OnePlus’ tablet line is a bit confusing at the moment. Globally, the company released the OnePlus Pad 3 this year, as a sequel to last year’s Snapdragon-powered OnePlus Pad 2. But in China, we just recently got the Pad 2, except this one has a Dimensity 9400+.
So technically, the China version of the “Pad 2” is newer than the global Pad 2 — yet branding-wise, the international model already moved on to the Pad 3. Confused? You’re not alone.
Let’s break it down: the China-only OnePlus Pad 2 is essentially a fresh 2025 tablet sitting between the global Pad 2 and Pad 3 in both specs and positioning. It’s not a downgrade, but it’s also not quite the same successor path as the global lineup.
While the Pad 2 is an older model, let’s go through how the Chinese Pad 2 stacks up against the global Pad 3. And is the naming difference hiding a better-than-expected device?
1. Performance
This is the main story. The OnePlus Pad 3 uses Snapdragon 8 Elite, Qualcomm’s top chip when it launched back in June. The China-only Pad 2 uses MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400+, which is a counterpart of the 8 Elite on Pad 2.
Both chips perform very similarly; it would be hard to tell a real-world difference while using them, but the numbers can be all over and down between the models.
Model
Chipset
Pad 3 (Global)
Snapdragon 8 Elite
Pad 2 (China)
Dimensity 9400+
The Chinese Pad 2 also has a giant vapor chamber cooling system (46,000mm²). In comparison, the Pad 3 comes with a 34,857mm² vapor chamber system. Regardless, both should be enough to dissipate heat and stabilize the performance.
2. Display
Both tablets use high-end 144Hz LCD panels with Dolby Vision. The main difference is size and purpose.
Model
Size
Resolution
Pad 3 (Global)
13.2″
3392 × 2400
Pad 2 (China)
12.1″
3000 × 2120
The Pad 3’s bigger display gives you more room for writing, editing, multitasking, and desktop-style apps. The China Pad 2 keeps the compact 12-inch footprint, which many users actually prefer for reading, watching content, and traveling.
3. Software
Model
OS
Pad 3 Global
ColorOS 15 (Android 15)
Pad 2 China
ColorOS 16
Yes — the China Pad 2 launches with a newer OS.
ColorOS 16 on the China Pad 2 brings practical additions:
Handwriting polish and smart note tools
Replay capture for gameplay
multi-window UI with 3 apps side by side + floating windows
OnePlus has been blending OxygenOS and ColorOS for years, but China always gets newer features first. If anything, this shows where global builds are likely heading.
4. Battery & Charging
Model
Battery
Charging
Pad 3 (Global)
12,140mAh
80W
Pad 2 (China)
10,420mAh
67W
The Pad 3 is clearly designed for longer workdays and desktop-style usage. Bigger tablet, bigger battery, faster charging. China’s Pad 2 still has a respectable battery, and its slimmer body explains the smaller cell.
5. Audio and hardware
Model
Speakers
Weight
Thickness
Pad 3
8 speakers
675g
6mm
Pad 2 China
Likely 6-speaker setup
579g
5.99mm
The global Pad 3 gives you more speaker channels, better for movies or work calls with spatial sound. But the China Pad 2 is noticeably lighter and a hair thinner. And for handheld use, that could be an aspect you might want to consider.
6. So which one is better?
It all depends on where you live. The Dimensity Pad 2 is currently exclusive to the Chinese market. So if import is a possibility, the OnePlus Pad 2 (China) could be a better deal if you want something thinner and lighter. But if you’re looking for a productivity-first flagship tablet, the OnePlus Pad 3 is still the top pick.
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