Android 16 and Premium Ambitions at Budget Prices
Walmart’s latest ONN tablets aim squarely at shoppers who want modern hardware and software without paying flagship money. The lineup now includes an 8.1-inch Core Tablet and a 13-inch Pro Tablet, and both devices ship with Android 16 out of the box. That immediately makes them stand out among affordable Android tablets, which often lag a generation or two behind on software. The smaller model is positioned as a versatile everyday slate with long battery life, while the larger Pro version targets users who expect laptop-adjacent productivity from a tablet. Despite their feature sets, Walmart keeps both ONN tablets under USD 300 (approx. RM1,380), a sharp contrast to many premium Android 16 tablets from established brands. It’s a clear continuation of Walmart’s strategy to push strong value in consumer electronics and challenge assumptions about what budget devices can do.
ONN 8.1-inch Core: Everyday Android 16 Workhorse
The ONN 8.1-inch Core Tablet is built as a compact companion for reading, streaming, and casual work. Its 8.1-inch IPS LCD display offers a 1000 x 1524 resolution with a productivity-friendly 3:2 aspect ratio, plus a refresh rate up to 90Hz for smoother scrolling than many similarly priced tablets. Power comes from a 2.4GHz octa-core Snapdragon 685-class processor paired with 6GB of RAM, enough for multitasking, schoolwork, and light gaming on Android 16. Storage lands at 64GB with microSD expansion, so users can grow their app and media libraries over time. Walmart claims up to 15 hours of mixed-use battery life, reinforcing the tablet’s role as an all-day device. Priced around USD 138 (approx. RM635), this ONN tablet under USD 300 is positioned as an entry point for buyers who want a current Android 16 tablet without major compromises.
ONN 13-inch Pro: Stylus, Screen Size, and Productivity Focus
The ONN 13-inch Pro Tablet is where Walmart starts to seriously challenge premium rivals. Its 13-inch IPS LCD panel features a 2400 x 1600 resolution and up to a 120Hz refresh rate, making it appealing for both media consumption and productivity. Inside is a 2.6GHz MediaTek MT8775 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, giving plenty of headroom for large apps and offline content. Crucially, this model includes a USI 2.0 Active stylus and a folio case in the box, delivering budget tablet stylus support that’s rare at this price. The tablet also offers an Extended display mode, allowing users to connect to a secondary display for more serious multitasking. With a 13MP rear camera, 8MP front camera, and four speakers, it doubles as a capable entertainment hub. At USD 288 (approx. RM1,325), it delivers standout 13-inch tablet value.
How ONN’s Value Play Pressures Premium Tablet Makers
By combining the latest Android 16 software with generous RAM, large high-resolution screens, and long battery life, Walmart’s new ONN tablets under USD 300 directly compete with offerings from better-known brands. Many competing affordable Android tablets either skimp on storage and memory or ship with older OS versions and mediocre displays. In contrast, the 8.1-inch Core covers core needs with smooth performance, while the 13-inch Pro adds features like a 120Hz display, stylus support, and Extended display mode typically reserved for higher tiers. Neither model includes cellular connectivity, but Wi-Fi-only designs help keep costs down. This approach reflects a broader push to democratize capable Android 16 tablets, blurring the line between budget and midrange. For users who mainly browse, stream, study, and do light creative work, ONN’s latest devices may make it harder to justify paying much more for a big-name logo.