(Part 2) Best products from r/androidtablets

I am replacing a Nexus 10 that is becoming problematic and slow, requiring a factory reset every few weeks to keep it from becoming too slow to use. I already attempted to solve this cheaply myself with an RCA Maven Pro 12", and the screen is god awful and it's slower in its best state than the Nexus 10 is when it needs a factory reset. Other things about the Maven Pro make it attractive, but it's truly a piece of junk to be avoided.

So, my usage for this tablet will consist of:

• Video consumption, 1080p 60fps. Youtube/Netflix/Plex/Twitch.tv
  
• Chat in hangouts / twitch streams
  
• Control of ssh terminal to remote systems
  
• VNC control of remote systems
  
• eBook reading
  
• Reddit via sync for reddit
  
• Web Browsing
  
• SDR Applications for RF monitoring
  
  
  Although the screen on the Maven Pro is awful, the size is just incredible. It allows for the device to truly act like a tiny laptop and the media consumption experience is far better than even the 10 inch screen it replaces. Normally, availability of recent versions of android is top of my list of requirements, but at larger screen sizes that tends to just not be possible. The options that I have not already tried in the 12"+ size category that I am aware of are:
  
  
• Galaxy Note 12 Pro - Expensive, outdated version of android, but it has a very fast processor and the screen is reputed to be worth killing babies for. Very strong contender, especially since there is a very nice OEM keyboard option for it and it seems that there is some LineageOS support for this device as well.
  
• Chuwi Hi12 - Cheap as hell, very very nice IPS screen, limited LineageOS support (which may be going away due to drivers no longer in mainline kernels). Keyboard from OEM is reported to be absolute garbage, so an alternative keyboard solution may be needed, but at this price, it wouldn't be too bad. Performance is reported to be mediocre at best, but it will be better than the RCA Maven Pro. If Lineage OS support continues, I would expect performance to increase. Also includes windows 10, which would be an interesting bonus, as well as the option to run ubuntu instead of windows or android. Another negative: touchscreen accuracy is awful when using any sort of screen protector (shitty digitizer).
  
• Virgin Mobile TellyTablet - Perfect form factor to go along with media consumption use case. I can't seem to find one in the US, so I may have to get it shipped from the UK. ROM support may be spotty, so thats another negative, and portability will be iffy as well. Pretty much an unknown for me, as I've never seen one in person.
  
  
  What other 12 inch or larger tablets are there that run android? I'm pretty flexible on most parameters, so long as the screen size is 12 inches or larger and doesn't have craptastic viewing angles like the Maven Pro. Hell, if I could pay to have a decent processor and IPS display put in the Maven Pro, I'd do it.
  
  Thanks in advance!

I followed the steps described for "Option 1" in "How to Install the Google Play Store on the Amazon Fire Tablet or Fire HD 8". That article does include a paragraph "Update: We’ve had some readers mention that Option One isn’t working for them, although it’s still working for us. If you encounter trouble, you should be able to get it working with the ADB method in Option Two further down that uses a Windows PC to install the Play Store.". I don't remember if that update was already there when I did it. Maybe I was lucky, or maybe such troubles are rare, but I found it very easy to add the Google play store, and I have had absolutely zero issues installing any and all apps I've wanted, without doing anything techy like rooting, and I don't recall having any issues running them.

There is something I haven't been entirely sure about, and that is that at the time I installed the play store, there was a choice in the Fire settings as to whether to allow the store to update itself. I decided at the time not to allow that, based on the "if it ain't broke" idea that an update might screw it up. I don't know whether it makes any difference, and I haven't even looked at that permission page since then, but there have been no issues.

I see there is another article ["Amazon Fire Tablets: 4 Ways to Install Google Play Store Apps | Tech for Luddites"]
(https://techforluddites.com/amazon-fire-tablets-google-play-apps/) that goes over the same material.

I bought my Fire HD 10 tablet on Nov 27, 2017 for $99.99, the same price it's listed at today, and it was delivered in 7 days. I also bought the case and screen protector. The case isn't as stable as I wish it were as a stand. Basically, it falls over if you breathe on it. Within a couple weeks I paid Amazon the $15, if I remember correctly, to remove the ads wherever it was they were showing up, as they felt way too intrusive.

I love, luff my Fire tablet. Every time I pick it up, I get a boost, from what a great deal it was and what a fine little piece of machinery it is. The case gives it a good feel. The screen is sharp and bright, the colors look good to me (I'm not a color accuracy buff), it's fast enough, the sound is a lot better than my galaxy s7 phone. What's not to like?

