What Makes Onn’s New Tablets a Cheap iPad Alternative?
Onn’s latest Android 16 tablets are budget Android tablet options that aim to deliver iPad-style usability, large screens, and current software at prices well under premium rivals. Instead of paying flagship money, you can pick from six models that cover casual browsing, light gaming, video streaming, and everyday productivity without feeling slow or outdated. The headline device is the Onn 13 Pro, a 13-inch slate that targets buyers who want a cheap iPad alternative with a quality display, plenty of storage, and useful extras like a stylus and folio case included in the box. Below it sit more compact “Core” and “Kids” models, which share the same Android 16 base but scale down screens, cameras, and memory to stay affordable tablets under 300 for students, families, and anyone on a strict budget.
Onn 13 Pro: The Standout Budget Android Tablet
The Onn 13 Pro is the clear star of the lineup for anyone comparing affordable tablets under 300 against Apple’s entry iPad range. It offers a 13-inch IPS LCD panel at 2400 x 1600, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, plus an aluminum body that looks more premium than its price suggests. According to Pocket-lint, the Onn 13 Pro costs USD 288 (approx. RM1340) and ships with Android 16 out of the box, so you are not stuck on an old version of the operating system. A 13-megapixel rear camera, 8-megapixel front camera, and included stylus and folio case round out the package. On paper, this makes it a strong budget Android tablet for note-taking, streaming, and productivity, as long as the unnamed 2.6GHz MediaTek processor holds up in real-world use.
Core Models: Everyday Tablets for Work, Study, and Play
If the 13-inch form factor feels too large, the Onn 11 Core and Onn 8.1 Core offer cheaper, more portable options that still count as credible cheap iPad alternative picks. The Onn 11 Core uses an 11-inch 1840 x 1280 IPS LCD display, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, with a stated price of USD 167 (approx. RM780). Cameras are modest at 2 megapixels on the front and 5 megapixels on the back, but the tablet comes in four lively colors: Mocha, Navy, Pink, and Silver. The smaller Onn 8.1 Core steps down to a 1524 x 1000 display and 64GB of storage, but upgrades to a Snapdragon 685 chipset while keeping 6GB of RAM. Priced at USD 138 (approx. RM640), it lines up as a compact budget Android tablet for reading, social media, and light gaming.
Kids and Entry Models: Where to Save and Where to Skip
Onn’s range also includes the Onn 7 Core and two Kids models, which target children and ultra-budget shoppers. The Onn 7 Core comes in at USD 97 (approx. RM450) with a 7-inch 1024 x 600 LCD, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. While this keeps the price low, the display resolution is dated and may disappoint anyone who watches a lot of video or reads small text; even Pocket-lint notes it is worth avoiding when better options are close in price. The Onn 11 Kids and Onn 8 Kids share the Android 16 software base but ship in thick bumper cases to handle drops, making them good candidates for a child’s first budget Android tablet. For adults, the 8.1 Core and 11 Core models remain the smarter buys in this Onn tablet review.
Why Android 16 Makes These Tablets Feel More Modern
All six new Onn tablets ship with Android 16, and that matters for buyers who want affordable tablets under 300 that will not feel outdated in a year. Budget tablets often linger on older software, which can limit app compatibility and security updates. Here, you get current Android features from day one, including improved multitasking and better handling of large screens, which helps the Onn 13 Pro stand out as a cheap iPad alternative for productivity. It also helps bridge the gap between gaming-focused Android tablets and mainstream work or study machines, since features like split-screen and modern notification controls are part of the standard package. While we still need long-term testing to confirm performance and update support, the combination of Android 16, low prices, and capable hardware makes this Onn lineup one of the more appealing budget Android tablet families right now.