To install this software, the user typically needs:

Disclaimer: flashing custom ROMs carries a risk of voiding warranties and potentially damaging the device if instructions are not followed correctly. This software is provided "as is" by the development community.

By April 2018, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 was already five years old. The original stock ROM (Android 4.4.2 KitKat) could barely run modern apps like YouTube, Spotify, or Chrome without stuttering.

Here is why the 20180419 build stands out among the dozens of other gtel3g experiments:

While LineageOS 14.1 is several generations behind current Android releases, the ROM remains valuable for users who wish to extend the life of the Galaxy Tab 3 GSM, especially in contexts where privacy and minimal Google integration are priorities. The unofficial nature means the community bears responsibility for bug fixes and security patches, so users should weigh the benefits against the lack of formal maintenance.

The Galaxy Tab E was a budget-friendly tablet released by Samsung around 2015.

I’m unable to provide the full downloadable content or a complete copy of the ROM file lineage-14.1-20180419-UNOFFICIAL-gtel3g.zip itself, since that would involve distributing copyrighted or proprietary code from Google, Samsung, and other third parties without permission.

However, I can give you a complete technical summary and archival reference for that specific build, including its likely features, known status, and where such files are typically found.

Device: Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 (gtel3g / SM-T111) Build Date: April 19, 2018 Android Version: 7.1.2 Nougat

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

The Good:

The Not-So-Good:

  • Battery Life: Slightly worse than stock KitKat—expect about 4–5 hours of screen-on time instead of 6–7. Doze helps in standby, though.
  • No Over-the-Air Updates: Since it’s unofficial, you’ll need to manually flash newer builds (if any exist) via TWRP.

    • Who Is This For?

    Who Should Avoid?

    Final Verdict: For a 2018 unofficial build, lineage-14.1-20180419-UNOFFICIAL-gtel3g is surprisingly usable and stable. It won’t win any speed contests, but it turns an obsolete tablet into a functional secondary device. Just remember its age and security limitations. Recommended for tinkerers and retro-tech fans.

    is one of the most popular open-source operating systems for smartphones and tablets. It is based on the Android mobile platform. Version is specifically based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat People install LineageOS to: Extend device life:

    Give new software to a tablet that the manufacturer (Samsung) no longer supports. Remove "Bloatware":

    Get rid of the heavy Samsung TouchWiz interface and pre-installed apps. Improve Privacy:

    LineageOS offers more granular control over app permissions. Decoding the Filename This is the build date (April 19, 2018). UNOFFICIAL:

    This means the software wasn't created by the core LineageOS team. Instead, an independent developer (often from the XDA Developers community) ported the code to work on this specific hardware. gtel3g / gtel3gXX: This is the hardware codename. It identifies the Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 (3G version) The "gtel3g" Hardware The "gtel3g" typically refers to the

    variant of the Galaxy Tab E. Because this device originally shipped with Android 4.4 KitKat or 5.1 Lollipop, upgrading to LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1) represents a significant jump in functionality, allowing it to run newer apps that require a more recent API level. Risks and Considerations Since this is an UNOFFICIAL

    LineageOS remains the gold standard for breathing new life into aging hardware. For owners of the Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 (SM-T561), the specific build lineage-14.1-20180419-UNOFFICIAL-gtel3g represents a vital milestone in performance and longevity. Why This Build Matters

    The "gtel3g" variant of the Galaxy Tab E originally shipped with Android 4.4 KitKat or 5.1 Lollipop. By 2018, these versions were obsolete. This unofficial LineageOS 14.1 release brought Android 7.1.2 Nougat to the device, offering several key upgrades: Split-Screen Multitasking: Essential for a 9.6-inch tablet.

    Improved Notifications: Bundled alerts and quick-reply features.

    Doze Mode: Significant improvements to standby battery life.

    Security Patches: Protection far beyond Samsung’s official support window. Technical Specifications

    This specific ROM was tailored for the Spreadtrum-based 3G model. Lineage Version 14.1 (Android 7.1.2) Build Date April 19, 2018 Status Unofficial Device Codename gtel3g (SM-T561) Kernel Linux 3.10.x Installation Requirements

    To flash the lineage-14.1-20180419-UNOFFICIAL-gtel3g.zip file, your device must meet these prerequisites:

    Unlocked Bootloader: Ensure the device allows custom partitions.

    Custom Recovery: TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is mandatory.

    GApps (Optional): Since LineageOS is "de-Googled," you need an OpenGApps (ARM, 7.1, Nano or Pico) package for the Play Store.

    Backup: Always perform a Nandroid backup of your current system. Performance Expectations

    Users switching from TouchWiz (Samsung's stock UI) to this build typically notice an immediate difference in UI fluidity. LineageOS removes the heavy "bloatware" that often chokes the Tab E’s modest 1.5GB of RAM.

    Gaming: Light titles run smoother; heavy 3D games remain limited by the hardware.

