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OnePlus Nord CE4 Review

OnePlus Nord CE4 is a mid-range smartphone created by OnePlus to attract new users to their ecosystem. It is equipped with midrange-level specifications such as the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 platform, a stunning design, and a beautiful display. The phone is priced at ₹24,999 and it remains to be seen if it will be the best mid-range smartphone. Let’s explore its features and find out.

DESIGN

The Nord CE4 features a flat design and lightweight build, making it comfortable to hold and easy to use with one hand. The front features a center-positioned punch-hole cutout for the selfie shooter. The display is a 6.7-inch FHD+ Fluid AMOLED panel with a Narrow bezel.

Turning to the back, the Nord CE4 sports a sizeable oval-shaped camera module housing dual camera sensors and an LED flash. The Celadon Marble colour option is striking and catches the eye with its distinct, marble-like texture on the back panel. It features a beautiful blend of green and white shades that create a visual depth, giving it a unique appearance. The finish is smooth to the touch, providing a comfortable grip and a premium feel to the device.

The button placement is straightforward, with the volume rocker and power button on the device’s right side. Sporting OnePlus’s signature sleek and modern design, the device boasts a slim profile and lightweight build, making it comfortable to hold and use.

PERFORMANCE

The OnePlus Nord CE4 is an attractive option in the mid-range smartphone market due to its blend of performance, design, and affordability. Its 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display provides vibrant colors and deep blacks, which are enhanced by a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, offering a seamless experience for multimedia and gaming. The device is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 mobile chipset and 8GB of RAM, which provides smooth day-to-day performance and light multitasking capabilities. This hardware combination ensures that the device can handle various tasks efficiently, such as browsing the web, using productivity apps, streaming videos, and playing games. The phone runs OxygenOS 14, which is based on the latest version of Android 14. The software includes many useful customizations, features, and optimizations that enhance the user experience.

Gaming on the OnePlus Nord CE4 is quite satisfactory, thanks to the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor. The gaming performance is commendable, and high-end games such as BGMI and Call of Duty run at an average of 30-40 FPS. Other casual games run smoothly with good graphics, and with a 120Hz refresh rate, the gaming experience is quite enjoyable.

The device has an impressive battery life that can last an entire day due to its sizable 5500mAh battery. After using the device for the past week, I found that it has a good battery life and can last for a day on a single charge with moderate usage such as browsing the internet, watching reels and YouTube videos, and playing casual games while traveling. Additionally, the device comes with 100W fast charging support which is useful when you’re on the go and need to quickly top up your device before heading out.

Camera

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 boasts a triple-camera setup, with the primary camera being a 50-megapixel sensor. In well-lit conditions, the primary camera captures impressive detail and vibrant colours. The images are generally sharp and have a good dynamic range, making them suitable for social media sharing and casual photography. However, the performance tends to drop slightly in low light conditions, with some noise creeping into the images. Night mode helps alleviate this somewhat, but it may not match up to the low-light performance of more premium smartphones. Complementing the primary sensor is an 8MP ultra-wide camera. The ultra-wide angle lens expands the field of view, allowing users to capture more of the scene in a single frame. It performs admirably in well-lit conditions, offering decent detail and minimal distortion towards the edges of the frame. However, in low-light situations, the performance suffers, with images exhibiting more noise and less detail than the primary sensor. Portrait shots taken with this sensor generally turn out well, with accurate subject detection and pleasing background blur. However, like the other sensors, its performance diminishes in low light.

On the front, the OnePlus Nord CE4 features a 16MP selfie camera in a punch-hole cutout. Selfies taken with this camera are sharp and detailed, with natural skin tones. The camera app offers users various beauty modes and filters to enhance their selfies further. In good lighting conditions, selfies turn out impressive, but like the rear cameras, low-light performance is mediocre.

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 supports video recording up to 4K resolution at 30fps. The video quality is decent, with good stabilization and detail in well-lit environments. However, the lack of optical image stabilization can produce shaky footage, especially when shooting handheld. The dynamic range could also be better, with highlights sometimes getting blown out in high-contrast scenes.

