In a move that simplifies its hardware but may frustrate security-conscious and mobile users, the OnePlus Pad 4 has launched without two features commonly expected in modern tablets: a biometric fingerprint sensor and any form of cellular modem. The device relies solely on Wi-Fi for connectivity and offers only facial recognition or a PIN for unlocking.
Security Trade-offs and Practical Limitations
The facial recognition system operates exclusively through the front-facing camera, a method that does not match the security standard provided by a capacitive fingerprint reader or an infrared-assisted facial scan. In low-light conditions, the feature can be slow to respond or fail entirely. More critically, the camera-based authentication remains vulnerable to spoofing by a determined individual with malicious intent. Users who regularly access sensitive business documents or banking applications on the tablet face a tangible risk, as the alternative—entering a PIN—is equally less robust and adds friction to daily use.
No Mobile Connectivity Beyond Wi-Fi
The absence of a SIM card slot means the tablet is tethered to Wi-Fi networks. Professionals who need to work while commuting, for instance, will have to connect through a smartphone’s hotspot. This workaround places a steady drain on the phone’s battery and may demand a more expensive data allowance. In situations where a personal hotspot is unavailable or unreliable, users could be pushed toward unsecured public Wi-Fi, compounding existing security concerns.
A Shifting Support Horizon
The long-term software picture adds another layer of uncertainty. OnePlus has not issued an explicit update commitment specifically for the Pad 4. Instead, the company points to a general pledge of three years of updates for tablets measured from their original launch date. However, with OnePlus simultaneously preparing to exit a significant number of global markets, sustained product development for the tablet appears to be a lower priority. Anyone planning to keep the device for an extended period should weigh this limited support outlook carefully.
The Competition Shows What’s Possible
Competing devices in a similar price bracket demonstrate that integrating mobile connectivity is a feasible design choice. The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro Gen 2, for example, includes such options, a point that is likely to carry weight with field workers or frequent travelers. Given the OnePlus Pad 4’s 13.2-inch screen and chassis weighing 675 grams, there is ample internal space to accommodate a fingerprint sensor, a 5G modem, and a SIM slot. The decision to leave these out appears less a technical necessity than a cost-cutting measure, consistent with a company narrowing its focus as it contracts its global footprint.