Joined Dec 2007
L3: Novice
Forum Thread
Android age/version vs app compatibity
January 10, 2025 at
03:21 PM
I'm going to be a first time Android user with regard to a new tablet. What would be the oldest preinstalled version I should consider for app compatibility? Maybe 2y-3y future proofing..
Since my need is for a cheap knock around tab which will be for shop-use apps such as endoscope/borescope, magnifiers, Bluetooth music serve, etc.performance isn't of great issue. I'll probably be getting an off brand bargain bin tablet. I understand choosing a tablet which allows updating could make my initial query a moot point but I see some of these inexpensive tabs can be crippled with regard to update-ability.
Appreciate any insight.
Since my need is for a cheap knock around tab which will be for shop-use apps such as endoscope/borescope, magnifiers, Bluetooth music serve, etc.performance isn't of great issue. I'll probably be getting an off brand bargain bin tablet. I understand choosing a tablet which allows updating could make my initial query a moot point but I see some of these inexpensive tabs can be crippled with regard to update-ability.
Appreciate any insight.
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Since my need is for a cheap knock around tab which will be for shop-use apps such as endoscope/borescope, magnifiers, Bluetooth music serve, etc.performance isn't of great issue. I'll probably be getting an off brand bargain bin tablet. I understand choosing a tablet which allows updating could make my initial query a moot point but I see some of these inexpensive tabs can be crippled with regard to update-ability.
Appreciate any insight.
i don't have much insight for you, unfortunately, but have moved your thread to tech support, where you're more likely to come across those who may. good luck!
Since my need is for a cheap knock around tab which will be for shop-use apps such as endoscope/borescope, magnifiers, Bluetooth music serve, etc.performance isn't of great issue. I'll probably be getting an off brand bargain bin tablet. I understand choosing a tablet which allows updating could make my initial query a moot point but I see some of these inexpensive tabs can be crippled with regard to update-ability.
Appreciate any insight.
However for use with something like a boroscope camera, it really doesn't matter much, nor do software updates. Typically, these cameras work with many different apps. Older tablets are more likely to have issues with battery life.
I'd probably look at Lenovo, Amazon Fire, and Samsung tablets. If you're looking at something cheaper / no-name, at least compare it to better known alternatives.
There are some tablets (and laptops) that are made to be more rugged.
However for use with something like a boroscope camera, it really doesn't matter much, nor do software updates. Typically, these cameras work with many different apps. Older tablets are more likely to have issues with battery life.
I'd probably look at Lenovo, Amazon Fire, and Samsung tablets. If you're looking at something cheaper / no-name, at least compare it to better known alternatives.
There are some tablets (and laptops) that are made to be more rugged.
I've purchased a few Kindle/Fire tabs as Christmas gifts over the past years for family members and assumed they were pretty locked down with few apps available, was a good option for the non-tech receivers. Your mentioning Amazon Fire in your reply made me investigate and it looks like they can be turned into a full featured Android with the addition of APK files, no rooting required. I do wonder though -- The latest info I can find is Amazon's on Fire OS8 based on Android 11. Assume it would require rooting (if possible) to upgrade OS. As an aside -- Looks like Amazon is also working on Vega OS for next-gen tabs which will be 100% proprietary.
My overall intent is to stay below $100 with an 7"-9" tab. I'd like to go with Fire as I could be confident it has a decent display and battery life (both in daily use and lifespan). What has me leery is that I tried to install my banking app on a 5 year old Straight Talk Android phone (not mine, I have an even worse Windows phone ;-/) and was advised the OS wasn't new enough. Unfortunately the app didn't list minimum version requirement and I also failed to check the phone OS version.
I'm still liking your suggestion of Android 14 so I'll continue with a bit more due diligence.
My overall intent is to stay below $100 with an 7"-9" tab. I'd like to go with Fire as I could be confident it has a decent display and battery life (both in daily use and lifespan). What has me leery is that I tried to install my banking app on a 5 year old Straight Talk Android phone (not mine, I have an even worse Windows phone ;-/) and was advised the OS wasn't new enough. Unfortunately the app didn't list minimum version requirement and I also failed to check the phone OS version.
If you want fairly stock Android, Lenovo tablets are cheaper, Samsung tablets are higher quality.
The Lenovo Tab M9 which is $80 at best buy, it runs Android 12 (not sure if it's been updated) has 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and a MediaTek G80 CPU. I can't be certain if I've seen this tablet in person, but I don't think the screen is going to win any awards.
The $149 Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ has an 11" screen instead of a 9" 64 GB of storage / 4GB RAM (or 128GB storage / 8GB RAM for $200). It has a snapdragon 695 processor which is significantly better. It ships with Android 13, but probably has an update to 14.
Performance wise, the Samsung is better than the Amazon Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11. The CPU in the fire tablets is newer than the M9, but the M9's CPU outperforms the CPUs in the fire tablets.
When using boroscope type apps, I rarely use the MFG's app, and use OTG view 2 or MScopes instead. I wouldn't get too hung up on the Android version, but newer is an indication that the CPU is likely newer and that it hasn't been sitting on a shelf for years while the battery degrades.
Budget rugged tablets like the OUKITEL OT5 or OUKITEL RT9 are currently about $239. In addition to being built a bit tougher, these may have bigger batteries.
