Simon 
The Android tablet market has been heating up, and OnePlus has emerged as a serious contender with their impressive Pad series. With the OnePlus Pad 3 Australia launch generating significant buzz, many Australian consumers are wondering whether they should upgrade from the OnePlus Pad 2 or skip this generation altogether. This comprehensive OnePlus tablet comparison will help you decide if the OnePlus Pad 3 vs Pad 2 battle has a clear winner for your needs and budget.
OnePlus Pad 3 Australia – What’s New?
The OnePlus Pad 3 represents a significant leap forward from its predecessor, positioning itself as one of the best Android tablets 2025 has to offer. The tablet features a 13.2″ display, powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, with a massive 12140 mAh battery, 512 GB storage, and 16 GB RAM.
The most impressive upgrade is the move to the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which delivers substantially better performance compared to the Pad 2’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This translates to smoother multitasking, enhanced gaming capabilities, and improved AI processing for features like advanced photo editing and real-time translation.
The display has also received attention, with the screen size increasing to 13.2 inches from the Pad 2’s 12.1-inch panel. This provides more screen real estate for productivity tasks and media consumption, making it particularly appealing for professionals and content creators.
Battery life has been enhanced with the larger 12140mAh capacity, promising extended usage between charges. The tablet maintains OnePlus’s signature fast charging capabilities, ensuring minimal downtime when you do need to top up.
OnePlus has also refined the design language, creating a more premium feel whilst maintaining the lightweight profile that made the Pad 2 so popular. The tablet continues to run OxygenOS based on Android, with OnePlus promising timely updates and enhanced tablet-specific optimisations.
ONEPLUS Pad 3 WiFi 13.2"IPS 256 512GB SD8Elite GLOBAL VERSION Tablet By FedEx
OnePlus Pad 2 – Still Worth Buying in 2025?
Despite being the older model, the OnePlus Pad 2 remains a compelling choice for Australian consumers in 2025. Currently priced at AU$449 (reduced from AU$499), it offers excellent value for money with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB RAM configuration.
The Pad 2’s 12.1-inch 3K display continues to impress with its 144Hz refresh rate and excellent colour accuracy. The tablet’s 9510mAh battery provides substantial usage time, and the 67W fast charging ensures quick top-ups when needed.
What makes the OnePlus Pad 2 particularly attractive is its mature ecosystem. All major accessories are readily available, software bugs have been ironed out through updates, and the user experience is highly polished. For users who don’t need the absolute latest specifications, the Pad 2 offers flagship-level performance at a more accessible price point.
The tablet excels in everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, productivity work, and light gaming. Its build quality remains excellent, and the premium materials give it a reassuring feel that justifies the investment.
For budget-conscious buyers or those who primarily use their tablet for media consumption and basic productivity, the OnePlus Pad 2 represents outstanding value in the current market.
OnePlus Pad 3 vs Pad 2: Full Specs & Performance Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus Pad 3 | OnePlus Pad 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 13.2″ 3K+ | 12.1″ 3K (144Hz) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM | 16GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 512GB | 256GB |
| Battery | 12140mAh | 9510mAh |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Rear Camera | 13MP | 13MP |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging |
| Operating System | OxygenOS (Android 15) | OxygenOS (Android 14) |
| Weight | ~590g | 584g |
The performance difference between these tablets is significant but may not be immediately noticeable for casual users. The Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Pad 3 offers approximately 25-30% better CPU performance and 40% improved GPU performance compared to the Pad 2’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
For demanding tasks like 4K video editing, heavy multitasking with multiple apps, or playing graphically intensive games, the Pad 3’s superior processing power becomes apparent. However, for typical tablet usage including streaming, web browsing, and office applications, both tablets deliver excellent performance.
The increased RAM and storage in the Pad 3 provide better future-proofing and allow for more apps to remain active in memory, reducing reload times when switching between applications.
OnePlus Pad 3 Accessories You Should Know About
The OnePlus Pad 3 accessories ecosystem has been thoughtfully designed to transform the tablet into a complete productivity powerhouse:
OnePlus Magnetic Keyboard: This premium keyboard attachment features a comfortable typing experience with well-spaced keys and a precision trackpad. The magnetic attachment system is robust, and the keyboard doubles as a screen protector when folded closed. The keyboard includes dedicated function keys and shortcuts optimised for Android productivity apps.
OnePlus Stylo 2: The upgraded stylus offers improved pressure sensitivity and palm rejection compared to the original Stylo. It’s perfect for digital artists, note-takers, and anyone who needs precise input. The stylus attaches magnetically to the tablet’s edge and charges wirelessly, ensuring it’s always ready when needed.
OnePlus Folio Case: This protective case provides comprehensive protection whilst maintaining easy access to all ports and buttons. The case includes multiple viewing angles for different usage scenarios and premium materials that complement the tablet’s design.
OnePlus 80W SuperVOOC Charger: While the tablet includes a charger, the dedicated 80W charger provides even faster charging speeds, reducing downtime significantly.
OnePlus USB-C Hub: This accessory expands connectivity options with additional USB ports, HDMI output, and memory card slots, making the tablet more versatile for professional use.
The accessory ecosystem is designed to work seamlessly together, creating a cohesive user experience that rivals traditional laptop setups for many users.
Verdict – Should You Upgrade?
The decision between the OnePlus Pad 3 and Pad 2 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget constraints.
Choose the OnePlus Pad 3 if:
- You need the absolute best performance for demanding tasks
- The larger 13.2″ display appeals to you
- You want the latest features and longest software support
- Budget isn’t a primary concern
- You’re planning to use intensive apps or games
Choose the OnePlus Pad 2 if:
- You’re looking for excellent value for money
- Your usage is primarily media consumption and light productivity
- You prefer a more compact 12.1″ form factor
- You want to save money without sacrificing core functionality
- You’re happy with proven, mature software
For existing OnePlus Pad 2 owners, the upgrade isn’t essential unless you specifically need the enhanced performance or larger display. The Pad 2 remains a capable device that will serve most users well for years to come.
New buyers should consider their long-term needs and budget. The OnePlus Pad 3 offers better future-proofing, whilst the Pad 2 provides immediate value and savings that could be spent on accessories or other devices.
Both tablets represent excellent choices in the Android tablet market, cementing OnePlus’s position as a serious competitor to established players like Samsung and Apple in the premium tablet space.
FAQ
Can I use OnePlus Pad 2 accessories with the OnePlus Pad 3?
Is the OnePlus Pad 3 available in Australia?
How long will OnePlus provide software updates for these tablets?
Last updated: July 2025. Prices and availability subject to change. Always verify current pricing and specifications with retailers before purchasing.
