Sm T285 Custom Rom Android 7 ((top))
For the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 7.0 (SM-T285), running a Custom ROM based on Android 7 (Nougat) is a significant upgrade from the stock software. The most useful feature you can gain from this upgrade is "System-wide Navigation Bar Customization (and Removal)."
For a user in 2026 looking back, the "story" of upgrading this tablet usually followed a risky but rewarding path:
: Users who made the jump reported a faster device with more available storage due to the removal of Samsung's original bloatware. Not Without its Scars Sm T285 Custom Rom Android 7
| Metric | Stock Android 6.0 | Android 7.1 Custom ROM | |--------|------------------|-------------------------| | Antutu Score | ~22,000 | ~26,500 | | App Opening Time (Chrome) | 4.2 sec | 2.8 sec | | RAM Usage (idle) | 850 MB | 620 MB | | Battery (video playback) | 6 hours | 7.5 hours |
—is one of a device that outlived its factory shelf life thanks to a dedicated modding community. While Samsung officially left the tablet on Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), users sought to unlock its potential through custom ROMs, specifically targeting Android 7.0 (Nougat). The Challenge: Spreadtrum Chipsets For the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 7
Since Samsung stopped official updates for this device at Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, a custom Android 7 ROM (like LineageOS 14.1 or AOSP Extended) would bring the following modern enhancements:
The initial boot after flashing a custom ROM can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. Do not interrupt it. Storage Limitations: only has 8GB of internal storage While Samsung officially left the tablet on Android 5
buttons simultaneously until a warning screen appears. Press to continue.