For the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite (SM-T116), the custom ROM scene in 2021 and beyond primarily revolves around Android 7.1.2 (Nougat) through LineageOS 14.1. While newer tablets might reach Android 9 or 10, the T116’s limited Spreadtrum T-Shark hardware makes stable builds beyond Nougat rare. Recommended Custom ROMs
LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1.2): This is the most stable and widely used "upgrade" for the T116. It significantly improves the tablet's speed compared to the original Android 4.4.4 KitKat.
De-bloated Stock ROMs: If you need maximum stability or specific Samsung features, look for modified stock ROMs on 4PDA that remove unnecessary background services to free up its limited 1GB of RAM. Essential Tools for Installation
Before starting, ensure you have the following software on your PC:
Odin v3.09+: The standard tool for flashing custom recovery files onto Samsung devices.
Samsung USB Drivers: Required for your computer to communicate with the tablet in Download Mode.
TWRP Recovery: You must flash a custom recovery (like TWRP 2.x or 3.x) via Odin before you can install any custom ROM. Step-by-Step Installation Process Custom os for Samsung Tab 3 Lite T116 : r/CustomROMsGuide
Updating the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite (SM-T116) Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
with a custom ROM in 2021 was a popular way to extend the life of this aging tablet, which officially stopped receiving updates at Android 4.4.4 KitKat. Available Custom ROM Options
While official support has ended, the developer community has provided unofficial ports to bring the device to more modern versions of Android:
LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1.2 Nougat): This is the most stable and widely used custom ROM for the Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
. It provides a much faster and cleaner experience compared to the original TouchWiz software, removing bloatware and adding modern security features.
LineageOS 11 (Android 4.4.4 KitKat): For users who want to stay on KitKat but desire a "stock Android" look and better performance, this version is a solid alternative to the factory firmware. Prerequisites for Installation
To install a custom ROM on this device, you will need the following tools: Galaxy Tab 3 Software Updates: What's New? - Ftp
Please note that this is an informational and historical-technical paper. The device is obsolete, and installing custom ROMs carries risks, including bricking the device and voiding any remaining warranty (if any).
Even the best ROMs are not perfect. Here is the honest truth:
A crucial nuance for the SM-T116 community was the similarity between the Tab 3 7.0 (T110/T111) and the Tab 3 Lite (T116). Because the standard Tab 3 had a larger development community, many T116 users in 2021 were flashing T110 ROMs.
A lightweight, stability-focused custom ROM for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite (SM-T116) aimed at 2021-era hardware: Android 9 (Pie) base, improved performance, extended security updates, and essential modern features while keeping minimal resource use.
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: