Onn’s New Android 16 Lineup: Budget Tablets from $97 to $288
Walmart’s in‑house brand Onn has quietly become a serious contender in budget Android tablets. Its latest refresh introduces six Android 16 models, with mainstream slates ranging in price from USD 97 (approx. RM450) to USD 288 (approx. RM1,340). At the entry level, the 7‑inch Onn 7" Core offers a compact 1024 x 600 display, a 2 GHz MediaTek Helio G80 processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage. Moving up, the 8.1" Core bumps resolution to 1524 x 1000, swaps in a Snapdragon 685, and adds 6GB RAM for smoother everyday use. The 11" Core targets media and light productivity with a larger 1840 x 1280 display, Helio G99, 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage. All ship with the Google Play Store pre‑installed, something Amazon Fire tablets lack out of the box, making these Walmart Onn tablets especially appealing as affordable tablets under $300.
Onn 13 Pro: A Cheap iPad Alternative Worth a Look
At the top of Walmart’s range sits the Onn 13 Pro, a potential cheap iPad alternative for buyers focused on value. For USD 288 (approx. RM1,340), you get a 13‑inch IPS LCD with a sharp 2400 x 1600 resolution, 8GB RAM, and a roomy 256GB of storage. The tablet is powered by a 2.6 GHz MediaTek processor and runs Android 16 out of the box, giving you current‑gen software and full access to the Google Play Store. It also includes an 8MP front camera, 13MP rear camera, a folio case, and a stylus in the box, plus an aluminum build that looks more premium than its price suggests. While real‑world benchmarks are still unknown, the specs make this one of the more capable budget Android tablets and a strong iPad alternative if you prioritise price over ecosystem perks.
Onn vs iPad and Fire: How the Value Stacks Up
Apple’s entry‑level iPad has long dominated the affordable tablet space, but it typically costs significantly more than Walmart’s new Onn models. By contrast, Onn tablets start at USD 97 (approx. RM450) and top out at USD 288 (approx. RM1,340), undercutting many iPad configurations while still offering modern hardware and Android 16. Even Amazon’s Fire tablets, traditionally among the cheapest options, now start at USD 130 (approx. RM605), and they run Fire OS, a fork of Android without native Google Play Store access unless you tinker. Onn’s strategy is simple: ship lean hardware with full Android and Play Store support at disruptive price points. You do sacrifice Apple’s polished app ecosystem and long‑term software support, and you may not get the same performance ceiling as higher‑end iPads. But if you mainly stream, browse, read, and use basic apps, the price‑to‑performance ratio is compelling.
Which Onn Tablet to Buy for Your Budget and Use Case
Choosing the right Onn tablet depends on how you plan to use it and how much you want to spend. If you only need a basic screen for kids’ videos or casual browsing, the Onn 7" Core at USD 97 (approx. RM450) is the cheapest route into Android 16 with Google Play. For a better display, more power, and still‑compact size, the Onn 8.1" Core at USD 138 (approx. RM640) is a sensible upgrade and a direct rival to the Amazon Fire HD 8. If you want a more comfortable canvas for streaming, reading, or light productivity, the Onn 11" Core at USD 167 (approx. RM775) delivers more RAM and storage than some Fire HD 10 models at a lower starting price. Power users, mobile students, and note‑takers should look at the Onn 13 Pro, which adds a sharper 13‑inch screen, more memory, extra storage, and included stylus support.
Who Should Still Pick an iPad Instead?
Despite the strong value of Walmart Onn tablets, an iPad will still be the better choice for some buyers. If you depend on tablet‑optimised creative apps, advanced games, or accessories like the Apple Pencil and keyboard covers, Apple’s ecosystem offers tighter integration and broader third‑party support. You also get longer software update windows and consistent performance tuning across apps. Onn’s Android 16 tablets, by contrast, are about maximising what you get for each dollar: full Play Store access, respectable specs, and large screens at aggressive prices between USD 97 (approx. RM450) and USD 288 (approx. RM1,340). For many people who mainly stream, video‑chat, browse, and handle light work, they are arguably the smarter buy. But if you view your tablet as a long‑term productivity or creative tool and are willing to pay more, an iPad still makes sense.
