OnePlus Launches Pad 3: A New Era in Tablets

OnePlus has officially launched the Pad 3, marking its first tablet release outside of China. This new device is powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, showcasing significant advancements in performance and design.

Design and Display

The Pad 3 features a larger 13.2-inch LCD display, an upgrade from its predecessor, the Pad 2. Despite the increase in size, OnePlus has managed to keep the tablet impressively thin at just 5.97mm. The display boasts a 144Hz refresh rate and a stunning 3.4K resolution, making it suitable for various tasks, from media consumption to productivity.

While the LCD screen is not OLED, the specifications are still impressive. The Pad 3 can be paired with a keyboard and stylus, sold separately, positioning it as a capable laptop replacement. However, it is slightly less portable than previous models due to the larger screen and an additional weight of 90g (approximately 3oz). Nevertheless, its thinner profile compared to the latest iPad Air makes it a competitive option, especially when compared to the pricier 13-inch iPad Pro.

Performance and Battery Life

The Pad 3 comes equipped with 256GB of storage and options for either 12GB or 16GB of RAM. It is powered by a robust 12,140mAh battery, which supports 80W wired charging. This feature allows the tablet to reach a full charge in just over an hour and a half, ensuring that users can stay productive without long downtimes.

In terms of design, OnePlus has made notable changes to the rear of the tablet. The previous central, circular camera design has been replaced with a more streamlined pill-shaped module located in one corner, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the device.

Software Enhancements

On the software front, OnePlus has introduced significant upgrades to its multitasking capabilities. The Pad 3 features streamlined split-screen functionality and improved drag-and-drop features, enhancing user experience. OnePlus phone users will benefit from seamless file-sharing between devices, smarter notification syncing, and a unique data-sharing feature that allows the tablet to utilize the phone’s connection only when necessary, potentially saving battery life.

The O Plus Connect software, which facilitates easy wireless file transfers between the tablet and both Mac and Windows PCs, is also included. Mac users receive an additional advantage with the ability to control their Mac directly from the Pad 3. This integration could indeed position the Pad 3 as a viable laptop alternative. OnePlus has also committed to providing three generations of OS updates and six years of security support for the Pad 3.

Availability and Pricing

The OnePlus Pad 3 is currently available for pre-order in the UK and Europe, with official sales set to begin on June 19th. The pricing starts at €599 / £529 (approximately $685) for the model with 12GB of RAM, while the 16GB variant is priced at €699 / £599 ($800). Additionally, the Smart Keyboard is available for €169 / £169 ($193), and the Stylo 2 is priced at €99 / £99 ($113). A US release is also planned, with pricing details expected to be announced later today.

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