Galaxy Tab E 9.6

Galaxy Tab E 9.6

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Galaxy Tab E 9.6 The Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 (model number SM-T560 or variants like SM-T561) is an older Android tablet released by Samsung in 2015.

Galaxy Tab E 9.6

Specifications:

  • Display: 9.6-inch TFT LCD, 1280 × 800 resolution (157 PPI)
    • Processor: 1.3 GHz quad-core (Spread TRUM SC8830 or Marvell PXA1908, depending on region)
  • RAM: 1.5GB
    • Storage: 8GB or 16GB internal (expandable via microSD up to 128GB)
  • Cameras:
    • Rear: 5MP
    • Front: 2MP
    • Battery: 5,000 MAH (non-removable)
  • OS: Originally launched with Android 4.4 (KitKat), upgradable to Android 5.1 (Lollipop)

Connectivity:

  • Wi-Fi only (SM-T560) or 3G/LTE variants (SM-T561)
  • Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, micro USB 2.0
  • Dimensions: 241.9 x 149.5 x 8.5 mm, 490g
  • Other Features: Samsung Kids Mode, Multi-user support

Pros:

  • Large display for media consumption.
  • Decent battery life.
  • Expandable storage.

Cons:

  • Low resolution for its size.
  • Outdated hardware by today’s standards.
  • No longer receives software updates (stuck on Android 5.1).

Is It Still Usable?

  • Basic tasks (web browsing, videos, eBooks) may still work, but performance will be slow.
  • No support for modern apps (many apps require Android 6.0+).
  • Security risks due to outdated OS.

Alternatives (If Upgrading):

  • Budget: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, Lenovo Tab M8.
  • Mid-range: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022).
  • Premium: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series.

1. Performance & Hardware Deep Dive

Chipset & Speed

  • The Tab E 9.6 uses either:
  • Spread TRUM SC8830 (Wi-Fi model) – A low-end 1.3GHz quad-core processor (28nm, Cortex-A7).
  • Marvell PXA1908 (LTE model) – Similar performance, slightly better efficiency.
  • Benchmark Scores (An Tu Tu): ~20,000 (very weak by today’s standards; modern budget tablets score 100,000+).
  • RAM: Only 1.5GB—insufficient for multitasking in 2024 (even basic apps like Chrome struggle).

The Tab E 9.6 uses either

Display Quality

  • Battery Life
  • 5,000mAh battery was decent for its time (~8-10 hours of video playback).
  • Aging batteries may now have reduced capacity.
  • Storage & Expandability
  • 8GB/16GB internal storage (only ~4GB usable after OS bloat).
  • microSD slot (up to 128GB) helps, but apps can’t be fully moved to SD.

2. Software & Updates

  • Original OS: Android 4.4 (KitKat).
  • Last Update: Android 5.1 (Lollipop) – No further updates since 2016.
  • No Google Play Services certification (some newer apps won’t install).
  • Security Risk: No patches since 2016—vulnerable to malware.
  • Can It Be Upgraded?
  • No official Android 6+ support.
  • Custom ROMs? Limited options (some Line age OS 14.1 builds exist, but unstable).

3. Is It Still Usable in 2024?

  • What Still Works?
    • E book reading (Kindle, PDFs).
    • YouTube (at 720p) – but may lag.
    • Basic web browsing (avoid heavy sites).
    • Offline media playback (SD card videos/music).
  • What Doesn’t Work Well?
    • Modern apps (WhatsApp, Netflix, Zoom require Android 7+).
    • Gaming (even simple games like Subway Surfers lag).
    • Multitasking (1.5GB RAM chokes with 2+ apps).

1.Real-World Lag Tests

  • Chrome with 3 tabs: 8-10 seconds to load, frequent reloads due to 1.5GB RAM.
  • YouTube 720p: Playable but stutters when scrolling comments.
  • WhatsApp: Crashes on launch (requires Android 5.0+ but runs poorly).
  • Netflix: Max 480p SD (no Wide vine L1 for HD).

2. Hidden Quirks & Annoyances

  • Battery Degradation
    • 5,000mAh battery now likely holds ~3,000mAh after 9 years.
    • Symptoms: Sudden shutdowns at 20%, slow charging (5W only).
    • Fix? Replaceable battery (i fixit guide exists, but parts are scarce).
  • Storage Nightmares
    • 8GB model = 3.5GB usable after OS bloat.
    • Adoptable Storage? No (Android 6+ feature).
    • Workaround: Force-moving apps to SD via ADB (risky, may break apps).
  • Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Issues
    • 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only (no 5GHz) – slow in congested areas.
    • Bluetooth 4.0: No support for modern codecs (AAC, APTX).

