OnePlus opened up applications for The Lab: OnePlus Pad

Reviewers may be able to keep the device. You can apply until 17th April 2023 23:59 EST.
Adhiraj S. Chauhan

"The Lab" is a unique concept OnePlus first introduced in May 2016 with the OnePlus 3. The OnePlus 6/6T, 7- & 7T-series, 8T-series, 9-series, Nord 2 & Buds Pro, 10 Pro, Nord 2T, 10T, and 11 were a part of the program. This unique concept contains answering a few basic questions, including a relatively thorough review of your current device. We recommend taking your time to think about your answers, especially to stand out from the crowd. OnePlus decides which applications they approve, and they'll send devices to the selected reviewers. Assuming all goes well and you complete your review on time, you get to keep the device.

Note: the 7T-series' Lab had it slightly different — participants had to buy the device first, and winners could choose between a full reimbursement of their purchase, or a custom device with their name engraved. This year's iteration (for the Pad) is similar to previous ones — there are 3 devices available.

OnePlus also posted a very useful thread explaining the selection process (including dos & don'ts), so give that a read as well. We were a bit late in publishing this article, but you still have 4 days to apply.

Timeline

  • April 7 – Applications open
  • Apr 17 23:59 EST – Application closes
  • Apr 7 to Apr 17 – Community team reviews the applications
  • Apr 19 – OnePlus announces reviewers in the Community
  • Apr 20 – OnePlus ships devices to reviewers
  • Apr 27 onwards – Reviewers post in the Community

Only 3 reviewers will be selected, so make sure your application stands out. Try adding links to your existing work, if you have any (photography, news articles, blog posts, YouTube videos, etc). You can also check out this thread (posted 2 years ago), where OnePlus explains the story behind The Lab. A user on OnePlus Community who was also a Lab Reviewer for the 7T, gave some tips when writing an application. They made that post for the 9-series Lab, but it applies here as well.

Who can apply?

Both OnePlus and non-OnePlus users can apply, as well as community and non-community members. In the past, OnePlus reserved a few seats for existing community members, but they haven't said anything about it this time.

How can you apply?

Head to this website and fill the form.

Application deadline

Until 17th April 2023 23:59 EST (GMT -04:00).

FAQ

OnePlus posted the following FAQ:

  • Q: Who is eligible?
    A: All users will be eligible for our program.
  • Q: What criteria will OnePlus use to select the winners?
    A: Your entry will be reviewed based on your photography and writing skills. Other criteria include your tech gadget experience, review history, blogging, and related user-generated content highlighting your writing proficiency. This allows us to determine whether you qualify as a Lab reviewer.
  • Q: How many devices have you prepared for The Lab?
    A: We have prepared 3 devices for each edition of the Lab.
  • Q: When will you ship out the review devices?
    A: We will ship out devices according to the schedule. Depending on the user’s region, Lab Reviewers should receive devices in three to seven calendar days.
  • Q: For how long do reviewers get to create their review thread after receiving the device?
    A: Upon receiving the devices, we allow approximately seven calendar days for reviewers to write their reviews. A follow-up review after using the device for one month is also required.
  • Q: Will reviewers be able to keep the devices?
    A: Yes, provided both reviews are completed and submitted on time.
  • Q: Are Lab reviewers allowed to write critical reviews of the products they received?
    A: Our top priority is to elicit honest feedback, we are committed to publishing user feedback – positive or critical – with zero censorship or influence.

If you're looking for some inspiration, check out previous reviews by The Lab reviewers:

Keep in mind, however, reviewers will have to sign an NDA before they receive the devices. Check out the official post on OnePlus Community, which contains more information, and a sign-up link as well (which we also linked to above).

If you get selected, do let us know, either on our Discord server or over email.

This iteration of The Lab seems to have a stricter selection process, so put some effort into your application as well as your review of the devices. Best of luck! If you'd like to know more about the OnePlus Pad, you can read our rumour-roundup article. It was supposed to be announced in the Cloud 11 event, but that didn't happen. The device is expected to go on sale around 28th April 2023, and we may write another article when it does.

Source: OnePlus Community