Verdict

The OnePlus Nord CE4 offers a compelling package with its blend of affordability, decent camera performance, and overall features. While it may not be the best phone on the market, it stands out as a strong contender in the mid-range segment. Its capable processor, smooth software experience, and respectable camera system make it an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between performance and value. However, whether it’s the best phone depends on your needs and priorities. If you prioritize camera performance above all else, other options may be worth considering. Nonetheless, for users looking for a well-rounded smartphone that doesn’t break the bank, the OnePlus Nord CE4 deserves serious consideration.

OnePlus Watch 2 Review: Evolution, Not Revolution

DESIGN

The OnePlus Watch 2 is a beautifully crafted timepiece with a sleek round design. There are two buttons, which are both thoughtfully placed to prevent accidental presses.

The watch has 2.5D sapphire crystal glass and a durable stainless-steel chassis, ensuring it can withstand everyday wear and tear. One of the standout features of the OnePlus Watch 2 is its big and bold screen. Considering the watch’s size, this makes it perfect for individuals with larger wrists who may struggle with smaller watchfaces. Additionally, the watch meets IP68 standards, making it the ideal choice for swimmers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. It is also suitable for those who engage in workout activities.

PERFORMANCE

The OnePlus smartwatch boasts an interesting feature – the Dual-Engine architecture. Essentially, this feature means that the watch is powered by not one but two processors. OnePlus has named this feature as Dual-Engine Architecture. The watch is equipped with two independent chipsets – one is the BES2700 chipset, which efficiently handles light tasks from the RTOS (Real-Time Operating System). The other chipset is the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 platform, which handles the more complex tasks involved in running the WearOS. The Dual-Engine architecture of my device has significantly improved its battery life. In Smart mode, the device automatically switches to different modes depending on usage, and I could squeeze out 92 hours of battery life.

I’m also impressed with the Always-On display feature of the OnePlus smartwatch in its default mode. Surprisingly, after using the Always-On feature for 24 hours, the battery only dropped by 24%, which is quite impressive for a smartwatch. All this is possible due to OnePlus’s clever trick of using RTOS, which consumes low energy and offers basic features like displaying the time and tracking multiple workouts.

The menu on the Watch 3 is quite similar to that of an Apple watch, featuring round icons arranged in a grid format. It’s powered by Google’s latest WearOS, which means it has a built-in Play Store. You can download apps and watch faces on the Watch 3.

FITNESS TRACKING

The OnePlus Watch 2 is a perfect fitness partner for anyone who wants to keep track of their physical activities and performance. The brand has invested a lot in fitness tracking. For instance, the watch comes equipped with dual GPS capabilities, which help improve location accuracy during workouts. Additionally, a Dual processor efficiently handles complex fitness tracking tasks and an extensive set of sensors that monitor your every movement. There is a dedicated button that you can use to open different sets of workouts ranging from simple outdoor runs to extreme mountain hiking. With over 100 different sports modes and 6 different modes of physical activity, you can choose the perfect workout that suits your needs.

However, the OnePlus Watch 2 does much more than just track your fitness performance. It even shows me how to improve sleep quality, manage stress levels, or increase your workout intensity.

VERDICT

The OnePlus Watch 2 has a lot going for it, but it also comes with some compromises that are hard to overlook. While the watch has some great features, such as a long battery life, a vibrant screen, and convenient shortcut buttons, some drawbacks cannot be ignored. One of the main issues is the size of the watch. Even though I have relatively thicker wrists, people with thinner wrists will find it a deal-breaker. However, if you prioritize a big screen, long battery life, and a variety of workout options, the OnePlus Watch 2 could be a good fit for you.

OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 12R: What fits your Pocket

Deciding between the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus 12R can be challenging. Both phones are powerful, but the question is, which one is the perfect match for you? Fear not, as we have got you covered. We’ll go into the key differences between these two smartphones so you can confidently decide.

