Android 10.1" tablet that supports Android 5.1 (or Cyanogenmod 12.1) or higher

Question

I am looking to replace an ASUS Transformer (TF101). I like the 10.1" form factor as I use it for watching videos more than I use it as an eReader. One of the features I liked about the Transformer was that I could install Cyanogenmod on it as well.

I'd like to upgrade to something more modern. The Transformer has not received a Cyanogenmod update since version 10. It hasn't received an official Android update since before that.

The problem I have in looking for a replacement is that tablets that support the new versions of Android out of the box are smaller form factors (7-9"). The 10 inch ones all seem to be on KitKat or Ice Cream (Android 4.x) versions.

Requirements:

• Supports Lollipop or Marshmellow (Android 5.0 through 5.2)
• Supports Cyanogenmod 12.1 or higher
• Has decent speakers is a must - I want to be able to set the tablet upright on a table about 3 feet in front of me and hear the sound (the TF101 did not meet this requirement)
• 10.1" form factor
• A microSD slot would be a very nice to have
• A keyboard accessory is optional
• A semi-sturdy case that allows me to prop the tablet up should exist for the recommendation

My price range is roughly $500-600, but if such a tablet doesn't exist in that price range, I'm open to something a bit more expensive.

Answer 1

If you're willing to go for a little bit larger screen and no official support for Cyanogen, then you might like the Dell Venue 10 7000 ($499). It has:

• 10.5" screen (a bit larger than you wanted, but not by too much)

• Support for Android Lollipop 5.0

• Good speakers, better than most Android tablets

• MicroSD card reader

• Optional magnetically attachable keyboard, which is also a stand (not included, but can be bought for an additional $160)

• Carrying case (not included, but can be bought for $20) (not a stand)

Answer 2

I own the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 10.1 (T530) WiFi edition ~260€ (LTE Available ~290€) running Android 6.0.1 through an unofficial CyanogenMod port, which works well. The sound is loud and clear, but really depends on source quality sometimes.
It has:

• 10.1" screen
• Supports Lollipop 5.0.1 (up to 6.x by community)
• Decent speakers
• MicroSD card reader
• Cases with stand and/or keyboards (not included, around 20-40€)

Answer 3

Late answer, but if you are looking for a cheap tablet, you could try a Yuntab K107 for $81.

Specs:

• 10.1 inch, 1280x800 IPS screen
• 1.3Ghz quad core processor
• 1GB RAM (1033Mhz?), 16GB ROM (on most models, only 1.5GB is in the internal memory block and the rest is an internal SD card)
• Wi-Fi (802.11abgn), Bluetooth 4.0, 2G/3G
• Slots for microSD (up to 32GB) and 2 SIM cards

Pros (for your purpose):

• 10.1" screen
• No CM/LineageOS, but does have Android 5.1
• Good audio quality
• Good screen (not an AMOLED though, so no good blacks)
• Supports 1080p30 video
• Several optional accessories, such as a non-keyboard case, a keyboard case, and a silicone case.

Cons:

• Cheap
• Some users have reported defects (like lines on the screen)

If something cheap isn't for you, you could alternatively get a Samsung Galaxy Tab A for about $280.

Specs:

• 10.1 inch, 1920x1200 screem
• 1.6Ghz octa-core processor
• 2GB RAM @1866Mhz, 16GB ROM
• 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2

Pros (for your purpose):

• Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
• 10.1" AMOLED screen
• Supports 1080p60 (not 4k)
• Lots of accessories

(I personally haven't used the second device listed, but it is a lot better then the first one if you are not on an extreme budget)