As Android tabs search for workplace wizardry, OnePlus Pad 2 gets subtly close

It has gone through so many pivotal moments in the past, all falling short, that it’s often felt that any search for Android’s response to the finesse that an Apple iPad (it can be any, including the Pro options) delivers when paired with a keyboard, may prove to be as elusive as any search has been, for the Big Foot. Perhaps not the Big Foot, but many have come close but fallen a couple of steps short. OnePlus’ own OnePlus Pad from 2023, was impressive, but the software needed more to find itself on an even peg with iPadOS. A year later, the OnePlus Pad 2 has been judged very close to Android tablet perfection. The fine print remains, however. Two sides to the same coin, as I’ll illustrate.

For starters, it must be noted that tablets are becoming larger. At least as an option among a wider consideration. The idea seems to be, a larger screen option would be great for movie viewing, reading and indeed, for work apps when the keyboard is deployed. It is the latter, which is increasingly becoming the go-to pitch. Take the OnePlus Pad 2 as an example – the screen size is now 12.1-inches, up from 11.61-inches of its predecessor, the OnePlus Pad. That’s well within the new-found range too. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ and the Galaxy Tab S9+ have even larger 12.4-inch screens.