Hi all, I'm new to Android devices and I'm considering purchasing a Samsung Tab A 7 inch purely for video playback. I just have a couple of questions. The tablet is running Lollipop 5.1.1, which I know is old, but is it too old? Will most apps in the play store work ok on it? Are there other issues I need to be aware of buying a new device running such an old OS? Any tips greatly appreciated
I don't see an issue of you solely want to use it for video playback, as VLC and other apps should support Lollipop 5.1.1. Do check the apps you plan to use if they support Lollipop 5.1.1
I wouldn't bother with it. You might run into issues within 1-2 years if the apps you want to use decide to drop support for such an old OS version. I got my first ugly surprise with the Phone app from Microsoft which required minimum Android 7 for all features to work, and I had 6 on my phone. It was not essential, but it still pissed me enough to buy a new phone with 9/Pie which is way faster, so I'm glad I invested in it. I guess you could swap to other apps that still support old OS versions if it happens.
If you really only want to use it for video, you will NEVER have a problem, as it is your choice to update the vlc player or not. Also... are you sure this will not update the android version? I bought a Tab A but the 10 inch version, also old butnow running automatically on 8.1. I know the 7inch fits into most pockets, and the 10inch will not, but for videos... I bought mine during a visit to Germany a year ago and it cost under $200. I use it as video player, mp3 player, GPS navy in the car, to read magazines and newspapers and watch the TV stations I use.... (which may be strange ones for you)
Thanks! Yep all worth considering. I figure that with all the media player apps I should be able to find at least one that will support Lollipop for a few more years to come
Thanks for the advice! Not sure if the 7 inch will update automatically, I haven't read anything to suggest it will. But like you said, I think that for video playback I should be ok for a few years at least.
Go to settings > about (which is usually the last item on the list) There will also be the update link, if it does not update now from 5.1. it never will
If you know anything about rooting and flashing custom ROMs, Samsung devices are probably some of the most developed devices old or not. I had a galaxy s4 that was running Android 5 and upgraded to Android 9. Ran very smooth and stable. If the price was right for the tab, I would grab it up!!!
Thanks for the tip! I know a little bit about ROMs and could prob google my way through the process if I need to
And nostalgia as well Damn you google why we can't disable apps from setting again i future version of android?! *Triggered* Best Regards NST_Adventure
I would only get it if the price is very good, otherwise look into a newer model. With video playback the only issue I can see is no hardware decoding for H.265 (HVEC) so depending on how important this format and possibly 10-bit formats are to you which would require a significant amount of cpu power to decode without hardware mode, make certain the CPU can keep up with the demands. As for Android 5.1.1 itself is quite capable I suggest using MXplayer.