OnePlus Pad Go, OnePlus’ recent proposal in the tablet market, presents itself as a more accessible variant of its predecessor OnePlus Pad, despite maintaining some of the qualities that distinguish the line. The new model, currently sold for 299 euros, presents itself as an interesting option for those looking for a device mainly for multimedia use rather than for gaming or other more complex operations, given its less performing hardware configuration.
The design of OnePlus Pad Go maintains a refined and minimalist aesthetic, with an aluminum body that gives the feeling of solidity despite the low price. The most obvious change compared to the previous model is represented by the presence of a shiny plastic band on the back, which could have a function of improving reception, but which does not alter the overall balance of the design. The lightness and small size make the tablet easy to handle and suitable for prolonged use, also thanks to its optimized format.
The 11.4-inch IPS display of the OnePlus Pad Go offers a resolution of 2.4K, but with slightly lower brightness and color rendering than the previous model. The refresh rate has been reduced to 90Hz, which is sufficient for most everyday tasks and video streaming, but lower than the 144Hz of the OnePlus Pad. Despite these limitations, the display performs well in various lighting conditions and maintains good readability even at extreme viewing angles.
The tablet is equipped with four speakers that support Dolby Atmos audio, offering an immersive and well-balanced listening experience. This aspect, together with the three good quality microphones, makes the OnePlus Pad Go an excellent choice for video calls and multimedia use, especially considering the possibility of inserting a SIM for LTE connectivity. The device arrives on the market with Android 13 and OxygenOS 13.2, a choice that could disappoint those looking for the latest in terms of software, given that Android 14 had already been available for a few months. However, the promise of frequent updates could mitigate this flaw. OxygenOS offers a clean interface suitable for use on tablets, with good integration possibilities with other OnePlus, Oppo or Realme devices.
Equipped with the MediaTek Helio G99 chip, 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 2.2 internal storage, the OnePlus Pad Go handles daily applications and multitasking well. However, its performance in more demanding games is limited, suggesting that it is not the ideal choice for gaming enthusiasts. The 8000mAh battery guarantees excellent durability, with the ability to handle days of intensive use without frequent recharging. The 8MP cameras, both front and rear, offer adequate performance for video calls but do not particularly stand out for quality in traditional photography contexts, also limited by the lack of support for 4K video.
Ultimately, the OnePlus Pad Go stands out in the budget tablet segment for its attractive design, good audio performance and the excellent materials with which it is made, all elements that make its value very attractive for the price range at which it is sold . Although the processor is not the most suitable for advanced performance, the device is more than adequate for multimedia and productive use. With a list price of 329 euros and the introductory offer at 299, this Pad Go offers good value for money, but must compete with fierce competitors in its market segment, which offer alternatives with potentially superior technical specifications at similar prices or lower.