The tablet market has seen an evolution in recent years, with devices increasingly aimed not only at entertainment but also at productivity. OnePlus, a familiar name in the smartphone arena, entered the tablet space with the OnePlus Pad and has followed up with the more refined OnePlus Pad 2. Both devices are designed to offer high-end performance, but for professionals, students, and creatives aiming for productivity, the differences between the two are critical in determining which is the better companion. This article delves deep into how the OnePlus Pad and OnePlus Pad 2 stack up in terms of productivity.
Design and Display: The Foundation of Productivity
Both the OnePlus Pad and Pad 2 sport a sleek aluminum design with ergonomics in mind. However, there are subtle differences that impact productivity.
- OnePlus Pad: Equipped with an 11.61-inch LCD display, the original Pad features a 2800×2000 resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. The brightness caps at 500 nits, which is just sufficient for indoor use.
- OnePlus Pad 2: The successor bumps up the brightness to 600 nits and improves color accuracy, which is crucial for tasks like photo editing and design. Enhanced palm rejection on the display supports better stylus use.
In terms of multitasking, both tablets offer a 7:5 aspect ratio that more closely resembles a paper notebook, which feels natural for reading, writing, and working across split screens. However, when working outdoors or under bright lighting, Pad 2’s brighter, more color-accurate screen gives it the edge.
Performance and Processing Power
Under the hood, performance is one of the most noticeable differences between these two devices when it comes to handling productivity workloads.
- OnePlus Pad: Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9000, it performs well for most general workloads, like browsing, video conferencing, and document editing. However, power users may occasionally notice stuttering with more intensive apps like Adobe Lightroom or complex Excel sheets.
- OnePlus Pad 2: Upgraded to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the Pad 2 shows significant gains in CPU and GPU performance. It handles multitasking effortlessly, rendering tasks smoother and app switching faster. For those integrating the tablet into a workday with demanding applications, the Pad 2 is significantly more capable.
RAM and storage are also swappable options on both models, but Pad 2 offers LPDDR5X RAM compared to LPDDR5 on the original Pad, resulting in marginally faster data access speeds — a perk that adds up in long productivity sessions.
Software and Multitasking Features
OxygenOS on both models is optimized for tablet use, but the Pad 2 includes notable refinements to aid productivity-focused users.
- Split-screen enhancements: Pad 2 brings more fluid and intelligent multitasking capabilities. Users can drag and drop content between apps and access floating windows more easily.
- DeX-like desktop mode: A new feature in the Pad 2 is a desktop-style interface when connected to external keyboards or displays. This allows for a PC-like experience including resizable windows, enhanced task switching, and system-level clipboard integration.
Moreover, stylus support and note-taking apps are also significantly more optimized on the Pad 2. Latency has been reduced, palm rejection improved, and handwriting recognition is now smoother and more accurate.
Keyboard and Accessory Ecosystem
Accessories can dramatically enhance or limit a tablet’s utility for productivity. Here is how the two models compare.
- OnePlus Magnetic Keyboard: Available for both tablets, but the Pad 2’s updated version includes a larger trackpad and upgraded key switches, making typing more comfortable for longer sessions.
- Stylus: Both tablets support the OnePlus Stylus, but Pad 2’s enhanced pressure sensitivity and reduced latency appeal more to creatives and note-takers.
Additionally, the Pad 2 supports more third-party accessories through improved USB-C hub compatibility, allowing users to connect external drives, monitors, and input devices more reliably — critical features for working professionals.
Battery Life and Charging
When you’re working on the go, battery life becomes critical. Fortunately, both tablets offer robust battery life, but with some distinctions worth noting.
- OnePlus Pad: Offers a 9,510mAh battery and 67W SUPERVOOC charging. It comfortably lasts a full day’s use under moderate workloads.
- OnePlus Pad 2: Marginally larger battery and improved thermal management mean it performs better under sustained heavy loads without overheating or rapid battery drain. Charging remains at 67W but charges more efficiently due to updated architecture.
Storage and Cloud Integration
Both tablets offer base storage at 128GB with options up to 512GB. The Pad 2, however, offers better integration with cloud services like Google Drive and OnePlus Cloud. It also supports faster UFS 4.0 storage vs UFS 3.1 in the previous model, ensuring faster app loading and data retrieval — a significant upgrade for those dealing with large files daily.
Conclusion: Which Tablet Wins for Productivity?
If you’re choosing between the OnePlus Pad and Pad 2 purely from a productivity perspective, the OnePlus Pad 2 clearly comes out on top. With a brighter and more accurate display, better multitasking capabilities, a more powerful processor, optimized accessories, and advanced software features, it’s designed for those who intend to get real work done.
However, it’s worth noting that the original OnePlus Pad is still a strong contender for casual users or students who don’t require high-intensity multitasking or precision stylus input. If budget constraints are a factor, the original Pad still provides a surprisingly capable productivity suite.
FAQs
- Q: Can the OnePlus Pad or Pad 2 replace a laptop for productivity tasks?
A: For many users, especially those working with cloud applications, note-taking, or media editing, the OnePlus Pad 2 comes very close to replacing a traditional laptop, especially when paired with its magnetic keyboard. - Q: Is the stylus included with the tablet?
A: No, the stylus is sold separately for both models. However, it is an essential add-on for users looking to maximize productivity with tasks like drawing or handwriting. - Q: Are both tablets good for multitasking?
A: Yes, but the Pad 2 has better software optimization and higher processing power, translating into smoother performance when handling multiple apps. - Q: Do both tablets support external monitors?
A: The OnePlus Pad 2 offers better compatibility with external displays through USB-C hubs, although both can be connected for display mirroring or second screen usage. - Q: Is there desktop mode on the original Pad?
A: No, the desktop-style interface is exclusive to the OnePlus Pad 2.