The OPPO Pad Neo was launched around the same time as the new OPPO Reno 11 series, but most people were unaware of its release. I was not aware of it as well, until I received the review unit. To my surprise, the OPPO Pad Neo is a very capable tablet, which is a huge upgrade from OPPOs’ previous tablet release, which was the OPPO Pad Air but a little lower than the OPPO Pad 2.
To safely put it, the new OPPO Pad Neo is a tablet made for lower budget users but still has the power for awesome multitasking and a little bit of gaming. It even looks almost identical to the OPPO Pad 2, in my opinion.
After 2 weeks of using the new OPPO Pad Neo, I feel that it is a very capable tablet with much potential to be in the hands of budget tablet users. Best of all, I really enjoy playing games on it too. I will elaborate on that further later on. So here’s my take on the new OPPO Pad Neo.
Design and First Look
The OPPO Pad Neo proudly claims the title of the industry’s pioneer in featuring an expansive 11.4-inch 2.4k high-resolution display, coupled with a unique 7:5 screen ratio. Particularly notable for its excellence in reading and web browsing experiences, this tablet has managed to captivate users, including myself. Despite my usual inclination towards a 4:3 screen ratio, the 7:5 aspect ratio of the OPPO Pad Neo surprisingly enhances the overall viewing experience, providing a balance that feels just right.
Personally, I find that when compared to the conventional 16:9 aspect ratio, which can feel excessively wide and slightly discomforting for web browsing, the 7:5 ratio on this tablet presents a more harmonious solution. This commendable choice of aspect ratio by OPPO reflects their thoughtful consideration of user preferences.
The utilisation of an LCD panel in the OPPO Pad Neo doesn’t compromise its visual appeal. The colour contrast is impressive, offering vibrant hues and well-defined contrast levels. Boasting a resolution of 2408 x 1720 pixels at 260 PPI and a fluid 90Hz refresh rate, the display elevates the tablet’s overall visual performance.
Considering these specifications, the OPPO Pad Neo positions itself as more than just an entry-level device, exhibiting qualities that align with the characteristics of a mid-range tablet. The strategically placed front-facing camera at the top of the device, especially noticeable when the tablet is in landscape orientation, enhances its versatility and usability, contributing to a well-rounded user experience.
In landscape orientation, the OPPO Pad Neo positions its buttons for optimal accessibility. The power button finds its place at the top left of the device, ensuring a convenient reach. Simultaneously, the volume rocker buttons align seamlessly on the top left as well, contributing to an ergonomic design. The tablet features a Dolby Atmos tuned quad-speaker setup, with two speakers adorning each side – a thoughtful arrangement that enhances the audio experience for users.
On the left side, nestled between the left speakers, lies the discreetly placed memory card tray, offering an additional layer of expandability. Meanwhile, the right side of the tablet hosts the USB-C port, serving the dual purpose of facilitating both charging and data transfer. This meticulous layout not only provides functional convenience but also contributes to the overall aesthetics of the device.
When held in hand, the OPPO Pad Neo delivers a tactile experience characterised by a pleasing slimness, setting it apart from its tablet counterparts. The industry trend towards slimmer designs is reflected in this device, yet its slender profile doesn’t compromise the comfort of holding it with both hands.
While the tablet’s portrait orientation may feel somewhat awkward, its true ergonomic potential shines through when held in landscape orientation. This orientation feels natural and is further accentuated when paired with a mini Bluetooth keyboard, creating a synergistic blend that transforms the tablet into a more laptop-like form, ideally suited for seamless work use.
Examining the rear panel, it becomes apparent that the OPPO Pad Neo employs a combination of two distinct materials to compose its back cover. Approximately 80% of the back panel is crafted from aluminium, showcasing a premium and robust construction. In contrast, the upper half, constituting around 20%, features a plastic finish with a glossy surface. This material juxtaposition not only contributes to the tablet’s structural integrity but also introduces an element of design contrast.
Situated within this composite construction is the solitary 8MP camera system. Positioned in the plastic segment of the back panel, this camera module serves its purpose, allowing the tablet to capture photos of acceptable quality. However, it is crucial to note that the camera is not tailored for high-end photography, a limitation that becomes more apparent upon closer examination.
Camera and Photo Samples
8MP rear camera
8MP front camera
The camera functionality of the OPPO Pad Neo serves well for capturing swift images that find utility in professional tasks or for sharing among friends. Primarily geared towards practical usage, the rear camera proves adept at fulfilling work-related photographic needs. Transitioning to the front-facing camera, it excels in facilitating seamless conference calls or virtual meetings with colleagues and clients. While the overall camera performance is serviceable, providing a satisfactory experience for essential photography and video conferencing, it falls within the realm of adequacy rather than pushing the boundaries of excellence.
Usage and Performance
The new OPPO Pad Neo is made for work and entertainment in mind. Setting itself apart within its price range, the OPPO Pad Neo distinguishes itself as the sole tablet to integrate a dedicated colour temperature sensor.
This specialised sensor empowers the device to dynamically calibrate its screen colour temperature based on the surrounding environment, ensuring an optimal visual experience whether you find yourself indoors or outdoors. Elevating the user experience further, the screen is equipped with 2,048 levels of adaptive brightness, enhancing comfort and readability across varying lighting conditions.
