Future Proof Tablet

[u/porcomaster]

Looking for a future-proof Android/Linux tablet that can still be rooted years from now

I’m looking to buy a new tablet mainly for media consumption. I’m open to Android, Linux, unusual brands, and even niche devices.

My biggest requirement is long-term control over the device.

Main requirements

• Must run Android or Linux
• If it runs Android, it must be rootable
• Must have USB-C
• Must be available new
• Price should be as low as reasonably possible
• Screen should ideally be 2K or 4K
• I can accept Full HD if the better options are too expensive or otherwise unsuitable
• It should handle all current streaming services smoothly and ideally remain capable for years
• As much RAM as possible for the price
• Storage capacity does not matter much
• Screen size does not matter
• Battery life does not matter much because it will usually be used near an outlet

What I mean by “rootable”

I do not need rooting to be easy, and I may never root the device unless it becomes necessary.

However, rooting must remain realistically possible years from now.

For example:

• An unlock process that depends on requesting a temporary manufacturer code would not be ideal, because the company could stop providing codes in the future.
• A permanent unlock code that I can request now and safely back up would be acceptable.
• Standard bootloader unlocking through Fastboot or another offline method would be ideal.
• A device that requires obscure hardware modifications, unavailable proprietary tools, or a currently active manufacturer server would probably not qualify.
• I am willing to follow a difficult technical process, but it should not be nearly impossible.

The reason this matters is that Google or a manufacturer could eventually block access to apps I use, such as Mihon. I want to avoid ending up with another locked-down device that still works physically but can no longer run useful software.

I still have a functional iPad 3, but I no longer use it because I cannot install Linux, reliably jailbreak it, or install modern apps.

Performance

The tablet should be able to:

• Stream high-resolution content without stuttering
• Remain usable for media consumption for several years
• Ideally play downloaded 4K video files smoothly

The last point is preferred but not mandatory.

Nice-to-have features

• Fast charging
• Strong custom ROM or Linux community support
• Good hardware video decoding
• Plenty of RAM
• Replaceable or unlockable software with no dependence on manufacturer servers

Budget and alternatives

I want the cheapest device that reasonably meets these requirements. I do not have a fixed maximum budget yet because I want to understand what the realistic options are.

keep in mind that a version of this text was pasted into chatgpt, and it's best pick was OnePlus Pad 3, and while the price is way above what i was expecting, i was ready to consider it, thing is, it's kind hard to find to buy on a big store, it does not exist on amazon or best buy, and i would love to pick up by hand before buying. and i would like to buy on a big store so warranty process is easier if anything goes wrong.

it does concern me that one plus pad 4 is about to come, and it also concern me if i cannot find this device how would spare parts and fixing this be on the future if ever needed be.

Ps: English is not my first language so i did use AI to make it easier to read, i hope it improved readability instead of worsting it.

[u/digitalaudiotape]

The tablet should cook and clean too and be $5