DESIGN

The moment you hold the phone, you’ll notice that the OnePlus 12R is lighter than the OnePlus 12, weighing nearly 13 grams less. Not only that, but the camera bump on the OnePlus 12 is slightly bigger and thicker than the OnePlus 12R. However, the OnePlus 12’s Flowy Emerald design looks more premium than the OnePlus 12R’s Cool Blue design. Overall, the OnePlus 12 has a more high-end feel compared to the OnePlus 12R.

DISPLAY

Both phones displays are similar, but the OnePlus 12 has a slightly larger and crisper display than the OnePlus 12R. What’s more, the OnePlus 12 has a smoother 120Hz refresh rate, which is perfect for gamers and content creators. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 12R offers a respectable 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring a generally fluid experience. If you love watching content on your phone, the viewing experience is much better on the OnePlus 12.

PROCESSOR

Both phones are fast, but the OnePlus 12’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor is slightly faster than the OnePlus 12R’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. Although there is no noticeable difference in day-to-day activities, the OnePlus 12 is faster on paper. Additionally, the OnePlus 12 comes with up to 16GB of RAM and a 512GB storage option, while the OnePlus 12R only has a maximum of 16GB of RAM and a 256GB storage option.

CAMERA

The OnePlus 12 is known for its impressive camera capabilities. It features a 50MP primary camera, a 64MP periscope lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 48MP macro camera, making for a more versatile triple-lens setup co-developed with Hasselblad. In contrast, the OnePlus 12R has a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. The OnePlus 12 can zoom up to 120x, while the OnePlus 12R only goes up to 10x. However, if you love taking selfies, the OnePlus 12 can capture better photos with its 32MP sensor. In contrast, the OnePlus 12R can only take pictures with a 16MP sensor.

BATTERY & CHARGING:

Both phones have large batteries, but the 12R has a slightly larger capacity. However, the 12 boasts faster 80W wired charging, which allows you to quickly recharge your phone compared to the 65W charging of the 12R. The OnePlus 12 can also be charged wirelessly. It can charge any wireless charging-enabled device like an iPhone, while the OnePlus 12R can only be charged through a cable.

PRICING

The OnePlus 12R has a significantly lower price tag than the OnePlus 12, making it a tempting budget option. However, remember that a lower price often means trade-offs.

VERDICT

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your priorities. If you value cutting-edge performance, top-tier cameras, and the fastest charging, the OnePlus 12 is the way to go. However, if you’re on a budget and can live with slight performance and camera downgrades, the OnePlus 12R delivers excellent value for money.

OnePlus Unveils OnePlus 12 and 12R in Grand Launch Event in India

OnePlus has officially launched its latest flagship smartphones, the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R, in India. The devices boast cutting-edge features, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to delivering top-tier technology. The latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor powers the OnePlus 12 device, ensuring top-of-the-line performance and enhanced efficiency. The stunning AMOLED displays provide vibrant colours and sharp contrasts, offering an immersive visual experience.

The OnePlus 12 and 12R camera capabilities have been significantly improved, providing stunning photos and videos in various lighting conditions and leveraging advanced imaging algorithms. The OnePlus 12 has a sophisticated triple-camera setup, while the 12R features a versatile dual-camera system.

The latest OnePlus models are future-proof with robust 5G connectivity, ensuring high-speed internet for users. The OnePlus 12 also come with an impressive battery life of 5400mAh. They can be charged with a 100-watt adapter available in the box, but the maximum charging speed is 80-watt. A 50-watt wireless charging capability is also included.

The OnePlus 12 series runs on the latest version of OxygenOS, providing a clean and intuitive user interface. Several software enhancements have been introduced to optimize the overall user experience and add innovative features to stay ahead in the competitive smartphone market.

OnePlus has adopted a competitive pricing strategy for the Indian market, with prices starting from ₹64999 for the OnePlus 12 and ₹39999 for the OnePlus 12R.

