Hey Guys -
I've been using XDA for a few years now to mod my many other Android devices, but today; was talking to wife and she isn't happy with her Amazon Fire tablet as she says it's too slow and is sick of all the ads. It's a 7" 5th Generation running 5.6.0.1 and all I've done to it in the past is install Google Play on it.
What would be my best option / ROM to load which would basically turn it into a simple yet stable Android device? I looked at LineageOS & a couple of others in this forum, but unsure which is the most stable - and - if it's even possible to install any of them on a 5.6.0.1 device. I planned to test out a couple as I thought I had rooted when installing Google Play long ago so grabbed TWRP and installed FlashFire - but when launching FlashFire I was told it was not rooted.
What would you suggest be the way to go to achieve this goal? Thanks!
bzowk said:
Hey Guys -
I've been using XDA for a few years now to mod my many other Android devices, but today; was talking to wife and she isn't happy with her Amazon Fire tablet as she says it's too slow and is sick of all the ads. It's a 7" 5th Generation running 5.6.0.1 and all I've done to it in the past is install Google Play on it.
What would be my best option / ROM to load which would basically turn it into a simple yet stable Android device? I looked at LineageOS & a couple of others in this forum, but unsure which is the most stable - and - if it's even possible to install any of them on a 5.6.0.1 device. I planned to test out a couple as I thought I had rooted when installing Google Play long ago so grabbed TWRP and installed FlashFire - but when launching FlashFire I was told it was not rooted.
What would you suggest be the way to go to achieve this goal? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, allowing FireOS to update beyond 5.3.2.0 permanently removed the ability to root and/or install custom ROMs. It's FireOS in all it's glory from this point forward. There is a convoluted way to remove some of the Amazon bloat but you probably don't want to go there as it's not for the faint of heart. Most who travel that route have less than satisfactory outcomes. 5th/7th gen Fire 7 devices are getting long in the tooth and are decidedly underpowered for the tasks Amazon demands of it. Your better half is probably looking a new device if she is significantly dissatisfied.
Davey126 said:
Unfortunately, allowing FireOS to update beyond 5.3.2.0 permanently removed the ability to root and/or install custom ROMs. It's FireOS in all it's glory from this point forward. There is a convoluted way to remove some of the Amazon bloat but you probably don't want to go there as it's not for the faint of heart. Most who travel that route have less than satisfactory outcomes. 5th/7th gen Fire 7 devices are getting long in the tooth and are decidedly underpowered for the tasks Amazon demands of it. Your better half is probably looking a new device if she is significantly dissatisfied.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some folks over in the HD 8/10 forum seem to be making headway with achieving root, some of which might apply to the Fire 7.
However, I do have to agree the 5th gen Fire 7 I have is barely a functional tablet at this point with the stock ROM.
lakitu47 said:
Some folks over in the HD 8/10 forum seem to be making headway with achieving root, some of which might apply to the Fire 7.
However, I do have to agree the 5th gen Fire 7 I have is barely a functional tablet at this point with the stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HD 10 has a different underlying architecture utilizing different kernel and ROM components exposing new vulnerabilities that are being exploited. Amazon will undoubtedly close those as do all manufactures. In contrast HD 8 uses the same architecture as the Fire 7. Realizing root on that device is highly unlikely.
It will be interest to see what Amazon does with the next hardware refresh. Me thinks the Fire 7 will be gone with either an adjustment on the HD 8 price point or the addition of some other gizmo to fill the gap.
Davey126 said:
HD 10 has a different underlying architecture utilizing different kernel and ROM components exposing new vulnerabilities that are being exploited. Amazon will undoubtedly close those as do all manufactures. In contrast HD 8 uses the same architecture as the Fire 7. Realizing root on that device is highly unlikely.
It will be interest to see what Amazon does with the next hardware refresh. Me thinks the Fire 7 will be gone with either an adjustment on the HD 8 price point or the addition of some other gizmo to fill the gap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what it looks like so far, it looks like the current progress for the Fire HD 8 is less so "root" and more like "uncovering hidden features we never knew we could use on Fire OS".
