’s the place the OnePlus Pad Go 2 is available in. It inherits a number of the options that make the Pad 3 so nice, and has significant benefits over the Lite mannequin. For lots of people, it might be the candy spot.

I’ve been testing it out for the previous week to seek out out what it’s like use every day, and the way it compares to its predecessor. Right here’s what I’ve realized.

Design & Construct

• Plastic body, matt end
• Shadow Black and Lavender Drift choices
• Wi-Fi model 597g, 5G model 599g

The design of the OnePlus Pad Go 2 has modified fairly dramatically from the earlier era. The digicam, which was as soon as centrally positioned, has been pushed up right into a extra typical place within the nook, and the two-tone rear has gone, too. You now get a uniform color throughout your entire again panel.

Luke Baker

The Pad Go 2 is offered in two colors. I’ve the Shadow Black model for testing. It’s a reasonably anonymous-looking pill with a matt black end throughout. It’s wholly inoffensive, however it lacks the persona of its predecessor, and it’s a little bit of a smudge-magnet. Some are positive to favor this new minimal design, however the older mannequin was extra interesting to me.

For those who go for the Lavender Drift possibility, you’ll be able to anticipate a extra eye-catching end. OnePlus says it options precision-etched grooves that make the color shift as the sunshine hits it. Sadly, I haven’t seen it in particular person, so I’ll must take the model’s phrase for it.

The body appears to be created from plastic this time round, as there aren’t any seen antenna traces, which had been current on the unique. It actually feels hardy sufficient, although, and there’s no noticeable flex, regardless of the pill being on the slim facet.

Luke Baker

With a 12.1-inch show, up from 11.35-inch, it’s noticeably larger than the previous mannequin, and it’s pretty heavy, too. After all, this comes with the territory, and when it comes to weight, it sits proper between the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air fashions.

One huge change this era is that you may go for a mannequin with 5G mobile connectivity, slightly than simply Wi-Fi. Because of this, there’s now a SIM card tray, and there’s nonetheless room for a microSD card to increase the pill’s storage, too.

Elsewhere, you’ll discover the standard mixture of an influence button, quantity rocker and USB-C port. There’s nonetheless no headphone socket, and no fingerprint-reading capabilities, both.

I used to be despatched two non-compulsory equipment with the Pad Go 2: a folio case and an energetic stylus. The case has an fascinating design, with a frosted, clear, acrylic shell and a black, leather-effect, folding cowl that doubles up as a kickstand. The case has ridges operating throughout it; it’s similar to the instances that RedMagic has been transport with its telephones currently, and it jogs my memory of privateness glass or a corrugated plastic roof. It’s actually distinctive, and it feels very nicely constructed.

The stylus works nicely, with excessive responsiveness and minimal latency, however the design might be higher. It doesn’t magnetise to the facet of the pill, as a substitute counting on a plastic clasp that juts out from the facet of the folio case. It doesn’t cost from the pill, both; you’ll have to plug it in with a USB-C cable to juice it up every so often. These are minor annoyances, however whenever you’re used to a magnetic wi-fi charging design, this one feels slightly missing.

Display screen & Audio system

• 12.1-inch IPS LCD show
• 7:5, 2800×1980, 900 nits
• Quad audio system

The brand new show is the only most impactful improve on the OnePlus Pad Go 2. I’ve already talked about that it’s bigger, however it’s additionally considerably brighter, has a sooner refresh charge, and has higher color accuracy.

To get into the finer particulars, this panel now maxes out at 900 nits, up from 400 nits, it’s 120Hz, up from 90Hz, and it has 12-bit color depth, up from 8-bit.

Luke Baker

It’s an enormous improve, and it makes the pill really feel a lot extra premium. Provided that these gadgets are largely used for media consumption, these show particulars actually matter. Certain, OLED would have been nicer nonetheless, however given the worth level, this IPS panel punches nicely above its weight.

For my wants, I’ve no complaints. The colors look vibrant and correct, swiping across the OS feels as clean as might be, and the distinction stage may be very, superb for an IPS show. I haven’t been contending with an excessive amount of daylight due to the dreary British climate, however the display screen is greater than shiny sufficient round the home – and that’s the place I take advantage of tablets essentially the most.

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 encompasses a quad-speaker association with two audio system on the highest, and two on the underside (or left and proper when held horizontally). The bodily measurement of the pill means there’s fairly a pronounced stereo impact, which is nice for watching TV and flicks.