OnePlus Watch 2 Set to Steal the Show at MWC 2024

OnePlus gears up to unveil the highly anticipated OnePlus Watch 2 at the Mobile World Congress 2024 (MWC 2024) in Barcelona. Recent leaks suggest a game-changing upgrade for this next-gen smartwatch — the integration of Wear OS. While its predecessor adhered to a simpler operating system, the OnePlus Watch 2 is set to embrace the limitless possibilities of Wear OS, promising a plethora of advanced features.

Renowned tech insider Max Jambor’s (@MaxJmb) revelation on X (formerly Twitter) has set the stage for the grand debut of the OnePlus Watch 2 at MWC 2024. The tantalising prospect of a February release aligns perfectly with the annual mobile-centric trade show’s schedule, commencing on February 26 and concluding on February 29.

Interestingly, this revelation sheds light on OnePlus’s strategic silence regarding the smartwatch in the lead-up to the global launch event for the OnePlus 12 series on January 23. As anticipation builds for the OnePlus 12 flagship, the OnePlus 12R, and the OnePlus Buds 3 TWS earphones, the absence of any smartwatch teasers becomes a deliberate tactic, hinting at a jaw-dropping surprise.

Cast your minds back to April 2021 when OnePlus unveiled its inaugural smartwatch, the OnePlus Watch, priced at ₹14,999. With a 1.39-inch AMOLED display, 5ATM water resistance, and IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, it was a commendable first step. However, it deviated from the industry norm by opting for a distinct operating system, eschewing Google’s Wear OS.

Now, Max Jambor’s insider information brings the spotlight back to the OnePlus Watch 2, which promises to run on Wear OS. The question remains: Wear OS 3 or the advanced Wear OS 4? The latter boasts enhanced notifications, safety features, and a sophisticated watch face format, along with seamless data transfers between devices.

Last November, leaked renders of the OnePlus Watch 2 surfaced, offering a glimpse of the device’s 1.43-inch AMOLED screen and the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip under its hood. With a model number (OPWWE231) spotted on the Bureau of Indian Standards website, it’s clear that India is also in line for the OnePlus Watch 2 experience. As the countdown begins, the tech world eagerly awaits the unveiling that could redefine the smartwatch landscape.

OnePlus 12 and 12R Global Launch Locked In for January 23!

Tech enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The highly anticipated global debut of the OnePlus 12 is set for January 23, following its exclusive release in China. Brace yourselves for a double treat as the midrange marvel, OnePlus 12R, is also slated to dazzle alongside its flagship counterpart.

The unveiling spectacle will kick off in India at 19:30 IST (2 PM UTC), promising an immersive experience for tech fanatics worldwide. OnePlus, known for its expansive online reach, will offer multiple streaming options, ensuring everyone can witness the grand event through platforms like YouTube and X.com.

What sets the OnePlus 12 apart? Well, the flagship smartphone from OnePlus features the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, an astounding 24GB RAM, and a capacious 1TB storage. The camera setup is equally impressive, boasting a 50MP primary lens, a 64MP telephoto with 3x zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide lens.

The visual feast continues with a flagship-worthy 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display, boasting a crystal-clear 1,440 x 3,168px resolution. Adaptability is key with a 1-120 Hz refresh rate, while the display dazzles with up to 4,500 nits peak brightness for HDR content (1,600 nits in regular use). So, get yourself together to be swept away by the OnePlus 12’s technological prowess!

OnePlus Pad Go: GO and GET it!

I’ve been observing OnePlus’s moves since they first surfaced in 2013. They have a proven track record of releasing great products at a great price right from the start. 10 years later and things haven’t changed much, except for a few competitors sprouting up. The OnePlus Pad Go is a new budget tablet which is very reminiscent of its elder sibling, The OnePlus Pad. With differences in aspects like the processor, camera, battery and charging, let’s find out if it’s worth the 19,999 price tag that’s almost half when compared to its predecessor.

Display:

The first display aspect that caught my eye was the crisp 2.4K resolution IPS screen which combined with the sharp and vibrant calibration provides a very immersive content viewing and gaming experience. I highly trust that this helps the OnePlus Pad Go shine in its segment. The only minor inconvenience that came to my geeky attention was the refresh rate being at 90Hz instead of 120Hz but to people who don’t bother much for refresh rates, this shouldn’t be of much concern.