What specific devices / apps are you planning to use with the tablet? Also, if you have a laptop that you use in the shop, boroscope cameras may work on it easily too or you might be able to run android apps in windows using bluestacks.
I've purchased a few Kindle/Fire tabs as Christmas gifts over the past years for family members and assumed they were pretty locked down with few apps available, was a good option for the non-tech receivers. Your mentioning Amazon Fire in your reply made me investigate and it looks like they can be turned into a full featured Android with the addition of APK files, no rooting required. I do wonder though -- The latest info I can find is Amazon's on Fire OS8 based on Android 11. Assume it would require rooting (if possible) to upgrade OS. As an aside -- Looks like Amazon is also working on Vega OS for next-gen tabs which will be 100% proprietary.
My overall intent is to stay below $100 with an 7"-9" tab. I'd like to go with Fire as I could be confident it has a decent display and battery life (both in daily use and lifespan). What has me leery is that I tried to install my banking app on a 5 year old Straight Talk Android phone (not mine, I have an even worse Windows phone ;-/) and was advised the OS wasn't new enough. Unfortunately the app didn't list minimum version requirement and I also failed to check the phone OS version.
I'm still liking your suggestion of Android 14 so I'll continue with a bit more due diligence.
I have had several of them and have put the Play store on all of them.
That opens me up to all the Droid Apps and has served me well.
I'd opt for a Samsung if going with a top tier device.
As to the phone and the banking app, you want to be current as I'm sure there were many zero day vulnerabilities for the older OS and you certainly don't want to have your bank account hacked.
I just took a look at the LG Android phone that wouldn't load the banking app and found it's stuck with v9 (c. Mar 2023) and updates are no longer available. I wholly concur that a much newer OS, if not latest, would afford a considerably better security environment. While I've long been an avid PC builder and software nerd I can honestly admit I rarely use my Windows phone (no data) and have never personally owned a tab or laptop while at the same time eschewing any insight into these.
Regarding expected app usage -- I have no specific apps targeted. OTG View was mentioned and I do have experience with it in conjunction with a USB microscope set up for a friend in need. I'm all for third party apps as they often outperform OEM offerings. As originally stated I definitely will not be taxing the tabs hardware with my needs. Currently on the list would be a borescope, magnifier, security camera app (open source), Bluetooth music player, with Track AddicT or Draggy being the only knowns...of the unknowns. ;-)
Still considering 9" as the largest, anything larger and I'd probably be leaning towards a laptop. Onboard storage isn't a major concern considering all should have SD card capability of 500GB or more. An afterthought just surfaced in that a decent camera could also be beneficial.
Now, with that "9" is the largest" statement behind me, I'm really giving the Tab A9+ a second look. Sure it's a bit larger than I am targeting but not by a whole lot. It also offers the advantage of recent tech providing for in-service longevity. It's 50% more than I'd like to spend but if I don't break or "misplace" it it could prove to be a good value. Since suggestions and insight are being provided beyond my initial post query, of which I am grateful, I'll remain all ears toward furthering an A9+ decision or possibly a slightly smaller equivalency.
*EDIT* -- I just completed a bit more investigating and based on size comparison videos I'm really leaning toward the smaller platform (eg. A9 8.7" vs A9+ at 11"). Would be great to see A9+ specs (display res and camera pix) in an A9 platform.
You're over-thinking it. Buy a Fire tablet from Amazon. Buy a Galaxy tablet from wherever you can find it cheapest. Test them out. Return one or both. Most retailers have very generous return policies, albeit short windows for electronics...
Since you mentioned it, pay attention to whether or not the device you buy has SD storage, it's not just Apple anymore, newer Galaxy phones don't have SD storage, not sure about tablets...
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You're over-thinking it. Buy a Fire tablet from Amazon. Buy a Galaxy tablet from wherever you can find it cheapest. Test them out. Return one or both. Most retailers have very generous return policies, albeit short windows for electronics...
Since you mentioned it, pay attention to whether or not the device you buy has SD storage, it's not just Apple anymore, newer Galaxy phones don't have SD storage, not sure about tablets...
I hear ya. I almost always over-analyze all my endeavors. I beat you to it on this one though. I'm 99.9% sure I'm going with a Tab A9, now I'm just price shopping. ;-)
The android tablet market just isn't that strong / profitable many companies have stopped making android tablets all together.
Internationally slightly different frequencies are used for wifi. I know on the 2.4GHz band there are a couple additional channels that can be used internationally that can't be used in the USA (the FCC only sets the rules for the USA). I can't remember off the top of my head how things compare with 5GHz and 6GHz wifi, but it should work.
Internationally slightly different frequencies are used for wifi. I know on the 2.4GHz band there are a couple additional channels that can be used internationally that can't be used in the USA (the FCC only sets the rules for the USA). I can't remember off the top of my head how things compare with 5GHz and 6GHz wifi, but it should work.
I just received a $25 Walmart gift card for an "honest" product review and can secure a family members 10% employee discount allowing me to purchase an A9+ for $117 out the door. Knowing that I have to get a birthday gift at the end of the month my decision is to definitely get the A9+ (already ordered) and either the A9 and/or M9. I'll decide between the A9/M9 as to which one to keep then decide between that and the A9+ as to which one I'll offer up as the birthday gift. Sounds like a win/win opportunity.
Absolutely appreciate the education!