well, for one thing, the Nexus 10 gets the newest versions of Android. I'm pretty sure the Note 10.1 is on Ice Cream Sandwich still. Android 4.0. the Nexus 10 should be on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean now, with an update to 4.4 KitKat coming soon. the Nexus 10 also surpasses the Note 10.1 in processing power, with a dual core exynos 5 SoC, compared to the quad core exynos 4 in the Note 10.1. exynos 5 is Cortex A15 based, while exynos 4 is Cortex A9 based. a dual core a15 processor easily surpasses a quad core A9. the difference won't be that noticeable coming from an iPad, which basically has a CPU equivalent to a dual core Cortex A9. so either one is a pretty big jump in power for you. the Note 10.1 basically has the Micro SD card slot and the S-Pen that might make it worth doing. the UI on the Nexus is much more preferred by Android users as well. I'm not sure if you can use Nova Launcher on the Note 10.1 and still have all the S-Pen features be completely intact, but you should be able to.

both tablets are great, and while the Nexus 10 easily surpasses the Note in every way, if you want expandable storage, the note 10.1 is easier to do that on. you can also root the Nexus 10 and use Stickmount, and attach a flash drive or external hard drive.

after realizing it's an exynos 4 in the Note 10.1, I'm going to recommend another tablet. you might also consider an Asus Transformer. also a quad core A9 based processor, but this has what is, or is very close to, a pure Android UI, and it has a keyboard dock. the Transformer Infinity is a 10 inch tablet, has the keyboard dock, a Jelly Bean update, expandable storage, and a pure Android UI. I'd suggest putting Nova Launcher over it anyway, but still. I'd suggest checking Swappa, but if you want it new and have the money to spend, here's the amazon link. and it's sold separately, so don't forget the keyboard dock if you want it. it's regarded as one of the many reasons why those tablets are so great. the Transformer Infinity seems to offer everything you'd want and more.

if you need anything else, let me know. but I think I've got the best recommendation for you now, with the Asus Transformer.

I have the Lenovo TAB2 A10, but the one with the ARM Cortex A53 Quad-Core, 2GB RAM and FHD IPS model. I've posted about it a few times on here when people were looking for tablets for reading comics/movie watching.

link to my other comments here

FWIW, currently the best offer on AMAZON for the ARM, 2GB, FHD IPS tablet is from VIP OUTLET - i ordered a refurbished model from them, and it seemed like it was brand new. i had a little trepidation as well, but it worked out for me. so, take it from a stranger on the internet, VIP outlet was a reputable 3rd party seller (YMMV).

Great then the Simbans PicassoTab 10 Inch Tablet 32GB with thin Stylus Pen is for you :-). I love it so much because you will be able to Draw, take notes, watch movies and play a little game here and there in your free time. Also I like the display it comes with,the IPS HD screen resolution makes pictures very crystal clear so drawing on it would give you a great detailed quality. Here is a customer's review on it 7 days ago. https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R2R7DKHTYCP2SV/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B071R3N6ZJ

I will endeavor to answer my own question. As noted above, the Galaxy Tab 2 has very limited compatibility with wall chargers. The bulk of these chargers produce the dreaded "red X" and they charge at an extremely slow rate, if at all. The best price that I found a replacement OEM ETA-P11JBE charger, was on the "big river store" for $49.95. I decided that this was a bit much for a unit that is notorious for its reliability (or lack thereof). There are other OEM chargers available with a similar appearance and more agreeable pricing, but the reviews for these devices were also abysmal and contain many accounts of overheating and premature failures. I had no desire to roll the dice again on compatibility, so I decided to pass.

Finally, I decided to e-mail Aukey directly. They replied with a recommendation for their model PA-U38.

https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Dual-Port-Output-Foldable-Samsung/dp/B01DKJRCC6/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1468468917&sr=8-16&keywords=AUKEY+Wall+Charger

I purchased one of these chargers for $12.99 and I can confirm that they are, in fact, compatible with the Tab 2. Other notable features are the foldable terminals (great for travel), dual USB ports, cool operation, good heat management (my tablet battery never exceeded 34C) and best of all it is $37 cheaper than the OEM hardware.

I should also mention that the charging rate, as measured by the Ampere Meter app, with an Imkey braided cable is just under 1200 mA, which for all intents and purposes is identical to the performance of the OEM unit.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GN00OQA?psc=1

Overall, I am very happy with the PA-U38 and I would definitely PA-U38 again.

Check out the wiki at /r/EmulationOnAndroid. There's a ton of controller reviews there.

Edit - Scratch everything I said below. Since you're using a tablet, I'd highly recommend the Ipega PG-9023 and the BTC-938. Either of those will be a solid bet, particularly for emulation. Note if you get the latter one (with the Sony-style dpad), it's got a harsh break in period. It's actually got a pretty great d-pad, but it took me like three weeks to break it in, and I initially thought it was horrible.

If you don't need the kind of controller that grips/holds the tablet, go with the 8BitDo NES30 Pro.

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Bounabay Wee seems the most recommended recently. I'd personally recommend the Ipega PG-9023, PG-9055, and the CamRom Extending controller (also known as Saitake STK-7003 or generic BTC-938).

I'd avoid Moga today. At one point they were your best bet for Android, but the app doesn't seem to be supported anymore and there are newer, better controllers IMO.

