OnePlus Pad Go 2 review

There is a very specific moment when a tablet makes sense again. It usually happens when your phone screen feels cramped, your laptop feels like too much commitment, and all you want is something that sits comfortably in between. That space between devices is where the OnePlus Pad Go 2 lives.

I found myself reaching for it during those in-between hours of the day. On the kitchen counter while catching up on YouTube videos. On the sofa while half-watching a show and half-replying to messages. On a local train, where balancing a laptop feels impossible and a phone feels limiting. The Pad Go 2 fits neatly into these moments without demanding your full attention or asking you to change how you work.

ALSO READ: OnePlus Pad Go 2 first impressions

This tablet doesn’t try to replace your laptop or compete with ultra-premium iPads. Instead, it focuses on being genuinely useful across many small, everyday scenarios. And once you start using it that way, its strengths begin to show themselves naturally. Let’s dive deeper in our OnePlus Pad Go 2 review.

OnePlus Pad Go 2: Design and build

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 keeps things simple, and that works in its favour. At just 6.83mm thin and under 600 grams, it feels light without feeling fragile. You can hold it comfortably for long reading sessions or prop it up casually on a table without worrying about bulk.

The Lavender Drift finish has a soft, almost dreamy quality to it, while Shadow Black variant, which we got for review, leans more understated and practical. Both look mature without being boring. There is no unnecessary visual drama here, just a well-finished slab of metal that feels considered rather than cost-conscious.

This is also a tablet that travels well. It slips easily into a backpack, sits flat on a desk, and feels equally at home in work settings and relaxed, domestic ones. It does not scream “work device” or “entertainment tablet”, and that balance is exactly the point.

OnePlus Pad Go 2: Display and audio

The 12.1-inch 2.8K display is one of the OnePlus Pad Go 2’s biggest highlights. On paper, it ticks all the right boxes. It’s high resolution, has Dolby Vision support, 120Hz refresh rate, and strong colour gamut coverage.

OnePlus has gone with a 7:5 aspect ratio, and that choice matters more than it sounds. It gives you more vertical space than the usual widescreen tablet layouts, which makes reading articles, reviewing documents, and browsing the web feel more natural. It resembles the proportions of a book rather than a stretched-out video player.

Brightness is more than adequate for indoor use and holds up decently well outdoors too. Colours are vibrant without looking oversaturated, and text stays sharp even during long sessions.

As for audio, generally, quad speakers on a mid-range tablet can be hit or miss, but OnePlus gets it right here. The Pad Go 2 sounds fuller than you might expect at this price point. Dialogue comes through clearly, music has decent depth, and there is enough volume to fill a room, although, there’s some distortion at higher volume levels.

Watching shows or YouTube videos does not require headphones unless you want them. The stereo separation adapts well as you rotate the tablet, which makes casual viewing feel effortless. It is not trying to replace a soundbar, but for everyday use, it more than holds its own.

OnePlus Pad Go 2: Multitasking

There’s a reason why I’m mentioning multitasking even before I’ve spoken about performance, because this is where the OnePlus Pad Go 2 truly stands out. OnePlus’ Open Canvas is not just another split-screen feature. It genuinely changes how you use the tablet.

You can run two full-screen apps side by side, without them feeling cramped or compromised. A browser and a document. A video lecture and your notes. A messaging app and your email. Everything feels fluid and intentional.

What makes it work is how natural it feels. Gestures are intuitive, window management is flexible, and the system adapts quickly as you shift between tasks.

OnePlus Pad Go 2: Performance, software, and camera

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra and running OxygenOS 16, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 feels responsive and reliable for everyday use. Apps open quickly, animations are smooth, and everyday tasks feel effortless.

This is not a tablet designed for heavy-duty creative workloads or intense gaming sessions, but for browsing, streaming, note-taking, and productivity, it rarely falters. The software stays out of your way, which is exactly what you want.

OxygenOS 16, on a tablet, feels thoughtfully adapted. The interface makes good use of the larger screen, multitasking tools are easy to access, and nothing feels awkwardly scaled up from a phone experience.

The cameras, unsurprisingly, are not the reason you buy this tablet, but they do their job without getting in the way. The 8MP front camera is perfectly serviceable for work calls and online classes. The rear camera is best treated as a utility tool rather than a creative one, though.

ALSO READ: OnePlus Pad Pro announced with 12.1-inch display and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC

One of the most underrated features here is 5G connectivity. You get a Wi-Fi only variant, as well as a Wi-Fi + 5G option. Tablets with cellular support often feel niche until you use one regularly. Then it becomes hard to go back.

Being able to step out without worrying about Wi-Fi or hotspot juggling is quietly liberating. Whether you are commuting, working from a café, or travelling, the Pad Go 2 stays connected through it all.

OnePlus Pad Go 2: Battery life

Battery anxiety is not part of the OnePlus Pad Go 2 experience. The 10,050mAh battery is well-optimised and lasts comfortably through a full day of mixed use, with juice left to spare. Streaming, browsing, multitasking, and note-taking barely seem to faze it.

What stands out is consistency. Battery drain feels predictable and stable, not erratic. Fast charging helps when you need a top-up, but most days, you will not be reaching for the charger until late evening.

Unboxed Take: Should you go for the OnePlus Pad Go 2?

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 does not chase extremes. It does not aim to be the most powerful, the most premium, or the most aspirational tablet on the market. Instead, it focuses on balance. It balances work and play. Portability and screen size. Performance and efficiency. Simplicity and flexibility.

Open Canvas multitasking is genuinely excellent, 5G connectivity adds real-world convenience, battery life is reassuringly solid, and the overall experience feels polished in ways that matter day to day.

For anyone looking for a tablet that fits into modern life without demanding constant attention, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 makes a strong, quietly confident case for itself. For this reason, it scores a strong 4/5 points. What are your thoughts about the OnePlus Pad Go 2? Drop a comment to let us know and stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for more gadget reviews.