I didn’t expect much from a budget Android tablet, but I use this one all the time now

ZDNET's key takeaways

• The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is a midrange Android tablet available starting at $399.
• As an affordable tablet, the Pad Go 2 has a large 12.1 display with nearly 3K resolution and around 900 nits of brightness.
• The OnePlus Pad Go 2 outperforms more expensive tablets, but don't expect it to outperform an iPad.

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Even as an affordable Android tablet, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 is poised to be a capable entertainment and productivity tablet without the flagship pricing. It's one of the best value tablets I've used recently, and it gets even better when you add the native accessories, such as the OnePlus stylus and folio case.

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The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is the successor to the brand's previous affordable tablet, launched last year, though it features some significant upgrades. The Pad Go 2 features a larger display this year, a 12.1-inch screen with a 7:5 aspect ratio that works well for multitasking, streaming videos, and reading. 

The tablet looked sleek and imposing when I unboxed it, especially after getting used to the 11-inch iPad Pro for everyday work. However, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 remains compact enough to accompany you to work, school, or travel, without weighing down your backpack or shoulder bag like a laptop would.

As an entertainment tablet, the Pad Go 2 performs exceptionally well, particularly when compared to other Android tablets in its price range. It can be an all-day device with a long battery life, allowing it to transition smoothly from work to streaming or gaming. 

I used the OnePlus Pad Go 2 to write and edit my content for over a week, as it paired well with a Bluetooth keyboard, and I wasn't the least bit disappointed with its performance. However, I found it a bit slow for video editing, with occasional app crashes, though not many. 

You can see how the OnePlus Pad Go 2‘s benchmark scores compare to those of similarly priced tablets in the table above, which is organized by price from lowest to highest. The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is one of the best budget-friendly, everyday-use tablets, especially for loyal Android users.

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That said, if you're someone who primarily works with messaging, emails, writing, or editing content, it's a near-perfect on-the-go device. 

Even if Apple is renowned for its display quality and color-grading, the OnePlus Pad Go 2's 2.8K resolution display is surprisingly vibrant and sharp. It's decently bright, capable of reaching up to 900 nits, although it falls slightly short in sunny outdoor environments. 

The vibrancy and intensity of this tablet's realistic colors made it easy to reach for it more often than my iPad to stream content. The tablet has surprisingly powerful speakers, which is a big compliment for a tablet in this price range.

Aside from my Bluetooth keyboard, I got to test the Pad Go 2 with the OnePlus Pad Go 2 Stylo and was surprisingly satisfied by its performance, especially as someone who uses different brands of styluses. 

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I've tested various tablets, ranging from e-paper to full-color displays, in both matte and glossy finishes, for note-taking and drawing. Since each brand tends to have its own stylus, that means I've also tested many electronic pencils and styluses. 

The Go 2 Stylo was very responsive and accurate on the tablet and was designed to work with the Pad Go 2. It also has a similar weight and feel to the Apple Pencil Pro, so it's heavier than a Samsung S Pen. The added weight gives you a sense of control when wielding a pen for drawing, which a lot of graphic artists appreciate. Unfortunately, the Go 2 Stylo doesn't support wireless charging and features a USB-C port for recharging. 

ZDNET's buying advice

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is built for the Android user who doesn't want to be a victim of Samsung's premium pricing but wants a comparable device that can actually outperform most other tablets in this price range.

As a professional, I've used it every day with ease for work and entertainment, but it is capable of handling both, as long as you are aware of its processing limitations. However, this tablet can also be exceedingly useful for other audiences, such as college students who require more versatility and portability than the average Chromebook, all the way up to older users who prefer a lightweight device they can rely on for various purposes.

If you're an Apple user looking for a more affordable tablet, however, I'd recommend the base model iPad 11, which outperforms the OnePlus Pad Go 2 in terms of processing power and is at least $50 cheaper.