I do notice the Fire HD 8/HD 10 have gotten more of the spotlight recently. The Fire 7 (even the 2017 version) just isn't the $50 bargain it was two years ago. The HD 8 2017 has already dropped down to only $80 new.
Less people are buying the 7" tablet now, because it almost seems "too cheap". I do wonder what the Fire tablet lineup will be next year.
I bought the 7" recently and still consider it a pretty good bargain (I paid 40 Euros).
You could argue that the 8" it better value for money (I don't really know, but maybe) but for me the 7" form-factor is just perfect for a "everyday carry device".
The market for 7" tablet is not so big, you could get a Lenovo for about 80 Euro or a Samsung for about 120, that's about it if you want to avoid chinese no-names.
So it is by far the cheapest option and debloated and equipped with Google Playstore it is quite a nice device and I expect Amazon to drop the 7" line, so get it while you can...
morgonhed said:
I bought the 7" recently and still consider it a pretty good bargain (I paid 40 Euros).
You could argue that the 8" it better value for money (I don't really know, but maybe) but for me the 7" form-factor is just perfect for a "everyday carry device".
The market for 7" tablet is not so big, you could get a Lenovo for about 80 Euro or a Samsung for about 120, that's about it if you want to avoid chinese no-names.
So it is by far the cheapest option and debloated and equipped with Google Playstore it is quite a nice device and I expect Amazon to drop the 7" line, so get it while you can...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A gently used HDX is a far better device for similar coin. Far superior hardware and capable of running a dozen+ custom ROMs ranging from KitKat to Nougat (soon Oreo). I do enjoy my rooted 5th gen Fire for media streaming playback.
Related
I am selling my iPad that I regret buying. I want something else. I'm between the kindle fire HD 8.9 and the galaxy tab 2 10.1 are there good reasons to get this over the galaxy? I see the specs difference. But I'm still undecided. Any help would be appreciated.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
Its a big "it depends"
If you're a prime member, that's a huge + for the kfhd
Its much easier to have a normal android experience on the tab2, but the specs are a lot lower. If you're willing to deal with rooting to get play on the KFHD and dodging amazons updates that break root the KFHD is better device. Or if you don't care about the full android experience and just want to consume media, the KFHD is great. I think only you can answer how important some of this stuff is to you.
Tab2 wouldn't be my first choice unless you got one of those crazy black friday deals on it for a 10" tablet in that price range though. I'd be more likely to compare the tf300t. Much better SOC and cheaper.
Is the kindle that much faster and is the display really look better? I like the idea of being able to expand the storage on the g-tab and I own the s2 and I love it. Whatever I get will be rooted almost as soon as I take it out of the box. Its what I do so that doesn't matter.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
Mr. bird said:
I am selling my iPad that I regret buying. I want something else. I'm between the kindle fire HD 8.9 and the galaxy tab 2 10.1 are there good reasons to get this over the galaxy? I see the specs difference. But I'm still undecided. Any help would be appreciated.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why did you get rid of the ipad? The kindle sucks, i'm going to return mine (got the 8.9 for $250). I can't even run Gmail without it crashing.
Mr. bird said:
Is the kindle that much faster and is the display really look better? I like the idea of being able to expand the storage on the g-tab and I own the s2 and I love it. Whatever I get will be rooted almost as soon as I take it out of the box. Its what I do so that doesn't matter.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd tell you to look into the nook hd+ if you're rooting for sure, it has the SD slot, cheaper, but no camera. Can't tell you what the progress is on root though.
jmandawg said:
why did you get rid of the ipad? The kindle sucks, i'm going to return mine (got the 8.9 for $250). I can't even run Gmail without it crashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't like the iPad. The os is so limited. Everything is so slow. And programs crash all the time. The crashing may have been because I jail broke it but either way it just sucked. I prefer android.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
Mr. bird said:
I don't like the iPad. The os is so limited. Everything is so slow. And programs crash all the time. The crashing may have been because I jail broke it but either way it just sucked. I prefer android.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was it an ipad 1? IMO the ipad 3 i have is worlds above the kindle fire HD, except for the price. The kindle is going to be even more limited and slow than an ipad 2-4. Samsung has been known to not updating their software so i'd recommend a nexus tablet if you want to go android.