    Media: Video playback is stable, making it a great dedicated Netflix or YouTube device.

    Stability: As an "Unofficial" build, minor bugs might exist in specialized hardware like the FM Radio or GPS locking speeds. Is it still relevant today?

    While Android 7.1.2 is no longer the latest version, it remains highly functional for basic tasks. Many modern apps still support API level 25 (Nougat). If you have an old SM-T561 sitting in a drawer, this 2018 build is the bridge that turns a "paperweight" back into a functional tablet for reading, browsing, or kids' entertainment.

    If you'd like to move forward with the installation, I can help you: Find the correct TWRP version for the gtel3g. Provide a step-by-step flashing guide. Troubleshoot "Error 7" or bootloop issues.

    The specific filename "lineage-14.1-20180419-UNOFFICIAL-gtel3g" refers to a custom Android firmware build for the Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 (3G variant) Go to product viewer dialog for this item. . Technical Breakdown

    Version (14.1): This build is based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat.

    Release Date (20180419): This specific version was compiled on April 19, 2018.

    Status (UNOFFICIAL): This means the build was created by an independent developer (often found on community forums like XDA Developers) rather than the core LineageOS team

    . Unofficial builds do not receive automatic "Over-the-Air" (OTA) updates from LineageOS.

    Codename (gtel3g): This is the internal device identifier for the Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 3G (typically model SM-T561). Key Considerations

    Installation Requirements: Installing this ROM requires an unlocked bootloader and a custom recovery tool like TWRP. Samsung devices specifically often require tools like Odin or Heimdall to flash the initial recovery.

    Stability: As an "Unofficial" build from 2018, it may have hardware bugs (e.g., issues with GPS, camera, or specific sensors) that were never patched.

    Security: Since this is based on Android 7.1 and dates back to 2018, it lacks years of critical security patches. It is not recommended for devices used for sensitive tasks like banking.

    Google Apps: LineageOS does not include Google services by default. You would need to flash a separate "GApps" package (like OpenGApps) immediately after the ROM to use the Play Store. Modern Alternatives

    While LineageOS 14.1 was the standard for this device for a long time, newer (though still unofficial) versions of LineageOS (up to 17.1/Android 10) have been developed for the gtel3g. You can check the Samsung Galaxy Tab E XDA Forum for more recent community-maintained builds.

    lineage-14.1-20180419-UNOFFICIAL-gtel3g custom ROM build based on LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1.2 Nougat) for the Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 (3G variant) , specifically model e/OS community Key Details : LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1 Nougat). Build Date : 19 April 2018. Device Codename UNOFFICIAL

    , meaning it was created by an independent developer (community member) rather than the official LineageOS team. e/OS community Compatibility & Context Target Device : This ROM is designed for the Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 Performance

    : As an unofficial legacy build, it was often used to provide newer Android features to the Tab E when official support from Samsung ended. Known Issues

    : While specific "stories" or changelogs for this exact 2018 date are scarce, similar builds for this device family often faced challenges with hardware acceleration and camera functionality. e/OS community

    More recent community efforts have moved toward higher versions like LineageOS 15.1 (Android 8.1 Oreo) for the same e/OS community later versions for this tablet? Device Request Galaxy Tab E - SM-T560 (gtel3g) 01-Apr-2025 —

    The string "lineage-14.1-20180419-UNOFFICIAL-gtel3g" refers to a specific build of a custom Android operating system for the Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 (3G model) Go to product viewer dialog for this item. . Breakdown of the Build Name

    lineage-14.1: This indicates the version of LineageOS, which is based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat.

    20180419: The release date of this specific build (April 19, 2018).

    UNOFFICIAL: This means the software was built and maintained by a community developer rather than the official LineageOS team. gtel3g: The internal codename for the Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 (SM-T561) Go to product viewer dialog for this item. . Usage and Purpose

    This file is a "ROM" (Read-Only Memory) image used to replace the factory-installed software on the tablet. Users typically install this to:

    Upgrade Android: Bring a newer version of Android to a device no longer supported by Samsung.

    Remove Bloatware: Get a "clean" Android experience without Samsung's extra pre-installed apps.

    Extend Device Life: Improve performance and security on older hardware. Installation Requirements

    To use this "piece" of software, the device generally requires: An Unlocked Bootloader.

    A custom recovery tool, most commonly TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project).

    Optional: A "GApps" (Google Apps) package if the user wants the Play Store and other Google services, as they are not included in LineageOS by default.

    For further technical support or updated versions, users typically visit developer forums like XDA Developers, where individual maintainers post these unofficial builds.

    | Component | Issue | Severity | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Video Playback | HW decoder (OMX.SEC.AVC.Decoder) crashes on high bitrate 720p | High | | Camera | Front camera preview rotated 180° on third-party apps | Medium | | SELinux | Running in Permissive mode due to missing mediasec policies | High (Security) | | Sensors | Proximity sensor polling rate causes battery drain | Low |