Luke Baker

The audio system are pretty highly effective, however they’re not the loudest I’ve come throughout. What impressed me essentially the most was how “full” they sound; there’s a little bit of weight to the low-end, they usually by no means sound tinny. They get the job completed properly when watching content material across the dwelling.

Specs & Efficiency

• MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Extremely
• 8GB RAM
• 128GB / 256GB storage

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Extremely, the identical chip that we noticed within the Poco X7 initially of the yr. It’s not going to rival the ability of extra premium tablets, however it’s a hefty improve in comparison with the Helio G99 processor within the authentic Pad Go and the G100 within the Pad Lite.

Luke Baker

It comes with 8GB of RAM, and it may be paired with both 128GB or 256GB of onboard storage. After all, since there’s a microSD card slot, you’ll be able to increase that storage a lot additional if you want to.

For primary duties akin to writing, sketching, watching movies and scrolling social media, the Pad Go 2 feels extraordinarily fast and responsive. Nearly all of the time, I’d have bother noticing the distinction between this and a flagship chip.

It’s solely when enjoying a graphically demanding recreation that this pill begins to wrestle. With Wuthering Waves, for instance, I had to make use of the bottom preset and play at 30fps to get a clean expertise. That stated, it’s a difficult recreation to run, and for those who go for one thing much less graphically spectacular, you’ll have a significantly better expertise.

Luke Baker

For players, there are lots of higher choices accessible, but when your efficiency necessities aren’t so excessive, you’ll don’t have any issues with this pill. For example, I used to be in a position to play a high-res YouTube video in split-screen mode whereas answering emails on the opposite facet, and the pill barely broke a sweat.

OnePlus Pad Go 2 benchmarks

Cameras

• 8Mp rear digicam
• 8Mp selfie digicam
• As much as 1080p 30fps video recording

Nobody expects the very best of the very best from pill cameras, however with the OnePlus Pad Go 2, it is best to actually mood your expectations additional. There’s a single 8Mp digicam on the rear, and one on the entrance, and neither is more likely to impress very a lot.

Luke Baker

The low decision of those cameras is straight away obvious whenever you open up the digicam app. With such a big show, the graininess and lack of element are clear as might be. You may also file video at as much as 1080p 30fps with both digicam, and there’s not a lot in the way in which of stabilisation.

There’s no autofocus on the selfie digicam, which is to be anticipated with a pill, however I used to be stunned to see that the rear digicam additionally lacks autofocus.

That stated, this can be a pill, so realistically, the cameras are solely going for use for video calls and scanning QR codes, they usually’re completely effective for that. I admire that the entrance digicam is positioned within the centre when held horizontally, because it makes for a really pure eyeline, particularly when the pill is propped up with a folio case or related accent.

Nevertheless, I at all times assume it’s a waste when tablets embody respectable cameras. Personally, I’d favor no rear digicam in any respect if it meant a decrease MSRP, or higher specs elsewhere. Maybe OnePlus is putting the precise steadiness right here.

Battery Life & Charging

• 10,050 mAh battery
• 33W wired charging
• No charger within the field

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 has an enormous 10,050 mAh battery, a considerable enhance over the earlier era’s 8000 mAh cell. OnePlus reckons it’s adequate for 15 hours of playback on a cost, however that is likely to be underselling it.

Luke Baker

In our normal PCMark Battery Drain Check, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 survived for a formidable 15 hours and 22 minutes – and that’s with 20% left within the tank. To make clear, this take a look at was on Wi-Fi solely, with the brightness set to the really useful 200 nits, so that you’ll get lower than that with 5G and the brightness cranked, however nonetheless, you’ll be able to anticipate it to final a very long time on a cost.

My typical pill use sees me selecting it up for a number of hours at a time. I don’t usually use it for a full workday, or wherever close to as a lot as my cellphone. So, for me, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 solely wants charging about as soon as every week, which is fairly spectacular. After all, that statistic will differ relying on how you utilize the pill.

Luke Baker

Standby battery drain additionally appears impressively nicely managed. OnePlus claims that it’ll go for 60 days in standby earlier than the battery runs out. I haven’t had the pill lengthy sufficient to know if that’s true, however it barely misplaced any cost when left on standby in a single day, which is at all times an excellent signal.

In relation to charging, the speeds are pretty modest. It helps as much as 33W charging with an acceptable adapter, and a full cost from flat will take round 129 minutes. It’s straightforward sufficient to dwell with, however for those who’re used to a slate with speedier charging, you received’t be too impressed.

Luke Baker

There’s additionally no charger within the field (until you reside in India or North America), and also you’ll want an official SuperVOOC charger to get the utmost marketed speeds.

