The Lenovo Pad Plus and Oppo Pad Air represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive budget tablet space. Both aim to deliver a solid Android experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Pad Plus prioritizes 5G connectivity and a slightly more powerful chipset, while the Pad Air focuses on a refined display and streamlined design. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo Pad Air emerges as the better choice. Its brighter, more visually appealing display and efficient Snapdragon 680, coupled with PD charging and reverse wired charging, offer a more polished experience. While the Lenovo Pad Plus boasts 5G, the performance gains don't justify the trade-offs in display quality and charging convenience for the average user.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 24 | 2022, May 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 31 | Available. Released 2022, June 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 258.4 x 163 x 7.9 mm (10.17 x 6.42 x 0.31 in) | 245.1 x 154.8 x 6.9 mm (9.65 x 6.09 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 520 g (1.15 lb) | 440 g (15.52 oz) |
| | Stylus support | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~225 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.36 inches, 305.5 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TDDI IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 360 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, ZUI 12.5 | Android 12, ColorOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP
TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | Tuned by JBL | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Face recognition, accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired, QC3 | 18W wired, PD
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7700 mAh | Li-Po 7100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White | Gray, Silver |
| Models | ZA900000CN | OPD2102, X21N2 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1391:1 |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.3 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 249272 (v9)
GeekBench: 1661 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.2fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Lenovo Pad Plus
- 5G Connectivity for on-the-go access
- Slightly more powerful CPU clock speeds
- Potentially lower price (depending on retailer)
- Likely lower display brightness
- QC3 charging only (less versatile)
- Potentially less efficient power management
Oppo Pad Air
- Brighter and more vibrant display (352 nits)
- More power-efficient Snapdragon 680
- PD charging with 5W reverse wired charging
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Potentially less raw CPU power in benchmarks
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
The Oppo Pad Air clearly distinguishes itself with its display. While both tablets share a 1391:1 contrast ratio, the Oppo Pad Air achieves a measured peak brightness of 352 nits, significantly outshining the Lenovo Pad Plus (brightness data unavailable, but likely lower based on chipset and market positioning). This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors and a more immersive viewing experience. The lack of detailed display specifications for the Lenovo Pad Plus suggests a more basic panel, likely prioritizing cost savings over visual fidelity. Bezels are assumed to be comparable given the similar overall form factors, but the Oppo Pad Air’s display is the clear winner in terms of raw visual performance.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, and detailed camera specifications are absent. Given the target market, it’s safe to assume both feature modest camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison. However, the focus should be on video conferencing capabilities rather than high-resolution photography for both devices. The absence of any mention of advanced camera features on either tablet reinforces their positioning as media consumption and productivity devices, not camera-centric ones.
Performance
Under the hood, the Lenovo Pad Plus features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm), while the Oppo Pad Air utilizes the Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm). Despite the 750G’s higher clock speeds (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570 vs 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver), the 6nm process node of the Snapdragon 680 offers superior power efficiency. This means the Oppo Pad Air is likely to exhibit better sustained performance and less thermal throttling during extended use. The 5G connectivity of the Pad Plus is a notable advantage for those needing it, but the Snapdragon 680’s architectural improvements and efficiency give the Pad Air an edge in everyday tasks and light gaming. The Pad Plus's 5G capability will also impact battery life.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is missing for both devices. However, the Oppo Pad Air’s 18W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD) and 5W reverse wired charging provides a significant advantage. PD allows for faster and more efficient charging with compatible chargers, while reverse wired charging can top up accessories like earbuds. The Lenovo Pad Plus only supports QC3, a less versatile charging standard. The Snapdragon 680’s power efficiency further contributes to potentially longer battery life on the Oppo Pad Air, offsetting any potential capacity difference. The convenience of PD and reverse charging makes the Oppo Pad Air the more user-friendly option.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Pad Plus if you absolutely require 5G connectivity for on-the-go productivity or entertainment, and are willing to compromise on display brightness and charging speed. Buy the Oppo Pad Air if you prioritize a vibrant viewing experience, efficient power management, and convenient charging features like Power Delivery and reverse wired charging, making it ideal for media consumption and everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 680 in the Oppo Pad Air struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 680 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running many popular titles at medium settings. Genshin Impact will likely require lower graphics settings and may experience occasional frame drops. The focus of the Oppo Pad Air is media consumption and everyday tasks, not hardcore gaming.
❓ Is the lack of 5G on the Oppo Pad Air a significant drawback for most users?
For the vast majority of tablet users, 5G isn't a necessity. Most tablet usage occurs on Wi-Fi networks. Unless you specifically need constant connectivity while traveling without Wi-Fi access, the benefits of 5G on the Lenovo Pad Plus are minimal and come at the cost of display quality and battery efficiency.
❓ Can the Oppo Pad Air be used as a portable power bank with its reverse wired charging?
Yes, the Oppo Pad Air's 5W reverse wired charging allows you to charge smaller devices like earbuds or a smartwatch. However, it's a slow charging method and won't significantly charge a smartphone. It's best suited for topping up accessories in a pinch.
