TL;DR: It will more than likely be a very minimal upgrade. But there’s high hopes for the future!
It’s been a little over a year since the release of the first OnePlus Pad and since they’re announcing a Summer Launch event this July 16th with a new Tablet, Watch and Buds
I am particularly excited about the tablet even though I expect it to be just a very small upgrade. I want to mention I particularly don’t like the bud’s name. It’s starting to get too long. It might as well be New “OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro” Advanced Plus Deluxe & Knuckles featuring Dante from the Devil May Cry series.
I got a 1 year update of the original OnePlus Pad, make sure to read it as well!
This list will include features in order from most likely to less likely (even impossible). I will turn this into a bingo card for when the event drops.
More likely #
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Equal or better screen specs than the original. Honestly I don’t think they’ll change the already good screen the tablet has but any upgrade is well received.
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256GB and 512GB Options. While a 256GB option seems more likely, a 512GB Option would be great too, but less likely.
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Maybe more color options? I love that they got a green theme going on but I can see them doing some other colors. I really have no clue if the pad has been a success or a flop sales wise because I don’t care about that, just how good the product is, but more colors could mean it was a successful one.
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Back camera will remain big, obnoxious and in the same spot, no upgrades or minimal.
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There will be a $100 increase in price for no particular reason. This is just a OnePlus pricing creep that I wish wasn’t going to happen but it’s very likely to happen.
Less likely #
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Major changes in the looks of the product. I think camera placement, magnets and such will remain the same so they’re still compatible with the original accessories.
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There might be upgraded accessories, new stylo, new keyboard. Please make it backlit! And maybe a bit separated from the screen, my fingers get a little cramped when I’m consciously trying to not accidentally tap the screen. (This might just be skill issues). New stylo could have buttons or whatever new feature the newest apple pencil has but watered down.
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Big upgrade in processor, it might have just a very small upgraded processor not big enough to require an upgrade but just barely to keep up with new devices.
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eSIM compatibility. They got a cool workaround already but I wish they did just a standard sim, it’s easier to get a data plan that way.
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100W Charging similar to the OnePlus 10T. They really just released one super beefed up charger for that one and went down a couple of steps for the rest of the devices didn’t they?
Impossible or very unlikely (delusional thoughts) #
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Expandable storage with a microSD card. No OnePlus device has had one and this one won’t be the exception, but I can only wish for that.
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DeX like feature for an external extended monitor display. This would be a killer feature that most users won’t use!
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Controller Compatibility with Genshin Impact. OnePlus and Hoyoverse have released multiple collaborations and special edition devices, yet there is still no controller support. I get it that it’s complicated with all the android versions and devices but a man can dream.
In conclusion #
This will be a very exciting update to the device! As in it will be minimal, but you will very likely be able to get the original OnePlus Pad at a discount! Which makes it an even better killer deal than it was. Both will still be very good devices and it’s still on my recommendations for anyone who wants to try an android tablet but doesn’t want to dish out for a good Samsung Galaxy Tab.