Software program & Apps

• OxygenOS 16, based mostly on Android 16
• Stylus and handwriting help
• Plenty of AI options

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 runs OxygenOS 16, which is constructed on Android 16. I’ve been utilizing the Oppo Discover X9 Professional as my important cellphone not too long ago, which runs ColorOS, and OxygenOS is functionally virtually similar. There are styling variations, just like the default clock displaying the signature crimson “1”, however the options are mainly all the identical, even all the way down to the iOS-inspired Flux themes.

Luke Baker

To be clear, this can be a superb factor. I’ve stated earlier than that ColorOS is my favorite Android pores and skin, and by extension, OxygenOS and RealmeUI are tied for the highest spot, as a result of they’re mainly all the identical. The OS appears nice, has clean and speedy animations, and loads of useful AI options inbuilt, in addition to Google’s personal Circle to Search and Gemini.

What I discovered barely disappointing, although, had been the multitasking capabilities. They’re simply as intuitive and handy as they’re on different OnePlus gadgets; you’ll be able to nonetheless run apps in split-screen mode or as floating home windows. Nevertheless, there’s a serious downgrade in comparison with the flagship OnePlus Pad 3. That pill will allow you to run three apps in split-screen configuration, whereas the Pad Go 2 solely permits for 2 apps.

Luke Baker

In equity, you’ll be able to run a 3rd app as a floating window, so the performance is there, it’s simply not as slick because the triple split-screen configuration. This slate feels greater than succesful sufficient, if solely the software program would permit for it.

In any other case, apart from a collection of first-party apps, the software program is nearly fully bloat-free. It additionally feels snappy regardless of operating on modest {hardware}. It’s nice. OnePlus guarantees 5 years of Android updates and 6 years of safety patches for this gadget, which isn’t class-leading, however it’s a really beneficiant providing for a mid-range gadget like this.

Value & Availability

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is available for purchase now within the UK, straight from OnePlus.

There are two fashions to select from. The bottom mannequin, which is Wi-Fi solely and comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, will price you £319 within the UK. The 5G mannequin comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and it’ll set you again £399.

The protecting folio case is bought as an non-compulsory accent for £39.99, and the stylus prices £79. Nevertheless, for those who get in early, you’ll be able to make the most of quite a few early provides, together with cash off and free items.

Whereas we now have a US beginning value of $399, it’s unclear when (or certainly if) both the Wi-Fi solely or 5G fashions shall be accessible Stateside. In any other case, it’s anticipated to be launched in most European markets and in India.

The pill may be very competitively priced. It undercuts the bottom mannequin iPad (£329) whereas providing a noticeably bigger show, and for those who consider mobile connectivity, the hole widens additional, because the 5G mannequin will set you again £479.

There’s no scarcity of fantastic Android opponents round this value level, too. The Xiaomi Pad 7 (£369) and Honor Pad V9 (£399.99) are two that instantly spring to thoughts (and may typically be discovered discounted). Nevertheless, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 nonetheless manages to face out with its bigger show and 5G possibility. It’s a stable possibility that’s straightforward to suggest.

For extra of our high suggestions and to see how the OnePlus Pad Go 2 stacks up in opposition to the competitors, see our round-up of the very best tablets.

Must you purchase the OnePlus Pad Go 2?

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is a succesful pill at a really reasonably priced value. It’s a major enchancment on the earlier mannequin, with a bigger and brighter show, an even bigger battery and a greater processor inside. It properly rounds out OnePlus’ pill lineup, with significant benefits over the Pad Lite, and a a lot lower cost than the full-featured Pad 3.

The lengthy battery life was a particular spotlight for me, as was the wonderful software program, which was a pleasure to make use of. Efficiency was good for essentially the most half, however for those who’re a gamer or a video editor, you’ll seemingly be left wanting extra. That stated, for those who’re in search of one thing that’s extra of a content material consumption and productiveness gadget, you’ll in all probability be happy with the ability accessible right here.

Specs

• OxygenOS 16, based mostly on Android 16
• 12.1-inch, 2800×1980, IPS LCD, 120Hz
• MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Extremely
• 8GB RAM
• 128GB / 256GB storage
• Digital camera:
• 8Mp rear digicam
• 8Mp selfie digicam
• As much as 1080p @ 30fps rear video
• Quad audio system
• 5G model accessible
• Wi-Fi 6, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
• Bluetooth 5.4
• 10,050 mAh battery
• 33W wired charging
• 266.01 x 192.77 x 6.83 mm
• No IP score
• 597g
• Colors: Shadow Black, Lavender Drift