OnePlus Reveals New Pad Go And Watch To Rival Apple, In Exclusive Interview

OnePlus is about to launch two new products, EU-exclusive versions of the OnePlus Watch 2 and Pad Go tablet. Bingo Liu, CEO, OnePlus Europe, talked to me about the new products and the thinking behind them.

The OnePlus Watch 2 was a major release for the company in recent months, upgrading every part of the company’s original smartwatch and receiving strong reviews. Liu tells me that the new watch was a success in sales, too: “Feedback has been phenomenal. In fact, in just the first 18hrs, we sold out and it has been our best-selling product in the last two years.”

So, how will an EU-exclusive version differ, and why has OnePlus taken this route? “At OnePlus, we launch products based on local demand, preference and our forecast. We have launched exclusive products in certain markets before or a combination of regions which includes Europe too. OnePlus Watch 2 launched three years after our first watch. Our journey to launching that product began with a simple question: ‘what makes a smartwatch great?’ We ran surveys, read the research, spoke to our community, and more The result was a universal list of expectations—a watch with peak performance, killer battery life, accurate fitness tracking and a fun user experience.”

Which led to the watch’s February release and from there to the new model. “While the new, EU-exclusive watch will be strongly linked to the OnePlus Watch 2 launched earlier this year, we are aiming to offer a device that perfectly transitions between every aspect of your lives; from the office to the gym , to a casual Sunday walk to a dinner date with friends.”

The Importance Of Europe

It sounds like OnePlus is saying that Europe is important to the brand. “Definitely,” Liu insists. “Europe has always been a key region for us with a huge potential for growth. We have a very active and supportive community here and the success of our products launched recently are testimony to the strategic importance of Europe. We introduced our first foldable smartphone, the OnePlus Open, and for the first time ever in the history of OnePlus in Europe, a smartphone was completely sold out before it was even launched. The second stock of the OnePlus Open available immediately after launch was also sold out in 24 hours.”

No wonder that the company has big plans for the region, then, as Liu explains: “We’ve seen great success in Europe and are committed to building a strong premium brand across the region. This is important because our business strategy has evolved from the flagship smartphone killer towards a premium ecosystem builder. We’re evolving because the definition of a ‘great technology experience’ has changed.”

Building The Ecosystem

How has this seen the company change, exactly? “Ten years ago, to us, a ‘great technology experience’ relied heavily on a great smartphone experience. But in 2024, the world is more connected than ever. We believe that today this goes beyond a single device, to an ecosystem of great devices that work seamlessly with each other and connect with the world around them.”

The ecosystem includes earbuds such as the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 which launched in February last year, the OnePlus Pad flagship tablet, the foldable and more.

The New Pad Go Tablet

But the new tablet that Liu wants to talk about today is different from the OnePlus Pad. “I’m excited to announce that OnePlus Pad Go is coming to Europe. Much like the response to the OnePlus Watch 2, feedback on our first tablet, OnePlus Pad, has been incredibly popular – so it makes sense to bring people more of what they love. OnePlus Pad Go caters to a slightly different segment of the market to OnePlus Pad, being a mid-tier entertainment tablet. It boasts a remarkable 2.4K display that offers value seekers outstanding quality and access to the OnePlus ecosystem, without breaking the bank.”

Again, I wonder, why is Europe such a key focus? “The European smartphone and broader technology market is constantly in flux. We have built a very strong following in the region, that have a red-hot passion for our brand, but particularly for our latest devices. It’s the perfect place to fulfil our vision of holistic product experience for all. Europe is competitive. OnePlus is ready to rise to the challenge and compete with the industry leaders, for both quality and volume of devices sold in Europe.”

But in the world of tablets, there’s one brand, Apple, which dominates, especially at the premium end. Is that why OnePlus is focusing on the more affordable market?

“Every product decision is grounded in extensive market research. Following the successful launch of the OnePlus Pad and the remarkable response it received from the community, coupled with the positive response to OnePlus Pad Go in India, we are bolstered with confidence to expand our tablet line in Europe. OnePlus Pad Go is specifically designed to resonate with the younger demographic, who often rely on portable tablets for various entertainment activities, this tablet excels in scenarios such as video consumption, file editing, and information browsing. Our deliberate choice of a 2.4K display underscores our belief that an exceptional screen is the quintessence of a tablet, significantly elevating the viewing experience.”

Launch Date

The official launch will come in Finland, on April 23, so Liu is cagey about some details, such as the price, which will be key to the Pad Go’s success, I suggest. There are some aspects which Liu can reveal at this stage. “While I can’t reveal specifics yet of our new EU-exclusive watch, what I can say is that design is key. Smartwatches have evolved beyond mere functional devices; they have become extensions of personal style and expression. Wearable technology is not just a gadget, but a fashion statement that reflects one’s individuality and taste. We understood that the features of the OnePlus Watch 2 were leading the industry, but there is a segment of our community that wanted a watch to perfectly transition between every aspect of their lives, from the office to the gym floor, to a casual Sunday walk to a dinner date with friends. So, we’ve taken inspiration from the European region, particularly the Nordics; to bring a device to European consumers that is relevant to them and that meets their needs of having a device that can transition from day to night, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing.”

And how about the tablet? “The OnePlus Pad Go is our value offering within the tablet category, but still packs so much ability for the price. The standout feature of the OnePlus Pad Go undoubtedly lies in its cutting-edge display, boasting the highest resolution currently available in the market. We’ve integrated impressive features like Dolby Atmos and Eye Care functionalities.

“The OnePlus Pad Go also has seamless synergy with OnePlus smartphones, offering a range of intelligent features. For example, Content Sync enables easy clipboard and photo gallery sharing between the tablet and OnePlus smartphones, while Cellular Data Sharing on non-LTE models ensures a more reliable and power-efficient connection method compared to standard hotspot connections. There are plenty of tricks waiting for our users to explore on this device.”

All eyes, then, will be on the company’s launch in Finland, on April 23.