OnePlus Pad Go 2 review: Matter to fact, and keeping Android tablets relevant

By Admin

18 Dec, 2025

A sensible step forward
It is clear that the OnePlus Pad Go 2 is built around sensible upgrades rather than dramatic changes. Instead of chasing spectacle, OnePlus has focused on refining the fundamentals, resulting in a balanced Android tablet experience that feels more mature and dependable than before. This approach makes the Pad Go 2 feel like a grown-up iteration of its predecessor rather than a radical reinvention.

Positioning in the OnePlus tablet lineup
Within OnePlus’ tablet hierarchy, the ‘Go’ moniker sits just above the entry-level ‘Lite’ series. Think of it as the middle child   and in this latest version, a significantly more polished one. The OnePlus Pad Go 2 represents a clear step forward over the original Pad Go, especially in baseline specifications and everyday usability. While the name may be long-winded, the improvements underneath are straightforward and meaningful.

Performance upgrades that matter
One of the biggest changes is the move to the MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra processor, replacing the MediaTek Helio G99 used earlier. This chipset is paired with 8GB of faster memory and UFS 3.1 storage, an upgrade from the older UFS 2.2 standard. Together, these changes improve app loading times, multitasking, and overall responsiveness. More importantly, they help reinforce the idea of Android tablets as capable multipurpose machines rather than just oversized media players.

Display improvements and stylus support
The display has grown to 12.1 inches, up from 11.35 inches, aligning with what is increasingly becoming the standard size range for Android tablets. The screen is noticeably crisper, brighter, and more vivid. Colour reproduction is strong, making it ideal for content consumption, while the resolution ensures comfortable reading for web pages and ebooks. Stylus support adds another layer of utility, especially for note-taking, sketching, or light creative work.

Open Canvas and multitasking experience
Open Canvas continues to be a defining feature of OnePlus tablets, and the Pad Go 2 benefits from further refinements. Split-screen multitasking makes effective use of the larger display, allowing two apps to run side by side comfortably. Gesture-based shortcuts are available, such as swiping down with two fingers to activate split screen or pinching with four fingers to create floating windows. That said, the three-button menu within the task manager remains the most intuitive way to manage Open Canvas features for many users.

Real-world performance and software refinement
The Dimensity 7300-Ultra is a sensible choice for this tablet’s price and positioning. Several smartphones in the same segment, such as Lava’s Play Ultra, Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 14 Pro, and the Infinix Note 50X, use similar silicon. While some may have expected a jump beyond 8GB RAM, the combination of hardware improvements and OxygenOS 16 refinements delivers a noticeable boost in smoothness. Throughout regular use   whether multitasking, using the tablet as a secondary work screen, or consuming media   the Pad Go 2 remains consistently fluid.

Battery life and charging
Battery capacity has seen a significant generational upgrade, jumping from 8,000mAh to 10,050mAh. With 33W wired charging support, the tablet offers impressive endurance. In real-world use, it can deliver close to 18 hours of video playback, which translates well to everyday app usage. This makes it a reliable companion for short trips, often eliminating the need to carry a charger.

Connectivity options and ecosystem benefits
The variant discussed here does not include a SIM slot and relies on Wi-Fi or mobile network sharing from nearby devices. However, a 5G-enabled version is available for those who want standalone connectivity. For OnePlus phone users, seamless data sharing is a key advantage. As long as both devices are signed into the same OnePlus account, placing them close together enables quick and easy connection sharing.

OxygenOS 16 and OnePlus AI features
OxygenOS 16 stands out as a polished and stable operating system, with visual refinements that make better use of the tablet’s large display. Performance and stability improvements run quietly in the background, while OnePlus AI adds practical enhancements. AI tools in the Photos app, such as AI Eraser, Unblur, and Reflection Eraser, are genuinely useful. AI Translate and AI Summaries add value, especially when working with long documents or PDFs. Gemini integration, including Circle to Search, further strengthens the overall experience.

Verdict: a strong case for Android tablets
At a starting price of ₹23,999, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 justifies its premium over the previous generation through meaningful hardware and software upgrades. It continues a legacy of doing more for the Android tablet ecosystem than many competitors, including Google itself. With a refined design, reliable performance, excellent battery life, and a polished software experience, the Pad Go 2 stands out as one of the most compelling options in its segment. Competition may intensify in early 2026, but for now, it is hard to find a better, newer Android tablet at this price point.