Upgrading Android on Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

[dlsl075]

I have a Samsung Galaxy note 10.1 that I got about 4 years back. I have never upgraded the OS and I would like to know whether it is possible to upgrade it to the latest android OS.
1. If so which one I should go with (marshmallow or lollipop).
2. What are the pros and cons
3. Are there any reliable installation articles that anyone could recommend?

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! What's the exact model number? SamMobile.com is a good resource to figure out what the highest official Android version is available for your model. From what I can tell, the highest the Note 10.1 got was 4.4.2: https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/GT-N8000/

If you go to Settings>About Tablet>System Update, and there are no new updates, then the tablet is at its highest version. You could try rooting the tablet and installing a custom ROM, though -- look in the forums at XDA-developers.com for more discussion.

 

[dlsl075]

Thanks for the reply. My model no is GT-N8010. When I check for upgrades, it says the table is up to date. I have Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. But I have some apps on Play store that cannot be installed (Ex: Kodi (xbmc) and few educational apps.
This is the reason why I want to upgrade this.

 

[B. Diddy]

Right, so you'd have to research how to root the tablet and install a custom ROM based on a higher Android version.

 

[dlsl075]

Any good reliable articles that you could recommend?

 

[B. Diddy]

This is a good place to start: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-10-1

 

[w2xq]

I've been asking Samsung and Verizon to get their acts together on upgrading the OS on my GN 10.1 2014 LTE (SM-P605V) for years. Each blames the other for no action and, despite repeated requests, there is no movement. I can't type what I think of the nonsense. (I don't do ROMs, depend on the tablet for business.) I would be banned. Pfft.

As an aside, I'm waiting to see what next month's Mobile World Congress, in Barcelona, may have in the way of new tablets. I note the 18" Galaxy View lap-sized tablet is now $300 at Best Buy ($150 "savings") that suggests the model is being closed out. That makes me wonder if there is something new in the pipeline

 

[Preach2k]

I also have the Note 10.1 2012. Which is the 8010. After Samsung dropped the ball with the updates with this tablet I would not recommend an Android tablet to anyone. The best is the Note phones as far as tablets go I would go with with iPad Pro or Surface Pro. Never again Android.

 

[Icegoddess]

I have the GT-N8013. I should learn to root, but my daughter's fiance, who has done his several times, did it for me and upgraded me to Marshmallow (6.01). He used CyanogenMod Version 13.0-20160831-UNOFFICIAL n8013. Since you have a different model, you would need to look for the one for your model. He gets his info from the XDA forums mentioned above, so I would try there. Mine seems to be working quite well so far. Just have to get used to the new UI.

BTW, mine is wi-fi only. If yours is a data-plan one you have to make sure the upgrade is compatible with your carrier.

 

[dlsl075]

Thanks for the replies. Will look into this. Presently, I am backing up some important stuff to my pc. Mine doesn't have a data plan.

 

[Icegoddess]

I also saved a copy of all the apps I currently had. He didn't save them although there probably is a way to do that. Of course there's no guarantee they will all work on the new ROM, but so far no problem for me except a few that were actually no longer available.

 

[dlsl075]

You could use an app extractor for the ones that are not available in app store.

 

[mrlacap]

Please,will the 4.4.2 version work here in Nigeria, cos I'm only seeing 4.1.2 for Nigeria?

does the build number really matter in flashing Samsung GT-N8000?