Which Android tablet or phone should I use for the wifi GX display feature?

Q&A and troubleshooting
,
1

One of the re-occuring topics of discussion during the Android display beta thread was which is the best device to use?

That topic now has over 400 replies, and is closed to new posts.

In an effort to try and extract the most useful info from there, I have given myself a pass on the usual “No AI” community guideline, and here are the results:

Android Tablets

Tablet Model Android Version Comments
Lenovo smart TAB M8 9 Successful, no further issues reported.
UMIDIGI Android Tablet 13 Not specified Worked right away, 10.1 inches, RK3562 Quad-Core, 6000mAh, 1280x800 resolution.
$40 US 7" tablet from Amazon 11 Successful after resolving QR reader issue, initially followed CSTech YouTube instructions, needed forum posting guidance.
Amazon Fire Tablet 10.1 (2021) Not specified Successful after using Fire Toolbox to remove bloatware and sideload apps, wall mount used. Not compatible with QR installation method.
Amazon HD Fire Not specified Runs software connected to USB power supply for months, no issues. Not compatible with QR installation method, APK can be sideloaded.
Lenovo M9 Not specified Successful, slow setup process, mounted in work van with RAM components, powered via Alfatronix USB supply, right angle USB-C cable.
Lenovo M7 TB-7305F Android Go Mixed results; initially worked, later black/white screen on wake, reboot sometimes helps, possibly due to slow device, running Venus OS 3.52, GUI version beta4.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 7 Failed, error “The admin app could not be downloaded” during QR code scan, tried factory reset, same issue with another Android 7 device.
Asus Zenpad 3S 7 Partially successful via APK, screen goes white, no further details provided.
Lenovo Tab M8 (TB-8504F) 8.1.0 Works with Cerbo GX via phone hotspot, “Error Loading Web page” on home network.
Lenovo Tab M8 (TB-8304F1) 7.0 Installation stuck at “Set up work device” screen, no progress.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Not specified Error loading web page, multiple failed attempts with Cerbo GX.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A (2017) 9 Works after setting gxDisplay as “Unknown App” and allowing installation.
Samsung X110 Galaxy Tab A9 Not specified Connected to GX 3.54 & 3.60~25, suggestion for night mode color palette.
Lynx_10in 11 Worked with Ethernet adapter after factory reset issues, 10.1 inches, MediaTek CPU, 1920x1200 resolution, 32 GB.

Android Phones

Phone Model Android Version Comments
Samsung S10 Not specified Easy app setup, works flawlessly.
Huawei Not specified Successful as dedicated display after initial hurdles, needed Chrome due to no default browser, QR code issue, mounted in kitchen.
Spectralink Versity Not specified Excellent performance, plugged in 24/7, screen on permanently, cool to touch, rock solid.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro 13 Works perfectly, 6.7 inches, AMOLED @120Hz screen, perfect for GUI 2.0 dark theme, no glow, no color variation.
Sony Xperia 8 Works flawlessly after app installation via QR code.
ZTE Not specified Works, app update query mentioned.
Zebra Not specified Unreliable, drops app every 40 minutes, needs reloading, not suitable for task.
Motorola Moto e4 7.1.1 Installation works, but screen orientation changes to portrait after restart, cannot change back.

Phones generally had fewer mentions compared to tablets, but those reported showed a mix of reliability, with some like Spectralink Versity and Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro standing out for their performance.

Discussion

The thread revealed that compatibility with the GX Wi-Fi display setup depends on several factors, including Android version, device model, and user configuration. Older Android versions (e.g., 7.0, 8.1.0) sometimes faced installation issues, while newer versions (e.g., 11, 13) generally performed better.
Workarounds included Fire Toolbox for Amazon tablets or allowing unknown apps for Samsung devices.

Notably, some devices like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 and Zebra phone faced significant issues, suggesting potential hardware or software limitations. Conversely, models like the UMIDIGI Android Tablet 13 and Spectralink Versity were praised for their ease of use and reliability, respectively. Specific accessories include Ethernet adapters for Lynx_10in or wall mounts for Amazon Fire Tablet.

Citation: All information is sourced from the Victron Energy community forum thread, accessible at Victron Energy Community Forum Thread, reviewed on July 2, 2025.

4 Likes
Old android device as permanent vrm monitor
2

Has anyone tried the Oukitel RT3 pro?

Gets good reviews, looks ideal for a boat steerer display, robust/waterproof, bright 8" display, good value (about £150)

3

Hi folks,

Just wanted to say the Doogee U10 works just great for this. It’s dirt cheap (just over £50 on the jungle web site), decent brightness IPS screen, and zero issues during setup. Also it runs Android 15 from factory.

Edit: Also works great on a Samsung Galaxy M53 (wife’s old phone, wasn’t worth sending back for recycling, and still works OK apart from busted mic).

1 Like
4

Fine for indoor use, not so good outdoors (no water resistance).

5

I was adding my experience to the thread, not replying to you specifically.

6

I know – I was just commenting as advice to others :slight_smile:

7

Good evening,

@guystewart , I have seen that you opened 2 topics, which tablet and show.
Maybe it’s better to combine the 2 for the moment, still there is the need for Q+A on both topics answering the same questions.
Just to make you aware.

With the best regards, Jeroen.

8

A post was split to a new topic: Remote Cerbo GX access

9

I would rather they be seperate, and I will moderate out the off topic posts in the Show us your Android GX WI-FI display installed post to keep it clean.

10

Indeed Guy, that’s the hottest topic since…, I’ve seen that Matthijs is super enthousiastic about it, the best, great achievement after almost 500 Q+A’s for the Beta’s.

With the best regards, Jeroen.

1 Like
11

Has anyone tried the Samsung Galaxy Active2 Tablet? Lookin for something for an open cockpit boat so it needs to be waterproof, and of course inexpensive!

12

Hi Rodney,

We prefer the Ulefone Armor series of products, see link to that topic, the Ulefone Armor 13 is an older model but is absolutely watertight and has a big battery which is now running as a display.

We also use the Ulefone Armor 24 and the PAD 3 outdoors, even bigger batteries, these are also sunlight readable, can be used with wet fingers and/or gloves, etc.

Regards, Jeroen.

1 Like
13

Good evening,

Thank you very much Guy, @guystewart, just seen your personal reply so to say, I was on board…the emergency back-up controls didn’t work as normal….

How can we make these 2 topics even more public, as I see nothing much happens and Matthijs really wants to see more of these screens, as I can speak for him of course?

At the Victron site it is quite hard to find anything about an Android display as a primary customer, and it is not so publicly promoted there as well, maybe a hint to show on your site some of the examples collected here to persuade more people to transform an Android into a Victron display.

Of course, there are 2 types of customers, water tight and not water tight, vessels and home apps, maybe your list can be split in outdoor and indoor Androids to make it easier for the people to choose from?

Regards, Jeroen.

1 Like
14

Hi @Jeroen2

It’s a nice idea to help spread awareness of this.

I’ll be meeting up with some of the website and social media teams shortly and will discuss it with them.

I have been speaking to others in the field this week and word of this feature is spreading naturally, but many also don’t know about it, or aren’t sure about it

15

Are there any working 10” tablets with a power connector in the back?

I hate seeing the cable sticking out from the side.

16

You can use a flat 90º charger cable.