Oppo launched its first tablet in Italy: theOppo Pad Airwhich we tested in this ours review. A device that has one on its side really elegant and pleasant stylewith a big autonomy e ColorOS 12.1 (with Android 12) adapted for the larger 10.36 ″ screen. A product that combines style and substance, without shining in power. But is the tablet for you? We help you figure it out in this Oppo Pad Air review.
Our Oppo Pad Air review
Opening the (rather large) Oppo Pad Air package you will find the new tablet with 18W power supply and cable USB-C. And even before opening it we must admit that it impressed us positively in many respects.
The device is rather compact, despite the 10.36 inches of diagonal and rather abundant frames (the screen-to-body ratio is 83.5%). The 6.94 mm thick is a plus, as is the weight of 440 grams. They are average values, with a well-balanced weight that makes it easy to use the device.
We find one front camera the landscape, even if the keys seem to us better oriented for vertical use: the two buttons for the volume are in fact on the same side of the camera (where you can also find the SIM). Fortunately, however, Oppo has positioned the speakers on the right and left in landscape mode, to let you enjoy theaudio Dolby Atmos while watching movies and TV series. On the right side (or below if you use it vertically) you will find the USB-C port.
A striking design
While we would have preferred a different location for the webcam, we have to admit that Oppo did a great job with the Pad Air design, which we really appreciated during this review. Flat ports are elegant, but that what a conquest is the rear.
The main body is smooth, while not retaining fingerprints at all. But the side / top fascia has a finish in relief, slightly wavy. The whole product reflects light in an interesting way and we really like the tactile feedback.
Il design it is certainly not the main feature of a tablet. But the eye (and the hand) also wants its part. And Oppo did a great job.
Oppo Pad Air review: display and audio
As we said, the display from 10.36 in perhaps its edges are a little too wide, but it is very pleasant to observe once switched on. There resolution from 2000 x 1200 pixels (225 PPI density) is not record-breaking, as is the rrefresh rate da 60Hz or 120Hz touch sampling. And to say it all, we would have preferred a little more brightness (360 nits), although it is enough and left over for home use.
Despite these limitations, we must admit that the colors are well calibrated and the contrast quite good. To watch videos and TV series it is definitely a excellent ally, with no pretensions to excellence. He pleased us, but not as impressed as the design.
The audio side, on the other hand, is very good, with the Dolby Atmo quattro speakerss which are very accurate in reproducing mid-high tones. In the bass there are those who do better, but we think it is a sensible choice: with this type of product pushing too much with the bass leads to uncomfortable vibrations. Instead, the Oppo Pad Air audition is clean and detailed without exaggerating. Optimal workeven considering that many will use it for video calling and streaming, where clear audio makes a difference.
Performance
The processor Snapdragon 680which in the version supplied to us it has 4GB of expandable RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 memory that you can extend with MicroSD, they are not specific to scream. If you use it for work and can’t waste a second, or you want to play to the max, it’s not the tablet for you.
However, Oppo seems to us to be able to remedy this thanks to well thought out software. ColorOS 12.1 implements Android 12, which in itself is great news. Because you can for example use the Material UI to change the colors in the operating system based on the background. Not to mention the management of notifications and permissions, and the general speed of the system.
But Oppo has also put his own, how it works MultiScreen Connect to manage a smartphone (Oppo) directly from the tablet. And in general, it seems to us that Oppo has worked well to keep the operating system clean and snapping, albeit with a non-record-breaking processor. With the result that it is very usable for multimedia, light gaming and for browsing e-mails or reading documents (although we wouldn’t use it instead of the laptop for work). But taking advantage of the lower energy demand for optimal autonomy.
Camera
Tablets are not made for taking pictures and shooting videos, so we understand the choice of inserting only one 8MP camera on the back and a 5M cameraP for video calls and selfies.
However, we must point out that the images are not very detailed, full of noise and with rather dull colors. The one on the back has a few more features, but does not have the photographic quality capable of fully supporting them. The front one is sufficient for the occasional video call between friends. But if you do smart working, better a webcam connected to your PC or smartphone: the quality of the front of Oppo Pad Air is not great.
In the photographic samples we wanted to always keep the same subject not only to make you appreciate our Batman Funko Pop !, but also to see how the zoom snapped quickly and how there is practically no difference in using particular modes. It’s not a particularly versatile camera. The last photograph is in the dark and as you can see, better to take them with the smartphone in that case. Or in all cases.
Really good autonomy
The 7.100mAh battery it will last at least two or three days. Even if you have time to sit on the couch and watch an entire series on Netflix or another streaming platform, even testing video calls and playing a few games. If you only use your smartphone in your downtime, you can go on for a week without feeling the need to load it. The battery of tablets lasts longer than that of smartphones, especially if they don’t have a SIM. But we have to say that the Oppo Pad Air really impressed us in this review.
The 18W SuperVOOC charging included in the box is not that essential for a tablet in our opinion. But no one has ever complained about faster charging. In a couple of hours it recharges, then leaving you time for streaming or for any other activity you have in mind.
Oppo Pad Air review: good first?
Oppo’s first tablet has so many things in its favor. While it doesn’t have a stunning display, the excellent Dolby Atmos speakers and stellar battery life make it a perfect tablet for watching TV series or a few YouTube videos. The design will then attractively go well with any piece of furniture you leave it on at home.
However, while Android 12 does its thing big, the processor does have its limitations. Usage is fluid, but do not think about buying a tablet that can replace the PC in everything.
With the price of 299,99 euro for the version 4+64GB e 349,99 euro in that from 4+128GB on the Oppo Store, it costs perhaps a little more than the competition. If you can find it on promotion it is highly recommendedbut even at full price it is a reliable tablet with a unique style.
PRO
- Quality audio
- Great autonomy
- Design attractively
VERSUS
- Low-powered processor (but smooth experience)
- We would have liked a better camera for video calling