5 Reasons This $400 Android Tablet Is Better Than My iPad
In the highly competitive tablet market, consumers are often led to believe that a higher price tag equates to a superior experience. For years, the Apple iPad has dominated this space, setting the standard for performance and ecosystem integration. However, a month of rigorous testing with the OnePlus Pad Go 2 has fundamentally shifted our perspective. While the iPad excels in raw power, the OnePlus Pad Go 2, a device costing approximately $400, demonstrates that practical usability, software flexibility, and value are often more critical metrics for the average user. This article details the five core reasons why this Android tablet offers a better, more functional experience than its more expensive Apple counterpart.
Unmatched Value Proposition: The $400 Price Advantage
When evaluating any electronic device, the initial hurdle is always the cost of entry. The iPad ecosystem is notoriously segmented; to get a truly functional experience, one often has to look beyond the base model. The entry-level iPad, while competitively priced, often requires purchasing accessories like the Apple Pencil and a keyboard case to unlock its full potential, pushing the total cost well over $400. In contrast, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 arrives at a flat price point of roughly $400, offering a premium-feeling device with a high-refresh-rate display and solid build quality right out of the box.
Hardware Value at a Fraction of the Cost
We have found that the hardware specifications of the OnePlus Pad Go 2 punch well above its weight class. For $400, you are securing a device with a 11.35-inch display that boasts a 90Hz refresh rate. This level of fluidity is typically reserved for mid-range to high-end devices in the Android ecosystem and is a feature that Apple often gates behind its “Pro” lineups or higher-tier models. The aluminum alloy unibody construction ensures durability without the premium price tag associated with similar build materials in the Apple ecosystem.
Furthermore, the storage options provide significant value. Many budget iPads start at 64GB, which is often insufficient for modern apps, media, and offline downloads. The OnePlus Pad Go 2 typically starts at 128GB, doubling the base storage, ensuring users do not immediately face the storage constraints that plague the entry-level iPad experience. When we factor in the cost of comparable storage and display fluidity in an iPad, the financial argument for the OnePlus Pad Go 2 becomes undeniable. It democratizes a high-refresh-rate media consumption experience, making it accessible without requiring a luxury budget.
The Hidden Costs of the iPad Ecosystem
The allure of the iPad is often dampened by the “Apple Tax” on accessories. If you wish to use the Apple Pencil for note-taking or drawing, that is an additional $99 to $129. If you want the Magic Keyboard or a comparable third-party keyboard case, you are looking at an investment of $150 to $300. Suddenly, a $329 iPad becomes a $600+ setup.
The OnePlus Pad Go 2, however, embraces a more open philosophy. While it offers its own stylus and keyboard accessories, the device is fully functional and optimized for touch input without them. The on-screen keyboard is robust, and third-party accessories are significantly cheaper due to the open nature of the Android market. Moreover, for users who engage in customization, the Android platform allows for third-party launchers, widgets, and system-level tweaks that iOS strictly prohibits. This freedom extends to how you spend your money; you are not forced into a proprietary ecosystem of expensive add-ons to make the device usable.
Software Freedom and Customization: Breaking the Walled Garden
One of the most significant differentiators between Android and iOS is the philosophy of user control. The iPad runs iPadOS, an operating system designed with rigid guardrails to ensure security and simplicity. While effective, this often limits power users. The OnePlus Pad Go 2 runs on OxygenOS over Android, offering a layer of customization that iPadOS simply cannot match.
Multitasking That Makes Sense
Apple has introduced features like Stage Manager to improve multitasking, but it remains a complex, often confusing feature that requires specific external monitor setups to truly shine. On the OnePlus Pad Go 2, multitasking is intuitive and flexible. Android allows for true split-screen multitasking where two apps run simultaneously and interactively. You can drag and drop content between apps, something that is still cumbersome on iPadOS.
Furthermore, the ability to run apps in floating windows allows for a desktop-like workflow. We can have a video playing in a small floating window while browsing the web or taking notes in a full-sized app below. This level of window management is native and fluid on the OnePlus Pad Go 2, making it a superior productivity tool for users who need to juggle multiple tasks without external peripherals.
Default Apps and File Management
On an iPad, if you want to set a default browser or email client, you are restricted to options that Apple approves and that utilize the WebKit engine. On the OnePlus Pad Go 2, you have the freedom to set Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or any other browser as your default. You can integrate deeply with Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, or local file systems with ease.
The file management system on Android is another area of superiority. Using the built-in Files app or third-party managers like Solid Explorer, we can access the entire file system, manage zip files, and transfer data directly via USB-C without proprietary software. On the iPad, file management is still a restrictive experience, often requiring the use of the “Files” app which lacks the granular control found on Android. For anyone using the tablet for actual work—managing documents, downloading torrents, or organizing media libraries—the open file system of the OnePlus Pad Go 2 is a non-negotiable advantage.
Display and Media Consumption: A 90Hz Treat
Media consumption is a primary use case for tablets. While the iPad Retina displays are excellent, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 offers a specific feature that drastically changes the viewing experience: the 90Hz refresh rate. This is a feature usually reserved for more expensive Android tablets or iPads in the Pro tier.
The Fluidity of High Refresh Rate
Once you use a 90Hz or 120Hz display, going back to a standard 60Hz screen feels jarring. The OnePlus Pad Go 2’s 90Hz display ensures that every scroll, swipe, and animation is buttery smooth. Whether you are scrolling through a long Instagram feed, navigating through dense web pages, or playing games, the higher refresh rate reduces eye strain and makes the device feel significantly faster than its price suggests.
