Keeping Old Tech Alive

There’s something satisfying about breathing new life into older technology. In a world where every company seems to push us toward the latest and greatest, sometimes it’s worth stepping back and asking: does last year’s device still hold up? For me, that question led to the OnePlus Pad 1.

I’ve always had a soft spot for tablets. They’re the in-between device — not quite a laptop, not quite a phone, but capable of filling both roles when needed. Before the Pad, I was using a Galaxy A9+. It was fine as an e-reader, but a little laggy when I tried to push it further. I experimented with aftermarket keyboards, but they were clunky and uncomfortable. And I wanted stylus support, something Samsung reserved for its higher-end S series. That left me looking at Lenovo, Pixel, and Samsung tablets, weighing features and prices.

Then I stumbled across a bundle deal: OnePlus Pad 1, keyboard, and stylus. For a device that was already a couple of years old, it felt like a steal. And honestly, it’s been a reminder that older tech can still be highly relevant.

Performance That Holds Up

The Pad 1 runs on the Dimensity 9000 chip, which was cutting-edge when it launched. Even now, it holds up remarkably well. I don’t see lag or performance issues in daily use. Sure, if I run speed tests, the numbers don’t match my OnePlus 13, but in real-world use, the Pad feels fast. Apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth, and streaming or browsing doesn’t stutter.

That’s the thing about older hardware: benchmarks might tell you it’s behind, but in practice, it’s still more than capable. For reading, note-taking, teaching prep, and even light productivity, the Pad 1 doesn’t feel outdated at all.

Keyboard and Input Experience

The keyboard surprised me. It’s clicky, even a little louder than expected, but comfortable to type on. Despite its small size, I was proficient right away. The trackpad, on the other hand, is too small to be truly useful. Android still isn’t polished when it comes to cursor support, so I mostly ignore it.

What I do appreciate is the way the Pad attaches directly to the keyboard. It only has one set position, which feels limiting compared to newer models, but it’s stable. I can carry it around attached without worrying it will flop or detach. Later versions of the Pad improved flexibility with multiple angles, but for me, stability matters more.

Display and Stylus

The screen is bright enough, though I admit I’d prefer the higher nits of the Pad 2 or 3. At around 500 nits, it’s fine indoors and usable outdoors, but not exceptional. Still, the display looks fantastic — crisp, colorful, and immersive.

The stylus has been an adjustment. Writing on glass feels strange, and I’m still figuring out the best workflow. But the built-in transcription tool impresses me. It reads my handwriting, even cursive, with surprising accuracy. That’s a game-changer for note-taking in class or sketching ideas.

Aesthetic nitpick: the white stylus looks odd against the Pad’s green body. It would have coordinated perfectly with my old green OnePlus 12. But that’s minor. Functionally, the stylus works well, and while I’m no artist, it’s been useful for notes and sketches. I’m even experimenting with creating material I might sell or share later.

Don’t judge my handwriting too harshly. I take notes during sermons and classes. I copy verses and notes into OneNote. From there, I can make my own annotations using the stylus. The stylus serves my purpose well.

Connectivity and Ecosystem

OnePlus has clearly worked on improving connectivity between its pads and phones. This is where the Pad shines. I don’t need to turn on a hotspot anymore. Things I copy on my phone paste seamlessly on the tablet. Files move easily between devices, which is especially handy given the difference in storage — 512 GB on my phone versus 128 GB on the Pad.

The OnePlus Watch 2 replaced my Garmin

Samsung offers similar integration, but they also block some of Android’s built-in tools to push their own ecosystem. That’s part of why I didn’t buy another Samsung. OnePlus keeps it simple, and it works. For someone juggling teaching, blogging, and family logistics, that kind of seamless connection saves time and frustration.

Living With Older Tech

What I love most about the Pad 1 is how it proves older tech can still be useful. It’s not the newest model, but it’s fast, reliable, and capable. I can type comfortably, take notes with the stylus, and move files between devices without hassle. It’s bright enough, stable enough, and powerful enough for my daily needs.

Do I sometimes wish I splurged for the Pad 2? Sure. The higher brightness would be nice, and the keyboard design is better for desk use. But the Pad 2’s keyboard is less stable on a lap, which matters for me. Every device has trade-offs, and the Pad 1 hits the balance I need.

Final Thought: Old Tech, New Life

In a world obsessed with upgrades, the OnePlus Pad 1 reminds me that older devices don’t suddenly become useless when a new model arrives. The Dimensity 9000 still runs smoothly. The keyboard is comfortable. The stylus adds functionality. And the integration with my phone makes it feel like part of a larger ecosystem.

It’s not perfect. The brightness could be better. The trackpad is forgettable. The stylus color clashes with the design. But none of those things stop it from being a reliable, versatile tool.

Keeping old tech alive isn’t just about saving money. It’s about recognizing that usefulness doesn’t expire with a product cycle. The OnePlus Pad 1 may not be the newest, but it’s still relevant, still capable, and still worth using. And for me, that’s enough.