OnePlus Pad 3 US Launch Price $699, 144Hz refresh rate Display, Premium Android Tablet

OnePlus just threw down the gauntlet in the premium tablet space, and honestly, it's both exciting and concerning at the same time. The OnePlus Pad 3 represents everything we love about OnePlus hardware engineering – powerful specs, thoughtful design, and genuinely useful software features. But here's the catch: at a $699 starting price, OnePlus is playing a completely different game than it was just two years ago.

This isn't just another incremental tablet upgrade. It's OnePlus making a bold statement about where they want to compete in the Android tablet ecosystem, even if it means leaving behind the value proposition that made their previous tablets so compelling.

OnePlus Pad: A Revolutionary Premium Device That Changes Everything.

Let’s talk about the big topic on everyone’s mind—the $699 price tag!. When you add the keyboard case, you're looking at $900 for the complete setup. Compare that to the original OnePlus Pad's $628 bundle price, and you're seeing a significant philosophical shift from OnePlus.

This pricing strategy puts the Pad 3 in direct competition with Apple's iPad Pro and Samsung's Galaxy Tab S10 series. That's premium territory where specifications matter, but so does ecosystem integration, app optimization, and brand perception. OnePlus is betting that its hardware and software execution can justify this leap.

The question isn't whether the Pad 3 delivers premium performance – it does. The real question is whether the Android tablet market is ready for another premium player, especially when affordable excellence used to be OnePlus's calling card.

OnePlus Pad 3 Display and Design

The centrepiece of this premium push is undoubtedly the 13.2-inch LCD panel. OnePlus opted for a larger and improved display with a 3.4K resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and 12-bit colour depth. While an OLED panel would have been the cherry on top, the LCD implementation here is genuinely impressive.

Real-world usage reveals why OnePlus made smart compromises. The display delivers excellent outdoor visibility, crucial for a device designed for mobile productivity. The company has made a great move in creating appealing colours that look vibrant without being oversaturated, and the high refresh rate makes interactions feel fluid and responsive.

The larger screen real estate transforms how you interact with Android applications. Whether you're editing documents, consuming media, or juggling multiple apps, the extra space makes a tangible difference in usability and comfort.

OnePlus Pad 3: The Multitasking Game Changer

Here's where OnePlus demonstrates genuine innovation beyond just throwing premium specs at a tablet. Open Canvas multitasking system, borrowed from the OnePlus Open foldable, transforms how you work on Android tablets. This isn't just split-screen with extra steps – it's a thoughtfully designed productivity environment.

The system allows three applications to coexist intelligently. You can have two apps running side-by-side while keeping a third accessible with simple swipe gestures. Imagine having your primary work document expanded at the bottom, while email and messaging apps share the upper portion of the screen.

This approach addresses one of Android tablets' biggest historical weaknesses – clunky multitasking that never felt natural or efficient. Open Canvas makes switching between contexts feel effortless, which genuinely improves productivity for users who want to work on their tablets.

Performance Powerhouse: Snapdragon 8 Elite Advantage

Under the hood, the OnePlus Pad 3 features Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, making it the first US tablet to debut with this cutting-edge chipset. This isn't just about benchmark bragging rights – it's about delivering consistent performance across demanding usage scenarios.

The processor handles intensive multitasking scenarios without lagging in the interface. Running three applications simultaneously in Open Canvas mode barely impacts system responsiveness. Gaming performance is exceptional, and creative applications run smoothly even with complex projects.

OnePlus's optimization work deserves recognition here. Raw processing power means nothing without software that can utilize it effectively, and the Pad 3 demonstrates thoughtful performance tuning across the user experience.

Audio Excellence: Eight-Speaker Sophistication

OnePlus equipped the Pad 3 with an eight-speaker audio system that delivers genuinely impressive sound quality. This isn't just about volume – it's about creating an immersive audio experience whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or participating in video calls.

The speaker placement provides excellent stereo separation, and the frequency response handles both dialogue and music effectively. For a tablet designed to replace laptop functionality in certain scenarios, having quality audio without requiring external speakers is crucial.

Outdoor usage reveals the system's capabilities. Even in challenging acoustic environments, the speakers provide clear, well-balanced audio that doesn't require maximum volume to be effective.

OnePlus Pad 3 Accessories and Keyboard Integration

The optional keyboard case deserves serious consideration if you're investing in the Pad 3 ecosystem. OnePlus designed a genuinely useful input solution that works both attached and detached from the tablet. The key travel feels satisfying, and the trackpad provides precise cursor control.

The detachable functionality addresses a common tablet keyboard limitation. When laptop usage becomes unstable, you can separate the keyboard and position the screen wherever it works best. The magnetic connection and automatic Bluetooth pairing make this transition seamless.

