Does this mean you cannot use WhatsApp on your Tab 2? Absolutely not. It just means you have to step outside the standard Google Play Store environment.
If you have the , you cannot insert a SIM card. WhatsApp requires a phone number to verify.
: WhatsApp currently officially supports Android 5.0 and newer.
You can manually install an old APK version of WhatsApp (v2.22.16.12 was the last to support Android 4.2).
I can't verify my number on the tablet. Fix: Select "Call me instant" instead of SMS. The automated robot reads the code very slowly—keep a pen handy.