We observed that this high refresh rate is not just a gimmick; it translates to better responsiveness in creative apps and a more immersive experience in media. When watching content on platforms like Netflix or YouTube, the display offers vivid colors and wide viewing angles. The 11.35-inch size hits a sweet spot—large enough to be immersive for movies and gaming, yet compact enough to hold comfortably with one hand, something that cannot be said for the larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Audio and Immersive Experience
Complementing the display are the quad speakers tuned with Omnibearing Sound. The soundstage is wide, and the audio quality is crisp, providing a spatial audio experience without headphones. While the iPad also features excellent stereo speakers, the synergy between the display and audio on the OnePlus Pad Go 2 creates a cohesive media package. The tablet also supports Widevine L1 certification, meaning you can stream HD and 4K content from major streaming services without compromise. For a $400 device, this level of media fidelity is exceptional and rivals the experience found on much more expensive competitors.
The Android Ecosystem and Gaming Performance
The iPad is often touted as the king of tablet-optimized apps, but for gaming and general app availability, the Android ecosystem offers a breadth that is hard to ignore. The MediaTek Helio G90T or equivalent processor in the OnePlus Pad Go 2 is optimized for efficiency and gaming, providing a playground for gamers and app enthusiasts alike.
Gaming Without Compromise
The 90Hz refresh rate on the OnePlus Pad Go 2 is a game-changer for mobile gaming. Popular titles like Call of Duty: Mobile, PUBG Mobile, and Genshin Impact run smoothly, offering a competitive edge with higher frame rates. While the iPad’s A-series chips are incredibly powerful, the gaming experience on the OnePlus Pad Go 2 is tailored for speed and responsiveness.
Furthermore, Android allows for the installation of game emulators and cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce NOW with fewer restrictions. You can sideload emulators for retro consoles, a practice that is difficult and often requires workarounds on iOS due to Apple’s strict App Store policies. For gamers who want versatility and the ability to play a vast library of games without being locked into a single storefront, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 provides a superior platform.
App Availability and Sideloading
The Google Play Store offers millions of apps, and many developers now prioritize Android development due to its global market share. But the true power of Android lies in sideloading. If an app is not available on the Play Store, or if you prefer an open-source alternative, you can install APK files directly. This is crucial for users in regions where certain apps are restricted or for those who want to use modified versions of apps (such as ad-free versions of YouTube) which are impossible on a non-jailbroken iPad.
For enthusiasts involved in the modding community, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 is a dream device. It is compatible with tools like Magisk for root access, allowing for deep system modifications, battery optimizations, and performance tweaks that unlock the hardware’s full potential. The Magisk Module Repository offers a wealth of modules that can further enhance the tablet’s capabilities, from audio mods to performance governors, something entirely absent in the walled garden of iPadOS.
Connectivity and Portability: The Versatility of USB-C
Connectivity is often an overlooked aspect of tablet comparison, yet it is where the OnePlus Pad Go 2 asserts its dominance over the iPad. The standardization of USB-C on Android devices has created a universal hub of functionality that the iPad’s proprietary Lightning port (on older models) or even the USB-C port on newer iPads cannot fully match due to software limitations.
True USB-C Functionality
The USB-C port on the OnePlus Pad Go 2 is not just for charging; it is a gateway to productivity. We can connect external hard drives, USB hubs, and even external monitors with ease. Using a simple USB-C to HDMI adapter, the tablet can output video to a secondary display in a “desktop mode” that mirrors the screen or extends it (depending on the Android version and OEM skin). This transforms the tablet into a makeshift PC for presentations or media playback.
On the iPad, external storage support has improved but remains clunky. Files must be imported into the iPad’s internal storage via the Files app, and compatibility with certain file formats is limited. The OnePlus Pad Go 2 acts like a computer; you can plug in a flash drive, open the files directly, edit them, and save them back to the drive without intermediate steps.
Cellular and Wi-Fi Performance
The OnePlus Pad Go 2 often comes with an LTE variant option, providing reliable internet connectivity on the go without tethering to a phone. The Wi-Fi performance is robust, supporting dual-band connections that ensure low latency for streaming and gaming. The device’s lightweight design (weighing approximately 500g) makes it highly portable, easier to carry than the heavier 11-inch iPad Air or Pro models. This combination of lightweight hardware and versatile connectivity makes the OnePlus Pad Go 2 an ideal travel companion, fitting comfortably in a small bag and providing instant connectivity wherever you are.
Conclusion: A Pragmatic Choice for the Modern User
After a month of intensive use, the conclusion is clear: the OnePlus Pad Go 2 is a superior choice for users who prioritize usability, value, and freedom over raw, unused power. While the iPad remains a powerhouse for creative professionals and those deeply entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, the $400 price point of the OnePlus Pad Go 2 offers a complete, uncompromised package.
It offers a 90Hz high-refresh-rate display that makes every interaction smooth, a customizable Android OS that respects user choice, and USB-C connectivity that bridges the gap between tablet and laptop. It proves that a tablet does not need to cost $800 to provide a premium experience. For the average user looking for a device for media, light productivity, gaming, and browsing, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 delivers where it counts. It is a testament to the idea that in the modern tech landscape, usability triumphs over brute force, and value is the ultimate metric of a great device.