OnePlus recently confirmed that it won’t be launching the OnePlus Open 2, its next-generation foldable, this year. While that news might be disappointing for foldable enthusiasts, OnePlus fans may still have something to look forward to—a new tablet.
Reports suggest that OnePlus could be gearing up to release the OnePlus Pad 3, which is likely to be a rebranded version of the Oppo Pad 4 Pro. According to Notebookcheck, Oppo is preparing to launch the Oppo Pad 4 Pro in China this April, and there’s a good chance that it will be introduced in international markets as the OnePlus Pad 3.
If this speculation turns out to be true, the OnePlus Pad 3 could feature significant upgrades, including a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a larger 10,000mAh battery, and faster 100W charging speeds. With these potential improvements, OnePlus might be looking to cement its position in the high-end Android tablet market.
A Look Back at the OnePlus Pad 2
Before discussing what the OnePlus Pad 3 could bring, let’s quickly review its predecessor, the OnePlus Pad 2. Launched in July 2023, the OnePlus Pad 2 was one of the best Android tablets available at the time, featuring:
- A 12.1-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, offering flagship-level performance
- 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage
- Oxygen OS 14.1, OnePlus’ custom software skin based on Android
- A 9,510mAh battery with 67W SuperVOOC charging
The OnePlus Pad 2 was a solid device, but it didn’t get as much attention as it deserved, likely because OnePlus is still a relatively new player in the tablet market. However, with a more powerful successor, OnePlus might be able to gain more traction.
The OnePlus Pad 3 Could Feature a More Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Processor
One of the biggest rumored upgrades for the OnePlus Pad 3 is its processor. The tablet is expected to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, which would be a direct upgrade over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in the OnePlus Pad 2.
Why the Snapdragon 8 Elite Matters
While Qualcomm hasn’t officially detailed the Snapdragon 8 Elite, leaks suggest that it will bring:
- Higher clock speeds for better performance
- Improved AI processing capabilities
- More efficient power consumption
If these rumors are accurate, the OnePlus Pad 3 could deliver even smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and improved battery efficiency.
A Larger 10,000mAh Battery for Extended Usage
Another exciting possibility for the OnePlus Pad 3 is a larger battery. Reports indicate that the Oppo Pad 4 Pro might ship with a 10,000mAh battery, meaning the OnePlus Pad 3 could receive the same upgrade.
What This Means for Battery Life
- The OnePlus Pad 2 had a 9,510mAh battery, which already delivered excellent endurance.
- With a 10,000mAh battery, the OnePlus Pad 3 could last even longer on a single charge.
- This upgrade could be especially useful for users who stream content, game, or work on their tablet for extended hours.
If OnePlus also improves software optimization, we could see even better battery efficiency, making the Pad 3 one of the best Android tablets for battery life.
100W Fast Charging Could Make a Huge Difference
The OnePlus Pad 2 supported 67W SuperVOOC charging, which was already one of the fastest charging speeds for a tablet. However, rumors suggest that the OnePlus Pad 3 could increase this to 100W SuperVOOC charging.
Why 100W Charging is a Big Deal
- Faster refueling: If OnePlus implements 100W charging, users could potentially charge the Pad 3 from 0 to 100% in under an hour.
- More convenience: Faster charging means less downtime and more productivity for users who rely on their tablets throughout the day.
- Competitive advantage: Many tablets, including the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series, do not feature charging speeds this fast, so this could give OnePlus a major edge in the market.
Will the OnePlus Pad 3 Launch This Year?
While no official confirmation has been made by OnePlus, the potential release of the Oppo Pad 4 Pro in April increases the chances that we might see the OnePlus Pad 3 later this year.
Looking at OnePlus’ previous tablet launches, the OnePlus Pad 2 debuted in July 2023, meaning we could see its successor launch around the same time in 2024. If OnePlus follows the same timeline, the Pad 3 could be announced in mid-to-late 2024.
- The OnePlus Open 2 is not launching this year, meaning OnePlus needs another flagship product to keep consumer interest high.
- The tablet market is growing, and with Samsung and Apple dominating the space, OnePlus has an opportunity to establish itself as a key competitor.
- The OnePlus Pad 2 was well-received, so releasing a strong follow-up could help OnePlus build a loyal tablet user base.
If you’re in the market for a high-end Android tablet, it might be worth waiting to see if the OnePlus Pad 3 gets officially announced.
- The rumored Snapdragon 8 Elite processor could make it one of the most powerful Android tablets.
- A 10,000mAh battery would offer longer usage times, ideal for work, entertainment, and gaming.
- 100W fast charging could make it the fastest-charging tablet in its class.
However, if you need a tablet right now, the OnePlus Pad 2 remains an excellent choice, with strong performance, great battery life, and a reasonable price.
As we approach April 2024, we should get more concrete details about the Oppo Pad 4 Pro—and whether it will indeed be rebranded as the OnePlus Pad 3. Until then, OnePlus fans will have to wait and see what’s in store for the company’s next big Android tablet.