I returned my kindle. Right now i have a nexus 7 and an Ipad 3. The ipad 3 works so good it's kinda boring, the nexus is completely open and there are alot of mods you can do to it. At this point i would not recommend a kindle unless you really like the amazon interface. CM10 looks like it's coming soon, but there will be lots of bugs, and you have to wait.
Maybe not exactly the info you're looking for, but here's my experience with the various manufacturers..
My current round up of devices include:
1. NookTablet
2. NookTouch
3. Moto Xoom (gave to Dad, but I still maintain)
4. Sammy Galaxy Tab 2 7"
5. Asus/Google Nexus 7
6. Kindle Fire 8.9 (just got this week; they had a $50 off deal one day)
7. Sammy Note I (phone)
4,5, and 6 are the only "current" models; all the other have newer versions.
They all have their pro and cons...here's my opinion on some of them.
Overall, the Nexus 7 is the winner.
If you're looking to run custom roms, the N7 has the widest selection and (more importantly) most active development community.
It also has the fastest proc of the bunch.
Its one real drawback, as you and others mentioned, is that it does not have expandable memory.
The Gtab2/7"..the 4 things it has over the N7:
1. Rear camera
2. Expandable storage
3. I/R blaster
4. A lot cheaper (I've seen refurbs on woot! twice now)
It also has a good selection of custom roms, but the dev community isn't as active as the N7...and that's only going to get worse as time goes on.
It is noticeably slower than the N7!
If you run any rom not based off of Samsung's rom, you lose the I/R blaster.
It's not that much of a loss because the available I/R remote control software sucks.
I've used the rear (and front camera) not more than a handful of times.
As for the Nook:
I would only recommend a Nook if you happen to frequent B&N stores often. Or you have already purchased e-books/magazines through them.
Their stock rom allows you to read any book while in store.
Their "Nook Kids" is available as an app for iOS, but not available for any Android devices except their own Nooks.
From my experience their Kids apps are nothing more than a larger selection of kids books, and they allow you to record yourself while reading the book.
I've run custom roms on it and ended putting the stock rom back on (rooted and Google Play installed of course)
As for the Kindle:
I would recommend if you have already purchased e-books/magazines through Amazon and/or have an Amazon Prime account.
Amazon (AFAIK) doesn't allow you to stream any video through android devices except their own Kindle Fires.
So as a Prime member, I was able to watch Fringe for the first time last night (a title not available on NetFlix).
You can also "check out" a lot of books without purchasing them.
I did root and get the Google Play store installed on this too.
I most likely won't be installing any custom roms on it.
Not because I like the Amazon UI or anything...but simpy because:
With both the Nook and the Kindle, you get value added services (like being able to read books in store and streaming content not available on other devices/roms)
So for me personally, I'm a big Amazon user, and am digging my 8.9 and the Prime features.
If I was looking for best specs and most open, I'd probably get an Nexus 10
Geekybiker said it best: " I think only you can answer how important some of this stuff is to you. "
I own a GT 2 7, and theres a catch about the SD memory expansion and is that you cant install applications or application data on the SD; not at least on stock rom; the expansion its only useful for media (music, movies, docs, book, etc..) not for apps.
Regards.
It all depends on the features you want now, and or later.
If you like The Fire HD, it has amazing dual speakers and is a great multimedia device, but is limited at the moment due to the Amazon ecosystem. But both the 8.9" and 7" variants, are having custom roms being developed for them, because the bootloaders have been cracked. So if your willing to wait for the goodies, then go with the Kindle Fire HD.
If you want something with more of a all around Android Experience now go with the Galaxy Tab. In my overall Opinion if it maters, pick the Kindle Fire HD either model size.
