Apple's iPad has long been the king of tablets. It's the name everyone knows, the one that sets the standard. But, if you're like me, you've been waiting for an Android tablet to truly challenge Apple's dominance, especially in the US market. I think I've found it: the OnePlus Pad Go 2.

While the first Pad Go didn't make it to the States, OnePlus is now offering this mid-range tablet as a contender. And, I must say, it's ticking all the right boxes. So, let me explain why I believe the OnePlus Pad Go 2 could be the best Android alternative to the entry-level iPad, even if it's not perfect.

Design and Feel

One of the iPad's biggest strengths is its familiar design. Everyone recognizes it. It's got those even bezels, a Touch ID power button, and that single camera in the corner. Knowing this, OnePlus seems to have taken some inspiration for the Pad Go 2, which isn't a bad thing! The excellent OnePlus Pad 3 borrowed heavily from the iPad Air, resulting in one of the best Android tablet designs in recent years. I'm all for a little flattery when it leads to a great product.

The Pad Go 2 features flat side rails, uniform bezels around its 12.1-inch LCD screen, and well-placed buttons. The most noticeable difference? The iPad has an 11-inch display. Also, the Pad Go 2 comes in Shadow Black and Lavender Drift, unlike the iPad's more vibrant color options.

To me, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 feels like the perfect size. It's easier to handle than larger tablets, yet not too small. I've even slipped it into my laptop bag alongside my MacBook Air without feeling weighed down. I'd love to just tuck it under my arm and head to a coffee shop. I can't wait to take it with me over the Christmas holiday.

Display and Features

I'm really impressed with the 12.1-inch LCD screen. It's the ideal size for an airplane tray table. The 120Hz refresh rate is great for streaming, browsing, and gaming, though I wish it could drop to 1Hz for e-reading. The 7:5 aspect ratio is also a major win. It's a great middle ground between the iPad's squarer 4:3 ratio and the Galaxy Tab's taller 16:10, making it ideal for both movies and reading.

Now, the base iPad probably has a wider range of accessories, but the OnePlus Pad Go 2 does offer its own stylus, the Pad Go 2 Stylo. It attaches to the folio case and charges via USB-C. It works well, but I don't like the idea of needing a different stylus if I upgrade to a different OnePlus Pad.

There are a couple of things I'm not thrilled about. There's no fingerprint reader, which is a bummer. I'd much prefer tapping the power button to typing in my PIN. Also, there's no IP rating for water or dust resistance. I'd feel much better taking this tablet on the go if it had some protection.

Performance and Battery

While the base iPad boasts a flagship-level chipset, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 uses a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra. While it performs decently for everyday tasks, it doesn't quite match the iPad's power. I ran some benchmarks and the results were underwhelming when compared to the iPhone 15. This tablet isn't meant to replace your laptop. It's a great companion for travel, appointments, or quiet time at home.

However, I didn't notice the performance limitations in real-world use. I streamed movies and read e-books without any major issues. I did find that the tablet sometimes lost my place in Disney Plus after locking the screen, which was annoying. On the bright side, the 10,050mAh battery lasts a long time. I used it for days on a single charge, streaming content and even using it as a TV during a trip.

AI Features and Software

OnePlus is adding some interesting AI features to the Pad Go 2. The AI Recorder is particularly useful, allowing you to record meetings and generate summaries. Cross-platform sharing with OnePlus phones is also convenient for editing photos. O Plus Connect lets you mirror the tablet to a laptop for a DeX-like experience. Plus, you get access to Gemini and Circle to Search.

What surprised me most is OnePlus's update commitment. The Pad Go 2 is promised five years of Android updates and six years of security patches, which is impressive.

Final Thoughts

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is a valiant attempt to take on the base iPad. It doesn't quite match the iPad's performance or seamless connectivity, but it offers a sleek design and useful features. If you can look past the benchmark numbers, you'll enjoy the Pad Go 2 experience. The long battery life and versatile aspect ratio make it great for entertainment and productivity.

At $399, it's a reasonable price, especially with years of updates to come. While there are other options like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Lenovo Idea Tab Pro, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 offers a unique blend of features and value.