Design:

Whether it’s the metallic finish, the tactile buttons or even the overall sturdiness of this device, I like it. The glossy strip of plastic near the camera module adds a level of freshness to the age-old tablet design i.e the industry standard. Audio enthusiasts will also appreciate its quad speakers that provide ample bass, well balanced mids and clear treble. Movies, music and frequent video calls are handled really well by the OnePlus Pad Go.

However, nothing comes perfect in our imperfect world and what that means here is no 3.5mm headphone jack. For a device that positions itself as a media machine, this is a small disappointment. The seamless bluetooth 5.2 connectivity does try to make up for it but wired users will have to resort to a dongle.

While we are on the topic of missing basic features, there’s no fingerprint scanner which means you’ll have to rely on the face unlock. Come on OnePlus, it’s 2023, everybody prefers biometric authentication over gimmicky facial recognition.

Camera:

The camera performs decently in fair to good lighting conditions. The 8MP resolution both in the front and back is sufficient. You won’t find yourself complaining during zoom calls or the occasional tablet photography session. I was a little surprised to see the omission of a flash in the rear camera module, but I guess they have to cut costs somewhere.

Performance:

It performs best when presented with everyday tasks but falls short when pushed to its limit in heavy games and other processor intensive tasks. The Helio G99 is definitely capable of handling all games but not so much if you like playing them on the highest settings for long periods of time. That said, navigating through multiple apps or browsing the web is as seemless as it gets.

Battery and Charging:

With a 33W adaptor and an 8,000 mAh Li-Poly battery, the Pad Go shines in this department. A solid 2+ day life is easily expected and a respectable 1.5 day life if you decide to really push it.

Software:

What I really enjoyed in the software department is the ease with which I was able to navigate, multitask and get things done in general. OnePlus seems to have customized Oxygen OS and made it more user friendly on a larger screen. I hope they add the option for using a split keyboard soon though, this addition will make it a complete experience.

Verdict:

The OnePlus Pad Go excels in several key areas, including its high-resolution display, versatile audio capabilities, tactile buttons, multitasking optimization, and premium build quality, making it a compelling choice in the slow Android tablet market. It’s a great choice for a younger family member or an avid OTT enthusiast all while proving worthy for individuals who love multitasking.

Rating: ★★★★

Elevate your ANC Quest with OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC (Review)

OnePlus aims to maintain the popularity of neckband-style earphones as the brand recently launched the Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC. The earphones stand out by incorporating active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, capable of reducing ambient noise by up to 45 decibels, a feature notably absent in its predecessor neckband models. Let’s see what it has to offer.

Box Contents

OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC neckband-style earphones
Different sets of ear tips (Small, Medium (Nestled) and Large)
USB Type-C cable
User manual

Available Colours

Booming Black and Grand Green

Design

The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC has a robust plastic exterior with rubberised cable coatings akin to its prior iteration, enhancing its premium appearance and durability. The lightweight construction ensures comfort when worn around the neck for prolonged periods. Additionally, the earphones bear an IP55 rating, imparting resistance against water and sweat.

Sound Quality

The earphones are equipped with a 12.4mm driver and deliver robust audio output while maintaining sound clarity along with a strong bass. OnePlus has transitioned from producing well-balanced audio headsets to those with an excessive emphasis on bass since they have understood consumers strongly prefer bass-heavy sound. The active noise cancellation feature excels in both voice calls and audio playback, thereby enhancing the overall auditory experience beyond what was attainable with the previous model. The HeyMelody app by OnePlus grants access to personalised sound adjustments, and essential earphone features, including three distinct ANC modes and a transparency mode. Further sound customisation is enabled by including four preset equaliser settings and the option to craft a bespoke configuration.

