REVIEW: OnePlus Pad 3

OnePlus is back with its third-generation tablet — the OnePlus Pad 3 — and I’ve been using it alongside the new Smart Keyboard for the past few weeks as my main work device. From remote meetings to binging a few Netflix shows and even drafting this review, the Pad 3 has handled pretty much everything I’ve thrown at it. Here’s how it holds up in real life, from its sturdy build to its all-day battery.

Design & Build Quality

Right out of the box, the OnePlus Pad 3 feels premium. It’s slim at just 6mm thick and weighs in at 675 grams — so, not the lightest tablet out there, but understandable considering the large battery inside. The aluminium back and frame give it that reassuring durability that some plastic-bodied tablets just can’t match.

The ‘Blue Storm’ finish looks slick and modern, though it does show fingerprints quite easily, especially on the Smart Keyboard’s cover if you pick up the matching one.

Speaking of the keyboard: while the magnetic attachment is quick and convenient, I wish the connection felt a bit more locked in — it’s sturdy enough for a café table but can get wobbly if you’re balancing it on your lap.

The rear folio stand is very handy. It adjusts to a decent range of angles so whether you’re typing, watching a film, or doodling with the stylus, you can get a comfortable setup.

Software Features

The Pad 3 runs Android 15 with OnePlus’ ColorOS 15 on top. OnePlus has done a solid job making Android feel genuinely tablet-friendly here. The 7:5 aspect ratio display and high resolution mean you can comfortably split-screen apps — and the auto split-screen suggestion pop-up is surprisingly helpful when juggling emails and documents side-by-side.

I found the File Dock feature to be a big time-saver too: just drag and drop files or text snippets between apps without the usual messing around. It feels polished and helps the Pad 3 hold its own as a productivity tool.

That said, the trackpad experience on the Smart Keyboard still needs work. Simple clicks and scrolling are fine, but trying to drag the cursor precisely over text to copy and paste is more frustrating than it should be — I usually gave up and just tapped the screen instead.

Performance

Powering the whole thing, the Pad 3 packs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, paired with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM (depending on your chosen storage option). In short: it flies.

During my week of using it as a full-time laptop replacement, I ran a web browser with dozens of tabs, Microsoft Office and Teams apps, Slack, and the odd video call without any hiccups. Even gaming is impressive — thanks to the large display, smooth 144Hz refresh rate and beefy cooling system, it barely gets warm even during longer play sessions on title like Zenless Zone Zero or even Wreckfest.

For most people, this is more than enough horsepower for both work and gaming.

Cameras

Tablet cameras are never showstoppers, and that’s true here too. The rear 13MP camera is fine for snapping the occasional document or a quick pic, and it can record in 4K if you’re determined.

The 8MP front-facing camera is decent for video calls, though I did wish for a bit more sharpness and better low-light handling, especially when dialling into virtual meetings from dimly lit rooms. It gets the job done, but if you care a lot about looking ultra-crisp on video calls, you might want to use your phone or an external webcam instead.

Battery Life

Battery life is where the Pad 3 really impresses. The huge 12,140 mAh battery easily lasted me a full work day with plenty left over for evening streaming. Even with heavy multitasking, I never found myself nervously reaching for the charger halfway through a meeting.

When you do plug in, OnePlus’ trademark SUPERVOOC fast charging means you’re not stuck waiting around. The Pad 3 supports up to 80W wired charging, which can top you up astonishingly quickly for a tablet this size.

Conclusion

All told, the OnePlus Pad 3 is a confident, well-rounded tablet that makes a strong case for itself as a genuine laptop alternative, especially if you add the Smart Keyboard. The screen is big, bright and smooth, multitasking is straightforward, and it has the power to breeze through work apps and more demanding games alike.

There are a few areas I’d love to see improved in future versions — a sharper front camera, sturdier keyboard magnet, and ideally an OLED screen for deeper blacks and punchier colours when watching films. But considering the asking price, I think OnePlus has struck a smart balance between performance and cost.

If you’re after a capable Android tablet that can double as a lightweight work machine, the Pad 3 is a very easy one to recommend.

OnePlus Pad 3 Pricing & Availability

The new OnePlus Pad 3 is out now in the stylish ‘Blue Storm’ colour via the official OnePlus Store. Prices start at €599 for the 12GB RAM / 256GB storage model. If you move fast, you can bag the higher-spec 16GB / 512GB version for the same €599, which is excellent value considering the bump in memory and storage.

As a sweetener, OnePlus is throwing in a free gift for a limited time — you can choose either the OnePlus Stylo 2, the Pad 3 Folio cover or an 80W SUPERVOOC Power Adaptor at no extra cost. The Smart Keyboard, which I’d say is pretty essential if you plan to work on the Pad 3 regularly, is sold separately for €169.