best android tablet 7" - future proof

[b_o_b]

Hi

I am looking for an android tablet that I can use and keep updating for the next few years to come (i.e. 4 years or longer). Mostly used for reading and listening to ebooks/streams (not looking for an ereader) but I like to have the ability to install the latest software.
Noticed that even our national library android app is very picky and doesn't install on older android tablets and there are a lot more examples. Unfortunately I cannot change the ecosystem that people are using and some things are too useful to ignore. That said I don't want to spend money every few years on a new tablet because software can't be updated. That really rubs me the wrong way..

The last android tablet I bought was an asus tablet that was never hacked so no custom roms available or else I still would have been using that one.
The last produced nexus tablet was the Nexus 9 - does not have my favourite screensize but it is still an option because I guess being a Nexus device this was more 'freed' than others?
Second hand devices are fine, software longevity is my main goal. Before anyone suggest buying an ipad - I am only looking for an Android device, not interested in buying Apple products.

Any suggestions?

 

[levi]

As far as I know, the nexus devices aren't receiving any official updates now that the pixel devices have come out. Hopefully I'm wrong on that though.

As far as I know you're hitting against one of the design goals of the android ecosystem - to keep you buying a new device every couple of years.

 

[b_o_b]

As far as I know you're hitting against one of the design goals of the android ecosystem - to keep you buying a new device every couple of years.

Yeah, I know.. was just hoping that someone with android roms experience could suggest one that a lot (most) developers use these days. I will buy one that will (probably) have a descent level of rom support the next few years once official support is stopped.

 

[rygD]

I don't keep up on this sorry of thing, but doesn't Google set their own devices for a while? Maybe start there if you want something that will have years of OS updates.

I would think that for unofficial, anything popular should last you a few years, just make sure you can load custom firmware/OS on it easily.

If you come across something like what you want I might be interested in it too.
[doublepost=1526147943,1526147863][/doublepost]Why do I feel like I just wasted all our time with that post?

 

[b_o_b]

If you come across something like what you want I might be interested in it too.

I've checked XDA forum and saw a similar post as mine and someone suggesting Samsung Galaxy tab s2 8.0

Seems like a nice recent tablet with available roms. The tablet has got several versions and every version probably needs a different rom what complicates matters https://www.devicespecifications.com/en/comparison/e06a78be0

https://forum.xda-developers.com/tab-s2

Will do some more research.

 

[levi]

Maybe look for the cheapest tablet you can find then. At least then if it only lasts a couple of years, you can afford to buy the next one more easily. It's not good for the environment, but then having all of the latest gizmos including a table isn't great for the environment either I guess.

 

[rygD]

I still want @hns to maybe make a PADD tablet that uses the Pyra CPU board. Maybe we could get Android running on such a thing.

 

[b_o_b]

Maybe look for the cheapest tablet you can find then. At least then if it only lasts a couple of years, you can afford to buy the next one more easily. It's not good for the environment, but then having all of the latest gizmos including a table isn't great for the environment either I guess.

Galaxy tab 2 can be bought relatively cheap and I like a nice screen. I'd rather pay more and have a better experience during its lifetime.
Environment is not my main concern tbh.. I just have a problem throwing away stuff that I am used to and is or could be working fine (I still use my Pandora almost daily while there are better alternatives available).

My main phone is an ancient Nokia N900

 

[benoitb]

I will buy one that will (probably) have a descent level of rom support the next few years once official support is stopped.

The only option really if you want to keep and Android device for a decent amount of time.

I use a Galaxy Tab S 10.5. I didn't like tablets before, but that was before.

Positives:

• Light
• Amazing screen
• Decent sound speakers
• Excellent headphone output
• Well supported by LineageOS

Neutral:

• Battery seems replaceable without too much trouble although you still need to be careful when opening it

Negatives:

• H265 support was not present in this product. Still available in Lineage but not stable
• SoC in general can be a bit weak to support the high screen definition. For example playing Hearthstone is ok but not smooth.
• 16 GB of internal memory is bit weak but it doesn't bother me as I use a home server a lot and stream everything from it.

This tablet exists in 8.4 inches format as well if you prefer smaller devices.

I love it for everything video, photos, and reading manga scans. It's good for browsing until you need a keyboard, but you know that. I also used it to play Persona 5 on PS4 remote play (requires hacks). It is used as a wireless OLED screen in that case.

I've had an original Nexus 7 before which worked well for 1 year and then was a disaster.

 

[b_o_b]

I use a Galaxy Tab S 10.5. I didn't like tablets before, but that was before.

Thanks, it confirms that a Samsung galaxy tab is probably one of the best buys currently for longevity if the older models are still working fine. Have mainly seen positive reviews. Galaxy Tab S2 seems a bit better (specs) and the price is only slightly higher.

Checked the status on the lineageos site.

https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/gts28vewifi

That means the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 Wi-Fi (2016) has official Linageos support as well. Just took the plunge and bought it for 229 Euro.

Looking forward to see that lovely screen everyone is cheering about

 

[spud42]

we have a Samsung Galaxy TabS2. its been fine great screen. only weakness is the micro USB charging port. The Missus broke hers because she didnt listen to me and just through it in a draw while charging , or leaned it against things putting strain on the connection. if you take care not to put strain on the port it should last. ours is the TM-810. i also have a Galaxy tab 3 lite. a 7"tab thats no longer supported with firmware updates but still works great. mine takes a 64GB micro SD and it works even though the manual says 32GB limit.
the XDA site is great for roms. it kept an old cheap chinese 7"tab going with a custom rom until i scored the Tab 3 lite. the Tab 3 is going into the car as a media device..

 

[benoitb]

Thanks, it confirms that a Samsung galaxy tab is probably one of the best buys currently for longevity if the older models are still working fine. Have mainly seen positive reviews. Galaxy Tab S2 seems a bit better (specs) and the price is only slightly higher.

Checked the status on the lineageos site.

https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/gts28vewifi

That means the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 Wi-Fi (2016) has official Linageos support as well. Just took the plunge and bought it for 229 Euro.

Looking forward to see that lovely screen everyone is cheering about

Looks like this is a good choice and a good deal. The cortex A72 will be very fast as well.