OnePlus has officially unveiled the OnePlus Pad Go 2, a mid-range tablet that aims to redefine value in the budget segment. Announced on December 17, 2025, the successor to the original Pad Go brings significant upgrades in performance, display size, and, most notably, software support. Priced competitively at USD 399.99, it enters a crowded market but distinguishes itself with a commitment to longevity that even surpasses the company's latest smartphones. This article delves into the specifications, features, and positioning of the new tablet, examining whether it has what it takes to become a standout choice for consumers seeking a capable and future-proof device without a premium price tag.
Pricing & Availability:
- OnePlus Pad Go 2 (Tablet): USD 399.99
- OnePlus Pad Go 2 Stylo: USD 79.99
- Folio Case: USD 44.99 (free with pre-order while supplies last)
- Pre-orders: Started December 17, 2025, on OnePlus.com.
- General Sales: Begin December 26, 2025, on OnePlus.com; expands to Amazon and Best Buy in January 2026.
A Focus on Display and Design for Productivity and Portability
The OnePlus Pad Go 2 centers its user experience around a large 12.1-inch LCD display, a notable step up from its predecessor. With a sharp 2.8K resolution (2800 x 1980 pixels) and a unique 7:5 aspect ratio, the screen is designed to offer more vertical space, mimicking the layout of a book or document for improved reading and browsing. This design choice provides a 14% larger active area compared to standard 16:10 tablet screens, making it particularly suited for productivity tasks. The display also supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and Dolby Vision for enhanced video playback, with a peak brightness of 900 nits ensuring good visibility. Encased in a sleek, 6.83mm thin chassis weighing approximately 597 grams, the tablet maintains a focus on portability. It launches in a single Shadow Black color with a matte finish, presenting a modern and understated aesthetic.
Key Specifications at a Glance:
- Display: 12.1-inch LCD, 2800 x 1980 (2.8K), 120Hz, 7:5 aspect ratio, Dolby Vision
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra (4nm)
- Memory/Storage: 8GB RAM, 128GB storage
- Battery & Charging: 10,050 mAh, 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging (45W adapter in box), 6.5W reverse charging
- Cameras: 8MP rear, 8MP front
- Software: OxygenOS 16 (Android 16), 5 years of software updates, 6 years of security updates
- Audio: Quad speakers
- Dimensions & Weight: 266.01 x 192.77 x 6.83 mm, 597g (Wi-Fi model)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and 5G variants available
- Color: Shadow Black
Performance and Ecosystem Connectivity Powered by New Hardware
Under the hood, the Pad Go 2 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra chipset, built on a 4nm process. This represents a substantial generational leap from the Helio G99 found in the first-generation model, promising better efficiency and performance for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. The tablet comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. A significant highlight is its ecosystem connectivity. For OnePlus phone users, features like App Relay, Screen Mirroring, and clipboard synchronization create a seamless cross-device experience. Perhaps more impressively, the new O+ Connect feature extends this functionality to Apple devices and Windows/Mac computers, enabling wireless file sharing and improving its utility in mixed-device environments. It also retains support for standard Android features like Quick Share.
Unprecedented Software Support and AI-Enhanced Features
The most surprising and compelling specification of the OnePlus Pad Go 2 is its software update policy. Launching with OxygenOS 16 based on Android 16, OnePlus promises five years of major Android updates and six years of security patches. This commitment is remarkable for a mid-range tablet and, notably, exceeds the four years of software updates offered for the flagship OnePlus 15 and 15R phones announced simultaneously. This focus on long-term software health directly addresses a common pain point in the budget tablet market. The tablet is also equipped with a suite of OnePlus AI tools, including AI Writer, Recorder, and Translator, aimed at boosting productivity. Direct integration with Google Gemini provides quick access to the AI assistant, including Circle to Search functionality, via a dedicated lock screen button.
Battery, Accessories, and Market Positioning
Keeping the device running is a substantial 10,050mAh battery, which supports 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging. OnePlus claims a full charge takes just over 90 minutes, and the package includes a 45W adapter. The tablet also offers a 6.5W reverse charging feature to top up other devices like smartphones. For creatives and note-takers, OnePlus offers the optional Pad Go 2 Stylo, a Bluetooth stylus with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and up to 20 hours of battery life. Priced at USD 79.99, it enables features like screen-off quick notes and gesture shortcuts. With pre-orders starting on December 17 and general sales beginning December 26, 2025, on OnePlus.com (followed by Amazon and Best Buy in January 2026), the Pad Go 2 positions itself as a direct competitor to Apple's entry-level iPad and Samsung's Galaxy Tab S10 FE, challenging them with its larger screen and exceptional software promise at a similar price point.