The Android tablet market has evolved dramatically over the past few years. What used to be oversized smartphones have transformed into legitimate productivity tools, thanks to premium hardware, keyboard attachments, and stylus support. The OnePlus Pad 3 is the latest example of this shift—a sleek, powerful tablet that blurs the line between slate and laptop.
OnePlus Pad 3: Quick Overview
This isn’t just another incremental update. The OnePlus Pad 3 pushes boundaries with a massive display, flagship-tier internals, and a keyboard accessory that makes it feel more like a compact workstation than a traditional tablet.
Key Specs:
- Display: 13.2″ IPS LCD, 2.9K (2400 × 3392), 144Hz, Dolby Vision
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Elite Edition)
- Memory & Storage: 12GB/256GB or 16GB/512GB
- Battery: 12,140mAh with 80W fast charging
- Software: OxygenOS 15 (Android 15)
- Audio: 8-speaker Dolby Atmos setup
- Extras: AI-powered features, Smart Keyboard support, Remote PC control
A Design That Feels Like a Laptop
At first glance, the OnePlus Pad 3 could pass for a high-end ultrabook. Its slim bezels, matte aluminum finish, and magnetic keyboard attachment give it a polished, professional look. Weighing just 675g (or 1.17kg with the keyboard), it’s light enough for travel but sturdy enough for serious work sessions.
The Smart Keyboard is a standout—snapping into place magnetically with a responsive trackpad, comfortable key travel, and even NFC for quick file sharing. It’s one of the best tablet keyboards out there, rivaling even Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
A Display Built for Work and Play
The 13.2-inch 2.9K screen is the star of the show. With a 144Hz refresh rate, 98% DCI-P3 color coverage, and 900 nits peak brightness, it’s fantastic for everything from Netflix binges to split-screen multitasking. The 7:5 aspect ratio gives you more vertical space—ideal for reading documents or browsing the web.
Performance That Doesn’t Quit
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite, the Pad 3 breezes through demanding apps, gaming, and heavy multitasking. Even with 20+ Chrome tabs and a few productivity apps running, there’s no noticeable lag. The 16GB RAM variant is overkill for most, but power users will appreciate the extra headroom.
Battery Life That Keeps Up
The 12,140mAh battery easily lasts a full day of mixed use. If you’re mostly browsing and streaming, you might even stretch it to two days. And when it’s time to recharge, 80W SUPERVOOC tops it up in under an hour.
OxygenOS 15: Smarter Than Ever
Running Android 15 with OnePlus’s OxygenOS 15, the Pad 3 feels polished and intuitive. The new AI Suite, powered by Google Gemini, adds useful tricks like:
- Circle to Search (instant Google lookups)
- Live transcription & translation
- AI-assisted writing & summaries
- Voice commands that actually work
These features aren’t just gimmicks—they make the tablet more efficient for work and study.
Laptop-Like Features Without the Bulk
The Smart Keyboard transforms the Pad 3 into a near-laptop replacement. The trackpad supports multi-touch gestures, and the hinge adjusts smoothly between 110° and 165°.
OnePlus also includes Remote PC Control, letting you access your Windows or Mac desktop from the tablet. It’s not perfect (there’s slight input lag), but it’s handy for quick file edits or checking emails.
Seamless Ecosystem Integration
OnePlus has nailed cross-device connectivity. The O+ Connect app lets you:
- Mirror your phone screen
- Drag-and-drop files between devices
- Sync notifications across Android, Windows, and macOS
It’s rare to see this level of ecosystem polish on an Android tablet.
Pricing That Undercuts the Competition
Here’s where things get interesting. The OnePlus Pad 3 is aggressively priced:
- €599 / £529 (12GB + 256GB)
- €699 / £599 (16GB + 512GB)
Pre-orders even include the Smart Keyboard for free—a €169 value. Compared to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra or iPad Pro 13, this is a steal.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
The OnePlus Pad 3 is one of the most compelling Android tablets in years. It’s perfect for:
✔ Professionals who need a portable work machine
✔ Students taking notes and multitasking
✔ Media lovers who want a big, vibrant screen
Who should skip it?
✖ Hardcore creatives needing desktop apps (like Photoshop)
✖ Those who prefer ultra-lightweight travel devices
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – A near-perfect blend of power, versatility, and value.
FAQs
Q: Can it replace a laptop?
For light work—yes. For heavy-duty tasks, a full laptop is still better.
Q: Does it support a stylus?
Yes, but it’s sold separately.
Q: How’s gaming performance?
Fantastic. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite + 144Hz display handles even the most demanding mobile games.
Bottom Line
If you’ve been waiting for an Android tablet that’s more than just a big phone, the OnePlus Pad 3 delivers. It’s fast, versatile, and surprisingly affordable—making it one of the best tablets of 2025.