For example my phone updates time automatically and it has an app search feature on the home screen menu. The tablet has neither.
What path do I go down to get boget OSs the same?
The phone has its time updated by the tower it's connected to. Since the tablet doesn't connect to any tower, it can't do that. Only devices that are phones can do that.
I don't know what you mean by an app search feature. Google search? That's a widget. Look for it in widgets and add it to the home screen.
Oh yeah I do have the widget. I was confused because I have search on my phone on the menu beside the Home button.
I suppose I need a good, stock, plain Jane Android ROM so I know what the basics should be.
Cheers.