Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite Smt116 Custom Rom 2021
For a user in 2021 asking this question, the honest answer was generally no, unless you were doing it for the sake of learning.
If you installed a custom ROM:
By 2021, no official mainstream ROMs (LineageOS, crDroid, etc.) supported the SM-T116. However, the XDA-Developers community produced several unofficial builds:
Author: [Generated AI / Technical Writer]
Date: April 13, 2026 (Retrospective analysis of 2021 development)
Bottom line: There is no "Android 11 custom ROM for SM-T116" in 2021. Don't trust YouTube videos promising it. Your best bet is a debloated KitKat + old app versions. Use this tablet for simple offline tasks only.
Last tested: October 2021
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite (SM-T116) , originally released in 2014, faced significant software obsolescence by 2021 as its official Android 4.4.4 KitKat firmware reached the end of its life. Custom ROM development for this specific variant is limited compared to more popular models, but several community efforts have aimed to modernize it. Key Custom ROM Options in 2021 LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1.2 Nougat)
: This is widely considered the most "modern" stable target for the as of late 2021
. It provides a cleaner interface and slightly better app compatibility compared to stock KitKat, though it still pushes the limits of the tablet's 1GB RAM. CyanogenMod (Older Versions)
: While official support ended years ago, legacy builds of CyanogenMod (the precursor to LineageOS) remain the "best" available for some users due to their lightweight nature on dual-core hardware. Unofficial Ports : Most development for the consists of unofficial ports shared via platforms like XDA Forums
or YouTube tutorials, often requiring specific recoveries like for installation. Performance Realities in 2021 Attempting to use the
as a "daily driver" in 2021 was described as a "frustrating experiment" by reviewers Hardware Constraints samsung galaxy tab 3 lite smt116 custom rom 2021
: The 1.2 GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM cause frequent system lock-ups and lag even on custom ROMs. App Compatibility
: By 2021, many modern apps (like YouTube and Google services) began dropping support for older Android versions. Moving to a Nougat-based ROM can temporarily restore some app functionality. Display & Media
: The non-HD resolution (1024x600) and poor viewing angles make it less than ideal for high-definition streaming or modern gaming. Installation Prerequisites To install a custom ROM on the , users generally follow these steps: Unlock Bootloader : A necessary first step to allow custom software. Custom Recovery : Installing Samsung Odin Flash the ROM : Downloading the ROM file and flashing it via recovery mode. GApps (Optional) : Most custom ROMs require a separate flash of Open GApps to include the Google Play Store. Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite - Is it usable in 2021?
Revitalizing the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite (SM-T116): A 2021 Custom ROM Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite (SM-T116), released in 2015, originally shipped with Android 4.4.4 KitKat. In 2021, many users found that official software made the device sluggish and incompatible with modern apps like YouTube and Google services. Installing a custom ROM can breathe new life into this tablet by upgrading the Android version, improving performance, and enhancing battery life. Popular Custom ROM Options
While there is no official LineageOS support for the SM-T116, unofficial builds and other community-driven projects were widely used in 2021 to modernize the device.
LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1.2 Nougat): This remains the most stable and popular choice for the SM-T116, providing a clean, near-stock Android experience.
Resurrection Remix: Known for extreme customization, versions based on Android 6.0 and 7.1.2 have been developed for this model, offering a blend of features from other ROMs like SlimROM and OmniROM.
e/OS: A privacy-focused alternative that is noted for being very fast on older hardware, though it typically lacks integrated Google Play services. Prerequisites for Installation
Before attempting to flash a new OS, ensure you have the following tools ready:
Кастомная ОС для Samsung Tab 3 Lite T116 : r/CustomROMsGuide For a user in 2021 asking this question,
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite (SM-T116) , custom ROM development as of 2021 primarily focuses on LineageOS 14.1
, which brings the device to Android 7.1.2 Nougat. This version is widely considered the most stable "modern" update for this hardware. Popular Custom ROM Options (2021) LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1.2):
The most common choice for reviving this tablet. It offers a much cleaner interface than the original TouchWiz and better compatibility with 2021-era apps. CyanogenMod 12.1 (Android 5.1):
A lighter alternative if performance on Android 7 feels sluggish, though it has more limited app support. Resurrection Remix:
Known for its heavy customisation options, though often less stable than standard LineageOS builds for this specific chipset. Known Issues & Bugs
While these ROMs extend the tablet's life, users in late 2021 reported several persistent issues: Power Button Lag:
A common bug where the screen does not turn on immediately after pressing the power button, often taking 5–8 seconds to respond. Battery Drain:
Some users noted a significant decrease in Screen-On Time (SOT) compared to the original Android 4.4.4 KitKat firmware. Hardware Limitations:
The 1GB of RAM and Spreadtrum SC8830 chipset struggle with modern versions of Google Play Services, which can cause lag during background updates. Installation Prerequisites To install these ROMs, you typically need: Custom Recovery: is the standard for this device. The Samsung flashing tool used to install TWRP from a PC. GApps (Google Apps):
Since custom ROMs don't include Google services, you'll need an MindTheGapps package (ARM, Android 7.1). installation guide for flashing LineageOS on this specific model?
As of 2021, the most stable custom ROM option for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite (SM-T116) Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Bottom line: There is no "Android 11 custom
remains LineageOS 14.1, which is based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat. While the device officially only received updates up to Android 4.4.4 KitKat, these custom builds allow it to run newer applications that are no longer compatible with the stock firmware. Top Custom ROM Options (2021/2022 Status)
LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1.2): This is the primary recommendation for "reviving" the Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
. It replaces the original TouchWiz system, removes bloatware, and offers a more fluid interface.
Official Firmware: Some users prefer staying on the latest official 4.4.4 KitKat build for maximum stability and battery life, as older custom ROMs can sometimes suffer from bugs like delayed screen-on times or higher battery drain. Essential Installation Requirements
To install a custom ROM on this device, you typically need the following tools and steps:
Custom Recovery: You must flash a custom recovery like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) using tools like Odin3 on a PC.
Root Access: While not always strictly required to flash a ROM, rooting provides deeper system access for performance optimizations.
GApps (Google Apps): Since custom ROMs like LineageOS often come without Google services, you must download a compatible GApps package (e.g., OpenGApps or MindTheGapps) to access the Play Store. Known Limitations & Bugs
Power Button Lag: A common bug in LineageOS builds for this series is a 5-8 second delay when pressing the power button to wake the screen. Battery Life
: Some users report significant reductions in Screen-on-Time (SOT) when moving from stock Android 4.4.4 (approx. 8 hours) to custom Nougat builds (approx. 4 hours). Performance: The
features limited hardware (1GB RAM), so running modern Android versions may still result in some UI lag, especially when using heavy Google Play Services. How to update your Galaxy phone or tablet - Samsung
Perform a software update * Using two fingers, swipe down from the top right corner of the screen, and then tap the Settings icon. samsung.com