The OnePlus Pad 3 has officially been launched globally alongside the OnePlus 13s, and it's clear the brand is stepping up its tablet game. This latest model is engineered for high performance and on-the-go productivity, thanks to the inclusion of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a massive 12,140mAh battery. With these specs, OnePlus is targeting users who demand both power and portability. And with a thickness of just 5.97mm, the Pad 3 is among the slimmest tablets on the market—comparable to, and even slimmer than, some flagship smartphones like the Galaxy S25 Edge.
OnePlus Pad 3: A Stylish Evolution in Design and Display
With the OnePlus Pad 3, the brand has clearly embraced a more sophisticated design language. The tablet debuts in two understated yet elegant shades — Storm Blue and Frosted Silver. Unlike the more vibrant colour options we saw with the earlier OnePlus Pad models, the new hues lean into a softer, more refined aesthetic. The Storm Blue version, in particular, exudes a premium vibe that subtly echoes the Midnight Blue finish of Apple’s MacBook Air M2—classy, minimal, and eye-catching without being loud.
One of the most noticeable changes is the revised camera placement. Abandoning the previous central circular setup, OnePlus has now shifted the camera module to the top-right corner — a move that aligns with current smartphone trends. This new layout, with its modest camera bump, gives off a design language reminiscent of early leaks of the upcoming OnePlus Nord 5, adding a touch of continuity across OnePlus devices.
However, the glossy rear panel is a bit prone to fingerprint smudges, which slightly dulls the overall finish. Despite that, the colourway and build still offer a compelling visual appeal that’s hard to ignore.
Measuring just 5.97mm in thickness and weighing 675 grams, the Pad 3 is impressively slim while maintaining a solid in-hand feel. Though the dimensions have grown slightly compared to previous versions, it still strikes a commendable balance between portability and usability.
The front is dominated by a 13.2-inch LCD panel with a 144Hz adaptive refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals ideal for streaming, gaming, or everyday multitasking. Indoors, the brightness is excellent, although sunlight legibility is yet to be tested thoroughly.
All things considered, the OnePlus Pad 3 blends design elegance with practical display features, setting a strong tone for what could be OnePlus' most well-rounded tablet yet.
OnePlus Pad 3: Performance, Software, and Battery Life
With the OnePlus Pad 3, the brand has taken a no-compromise approach to performance. At its core lies the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite chipset, the same powerhouse that drives flagship models like the OnePlus 13, Xiaomi 15, and the Galaxy S25 series. It's a clear signal that OnePlus is serious about bringing high-end computing to the tablet space—something we’ve come to expect from the company’s tablet line, and it's reassuring to see that tradition continue.
In day-to-day usage, the Pad 3 delivers a buttery smooth experience. App switching is seamless, social media browsing is quick and responsive, and video playback—whether on YouTube or OTT platforms—is crisp and fluid. Everything feels polished and fast, just as a premium device should.
We’ll be testing it more rigorously in the days ahead, particularly in areas like high-performance gaming, split-screen multitasking, and creative workflows. Those results will be part of our full, in-depth review.
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On the software front, the tablet ships with OxygenOS 15, built on Android 15, and it brings a suite of smart AI features to the table. You get tools like AI Translate, AI Summary, and several Gemini-integrated utilities that aim to simplify productivity. Unlike many tablets where AI feels like an afterthought, here it’s integrated meaningfully—especially for users who switch between studying, remote work, and creative projects.
Another standout feature is the massive 12,140mAh battery, all packed into a body that’s just under 6mm thick. It’s an impressive engineering feat and a significant leap from previous models. Coupled with 80W fast charging, it promises all-day (and possibly two-day) performance.
Of course, real-world usage will reveal more about how it holds up under pressure—so stay tuned for our detailed battery and performance breakdown in the final review.
OnePlus Pad 3: Camera Setup and Everyday Utility
When it comes to tablets, camera performance typically takes a backseat—and the OnePlus Pad 3 is no exception. The device features a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front-facing camera, mirroring the exact setup found on its predecessor, the OnePlus Pad 2.
The rear sensor handles basic photography tasks adequately. It’s perfectly suited for casual snapshots, document scanning, or snapping whiteboard notes during meetings. Don’t expect flagship-level results, but for occasional use in well-lit conditions, it holds its own.
The front camera is where the Pad 3 offers more consistent value. With online meetings, virtual classrooms, and video calls becoming part of daily routines, the 8MP selfie camera proves reliable. It captures decent clarity and works well in most lighting conditions, making it ideal for Zoom, Google Meet, or WhatsApp video chats.
However, those hoping for any significant camera upgrade this year may be left underwhelmed. There’s little to no improvement in hardware or AI-driven camera software over the previous model. It’s a missed opportunity, especially as competitors start to enhance their front-facing camera setups for hybrid work environments.
Still, let’s keep perspective—tablet cameras are built for practicality, not perfection. The OnePlus Pad 3 delivers just that: functional, no-frills imaging capabilities that get the job done without being a focal point of the device.
Final Thoughts: Is the OnePlus Pad 3 Worth It?
The OnePlus Pad 3 marks a bold step forward in the company’s tablet journey. With a noticeably slimmer, more refined design and improved ergonomics, it immediately feels like a polished upgrade. Whether you're carrying it around in a bag or using it for work and entertainment, the sleek 5.97mm chassis and lightweight build make it an incredibly portable and stylish companion.
Performance-wise, the Pad 3 doesn’t hold back. Armed with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a robust 12,140mAh battery, it's clearly designed for power users who want desktop-level capability in a compact form. These upgrades position it as a serious contender in the premium Android tablet segment.
That said, it’s not without compromises. The camera system remains virtually unchanged, and the use of an LCD panel instead of AMOLED might disappoint some display purists. These areas could have used a refresh, especially when the rest of the hardware feels so forward-thinking.
As for pricing, OnePlus is staying tight-lipped for now. But given the launch price of the Pad 2 (around ₹45,000), and factoring in the upgraded internals this time, a modest price hike seems inevitable. Still, if OnePlus can strike the right balance, the Pad 3 could easily become the most attractively priced tablet featuring Qualcomm’s flagship silicon.
In summary, the OnePlus Pad 3 offers a solid blend of style, power, and portability, making it a strong option for anyone seeking a premium Android tablet in 2025. Keep an eye on the official pricing—because if it lands right, this could be OnePlus’ best tablet yet.
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