OnePlus Pad 3

The OnePlus Pad 3 is a high-end, media-first Android tablet. It succeeds the Pad 2 with a larger display, and the whole package is built around power and screen size. A Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset paired with a 13.2-inch, 144Hz panel signals that OnePlus is chasing flagship territory. At $699.99, it asks a serious price for an Android tablet.

It is aimed at people who want a large, fluid screen for streaming, gaming and multitasking at home or on Wi-Fi. The roughly 6mm aluminum body, which OnePlus says is its thinnest tablet yet, and the tidier corner camera bump give it a more refined look than earlier OnePlus Pads. Anyone who needs mobile data, navigation or a tablet that can shrug off a splash should look elsewhere, because those features are missing.

On paper, the Pad 3 delivers where it counts for a premium slate. The Snapdragon 8 Elite should leave plenty of performance headroom. The 144Hz refresh rate on such a large panel is a strong draw for gaming and scrolling. The eight-speaker setup also suits its entertainment focus, though only one source reports that detail.

• Performance and screen: These are the headline strengths. Few buyers will feel short-changed on speed or display smoothness.
• Design: A 6mm aluminum chassis on a 13.2-inch device is impressive. The redesigned camera placement looks cleaner than the old circular cutout.
• Battery: PCMag recorded 8 hours, 53 minutes in its testing. That is respectable but not class-leading for a tablet this large. Fast 80W charging softens the blow.
• Omissions: There is no cellular option, no GPS and no IP rating. These gaps limit it as a travel or outdoor device.
• Extras: The Stylo 2 stylus is sold separately, which adds to the real cost for note-takers and artists.

Overall, this is a powerful, well-built home and Wi-Fi tablet with an excellent-sounding spec sheet for media and productivity. Its missing connectivity and protection, plus a merely decent tested battery life, keep it short of a perfect score. The information supplied covers hardware well but says little about long-term software support, so that part of the picture remains uncertain.