Oppo Pad 5 in the test: tablet with bright LCD for streaming and surfing from 379 euros

Oppo has launched its Pad 5 tablet in Europe with a reduced configuration compared to its global version, priced starting at €379. The device is positioned as a budget-friendly option for streaming and casual browsing, featuring a bright LCD display that stands out among competitors. The European variant includes a less powerful processor, lower display resolution, and a smaller battery capacity than the international model, yet it retains key features such as a high-brightness screen and a solid build. The Oppo Pad 5 measures 266 x 192.8 x 6.8 millimeters and weighs approximately 597 grams. It comes in a dark gray-blue color called Starlight Black, with the Oppo logo centered on the back panel. A camera module sits on the top right corner, while volume controls and a power button are located on the left side of the frame. The front-facing camera is integrated into the display bezel, a common design choice for tablets. The device offers a single USB-C port, and the 5G version includes a slot for a SIM card and a microSD card. The aluminum chassis feels durable and resistant to bending, contributing to the overall premium feel of the device. The display is a standout feature of the Oppo Pad 5. Instead of an OLED panel, it uses a 12.1-inch LCD with a 7:5 aspect ratio. This screen achieves up to 800 cd/m² brightness when using automatic brightness adjustment, making it suitable for outdoor use despite not being fully sunproof. The screen-to-body ratio is impressive at 88.5%, enhancing the immersive experience during media consumption. With a resolution of 2800 x 1980 pixels (284 PPI), images appear sharp and vibrant. The display supports refresh rates of up to 120 Hz, though users can choose between 30, 60, or 90 Hz to conserve battery life. Camera performance is modest. Both the front and main cameras offer 8 megapixels with an f/2.0 aperture. While these cameras are adequate for capturing documents or basic video calls, they lack the detail and vibrancy needed for more demanding tasks. Video recording is limited to 720p at 30 frames per second or 1080p at 30 fps. For casual use, this is sufficient, but serious videographers will likely seek better equipment. Performance-wise, the Oppo Pad 5 is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra chip with eight cores. It handles everyday tasks efficiently, though it struggles with more intensive gaming scenarios beyond simple match-3 or puzzle games. In benchmark tests, the device scores around 870 points in the 3DMark Wildlife Extreme test, which is relatively low considering the processor’s capabilities. During the PCMark Work 3.1 test, it scores just over 10,500 points, slightly below expectations given the CPU. However, for general use, the performance is adequate. Storage options include 128 GB of internal memory using UFS 3.1 technology, with the 5G version supporting expandable storage up to 2 TB via microSD. The device provides 8 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6 support, offering faster internet speeds and improved network efficiency. Overall, the Oppo Pad 5 strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, making it a compelling choice for users prioritizing display quality and basic multimedia needs.