I ended up ordering the gtab 2 10.1 I want the expandable storage for movies and pics. 16gb is fine for The rest. Thanks to everyone for their input.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
Hi, so I just bought 2 Fire 7" "Kid's edition", which I believe are just the Fire 7" 5th Gen 2015, with an added 1 year Amazon FreeTime subscription?
I'm not sure if I need to root them. They seem a bit slow (not blaming the hardware), and I worry I may lose the 1 year unlimited FreeTime, but at the same time, I bought 64G Micro SD cards, and they will be used offline, so I plan on buying learning apps for little ones.
What should I do? They came with Fire OS 5.1.1 by default, and I really wish to be able to make a backup of whatever I do with them in case the mother I give these as a gift has to recover it somehow (she knows nothing about android btw).
Here's my hopes with these devices:
1- Use them offline, buy, and download many learning apps for kids, as well as games, and movies.
2- Since I seem to be able to use FlashFire at the moment, and not TWRP, find a way to create a nandroid backup, and easy recovery. (or is Amazon recovery good enough?)
3 - Is it worth a slight performance improvement, flashing a lighter rom, and less confusing launcher/Amazon setup, and complicate a recovery procedure?
ianthomas said:
Hi, so I just bought 2 Fire 7" "Kid's edition", which I believe are just the Fire 7" 5th Gen 2015, with an added 1 year Amazon FreeTime subscription?
I'm not sure if I need to root them. They seem a bit slow (not blaming the hardware), and I worry I may lose the 1 year unlimited FreeTime, but at the same time, I bought 64G Micro SD cards, and they will be used offline, so I plan on buying learning apps for little ones.
What should I do? They came with Fire OS 5.1.1 by default, and I really wish to be able to make a backup of whatever I do with them in case the mother I give these as a gift has to recover it somehow (she knows nothing about android btw).
Here's my hopes with these devices:
1- Use them offline, buy, and download many learning apps for kids, as well as games, and movies.
2- Since I seem to be able to use FlashFire at the moment, and not TWRP, find a way to create a nandroid backup, and easy recovery. (or is Amazon recovery good enough?)
3 - Is it worth a slight performance improvement, flashing a lighter rom, and less confusing launcher/Amazon setup, and complicate a recovery procedure?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does it have a SD card slot?
does it say HD on it?
Sent from my KFFOWI using XDA Labs
sd_shadow said:
does it have a SD card slot?
does it say HD on it?
Sent from my KFFOWI using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"@sd_shadow Thanks for reading my question.
It has a Micro SD card slot for up to 128G of storage, it's not an HD (I believe they don't support Micro SD), and it says 5th generation as well as Fire OS 5.1.1 that came by default. Here's the link, and special offer (buy 2, get 50$ off):
Fire Kids Edition, 7" Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB, Pink Kid-Proof Case
My questions are really regarding giving these devices to a mother that doesn't know much about tablets, and will mostly be offline (Freetime is mostly Wifi only sadly), so I'm trying to think what I could do to these devices to improve her experience, and the little ones.. I root, and try out roms all the time on my cellphones, but even with much experience using android roms, the Fire OS UI seems confusing, and bloated to me for a regular mom.
ianthomas said:
"@sd_shadow Thanks for reading my question.
It has a Micro SD card slot for up to 128G of storage, it's not an HD (I believe they don't support Micro SD), and it says 5th generation as well as Fire OS 5.1.1 that came by default. Here's the link, and special offer (buy 2, get 50$ off):
Fire Kids Edition, 7" Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB, Pink Kid-Proof Case
My questions are really regarding giving these devices to a mother that doesn't know much about tablets, and will mostly be offline (Freetime is mostly Wifi only sadly), so I'm trying to think what I could do to these devices to improve her experience, and the little ones.. I root, and try out roms all the time on my cellphones, but even with much experience using android roms, the Fire OS UI seems confusing, and bloated to me for a regular mom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, it's rootable just use the 5.1.1 root
links in the index
[Index]Amazon Fire 7" - 5th Gen-2015
Sent from my KFFOWI using XDA Labs
I've seen some leaked information that Amazon is preparing, and that they will release new Fire Tablets and also a New FireTV-Stick, next week!
