OnePlus Pad 3 vs iPad Pro 11-inch M5: The 2025 Premium Tablet Showdown
Comparing OnePlus Pad 3 and Apple iPad Pro 11-inch M5 side by side for students, creators, gamers and productivity users. Design, display, performance, ecosystem, battery and value in one clean guide.
OnePlus Pad 3
A premium Android tablet focused on entertainment, gaming and productivity with a large, immersive display and clean OxygenOS experience.
View OnePlus Pad 3 on Amazon
iPad Pro 11-inch (M5)
Apple’s most advanced 11-inch iPad Pro with the M5 chip, Ultra Retina XDR display and deep Apple Intelligence integration.
View iPad Pro M5 on AmazonOnePlus Pad 3 vs iPad Pro M5: Key Specs & Features
| Category | OnePlus Pad 3 | iPad Pro 11-inch M5 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Android tablet with OxygenOS (tablet-optimized) | iPadOS with Apple Intelligence & pro app ecosystem |
| Chip / Performance | Flagship-grade OnePlus performance, tuned for gaming and multitasking | Apple M5 chip with advanced CPU, GPU and Neural Engine |
| Display | Large high-refresh display ideal for movies and games | 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR, ProMotion 120Hz, HDR-ready |
| Use Case Focus | Entertainment, Android apps, reading, light productivity & gaming | Pro workflows, design, editing, coding, productivity, AI tools |
| Accessories | Keyboard & stylus (OnePlus ecosystem, varies by region) | Apple Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard, pro 3rd-party accessories |
| Ecosystem | Works best with OnePlus phones & Android apps | Deep integration with iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch & iCloud |
| Best For | Students, casual creators, media lovers, budget-conscious buyers | Professionals, serious creators, power users & long-term iPad users |
Design & Build Quality
Both the OnePlus Pad 3 and iPad Pro M5 feel premium, but they reflect different design languages.
OnePlus Pad 3 typically offers a slim metal body with curved edges and a large display footprint, geared more towards watching content and everyday use. It is modern, minimal and very comfortable to hold in landscape.
iPad Pro 11-inch M5 follows Apple’s clean, flat-edge design with ultra-thin bezels and a very refined finish. It looks and feels like a professional tool, especially when paired with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil.
Display & Entertainment Experience
For movies, streaming and reading, OnePlus Pad 3 gives you a large, immersive panel with a high refresh rate, ideal for binge-watching shows and playing fast-paced games on Android.
The iPad Pro M5 pushes things further with its Ultra Retina XDR display, ProMotion up to 120Hz, high brightness and accurate color reproduction. It is a better fit for color-sensitive work, HDR content, and professional-grade media consumption.
If pure entertainment and value matter more, the Pad 3 is attractive. If you want the most accurate, pro-level screen, the iPad Pro M5 clearly wins.
Performance, Software & Ecosystem
OnePlus Pad 3 is built around a flagship-class chipset (exact SoC depends on model/region) and runs OxygenOS for tablets, which is generally smooth, clean and customizable. It is easy to use, great for multitasking, and ideal for Android users already in the OnePlus ecosystem.
iPad Pro M5 with the Apple M5 chip is in a different performance league, especially for professional workloads like 4K editing, music production, complex drawing, coding and running advanced AI features under Apple Intelligence.
The software ecosystems are very different: Android on the Pad 3 is flexible and open, while iPadOS on the M5 brings access to pro apps like Final Cut Pro (where available), Logic, Procreate and a rich library of tablet-optimized software.
Battery, Charging & Daily Usage
Both devices aim to offer full-day usage, but their strengths differ.
OnePlus Pad 3 typically focuses on a large battery with fast charging, making it excellent for students and binge-watchers who need quick top-ups and long screen-on time.
iPad Pro M5 delivers “all-day” battery in Apple’s usual style, with a focus on efficiency during intensive workloads like editing, drawing or using multiple apps. With the M5’s improved Neural Engine and efficiency, it is tuned for heavy tasks over the long term.
Who Should Buy OnePlus Pad 3?
- Students who want a big screen tablet for classes, notes and OTT platforms
- Android users who prefer OxygenOS and Google Play apps
- Casual creators, readers and gamers on a smarter budget
- Those who do not need Apple-specific pro apps
Who Should Buy iPad Pro 11-inch M5?
- Professional creators: video editors, illustrators, photographers, musicians
- Users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch)
- Those who want the best long-term software support and Apple Intelligence features
- Buyers who see their tablet as a true laptop replacement
OnePlus Pad 3 vs iPad Pro M5: Frequently Asked Questions
Which tablet is better for students?
For students who mostly watch lectures, browse, read PDFs and use Android apps, the OnePlus Pad 3 offers excellent value. If you need note-taking with Apple Pencil, advanced apps and long-term iPadOS support, the iPad Pro M5 is superior but more expensive.
Which one is better for video editing and design?
The iPad Pro M5 is the better choice for serious editing and design, thanks to the M5 chip, Ultra Retina XDR display and access to professional apps like Final Cut Pro (where available) and Procreate.
Is OnePlus Pad 3 a good alternative to iPad?
Yes, for Android users who want a large premium tablet for entertainment, browsing and light productivity, the OnePlus Pad 3 is a strong alternative at a more affordable price point.
Which tablet is more future-proof?
The iPad Pro M5 is more future-proof in terms of raw performance, Apple Intelligence integration and long-term iPadOS updates. The Pad 3 is still a great choice if you mainly value the Android ecosystem and price-to-performance ratio.
