It makes sense to check that devices have the best specs possible before buying. Despite this, I’ve been using a new Android tablet with a chipset from 2020. And while that seemed like a red flag at first, using it has taught me why devices don’t always need the latest hardware.
A Snapdragon 888 Still Gets the Job Done in 2025
To set some context, Qualcomm, one of the leading processor makers for Android devices, refreshes its flagship chipset every year. Back in 2020, its top-tier processors were branded under the Snapdragon 8xx series. Since then, the company has rebranded its flagship processors not once, but twice—first to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, Gen 2, and so on, and now to the new Snapdragon 8 Elite lineup.
Along with the branding, there have been major under-the-hood upgrades to the company’s chipsets, including transitions to newer architectures and more efficient fabrication processes. The latest Snapdragon 8 Elite, for example, is built on a 3nm node. Generally, the smaller the node, the better the performance and battery efficiency.
Infinix made me aware that its new Android tablet, the XPAD GT, runs on the Snapdragon 888—a five-year-old chip found in phones like the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and built on a 5nm process. My first thought was how this would affect day-to-day use. Would it feel laggy from the start, or could it still hold up?
Surprisingly, the answer is positive. I’ve been using the Infinix XPAD GT for over a month now, and it’s been more than capable. In fact, unless you’re specifically looking for performance gaps, it doesn’t feel any slower than today’s mid-range tablets. Most modern processors are optimized well enough that you don’t notice performance differences.
That effect is even more noticeable on tablets, which aren’t typically used as heavily or as frequently as smartphones. You’re not taking calls, replying to emails, and doomscrolling all day. Instead, they’re often used casually—making do just fine without the latest flagship SoC.
After a month of use, I’ve barely seen the XPAD GT stutter or lag. Apps open just as quickly as my iPad, multitasking is smooth, and even games like PUBG Mobile and Monument Valley run without major issues. Sure, it’s not as efficient or thermally advanced as the newest chips, but unless you’re pushing it with extremely heavy workloads, you probably won’t notice.
Stock-Like Software Makes a Big Difference
I’ve noticed that one of the biggest factors affecting the performance of tablets—or really any device—is how well the software is optimized. One of the reasons I love the Apple TV (despite its flaws) more than any other streaming device is that its software is optimized, making the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. The same applies to tablets, too.
While most competitors like Samsung and OnePlus use their own Android skins on tablets, those skins are often heavy and need extra optimization to run well. Infinix, in contrast, has chosen to go with a stock-like Android experience, which makes a noticeable difference.
Since there’s less for the hardware to render on top of Android, along with minimal bloatware, the software on the XPAD GT runs smoothly. Even though it’s running Android 14, which is two versions behind the latest release, I haven’t had any noticeable issues.
The fact that Android 14 is at its most stable point—as it has been available for a while—makes a big difference, especially since the tablet uses an older chipset. It might show signs of age down the line, but for now, with Android 14 still being relevant for at least a few more years, I’ve had no complaints about the XPAD GT’s software performance.
Should You Buy Such Old Hardware?
I’m not saying you should go buy a tablet with an old chip, but it’s also not something you should dismiss outright.
There’s a difference between recommending a device because it uses an older chip, and recognizing when that older chip still gets the job done. I wouldn’t recommend everyone look for a device running the Snapdragon 888 in 2025, but I also don’t think it’s fair to say that such a device has no value.
The reality is that most people don’t use their tablets as primary devices. You’re not maxing out CPU cores or editing videos all day. For casual usage—streaming, reading, a bit of light gaming—flagship-tier chips from a few years ago still have more than enough power.
That said, I’d still recommend going for a tablet with a newer mid-range chipset if you can. These chips offer solid day-to-day performance, better efficiency, and support for modern on-device AI tasks—something older processors completely miss out on. You’re also more likely to get longer software support when the chip is part of the newer generation.