The OnePlus Pad Lite is an entry-level Android tablet offered by the Chinese tech giant OnePlus. Priced affordably, this tablet boasts great battery life and clean software but may fall short in terms of technical specifications compared to its competitors in the market.
Design & Build:
The Pad Lite features a sleek and symmetrical design with a matt ‘Aero Blue’ finish that feels premium and resists fingerprint smudges. Despite being slightly heavier than some competitors, it is still easy to handle and carry around. The absence of a fingerprint scanner is a notable downside, as the facial recognition feature may not be as secure or convenient in certain situations.
Screen & Speakers:
Equipped with an 11-inch FHD+ LCD display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, the Pad Lite offers a decent viewing experience for everyday tasks like reading, browsing, and media playback. The four-speaker setup delivers loud and clear audio, although the placement of the speakers on the short edges may pose a challenge when using the tablet in landscape mode.
Specs & Performance:
Powered by a MediaTek Helio G100 chipset and 8GB of RAM, the Pad Lite handles typical tasks with ease, including web browsing, streaming, video calls, and light gaming. The device’s Open Canvas multitasking feature allows for seamless use of two apps simultaneously, enhancing productivity. However, the lack of expandable storage and a Micro-SD slot may limit the device’s storage capabilities for some users.
Cameras:
The Pad Lite sports basic 5MP front and rear cameras that offer passable performance for casual photography. While the color balance is decent in good lighting conditions, the lack of detail and depth in images may be a drawback for users looking for high-quality photography.
Battery Life & Charging:
With a hefty 9,340mAh battery, the Pad Lite ensures all-day battery life for uninterrupted usage. However, the slow charging speed with the included 12W charger may be a downside for users looking for quick recharging. OnePlus offers an optional 80W charger for faster charging speeds, but it is not included in the standard package.
Software & Apps:
The Pad Lite runs on OxygenOS based on Android 15, providing a clean and minimalistic user experience typical of OnePlus devices. The software is free from bloatware and offers useful features like file sharing and screen mirroring, particularly beneficial for users already in the OnePlus ecosystem.
Price & Availability:
The OnePlus Pad Lite is available in two configurations: a 6GB RAM + 128GB Wi-Fi model for £199 and an 8GB RAM + 128GB LTE variant for £229. While the Pad Lite competes with other budget tablets in the market, its pricing puts it in direct competition with devices like the Redmi Pad 2 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+. Pre-orders are currently available on the OnePlus UK website.
Should you buy the OnePlus Pad Lite?
The OnePlus Pad Lite is a competent budget tablet that excels in basic tasks like streaming and browsing. However, it may fall short in certain areas such as display quality, storage options, and additional features like a fingerprint scanner. For users seeking a simple and functional tablet without the frills, the Pad Lite may be a suitable choice.