Voice Call Quality

Highlighted by a tri-microphone configuration, the earphones incorporate AI-powered call noise cancellation technology to suppress background noise during voice calls. While effectively reducing ambient noise, this mechanism occasionally results in declining voice quality. Consequently, optimal performance for voice calls is achieved in environments with minimal or no ambient noise.

Battery Life

A notable advantage of these earphones lies in their battery life and rapid charging capabilities. OnePlus proclaims a commendable battery life of 28 hours when ANC is deactivated and 20 hours with noise cancellation active, and at some length, it’s accurate. A mere 10-minute fast charge session also yields approximately 15 hours of battery life.

Functionality and Connectivity

The newly introduced OnePlus Bullets feature a play button situated alongside the volume controls, inadvertently leading to unintended adjustments in sound levels while attempting to play or pause a track. The recently incorporated function button offers limited utility, primarily concerning pairing options that were previously integrated within the play button of earlier-generation neckband models.

Verdict

Priced at Rs 2,299, these neckband-style earphones excel through their multi-point connectivity and active noise cancellation attributes. These distinguishing features are notably absent in wireless earbuds within the same category.

Good

Audio quality
Long battery life with fast charging
IP55 ratings for dust and water resistance

Bad

Bass-heavy

Ugly

Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Nord CE3 5G Review: The OnePlus we Love!

Oneplus managed to win back its core fanbase with the launch of the OnePlus 11 and 11R. The flagship 11 and flagship killer 11R both were value offerings from OnePlus which was struggling to find its footing amid changed leadership. 2023 has already been great for the company and its latest release i.e. OnePlus Nord CE3 5G is another winning attempt by the company. The latest launch is a value offering that ticks all the correct boxes for a device that is smartly placed at the Rs 27K price point for the base variant. Check out the detailed review of the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G below –

Design: Flat Supremacy

We’re living in times where phones are predominantly curved. Nord CE3 5G breaks that norm and brings a flat form factor. The flat edges are sharp as a blade, while not everyone will find this design choice appealing, one cannot deny that it looks sexy. The right side of the device features a volume rocker and a lock button. There is no alert slider on this one, OnePlus has reserved that for the flagship devices. However, you get an IR Blaster on the top which is a great upgrade. The design language of the Nord CE3 5G is simple, yet elegant. The variant I used was called ‘Aqua Surge’ which is not as intense as it sounds. The back of the device is visually pleasing but loses its charm when you put on the in-box cover provided by OnePlus.

Display: The Highlight

An AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ is something one expects from devices past the 30K price point nowadays. However, the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G does not cut any corners when it comes to the display. The 2412 x 1080P display is vibrant to look at. It has a screen-to-body ratio of 93.4% and a touch sampling rate of 240Hz. Watching content on this screen is a treat. I watched hours’ worth of content and Nord CE3 5G’s display won over Samsung F54’s display in comparison.

Camera: Flagship but mid performance

Cameras have never been the strong suit for devices placed in the sub-30 K price bracket. However, on paper, The OnePlus Nord CE3 5G features a strong set of sensors. The primary lens here is the flagship 50MP Sony IMX890 which was also used in the OnePlus 11. Along with it is an 8MP ultra-wide lens, coupled with a 2MP macro lens. We get a 16MP selfie camera here which is just alright to get the job done. ‘Just Alright’ were my sentiments during the testing of this camera setup as it does not really overwhelm you with great shots or underwhelm you with a bad performance. The camera setup for the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G is simply mid.

Performance: Smooth Sailing

With a Snapdragon 782G chipset coupled with 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM, There’s nothing really that this device cannot handle. If you’re an average mobile user who switches between a few apps throughout the day with some casual gaming then this is the device for you. It packs a 5000mAh battery which can be juiced up with an 80W SUPERVOOC charger. OnePlus’ commitment to providing a charger in the box is really appreciated at a time when manufacturers do not consider it a priority. It features the X-axis linear motor for haptic feedback which makes using the device fun. The in-display fingerprint sensor is snappy, whereas the dual Dolby stereo speakers are a treat for the audiophile. Overall, the performance of the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G is stable and leaves no room for desire.

