OnePlus Pad Go 2 Review: A Decent Android Tablet for Basic Tasks
When it comes to tablets, iPads are often the first thing that comes to mind. However, there’s a wide world beyond iOS, and Android tablets are just as suitable for all your streaming and work needs. OnePlus, a brand known for its Android smartphones and smartwatches, has entered the tablet market with the OnePlus Pad Go 2. This tablet is designed for students and creatives alike, offering a range of features and a price tag under $500. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the OnePlus Pad Go 2 and see how it stacks up against the competition.
OnePlus Pad Go 2 Specs and Price
The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is a tablet that doesn’t quite have the computing power and memory we’d expect in a laptop, but it still has more than you’ll get in a phone. Here are its key specs:
- Price: $399.99
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Storage: 128GB ROM
- Display: 2.8k resolution, 900 nits brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate
- Ports: 1 USB-C port
- Camera: 8MP front and rear camera
- Audio: 4 speakers
Ideal Interface for Those Switching Over from iOS
One of the standout features of the OnePlus Pad Go 2 is its interface. After testing a variety of Android tablets, I declare the OnePlus Pad Go 2 the most iPhone-user-friendly. Upon turning on the OnePlus Pad Go 2, I was pleased to see how familiar the home screen looked, with its widgets and sleek display. The biggest difference is that Apple uses square app icons, while OnePlus tablets use round ones. The gestures are essentially the same, too, pulling down to access menus or swiping up to close apps.
Split Screen Feature is Lacking
The hot feature on tablets is multi-window displays, now available on iPads and Samsung Galaxy Tabs. Rather than true adjustable windows, on the OnePlus, you can use split-screen displays that split the screen in half, though you can slide the divider to adjust the split. What you can’t do is move organic windows around to create a fully customizable workspace.
High-Quality Streaming with Just OK Speakers
I spent a lot of time streaming on the OnePlus Pad Go 2; it became my companion while I was working or cooking in the kitchen. I was never once disappointed by the streaming quality. It’s a quick processor that never buffers, leaving me on an unintended cliffhanger. Its 2.8k resolution and 900 nits of brightness result in clear, bright picture quality. What I was less impressed with on the OnePlus Pad Go 2 was its speakers. The tablet has four speakers, but I found the audio wasn’t very flattering. It sounded similar to a smartphone speaker, mostly clear but a little fuzzy and tinny.
Disappointing Computing Power
For daily use, I found the OnePlus Pad Go 2 to be a speedy, well-equipped device. It loads pages easily and requires very little buffering. I expected it to be on par with the Apple iPad with the A16 chip, but I was surprisingly disappointed. On the Geekbench 6 test, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 scored 3,030 in the multi-core test. That’s less than half of the iPad’s score of 6,233. That score isn’t weighing the Pad Go 2 down; for light activities like streaming, reading, mobile games, and internet browsing, it has plenty of power. But I wouldn’t use this tablet for photo or video editing or any other high-demand tasks.
Extensive Battery Life
One of the most impressive features of the Pad Go 2 is its battery life. Performing a battery rundown test, it lasted 13 hours and 57 minutes. That’s an impressive amount of time, meaning you won’t have to charge it every day, and it can keep you company on long-haul flights.
The Cameras Aren’t Flattering Anyone — Human or Animal
I’m only side-eyeing you a little if you’re taking photos with your tablet. But hey, there’s a time and a place. The front and rear cameras on the OnePlus Pad Go 2 leave a lot to be desired. I know it’s winter, but when I took a selfie, I felt pale and washed out. The rear camera isn’t any better. I went to take a picture of my pup, Milly, and I found it didn’t do her much justice — the photo still came out washed out and grainy.
Should You Buy the OnePlus Pad Go 2?
The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is a pretty good tablet. For basic tasks, it performs well. I had no trouble while using it for streaming, reading, and mobile games. However, if you’re looking for a tablet for photo or video editing, or any other high-demand tasks, you might want to look elsewhere. The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is a good option for those who want a tablet for everyday use, but it’s not the best choice for those who need more power.
