If Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs feel too pricey, OnePlus’ Pad 3 might be the smarter buy. The Black Friday sale has pushed it to its lowest price yet, making this powerhouse Android tablet worth a closer look.
If you’re put off by the steep price of Samsung’s Galaxy tablets, OnePlus’ Pads are some of the best alternatives that won’t break the bank. Even better, Black Friday has dropped the latest Pad 3 to a new record‑low price of $579. This is a massive $120 cut from the usual $699 at Amazon and OnePlus’ store.
You can also get the OnePlus Stylo 2 for free when buying directly from OnePlus, saving another $100 compared to purchasing the accessory separately. Only one variant of the Pad 3 is available: 12 GB RAM with 256 GB storage.
Why Buy the OnePlus Pad 3 Instead of the Galaxy Tab S11
The OnePlus Pad 3, introduced in June, is essentially a larger and more powerful version of last year’s Pad 2. While it packs high‑end specs, it’s priced in the mid‑range category. Notably, this lowers the barrier for users who want a capable machine for work and media consumption.
It features a 13.2‑inch IPS LCD with 2400 × 3392 resolution, a 144 Hz refresh rate, and 900 nits of brightness. Wider than many tablets, its panel is among the sharpest and brightest. Paired with a keyboard and mouse, it can serve as a laptop replacement. OxygenOS 16 further enhances multitasking, making multiple windows easier to manage.
The OnePlus Pad 3 can be paired with a new keyboard case accessory for a laptop-like setup. Image source: OnePlus
Performance is top‑tier thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. This chip delivers powerful processing and graphics, allowing you to run virtually any task, ranging from on‑device AI and video editing to AAA gaming. For streaming, the Pad 3’s eight‑speaker stereo setup provides loud, clear audio.
The large display is backed by a 12,140 mAh battery, giving extended runtime that easily lasts a full day of moderate to heavy use.
One drawback to note is the shorter software policy compared to Samsung’s tablets. The Pad 3 will receive only three years of major Android OS upgrades, though this is typical for most Chinese tablets.
Are you planning to buy the OnePlus Pad 3 as a laptop replacement? How would you use it? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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