I replaced my iPad Air with a $350 Android tablet for a month - my verdict now

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Even as an affordable Android tablet, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 has proven 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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As you can probably tell by its name, 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.

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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, making it easy to transition from work to streaming or gaming. 

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I used the OnePlus Pad Go 2 to write and edit my content for over two months 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 with those of similarly priced tablets in the table above, 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 primarily work with messaging, email, writing, or editing content, it's a near-perfect on-the-go device. 

Even though Apple is renowned for its display quality and color grading, the OnePlus Pad Go 2's 2.8K 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 OnePlus Pad Go 2 has its own stylus (sold separately for $80), the OnePlus Pad Go 2 Stylo.

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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's speakers are surprisingly powerful, 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 with its performance, especially as someone who uses styluses from different brands. I have to say, I've been very satisfied replacing the iPad Air, which was my go-to tablet for months, with the Pad Go 2 for work and entertainment. 

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This OnePlus tablet has been reliable and perfect for multitasking, which is my biggest pain point with tablets. Even the $300 base model iPad doesn't multitask as consistently as this Android tablet, which experienced fewer app crashes than the Pad Go 2. 

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. 

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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

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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, and it can handle both as long as you are aware of its processing limitations -- don't expect to edit long 4K videos without hiccups. 

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However, this tablet can also be exceedingly useful for other audiences, from college students who need more versatility and portability than the average Chromebook to older users who prefer a lightweight device they can rely on for various purposes. I used the Pad Go 2 Stylo for illustration and graphic design, and it was as close to the iPad Air with Apple Pencil Pro experience as you can get.

If you're an Apple user looking for a more affordable tablet, however, I'd recommend the base model iPad 11, which is at least $50 cheaper.