One limitation worth noting: the keyboard charges only when connected to the tablet, with no independent USB-C charging port. This design choice prioritizes simplicity over flexibility, which may frustrate users who prefer keeping accessories independently charged.

Battery Performance: All-Day Capability

The 12,140mAh battery represents OnePlus's largest tablet battery implementation to date, and real-world performance justifies the capacity. Extended multitasking sessions barely impact overall battery life, with typical usage scenarios easily lasting full workdays.

Standby performance is particularly impressive, with minimal battery drain when the device isn't actively used. This reliability is crucial for users who want their tablet ready for spontaneous productivity sessions without constantly monitoring charge levels.

Fast charging capabilities help maintain workflow continuity. The included 67W charger can restore full battery capacity in approximately 92 minutes, making power management less stressful during busy schedules.

Stylus Support: Creative Capabilities

The OnePlus Stylo 2 provides reliable digital ink functionality for users who need precision input. The magnetic attachment system keeps the stylus accessible while maintaining automatic pairing and charging capabilities. For creative professionals or note-taking enthusiasts, this represents genuine value.

However, the stylus experience doesn't quite match dedicated creative tablets like Samsung's Galaxy Tab S series or Apple's iPad Pro with Apple Pencil. OnePlus's implementation works well for basic drawing and note-taking but lacks the advanced pressure sensitivity and palm rejection refinement that creative professionals demand.

Software Excellence: OxygenOS for Tablets

OnePlus's software approach deserves recognition for thoughtful tablet optimization. OxygenOS provides a clean, responsive interface that doesn't overwhelm users with unnecessary features while delivering powerful functionality where it matters.

The company's update commitment – three Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates – provides long-term value that justifies premium pricing. This support timeline competes favorably with Samsung and Google's tablet offerings.

Integration with OnePlus's broader ecosystem, including seamless file sharing with OnePlus smartphones via NFC, demonstrates attention to cross-device workflow optimization.

Market Positioning: Premium Strategy Analysis

OnePlus's premium pivot represents both opportunity and risk in the current tablet landscape. The Android tablet market lacks compelling options between budget devices and Samsung's expensive flagship offerings. OnePlus could fill this gap effectively.

However, the $699 starting price challenges OnePlus's historical value proposition. Previous OnePlus tablets succeeded because they delivered premium performance at mid-range prices. The Pad 3's pricing eliminates that competitive advantage.

Competition from established players like Apple and Samsung becomes more direct at this price point. OnePlus must prove that their hardware and software execution can compete not just on specifications, but on ecosystem integration and brand perception.

OnePlus Pad 3 Missing Features: Premium Expectations

At $699, certain omissions become more noticeable. The lack of biometric security options like fingerprint scanning feels outdated for a premium device. Cellular connectivity options would expand the tablet's utility for mobile professionals who need constant internet access.

These missing features highlight the challenge OnePlus faces at premium price points. Users expect comprehensive functionality when paying flagship prices, and any gaps in the feature set become more significant.

Value Proposition: Competitive Analysis

Comparing the OnePlus Pad 3 to similarly priced competitors reveals both strengths and challenges. The iPad Air offers superior app optimization and ecosystem integration at similar pricing. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S10 FE provides more comprehensive features including biometric security and cellular options.

OnePlus's advantages lie in Open Canvas multitasking, clean software experience, and excellent hardware build quality. Whether these advantages justify the premium pricing depends largely on individual user priorities and workflow requirements.

Target Audience: Who Should Consider This

The OnePlus Pad 3 makes most sense for users who prioritize Android compatibility, advanced multitasking capabilities, and premium build quality. Creative professionals who need powerful performance but don't require advanced stylus functionality will find value here.

Business users who work primarily with productivity applications and need reliable performance for presentations, document editing, and communication will appreciate the Open Canvas system and overall execution quality.

However, casual users who primarily consume media and browse the internet might find better value in less expensive alternatives that deliver similar experiences for basic use cases.

The Bottom Line: Premium Execution, Premium Price

The OnePlus Pad 3 represents exceptional engineering and thoughtful software development. Every aspect of the device feels premium, from the display quality to the multitasking capabilities to the overall build quality. OnePlus has created a genuinely compelling Android tablet that can compete with the best offerings from Apple and Samsung.

But success in the premium tablet market requires more than just excellent products. It requires convincing consumers that Android tablets can deliver experiences worth premium pricing, and that OnePlus specifically offers advantages over more established competitors.

The OnePlus Pad 3 achieves its technical goals admirably. Whether it achieves OnePlus's market positioning goals remains to be seen. For users seeking the best Android tablet experience and willing to pay premium prices, this device delivers exceptional value. For users hoping OnePlus would continue offering flagship performance at mid-range prices, the Pad 3 represents a philosophical departure that may disappoint.

The tablet market needed innovation and competition. OnePlus has delivered both with the Pad 3. Whether the market needed another $699 tablet is a different question entirely.