OnePlus’s 2025 tablet range covers both the premium and budget ends of the market – but which should you go for?
The OnePlus Pad 3 is a high-performance, feature-rich Android tablet that aims to rival much pricier models, while the OnePlus Pad Lite is a straightforward, affordable option with a focus on value and everyday practicality.
After using both side by side, the differences are clear – and so are the strengths and weaknesses of each. Here’s how the two tablets compare.
Pricing and availability
The OnePlus Pad 3 is available in the UK starting at £529 and in the US for $699, with 256GB or 512GB and 12GB or 16GB of RAM depending on the variant you go for.
The OnePlus Pad Lite starts at a much cheaper £199 in the UK, with 128GB of RAM and 6GB of RAM, or £229 with a boosted 8GB of RAM and cellular connectivity.
Design
The OnePlus Pad 3 immediately impresses with its premium, flat-edged aluminium build. It’s slim, feels robust, and the deep blue finish is genuinely eye-catching when compared to the usual grey slabs.
The new corner camera housing looks more modern than that of its predecessor, and the overall fit and finish are excellent.
The optional Smart Keyboard and Stylo 2 stylus (both sold separately) add real versatility to the experience, making the Pad 3 a strong contender for both productivity and creativity, though the lack of Bluetooth on the new keyboard is a minor step back.
The OnePlus Pad Lite, on the other hand, is all about practicality. It’s solidly built with a machined metal body and a Cool Blue finish, and while it doesn’t have the same premium feel as the Pad 3, it’s still reassuringly sturdy.
At 530g, it’s lighter and easier to handle for long sessions, and the rounder corners help with grip. The landscape camera placement is a thoughtful thought for video calls, but overall, the design is more functional than stylish.
Winner: OnePlus Pad 3
Screen
The Pad 3’s 13-2-inch IPS LCD is a standout feature of the tablet. The large, high-resolution display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 7:5 aspect ratio is fantastic for both productivity and entertainment.
Colours are vibrant, brightness is strong, and the extra screen real estate makes multitasking genuinely useful. While it’s not OLED< the display quality is still excellent for the price, and it’s a pleasure to use for everything from streaming to split-screen work.
The Pad Lite’s 11-inch LCD is unsurprisingly more basic considering its cheaper price point, with a lower refresh rate and a slower 90Hz refresh rate. It’s still perfectly adequate for casual use, but the text and icons aren’t as sharp, and the overall experience isn’t as immersive or crisp as on the Pad 3.
Viewing angles are good, and it’s bright enough for most situations, but if you’re particular about display quality, the difference is noticeable.
Winner: OnePlus Pad 3
Cameras
Neither tablet is designed with photography in mind – which tablet is? – but the Pad 3’s 13MP rear and 8MP front cameras are serviceable for video calls and document scanning. Low-light performance and detail are limited, but for occasional use, they get the job done.
The Pad Lite drops to 5MP sensors on both the front and back. These are strictly for basic video calls or snapping a quick document, with photos lacking detail and vibrancy, and video is capped at 30fps.
The landscape orientation of the selfie camera is handy for calls, but really, it’s not a device for anyone who cares about camera quality.
Winner: OnePlus Pad 3
Performance
Considering its comfortably mid-range price point, the OnePlus Pad 3 is a genuine powerhouse. With the top-end Snapdragon 8 Elite and up to 16GB of RAM to play with, it handles multitasking, gaming and demanding apps with flawless ease.
The tablet stays cool under load, and the performance is consistently smooth, making it one of the few Android tablets that can genuinely compete with Apple’s iPads in real-world use.
The Pad Lite, on the other hand, was built with more basic tasks in mind. The MediaTek Helio G100 and 8GB of RAM are enough for web browsing, streaming and light multitasking, but it’s not a device for heavy workloads or gaming.
Instead, it’s the cellular connectivity that’s a real bonus at the price point, making it a great option for staying connected on the go – you just need to weigh up whether that’s worth the cost of performance.
Winner: OnePlus Pad 3
Software
Both tablets run OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, and both feature a suite of tablet-focused features that make a real difference in daily use.
Open Canvas multitasking, dynamic app scaling and O+ Connect for seamless file sharing and remote Mac access all help the tablets stand out compared to much of the competition.
The only real downside is the promise of just three OS upgrades for both tablets, particularly when it comes to the more expensive Pad 3, which is less than some rivals.
Winner: Tie
Battery life
The Pad 3’s 21,140mAh battery is a real strength. It easily lasts a full day of heavy use or several days of lighter tasks, and standby time is similarly excellent. Fast charging support (up to 80W, but the charger isn’t included) means you’re not left waiting long for a top-up, and the battery performance is among the best in its class.
The Pad Lite’s 9340mAh battery is also impressive for its size and price. It comfortably gets through a full day, and standby times are also strong. Charging is slower, capped at 33W (again, charger not included), but it’s still quick enough for most users.
Winner: OnePlus Pad 3
Final Thoughts
The OnePlus Pad 3 is the clear choice for anyone wanting a premium Android tablet experience without the flagship price tag. It combines a high-quality design, excellent display, top-tier performance and long battery life, making it a superb all-rounder for work and play.
The Pad Lite is a budget-friendly winner, especially for those who value cellular connectivity and a clean, intuitive software experience. It’s not a powerhouse, and the screen is comparatively basic, but for casual users or as a secondary device, it’s hard to beat at its entry-level price.
If you want a tablet that can handle everything you can throw at it, the OnePlus Pad 3 is one of the best Android tablets you can get. If you’re after a cheap, reliable and connected tablet for everyday use, the OnePlus Pad Lite is a smart buy.