Does anyone know if this information is true and what we can expect in these new Fire 7 tablets (2015) models?
ulises.rodriguez said:
I've seen some leaked information that Amazon is preparing, and that they will release new Fire Tablets models, next week!
Does anyone know if this information is true and what we can expect in these new Fire 7 tablets (2015) models?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Model released last fall [2015 Fire] can now be purchased w/16GB storage option. I'm hoping for something meatier like an HDX replacement. Current mid-range tablets are less than noteworthy given price points.
As you already said, the Fire7 can now be purchased with 16GB, which is really good, but I was also hoping for something better with some enhancements, like a New HDX.
I have also noticed that several weeks ago, some colors of the FireHD8 sometimes are unavailable, in very short supply or are also offered used-like-new/Used-Very-Good, what could be a sign that Amazon is preparing to launch some new models with some enhanced features.
Got the 3 Kindle Fire 7 (2015) tablets for $30 each from Amazon. They were open box returns. They are the 8gb (2015) models. I got these a couple of weeks ago and they came with 5.1.1 firmware. Amazon is still selling these open box returns.
Amazon has a department called WAREHOUSE DEALS, that sells their open box, damaged box, returns and old stock at a discount. Most items come with a warranty and are eligible for Prime shipping.
To find these deals on Amazon, go to the Amazon main page.
Select TODAY'S DEALS under the Amazon Search Bar.
Select OPEN BOX & USED on the menu below TODAY'S DEALS.
In the WAREHOUSE DEALS department, search for KINDLE FIRE.
They currently have a couple of Fire 7 (2015) tablets for around $30 (with no warranty).
These are exactly what I bought and they all worked great. These Kindle Fires arrive, shrink wrapped, with a charger and data cable. That's all that is in the plain brown box. No original packaging or printed material is included.
Amazon describes these discounted Kindle Fire 7's as having slight blemishes. My 3 tablets had similar descriptions but they were perfect. The screens were all perfect. At most there was a slight rub on the back of the tablet that you had to look at really closely to even see. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one again if I needed another one.
The new Kindle Fire Oasis eReader was released this week - maybe this leaked information was referring to that?
Also, there is this:
New version of the Kindle Fire HD 8 is apparently in the works at Amazon
Amazon Fire HD 8 sequel apparently on the way with 1.5GB RAM
m00head said:
The new Kindle Fire Oasis eReader was released this week - maybe this leaked information was referring to that?
Also, there is this:
New version of the Kindle Fire HD 8 is apparently in the works at Amazon
Amazon Fire HD 8 sequel apparently on the way with 1.5GB RAM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of accurate this is a good move by Amazon. The current HD8 is a rip IMHO; a used HDX offers far more at a better price point. Too much is made over max freq and other glossy specs. The MT8163/T720 is a responsive combo when properly tuned which is all that really matters in this segment. Rootability and FlashFire support will ultimately determine how interesting this device is to the XDA community. Hopefully Amazon equips it with a decent panel (beyond resolution specs) and keeps the price below a Benjamin USD.
m00head said:
The new Kindle Fire Oasis eReader was released this week - maybe this leaked information was referring to that?
Also, there is this:
New version of the Kindle Fire HD 8 is apparently in the works at Amazon
Amazon Fire HD 8 sequel apparently on the way with 1.5GB RAM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank for this great news, about new Fire HD 8 Tablets!
I am thinking of buying the current Amazon Fire 7 tablet. Two questions:
1) I understand that you can install Google Play on it. In practice how well does this work?
I had one of the early 2013 Fire tablets. Although you could install Google Play, it didn't work that well especially with Apps that were expecting things that weren't available on FireOs. In the end I had install a custom rom on it, but I understand that it's possible with the current model.
2) On the current model, how strong is the charger port? With the 2013 model it broke after a few years, so I was no longer able to charge it.
