OnePlus Pad 3 review: Premium Android tablet with Snapdragon Elite power

Overall, the OnePlus Pad 3 is a well-packed premium Android tablet. It has an excellent build quality, an amazing display, a reliable Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a massive battery.

During the Covid-19 pandemic-induced lockdown in 2020 and a year after it, there was huge demand for portable tablets with big screens, as they were sought after medium for education, work and entertainment purposes at home.

Now, for almost two years, as people have begun to attend offices and children are going to schools, the demand for tablets is declining in India.

As per IDC's August 2025 report, India’s tablet market (including both detachable and slate tablets) shipped 2.15 million units in the first half of 2025 (1H25), marking a 32.2 per cent year-over-year (YoY) decline.

It was even more stark in the commercial tablet segment, as it experienced a steep 61.7 per cent Year-on-Year decline, led by a 66.7 per cent drop in the education segment and a 26.2 per cent decline in the enterprise segment.

However, this has led to stiff competition among tier-1 brands such as Apple, Samsung and Lenovo. Other brands have their tasks cut out to attract the consumers. Here's where OnePlus comes in to play with the latest Pad 3 series tablet. It comes beefed up with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a massive battery and features a big display with high resolution. Also, it offers value-addition with keyboard accessories to make Pad 3 a multi-purpose tablet. Here are my thoughts on the new OnPlus Android tablet.

Design, build quality and display

The Pad 3 comes in standard slate form factor, but in larger dimensions. It measures 289.6mm in length (portrait orientation), 209.7mm wide and 6.0 mm thick.

OnePlus Pad 3.

Despite the large structural size, the tablet is easy to carry around. Even while sitting on the couch, you won't feel the weight (665g) thanks to optimal weight distribution.

The device's frame and the back panel are made of high-grade aluminium. The display can sustain daily wear-and-tear. But, it is advisable to get a folio or, even better, buy the official OnePlus Pad 3 folio case with a tri-folding design or the multi-utility smart keyboard cover.

OnePlus Pad 3 with smart keyboard folio case.

They offer full protection to both the back and the front sides. Also, the keyboard, compared to the previous iteration, has larger, spaced-out keycaps that give a PC-style feel, as well as includes a range of useful command keys and a new dedicated AI button. Also, it houses a massive trackpad, which gives a proper PC-like user interface.

OnePlus Pad 3 with keyboard accessory.

The backcover case comes with a flip stand, which can be adjusted between 110 and 165-degree angles. Also, it supports NFC and an instant magnetic connection feature.

However, it is not suited to be used on the lap. It needs a steady platform, like a table, to operate like a laptop.

As far as the regular folio case, it allows users to fold the case up into a traditional triangle for a super steady 20-degree angle, perfect for drawing, writing or taking notes.

OnePlus Pad 3.

Our review unit is storm blue. It looks lovely and comes with a smooth matte finish. The company offers the device in frosted silver.

OnePlus Pad 3 sports a beautiful 13.2-inch 3.5K LCD panel with a pixel density of 315 (pixels per inch) and an aspect ratio of 7:5.

It is great for multimedia consumption and shopping on e-commerce applications and websites. People will be able to view those terms and conditions more clearly compared to the phone's compact display.

OnePlus Pad 3.

The colours on the motion picture when played on the tablet screen come off vibrant, and the audio output on the quad speakers is amazing, making it more enjoyable than on a phone.

The device also supports the OnePlus Stylo 2 accessory. It comes in handy for digital artists and even regular users who like to draw paintings in their free time. Even students can use a stylus to take notes for studies.

OnePlus Pad 3.

Performance

OnePlus Pad 3 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, Android 15-based ColorOS 15, 12GB/16GB RAM, and 256GB/512GB storage.

The device works buttery smooth and supports generative Artificial Intelligence applications, including Gemini Live and more.

It also supports several graphics-heavy games available on the Google Play Store. But, it is better played on a gaming console or a compact smartphone, as fingers can easily move around the on-screen controls.

OnePlus Pad 3.

The device runs Android 15-based OxygenOS. It has a familiar user interface that we see in all OnePlus phones. It is very easy to navigate through the device's settings.

The device also boasts of 13MP main camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation), 4K video capability, LED flash on the back. It can take good photos, but people would rather use a smartphone camera to take photos outdoors.

The camera can be best utilised to capture pictures of the book or a document to convert it into PDF or Word format files using productivity applications. The camera manages to take sharp photos with minute details.

OnePlus Pad 3.

On the front, it has an 8MP front camera for video calling. It works fine as long as there is a stable internet connection.

The device houses a massive 12,140mAh battery. It can go on for several hours on a stretch. With a full charge, one can complete two and a half seasons of Game of Thrones, provided they are downloaded to the device.

Like the premium OnePlus phones, the Pad 3 supports an 80W charger. It takes around one and a half hours to fully charge from zero to 100 per cent.

And, if you are playing any games with internet connectivity, it can run for up to six hours.

OnePlus Pad 3.

Final thoughts

Overall, the OnePlus Pad 3 is a well-packed premium Android tablet. It has an excellent build quality, an amazing display, a reliable Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and a massive battery.

The device comes in two variants-- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage and 16GB RAM + 512GB storage-- for Rs 42,999 and Rs 47,999, respectively.

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