Okay, I think I would like to stick with Amazon, as I have prime and its easier aha, so here are some links, I have no clue as to what half the stuff means so...help is welcomed!

http://www.amazon.com/Tagital%C2%AE-Android-Tablet-Updated-Version/dp/B00G6BQ31W/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

http://www.amazon.com/Double-Power-Series-EM63-BLK-7-Inch/dp/B00DHKGAAE/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1395191816&sr=8-24&keywords=google+tablet

http://www.amazon.com/NeuTab-N7-1024X600-Pre-loaded-Supported/dp/B00GX05NDU/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1395191933&sr=8-20&keywords=tablets

Feel free to recommend a tablet as long as:

• Is less than $80.00
  
• Not gonna break after a month of use
  
• Preferably Prime from Amazon
  
• Not too hard to use
  
  Thanks!
  

The camel says: https://camelcamelcamel.com/Samsung-Electronics-SM-T830NZKAXAR-Galaxy-Black/product/B07FNZHWH2

Cheapest it's ever been on Amazon. I think they want to clear inventory since the 6S is out now and it's slightly better in just about every way.

"10 years" average battery life woooooooooo

It's a damned good tablet if you don't want to spend another $200 for the 6S.

I get to play with the S4 at work sometimes. It's really good. I have a Lenovo Tab 4 10" at home and it's okay. Samsung is definitely better though.

I will probably end up getting a 6S here next year. I can write it off as a tax expense for my company.

I ended up buying the Samsung tab a
https://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B01GV4F3ZU/

But thanks for your help :)

I'm having a very hard time finding a decent Android tablet. They either have a small 4:3 screen, like an iPad, have less than 64GB of storage, or thwy don't have vibration ability. Even the Pixel C doesn't have vibration or GPS!

I think i may have found a winner, the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro, model ZA0F0099US but in searching for details about it online, it looks like it maxes out at Android 5.1. Does anyone know the lastest Android version that Lenovo has released?

No rush! Just let me know.

I do know that I have certainly seen mislabled tablets on Amazon before. For instance, I bought a Nuvision tablet a while back and Amazon said it had 1333mhz Ram, when it definitely had 1600mhz. Alternatively, is it possible that you're mixing it up with The Zenpad 8 (e.g. not "S 8")? That's 1.3ghz with 2gb of RAM, so it threw me off at first. Everyone on Reddit said the skip that Zenpad 8 and consider the S8. But my big question is still whether the S8 can handle newish games, or emulation.

EDIT: There's a refurbished Zenpad S8 on sale for $134.99 now, with Prime shipping. That might seal the deal...

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro, model ZA0F0099US

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^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

Probably not the first gen as those are ancient and terrible.

The tab As are kinda low end and weak, with not a lot of ram or storage, but they're about what you can find for that price. I mean for a kid they're okay I guess but they might be a bit slow and stuff. Never used one but I do have experience with lower end tabs with similarish specs.

You might be better off with something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Huawei-Mediapad-Quad-Core-1-4GHz-Android/dp/B0746NMXXW/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1518901626&sr=1-2&keywords=huawei+t3&dpID=410UYcDEemL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Or this:

https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Android-Quad-Core-Processor-ZA2B0009US/dp/B07193VPNF/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1518901670&sr=1-3&keywords=lenovo+tab+4

Or maybe this:

https://www.amazon.com/Android-PixelMaster-TouchScreen-Quad-Core-Processor/dp/B01FGCXUDU

https://www.amazon.com/Fire-7-Kids-Edition-Tablet/dp/B07H8WS1FT

cheap ~$99, durable (has a case), no questions asked replacement for 2 yrs. My Toddler has this one it works great for her needs (mostly watching netflix and youtube kids). If she ever breaks it amazon will replace it.

​

edit: if you want you can sideload the play store so you arent restricted to the amazon eco system, but for your needs it probably wont matter. Netflix and youtube are on amazons market now.

probably better buying a bluetooth keyboard that is wider than what you'd get on a keyboard cover as that will be difficult to type on.

something like this

https://www.amazon.com/Keyboard-Jelly-Comb-Rechargeable-Smartphone/dp/B078K1FFCP/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=jelly+comb+keyboard&qid=1562076577&s=gateway&sr=8-6

also you need to obviously install the play store on the fire.

there is also something called the amazon fire toolbox that allows you to remove a lot of the amazon bloat apps.

I would go for the Lenovo Tab 4, 10.1" Android Tablet

First off, I don't know your budget, so I figured about $300 US max.

Tablets I have found with newer Android systems:

1. 10.1 inch Lenovo Tab 4 for $165 US (Nougat)
   
2. 8 inch Samsung Galaxy Tab A for $187.99 US (Nougat)
   
3. USED 8 inch LG G Pad for $99.70 + $5.12 US shipping on Amazon, lowest price (Lollipop) This tablet was on the AT&T carrier, but since you say all you need it for is a alarm control panel, that's not an issue.
   
4. I would have a Amazon Kindle on here, but your app is not on the Amazon appstore, however if you want a Kindle (Fire 7 starts at $49.99 US) You can get the APK and install it on the Kindle.
   
   That's some recommendations for now, if I find anymore I'll update this list.