OnePlus Pad 3 vs Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro: Comparison
Two vastly different tablets landed on my desk recently, and they couldn't represent more contrasting philosophies. The OnePlus Pad 3 stretches across 13.2 inches with flagship ambitions, while the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro keeps things sensible at 11.2 inches with a focus on practical value.
What surprised me most wasn't their obvious differences in size and power, but how each tablet seems designed for completely different users. The OnePlus appeals to those who want desktop-class performance in a portable package, while the Xiaomi targets users who prioritize balance between capability and convenience.
OnePlus Pad 3 vs Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro: Quick Overview
The OnePlus Pad 3 and Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro represent two philosophies in Android tablet design. The OnePlus emphasizes flagship performance with its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and massive 13.2-inch display, positioning itself as a true laptop replacement. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi focuses on the sweet spot of portability and value, delivering flagship-level features in a more manageable 11.2-inch package.
For most users, I'd recommend the OnePlus Pad 3. Its combination of cutting-edge performance, exceptional multitasking capabilities, and remarkable power efficiency make it the superior choice for serious productivity work. However, the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro deserves strong consideration if you prioritize portability, prefer a more compact form factor, or want maximum value for money with excellent build quality.
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Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro vs OnePlus Pad 3: Full Comparison
| Specifications | OnePlus Pad 3 | Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro |
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| Display Size | 13.2" 3.4K (2400×3392) | 11.2" 3.2K (2136×3200) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 |
| RAM/Storage | 12GB/256GB, 16GB/512GB | 8GB/256GB, 12GB/512GB |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz adaptive | 144Hz adaptive |
| Peak Brightness | 900 nits | 800 nits |
| Battery | 12,140mAh | 8,850mAh |
| Charging | 80W SuperVOOC | 67W fast charging |
| Rear Camera | 13MP | 50MP + 2MP depth |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 32MP |
| Speakers | 8-speaker system (4 woofers + 4 tweeters) | 4 speakers with Dolby Atmos |
| Thickness | 6.0mm | 6.2mm |
| Weight | 675g | 500g |
| OS | OxygenOS 15 (Android 15) | HyperOS 2 (Android 15) |
| Biometrics | Face unlock only | Fingerprint + face unlock |
| Stylus Support | OnePlus Stylo 2 (optional) | Xiaomi Focus Pen (optional) |
The specs tell an interesting story of priorities. The OnePlus Pad 3 throws everything at flagship performance with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and a massive 12,140mAh battery housed in a surprisingly thin 6mm body. That larger display demands more power, but OnePlus compensates with blazing 80W charging that refills the battery in about 90 minutes.
Xiaomi takes a more measured approach with the Pad 7 Pro. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 might be a step down from OnePlus's flagship chip, but it's still plenty powerful for demanding tasks. The real win here is weight – at just 500g, the Xiaomi feels dramatically lighter in hand compared to OnePlus's 675g heft. That 175g difference becomes very noticeable during extended use.
Both tablets support 144Hz displays, but the OnePlus edges out with higher peak brightness at 900 nits versus 800 nits on the Xiaomi. However, the Xiaomi offers better camera hardware with a 50MP rear sensor and impressive 32MP front camera – significant advantages for video calls and occasional photography.
The audio battle is fascinating. OnePlus goes all-out with eight speakers including dedicated woofers and tweeters, while Xiaomi sticks with four speakers enhanced by Dolby Atmos processing. In my testing, both deliver excellent sound, but the OnePlus has a slight edge in clarity and volume range.
One crucial difference that frustrated me with the OnePlus: it lacks fingerprint authentication entirely, relying only on basic face unlock. The Xiaomi includes a reliable side-mounted fingerprint sensor that works consistently, even in dim lighting where face unlock struggles.
OnePlus Pad 3 vs Mi Pad 7 Pro: Design & Build Quality
Both tablets embrace premium aluminum unibody construction, but their personalities differ dramatically once you pick them up. The OnePlus Pad 3 feels like holding a piece of the future – impossibly thin yet substantial, with perfectly balanced weight distribution despite its massive screen. The Storm Blue colorway I tested has an almost ethereal quality that photographs beautifully.
OnePlus Pad 3 Design:
Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro Design:
The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro chooses practicality over drama. Its slightly thicker profile accommodates better port placement and thermal management, resulting in a tablet that rarely gets uncomfortably warm during intensive tasks. The matte finish on the back resists fingerprints better than OnePlus's approach, though both feel equally premium.
