OnePlus Pad Go 2: Android’s answer to the base iPad
This mid-range tablet borrows the iPad’s simplicity while adding a few thoughtful Android touches, even if its performance ambitions remain modest
The base iPad has long set the tone for affordable tablets. It is familiar, balanced and easy to recommend. Challenging it has never been simple, but with the new Pad Go 2, OnePlus comes closer than most, offering an Android option that understands why people still buy entry-level iPads in the first place.
At first glance, the Pad Go 2 looks reassuringly known. Flat sides, even bezels and a single rear camera give it a calm, confident shape. The 12.1-inch LCD feels generous.
It slips into a bag easily and sits well on a tray table or desk. The 7:5 aspect ratio comes in handy in reading, streaming and browsing, without favouring one too heavily.
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The display refreshes at up to 120Hz and feels smooth in daily use. According to Android Authority, colours on the display look pleasant. Four speakers add enough weight for multimedia consumption.
Battery life is another strong point of the device. The large 10,050mAh cell lasts several days of mixed use, and 33W charging is quick enough for a mid-range tablet.
Performance is also reasonable for the price — The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra chipset handles everyday tasks without fuss but falls behind both Apple and some Android rivals in raw power. In other words, heavy multitasking and the most demanding games are not its strengths.
Where the Pad Go 2 gains ground is in software support. OnePlus promises five years of Android updates and six years of security patches. That is rare at this price. Thoughtful features such as Open Canvas multitasking and useful AI tools add to its appeal.
At $400, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 does not outclass the iPad, but it offers a capable alternative for readers, travellers and casual viewers who want a well-sized screen and long life without paying flagship prices.