Verdict

With solid hardware and aesthetic design packaged under Rs 30K, the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G is easy to recommend. The camera performance could’ve been better, but overall, the device is a winner.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

OnePlus Pad Review: Better Than The iPad?

Ever since the pandemic changed the way we communicate with technology, tablets have come to the forefront. In today’s time, we see basically every big tech player come up with their own tablets in order to give into the whole ‘Ecosystem’ trend set by Apple. However, OnePlus was quietly waiting for its time to shine to come up with its very own Tablet which has now made its way to the Indian market simply called the – OnePlus Pad. The first generation of the OnePlus Pad stands impressive when it comes to its design factor, but is that all that it has to offer? We beg to differ.

Design

Starting off with the design of this tablet which in itself is a style statement. This sleek machine comes with an ultra-portable form factor. OnePlus is venturing into the tablet arena for the first time and along with it has brought the 2.5D round-edge unified metal body design which hasn’t been done before. It comes with a small 6.7nm bezel which allows an 88% screen-to-body ratio for an immersive visual experience for the users. There is only one colour variant for this tablet which is called ‘Halo Green’ and is inspired by the natural world. It is an eye catchy colour which demands attention and is guaranteed to make some heads turn. One of the most unique aspects of the OnePlus Pad’s design is its camera placement. The camera here is placed at the centre as opposed to the usual top placement seen in tablets. The camera placement choice can be a hit or miss and breaks away from the staple design standard of the tablet. OnePlus claims that the camera placement saves users the hassle of having to adjust when holding the pad and clicking landscape images.

Performance

Android tablets have historically lagged behind when it comes to performance only with the exception of Samsung and Xiaomi’s premium offerings. The OnePlus Pad joins the league of high-performing tablets as the 4nm Dimensity 9000 processor powers it. Users get two RAM options here with 8 and 12GB variants and 128 or 256GB storage. The UFS3.1 LPDDR5 RAM powers through all your computational needs with ease. The tablet is snappy and smooth thanks to its maxed-out 144Hz refresh rate. It features a large 9510mAh battery which can be juiced up with a 67W SUPERVOOC charger. OnePlus claims that the tablet comes with a one-month standby life and just over 12 hours of video streaming. People should note that the tablet does not come with a standalone SIM card slot but comes with a unique feature known as cellular data sharing. This feature kicks in when the distance between a OnePlus phone and the Pad is around 1 to 5 meters and the Pad by default gains access to the 5G signal of a user’s smartphone. This looks like OnePlus is doubling down to the ‘ecosystem’ aspect with the new launch. The camera system here consists of an 8MP front camera and a 13MP back camera. Both lenses are capable of shooting in only 30 frames per second which can be restricting to some users.

Display

One of the primary reasons why people invest in tablets is to consume content on a larger screen. The OnePlus Pad puts heavy emphasis on entertainment by boasting an 11.61-inch screen and the industry’s first-ever 7:5 screen ratio. The display resolution here is 2800×2000 making it a 2K display. However, it is not an AMOLED screen but an IPS LCD one. As mentioned before, it comes with a 144Hz refresh rate with the capability of toggling between 30, 60, 90 and 120Hz.

Accessories

OnePlus is offering two accessories with the OnePlus Pad namely the OnePlus Magnetic Keyboard and the OnePlus Stylo. Both the accessories are implemented well with the Pad and add-on for a seamless overall tablet experience.

In Comparison

Let’s be honest, the tablet market is saturated right now and people have a lot to choose from. Where the OnePlus Pad stands when it comes to the price point is in direct comparison with the iPad. However, the Xiaomi Pad comes somewhat close to the OnePlus Pad’s performance in the Android arena. However, users will lose out on bigger battery life and the smooth 144Hz display on that one.

Verdict

OnePlus’ first-ever venture into the tablet arena is a triumphant knock out of the park. it‘s got everything you expect from a tablet coupled with some never seen before features which put it in the top spectrum of the tablets available in the market today.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Also Check Out Our Video Comparing OnePlus Pad and Xiaomi Pad 5