Update old sch-i815

[Rayar]

Hello. I have a Samsung galaxy 7.7 tab Verizon branded model sch-i815 my aunt got from Verizon years ago. O believe it was on her plan but hasn't been for a while. My son uses it, but wants newer games and apps but they aren't available in the play store. Like, not even xfinity or disney, or plants vs zombies. It is running Android 3.2, I try to update and it says it is up to date, as of 12/18/16. Clicking on "check now" does nothing. Checking for updates from Google play services option has a whole paragraph about android 4.0 but doesn't give any option to get it. So 2 questions 1) is there any way to get the latest android software on this tablet? And if so, 2) will it also update the Google play store so more current apps will be available for download? Thanks!

 

[Rayar]

Also currently we don't have it on our Verizon plan, it's just used as a Wi-Fi tablet for games

 

[Dannydet]

Nope. That's an old device that cannot run updated Android

 

[svim]

https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_tab_7_7_lte_i815-4419.php
This model is over six years old. Even if there was an upgrade available (there is not), the hardware specs are limited at best so even as a basic gaming device your son should not cannot expect to do much more with it.

Also to answer your other question, while Google releases new versions of Android roughly annually, the carriers and mobile device manufacturers have taken on the responsibility to provide upgrades and security updates to the products they sell you. So that upgrade option in the Settings menu is basically pointless as a user cannot just implement an upgrade or update, it has to come from the carrier or manufacturer when they get around to releasing it, and often they don't even bother to. This has turned out to be a real drawback for the Android platform. Some products lines, Pixels for example, do get upgrades/updates directly from Google so they're typically more up to date, plus Google is making changes in the Android operating system itself that takes the upgrade/update process of the OS away from the carriers and manufacturers (with their dismal record of doing it themselves). But there's a problem in that there are lot of legacy devices, such as your Tab 7.7, still in use that will never get updated.

Bottom line is though (just my opinion), don't put too much time or effort into trying to make that old tablet usable for current, daily tasks and things. It won't be worth the frustration and aggravation. just buy something new that isn't going to require compromises every time your son uses it.
Wirecutter-best Android tablet review
https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-android-tablet/
Wirecutter-best tablet review
https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-ipad-is-the-best-tablet/

 

[Rayar]

Thanks for the info guys. I was kinda thinking it was time for a new one, just wanted to see if I can save the old one first. Oh well