Yup. It only has 1GB RAM. It performs very well on KitKat so I was hoping it'd at least be a passable test/debugging device. The apps I work on aren't resource hogs, but from what you're saying it sounds like I'd still be signing myself up for more trouble than it's be worth.
Loading it from a ROM made for my device was actually what I meant. I just misunderstood the process. I skimmed a walk-through of how to get newer unsupported versions of Android and I thought they were getting newer versions by restoring snapshots of the OS compiled by someone else.
What are some of the more upgradable stock Android tablets currently on the market? I'm mostly interested in an entry level, but solid device to use for app testing and don't want to be buying a new device every 2 years because I can't test the latest version of Android.
I understand.
Back when Nexus was a thing and TouchWiz existed I used to install custom rims all the time. A lot of the features in Android come from those early developer mods. It was risky and you could brick your device but it allowed so much more functionality at the time it was worth it. Now, not so much. But an old device like yours is a gem. Just keep it as updated as possible. I would go on XDA and just see if there has been any developments in the last several years just to give you an idea of what you are looking at. Otherwise just keep it as it is and use it until it dies or trade it in....
www.samsung.com
I would suggest something like the above. It is not $200 but it is not over $500 either and with no trade in it is a good deal.
You will get 5 years of updates and 4 years of OS upgrades. No other Android tablet right now is better and the newer the generation it is the longer it will be supported which is why I am not suggesting a cheaper or older option. You could spend $200 on the 64gb s6 lite but it released in 2022 and I believe you get 3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years security on this device so you would have to wait until they release a new model for the s6 lite. Who knows when or if that will ever be?
You are basically getting the old galaxy tab S8 with an Exynos processor but otherwise same specs. Which means for $419 you are getting a very premium tablet with the longest support at the cheapest price.
Once you get a Samsung Galaxy tab then when you are ready in a few years or sooner you can trade it in for a new model probably nicer for less than what you paid for your FE if you get it. That is the nice thing about Samsung. Once you get a Samsung device they make upgrades affordable and you end up getting a better tablet than you could have otherwise by trading in when ready.
Good luck and hope this helps!