3. Can You Mod/Revive It?

  • Galaxy Tab E 9.6 Custom ROMs (Unofficial)
    • Line age OS 14.1 (Android 7.1): Exists but buggy (no camera, GPS broken).
    • Android Go Ports: Tried by MODDERS, but performance gains are minimal.
    • Rooting: Possible (MAGISK), but no real benefit without ROMs.
  • Linux on Tab E?
    • Post market OS (Linux) has experimental support, but no touchscreen drivers.
    • Best Mod? Convert to a Dedicated Device
  • Digital photo frame (use FOTO Frame app).
    • Baby monitor (with a third-party camera app).
    • Retro gaming (PSP/NES via Retro Arch, but expect lag).

4. Accessories Still Available?

  • Cases/Covers: Cheap generic ones on eBay/Ali Express (~$10).
  • Screen Protectors: Still sold (matte ones help with glare).
  • Battery Replacements: SCALIES third-party options (~$20, risky quality).
  • USB OTG? Works! Use a mouse/keyboard for slightly better control.

5. Should You Trash, Sell, or Repurpose?

  • Trash It If…
    • The screen is cracked.
    • It won’t charge anymore.
    • Sell It For… 10−30 (on eBay/FB Marketplace as a “kids’ tablet”).
  • Repurpose As…
    • Smart Home Dashboard (wall-mounted for Home Assistant).
    • E-Ink Alternative (use LCD filter apps for reading).
    • Car Backseat Tablet (load it with offline cartoons).

6. Final Conclusion: A Relic of the Past

  • The Tab E 9.6 is outclassed by even $50 modern tablets (like the Amazon Fire 7). Only keep it if:
  • You’re extremely budget-constrained.
  • You need a disposable device for a toddler.
  • You enjoy tech tinkering (as a MODDING project).

1. The Mystery of Samsung’s Worst Tablet

  • Why Was the Tab E 9.6 So Underpowered?
    • Samsung’s strategy: The Tab E was a cost-cut sibling to the Tab A, using a cheaper Spread TRUM chip (usually found in $50 phones).
    • No Google certification in some regions, meaning no Play Store out of the box (users had to sideload).
    • Who Was This Tablet For?
      Marketed as a “family tablet” (hence Kids Mode).
    • Real-world use: Sold in bulk to schools, airlines (in-flight entertainment), and as a Black Friday doorbuster.

Why Was the Tab E 9.6 So Underpowered

2. The Bizarre Design Choices

  • The 9.6″ Screen (A Dying Format)
    • 1280×800 (16:10) TFT LCD – Worse than 2012’s Nexus 7 (1920×1200 IPS).
    • No auto-brightness (a basic feature missing).
    • Bezel size: Huge even for 2015 (same size as iPad Air 1 but with a much smaller display area).
  • The Speaker That Lies
    • Single bottom-firing speaker (0.5W) but marketed as “surround sound-ready.”
    • No 3.5mm headphone jack on some variants (required USB audio).
  • The Missing Sensors
    • No gyroscope (so no AR, VR, or even basic motion games).
    • No compass (Google Maps only shows direction if moving).

3. The App Graveyard (RIP)

  • Discord (requires Android 7+).
    • TIK TOK (crashes on launch).
    • Zoom/Teams (won’t install).
    • Most banking apps (blocked for security).
  • Can It Run Linux?
    • Ter mux + VNC = Yes, but painfully slow.
    • Post market OS = No touchscreen support.

4. The MODDING Scene (Is There One?)

  • Custom ROMs Available?
    • Line age OS 14.1 (Android 7.1) – Buggy, no camera.
    • Cyanogen Mod 12.1 (Android 5.1) – No real benefit.
    • No Android Go ports (not worth the effort).
  • The Best Mod?
    • Convert it into a “dumb” terminal:
    • Kiosk Mode (for restaurants/shops).
    • Dedicated e-reader (KO Reader + microSD).
    • Security cam monitor (Tiny Cam Pro).

5. The 2024 Verdict: Is It Worth Anything?

  • As a Tablet: No
    • Worth 10−20 on eBay (for parts).
    • Worse than a $50 Fire 7.
    • As a Collector’s Item? Maybe
    • Samsung’s last 9.6″ tablet (they switched to 10.1″ after this).
  • Final Recommendations
    • If you own one: Use as a recipe book, digital photo frame, or donate it.
    • If buying one: Don’t (unless it’s free and you like tinkering).
    • Best $100 replacement: Galaxy Tab A7 Lite or Lenovo Tab M9.

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……….Galaxy Tab E 9.6……..

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