Thanks!
kutekittysweet said:
I am thinking of buying the current Amazon Fire 7 tablet. Two questions:
1) I understand that you can install Google Play on it. In practice how well does this work?
I had one of the early 2013 Fire tablets. Although you could install Google Play, it didn't work that well especially with Apps that were expecting things that weren't available on FireOs. In the end I had install a custom rom on it, but I understand that it's possible with the current model.
2) On the current model, how strong is the charger port? With the 2013 model it broke after a few years, so I was no longer able to charge it.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Play works much better under FireOS v5 than previous builds. Your previous experience was likely with v3 although things weren't much better under v4. That said, there are a handful of apps that must be side loaded as the Play Store believes they are incompatible with the hardware or ROM.
I have not heard/read about systemic problems with the charging circuitry on 5th-7th gen devices beyond sample defects. However, overall build quality of 5th gen devices definitely leans toward 'value'; 6th/7th aren't far behind. Might last a few years with reasonable care.
Which fire tablet should I choose for my mom? Currently she uses an old version of the 7 tablet running a cyanogenmod or lineage and she doesn't want a big device like the fire 10. I rooted it before, installed the rom and gave it to her as a gift 2 or 3 years ago. Now I'm searching a device which is currently new AND rootable. And for sure I would prefer a device, which got an existing rooting guide here on xda, a good maintained alternative rom and an active community.
On Amazon germany are currently available:
Fire 8 HD, 8. gen
Fire 7, 9. gen
Fire 7, probably 8. gen
Specifications of the newer 7 and the 8 HD are better (especially for the 8 HD), but:
Are they all rootable? Is it possible without linux for one of them (because unfortunately I never used linux...)?
Which got the biggest community here?
It would be great if you could help me! Thanks in advance for your interest and reading till here!
MartinMo said:
Which fire tablet should I choose for my mom? Currently she uses an old version of the 7 tablet running a cyanogenmod or lineage and she doesn't want a big device like the fire 10. I rooted it before, installed the rom and gave it to her as a gift 2 or 3 years ago. Now I'm searching a device which is currently new AND rootable. And for sure I would prefer a device, which got an existing rooting guide here on xda, a good maintained alternative rom and an active community.
On Amazon germany are currently available:
Fire 8 HD, 8. gen
Fire 7, 9. gen
Fire 7, probably 8. gen
Specifications of the newer 7 and the 8 HD are better (especially for the 8 HD), but:
Are they all rootable? Is it possible without linux for one of them (because unfortunately I never used linux...)?
Which got the biggest community here?
It would be great if you could help me! Thanks in advance for your interest and reading till here!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you are confining alternatives to Amazon gizmos I'd go with the 8th gen HD 8. That said, you mum would probably be just as happy with a ready-out-of-the-box Onn 8" running Android 9 which will be a huge upgrade at a similar price point. Yes, is is rootable although one has to ask why. Just to be clear, it's for mum, right?
DB126 said:
Yes, is is rootable although one has to ask why. Just to be clear, it's for mum, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, DB126. I'd like to backup all of the data and reinstall these backups on the new tablet. The last time I did that, I used titanium backup, hence the need to root it... I'll take a look on your recommendation.
DB126 said:
That said, you mum would probably be just as happy with a ready-out-of-the-box Onn 8" running Android 9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems to have only about 5 h of battery life, about half of the time of the fire 8... And my mom is already complaining about often charging the old fire 7 tablet...
MartinMo said:
It seems to have only about 5 h of battery life, about half of the time of the fire 8... And my mom is already complaining about often charging the old fire 7 tablet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Onn 8 has a 3500 mAH battery vs 4750 mAH in the Amazon HD 8. All else being equal the HD 8 will go 25-40% longer between charges. But all else isn't equal. Kernels and ROMs yield different efficiencies as do app portfolios. Panel brightness is usually the biggest draw on portable devices which is one reason SOT is such a meaningless measure. Battery build quality also plays a role in longevity; in that regard Amazon scores pretty well. All that said, 5h is in the ball park for an Onn 8 based on personal experience with both devices.