OnePlus Pad vs iPad Air 5th Gen Comparison 2026
Comparing OnePlus's first tablet, the OnePlus Pad, against Apple's iPad Air 5th Gen. Both tablets offer premium experiences but target different users and ecosystems. This comparison helps you decide which tablet is best for your needs.
Products Compared: OnePlus Pad (11.61") vs iPad Air 5th Gen (10.9") | Release: 2026 vs 2026
Overview
The OnePlus Pad represents OnePlus's entry into the tablet market, offering a large 11.61-inch display and competitive pricing. Meanwhile, the iPad Air 5th Gen continues Apple's tradition of premium tablets with the powerful M1 chip and extensive app ecosystem.
After extensive testing of both tablets, we found each excels in different areas. The OnePlus Pad offers excellent value with its large display and fast performance, while the iPad Air delivers unmatched app selection and ecosystem integration.
Key Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus Pad | iPad Air 5th Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 11.61" 2.8K LCD (2800×2000) | 10.9" Liquid Retina (2360×1640) |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 9000 | Apple M1 |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 64GB / 256GB |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Battery | 9,510mAh | 28.6 Wh |
| OS | OxygenOS 13 (Android 13) | iPadOS 16 |
| Starting Price | $479 | $599 |
Performance & Features
OnePlus Pad Strengths
The OnePlus Pad's MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chip provides excellent performance for Android apps and multitasking. The 11.61-inch display is larger and offers slightly higher resolution, making it great for media consumption and productivity. The 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and gaming. Battery life is impressive, easily lasting through a full day of heavy use.
iPad Air 5th Gen Strengths
The iPad Air's M1 chip is incredibly powerful, delivering desktop-class performance for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D modeling. The iPadOS ecosystem offers unmatched app selection, with professional apps like Procreate, Adobe Creative Suite, and many others optimized for tablets. The device supports Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard, making it a productivity powerhouse.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose OnePlus Pad If:
- • You want a larger display for media consumption
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You're invested in the Android ecosystem
- • You prefer 144Hz refresh rate for gaming
- • You want excellent value for money
Choose iPad Air If:
- • You need desktop-class performance
- • You want access to the iPad app ecosystem
- • You're already using other Apple devices
- • You need professional creative apps
- • You want Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard support
Final Verdict
Both tablets excel in their respective areas. The OnePlus Pad offers exceptional value with its large display, smooth performance, and competitive pricing, making it an excellent choice for Android users seeking a premium tablet experience.
The iPad Air 5th Gen, despite being slightly older and more expensive, remains compelling for users who need the power of the M1 chip, the extensive iPad app ecosystem, and seamless integration with other Apple devices.
Our Pick: Choose OnePlus Pad for value and Android ecosystem, or iPad Air for power and app selection. Both are excellent choices depending on your needs.
You May Also Like