Introducing an innovative feature, the Bedtime Mode utilises data from the colour temperature sensor to dynamically adjust the screen’s colour temperature throughout the day and night, aligning with the natural circadian rhythm that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
Particularly noteworthy is the tablet’s ability to transition the screen colour temperature gradually from day to night, fostering a visual environment conducive to the human body’s secretion of melatonin, a hormone essential for inducing sleep. This thoughtful integration not only facilitates more comfortable bedtime reading but also underscores OPPO’s commitment to enhancing users’ overall well-being by incorporating scientifically informed features.
In terms of performance, the OPPO Pad Neo is equipped with the MediaTek Helio G99 SoC, coupled with 6GB of RAM, and an option for an additional 6GB RAM expansion—a feature increasingly becoming standard in contemporary devices. For those seeking an extra performance boost, there is also an 8GB RAM variant available, catering to users with a more flexible budget. Accompanying the robust RAM specifications is a generous 128GB of storage space, offering ample room for typical work tasks and entertainment needs.
Out of the box, the OPPO Pad Neo runs on Android 13, overlaid with OPPO’s proprietary ColorOS 13.2. The integration of Android 13 and ColorOS 13.2 provides a seamless and feature-rich operating system for the tablet. The user interface is thoughtfully designed, incorporating useful features that enhance the overall user experience.
Leveraging the capabilities of the Helio G99 chipset, multitasking on the OPPO Pad Neo is not only smooth but also efficient, showcasing the tablet’s prowess. While the Helio G99 may not belong to the flagship category, it stands as a formidable competitor, rivalling some mid-range Snapdragon devices in terms of performance and responsiveness.
Addressing the perennial challenge of battery life in mobile devices, the OPPO Pad Neo takes an assertive approach by incorporating an impressive 8000mAh battery. This substantial capacity ensures prolonged usage, with the tablet boasting up to 14.5 hours of uninterrupted YouTube video playback on a single full charge. The substantial battery capacity not only supports extended usage but also eliminates the need for frequent charging, allowing users to navigate through an entire day without the inconvenience of a power outlet.
Facilitating a swift recharge process, the OPPO Pad Neo features the advanced 33W SUPERVOOC flash charging technology. This cutting-edge charging capability transforms the charging experience, requiring a mere 10 minutes to elevate the battery level from 0% to 10%.
For a complete recharge, the Pad Neo demands only 110 minutes, swiftly restoring the battery from 0% to 100%. This rapid charging functionality not only provides convenience but also ensures that users can quickly replenish their tablet’s battery, minimising downtime and maximising productivity.
Leveraging its substantial battery capacity, the OPPO Pad Neo extends its appeal beyond casual entertainment to cater specifically to gaming enthusiasts. Designed with entertainment, especially gaming, in mind, this tablet proves to be a formidable contender. While we’ve discussed its capability for extended video and movie sessions, its prowess truly shines in the realm of hardcore gaming.
Putting the tablet through its paces, I chose to install PUBG Mobile, a favourite and demanding game, to assess the OPPO Pad Neo’s gaming performance. The results were nothing short of impressive, as the tablet effortlessly navigated through graphic rendering, maintaining seamless performance without any discernible strain.
PUBG Mobile proved to be not just playable, but it even allowed for high graphics settings without compromising performance. The screen responsiveness further elevated the gaming experience, providing a pleasurable and immersive environment. The quad-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos technology enhanced the gaming experience with impressive audio quality.
While I’ve had prior gaming experiences with large tablets based on flagship specifications and high-end chipsets, the OPPO Pad Neo’s performance with the Helio G99 chipset left a lasting impression. For those contemplating a MediaTek-based tablet, the Helio G99 stands out as a noteworthy benchmark, showcasing commendable performance and responsiveness in gaming scenarios.
Conducting a benchmarking test with the 3DMark app, the OPPO Pad Neo scored 1,326 points on the Wildlife test, a result that may seem a little low on paper. However, real-world gaming experiences, especially with PUBG Mobile, contradicted this benchmark score, demonstrating robust rendering and quick responses.
While the 3DMark score may appear at odds with actual gaming performance, the OPPO Pad Neo undeniably emerges as a stellar device for both entertainment and gaming, offering a well-rounded and satisfying experience for users.
Conclusion
The recently introduced OPPO Pad Neo stands out as a distinctive tablet, strategically catering to both everyday users and those mindful of their budget. While maintaining a straightforward design, the tablet excels in the realms of multitasking and entertainment. Its expansive display not only enhances the user experience for a wide audience but also harnesses the power of the Helio G99, making it an appealing choice for advanced users and avid gamers seeking robust performance.
Personally, I find the OPPO Pad Neo to be exceptionally impressive in terms of battery longevity, effortlessly lasting through at least two days even under the demanding usage scenarios of continuous gaming and movie-watching. The inclusion of SUPERVOOC charging technology further accelerates the charging process, replenishing the battery to full capacity in just over an hour. This tablet seamlessly transitions from leisure to productivity, proving itself as an ideal companion for work tasks, especially when paired with a Bluetooth keyboard.
Considering the affordable price tag of RM1,199.00, the OPPO Pad Neo emerges as a noteworthy investment, offering a versatile and feature-rich device that caters to a broad spectrum of users. Whether you prioritise budget considerations, advanced functionalities, or seamless multitasking, the OPPO Pad Neo presents a compelling option that delivers a commendable balance of performance, longevity, and affordability.
More info: https://www.oppo.com/my/accessories/oppo-pad-neo/