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🦉 WE READ 83 OWNER COMMENTS
OnePlus Pad 2: what owners actually say
Owners like the hardware and Open Canvas multitasking, but custom-ROM enthusiasts and 32-bit app users are left out in the cold
What owners complain about
- No custom ROM support SOME
Multiple users express frustration that Android tablets like this lack good custom ROM options; one notes there isn't much interest from custom ROM devs for tablets, and others ask about flashing alternative firmware with no positive answer
- OxygenOS/ColorOS software quality concerns FEW
A user with experience on the closely related ColorOS describes it as 'a buggy mess' with poor battery life due to background garbage running, raising concerns about the same skin on this device
- 32-bit app incompatibility FEW
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 only runs 64-bit native code, meaning older APKs with 32-bit libraries simply will not install — a concrete gotcha for anyone relying on legacy apps
- Android tablet software weakness persists SOME
Even owners interested in the device note the broader weakness of Android tablets is 'more on the software and app side,' suggesting the ecosystem still lags iPadOS
- Distrust of manufacturer data practices FEW
Users explicitly state they cannot trust companies (Chinese or otherwise) and want fully de-Googled, open-source firmware with no proprietary blobs — a need this tablet does not meet
What owners love
- Open Canvas multitasking
Owners highlight the two-finger swipe to tuck a second or third reference window alongside a drawing app as a genuinely useful feature, especially for 3D and art workflows
- Value with bundled accessories
One owner reports getting a free charger and keyboard included for under £500 during a OnePlus promotion, calling it 'a real bargain'
- iPad-competitive hardware
Users are glad Android is finally getting tablets that can compete with iPad, with one explicitly preferring Android apps over iPad mini equivalents
- Original Pad holds up well
A long-term owner of the first-generation OnePlus Pad reports regular use with no real issues over a year, suggesting build reliability carries into the lineup
Surprising patterns
- The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3's lack of 32-bit support is a silent dealbreaker that won't surface in marketing — buyers with older or niche apps should verify compatibility before purchasing
- Open Canvas is described as the standout feature that separates this tablet from competitors, yet it specifically appeals to creative professionals doing 3D and reference-based work rather than casual users
- There is a vocal undercurrent of buyers who measure a tablet's worth almost entirely by whether it can run de-Googled open-source firmware and be re-locked — a niche but passionate audience this device completely ignores
WHO SHOULD SKIP IT
Buyers who want to flash custom ROMs, run de-Googled firmware, or rely on older 32-bit-only apps should steer clear, as the locked-down software and 64-bit-only processor make those workflows impossible.
Synthesised from 83 real owner comments across 3 platforms. Every point is grounded in the comments — no marketing, no AI guessing. How we do it →