Size matters significantly here. The OnePlus's 13.2-inch display transforms it into a laptop replacement that demands desk space, while the Xiaomi's 11.2-inch footprint remains genuinely portable. I found myself reaching for the Xiaomi more often for casual browsing or reading, simply because it doesn't dominate your lap or coffee table.
Build quality impresses on both devices, but they solve different problems. OnePlus achieves remarkable thinness through advanced engineering, though this occasionally results in slight flex under pressure. Xiaomi prioritizes structural rigidity, creating a tablet that feels bulletproof in everyday handling.
Both manufacturers offer excellent accessory ecosystems. OnePlus's Smart Keyboard transforms the Pad 3 into a convincing laptop alternative with excellent key travel and a surprisingly responsive trackpad. Xiaomi's Focus Keyboard takes clear inspiration from Apple's Magic Keyboard design, offering multiple viewing angles and solid typing experience, though it lacks the seamless integration of OnePlus's solution.
OnePlus Pad 3 or Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro: Owner Reviews
Real-world user feedback reveals interesting patterns in how people actually use these tablets:
OnePlus Pad 3 Owner Reviews:
Praises: "This thing is a beast for productivity. I'm running three apps simultaneously with Open Canvas and it doesn't even break a sweat. The battery life is incredible – I get nearly two full workdays before needing to charge. The 80W charging is a game-changer."
"Coming from an iPad Pro, I was skeptical about Android tablets. The OnePlus Pad 3 completely changed my mind. The multitasking is superior to iPadOS, and the O+ Connect feature lets me control my MacBook remotely, which is surprisingly useful."
***
Drawbacks: "It's basically unwieldy for casual use. Reading in bed is uncomfortable because of the size and weight. Also, the lack of fingerprint unlock is baffling in 2025 – face unlock fails constantly in low light."
"The size makes it amazing for work but terrible for travel. It barely fits in most bags, and using it on planes is nearly impossible. I ended up buying a smaller tablet for mobile use."
Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro Owner Reviews:
Praises: "Perfect size for everything. Light enough for long reading sessions, powerful enough for work, and the price is unbeatable. The fingerprint sensor works flawlessly, and build quality feels premium despite costing half what Samsung charges."
"HyperOS surprised me – it's actually really polished. The desktop mode is genuinely useful, and the stylus integration is smooth. Battery easily lasts all day with heavy use, and 67W charging is plenty fast."
***
Drawbacks: "The screen brightness could be better outdoors. Also, some Android tablet apps still feel like stretched phone apps, though that's not Xiaomi's fault. The keyboard accessories are overpriced for what you get."
"Software updates are inconsistent. My Pad 7 Pro has received only one minor update in six months. For a premium device, Xiaomi needs to do better with long-term support."
Pad 3 and Pad 7 Pro Alternatives
If neither tablet perfectly matches your needs, consider these alternatives:
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+: Offers OLED display technology and excellent S Pen integration, plus Samsung's industry-leading seven years of software support.
- iPad Air 11-inch M3: Still the gold standard for premium tablets, with unmatched app optimization and seamless Apple ecosystem integration.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ splits the difference between our two tablets with a 12.4-inch display and excellent software support. Its OLED screen delivers superior contrast, though performance doesn't quite match either the OnePlus or Xiaomi options. The included S Pen adds significant value for creative users.
The iPad Air M3 remains the benchmark for premium tablets. While it costs more than either Android option, the M3 chip delivers unmatched performance, and iPad app optimization still surpasses Android tablet apps. However, multitasking remains more limited compared to what OnePlus offers with Open Canvas.
Should You Buy the OnePlus Pad 3 or Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro?
Both the OnePlus Pad 3 and Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro excel in their respective domains, making the choice dependent on your specific priorities and use cases.
Choose the OnePlus Pad 3 if you want the ultimate Android productivity machine. Its massive screen, flagship performance, and exceptional multitasking make it ideal for users who want to replace their laptop with a tablet. The Open Canvas feature alone justifies the investment for heavy multitaskers, and the massive battery ensures you won't be hunting for outlets.
Choose the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro if you value portability and practicality over maximum performance. At 175g lighter and significantly more compact, it delivers flagship-level features in a form factor that actually works for mobile use. The superior cameras and fingerprint authentication add practical advantages that many users will appreciate daily.
For most users, the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro represents the smarter choice. Its balance of performance, portability, and value creates a tablet that works well in more situations. The OnePlus Pad 3 is undeniably more impressive, but its size and weight limit its versatility. Unless you specifically need maximum screen real estate and don't mind carrying a hefty device, the Xiaomi delivers a more well-rounded experience.