Walmart is steadily growing its portfolio of budget Android devices. After launching its new Onn-branded 4K Google TV streaming box and 4K streaming stick, Walmart is now selling two new budget Android tablets for users who want large screens and decent specs without spending flagship money.

Onn 13-inch Pro Tablet: A Flagship Experience on a Budget

Leading Walmart’s Onn tablet refresh is the Onn 13-inch Pro Tablet. This device packs a 13-inch IPS LCD display with a 2,400 x 1,600 resolution, offering crisp visuals for media consumption, productivity, and light gaming. Under the hood, it features an unnamed 2.6GHz MediaTek processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. These specifications place it well above typical budget tablets, which often offer only 3-4GB of RAM and 32-64GB of storage. The inclusion of a folio case and a USI 2.0 Active stylus in the box further sweetens the deal, as these accessories are rarely included at this price point.

The tablet runs Android 16 out of the box, making it one of the first devices to ship with the latest version of Google’s operating system. Android 16 brings improved multitasking features, enhanced privacy controls, and better support for large screens. One notable feature is the “Extended display mode,” which allows users to connect the tablet to an external monitor for expanded viewing or side-by-side multitasking. This is a boon for professionals and students who need extra screen real estate on the go.

Camera hardware includes a 13MP rear shooter and an 8MP front-facing camera, suitable for casual photography, video calls, and document scanning. The 13-inch Pro is priced at $288, undercutting many competitors while offering a more complete package.

Onn 8.1-inch Core Tablet: Compact and Long-Lasting

For those who prefer a smaller form factor, the Onn 8.1-inch Core Tablet focuses on portability and battery life. It features an 8.1-inch IPS LCD display with a 1,524 x 1,000 resolution—adequate for reading, web browsing, and watching videos. The device is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 685 processor, a chip commonly found in mid-range smartphones. Paired with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage (expandable via microSD), it handles everyday tasks with ease.

Walmart claims up to 15 hours of battery life on a single charge, making it an excellent companion for travel or long workdays. The tablet also runs Android 16, ensuring users get the latest software features and security updates. At just $138, it is aggressively priced, undercutting similarly sized tablets from Amazon Fire and Lenovo while offering better specifications.

Background: Walmart’s Onn Brand Evolution

Walmart launched the Onn brand in 2014 as a value-oriented line of electronics, including tablets, headphones, and streaming devices. Over the years, Onn has gained a reputation for providing decent hardware at rock-bottom prices, often appealing to first-time tablet buyers, children, or those on a tight budget. The new tablet refresh marks a significant step up in quality, with higher-resolution displays, more RAM, and modern processors. This shift mirrors Walmart’s broader strategy to compete with online retailers like Amazon by offering in-store and online exclusives that combine value with performance.

The Onn tablets also benefit from Walmart’s extensive retail network. Customers can walk into any Walmart store, test the devices, and make a purchase without waiting for shipping. This immediacy, combined with Walmart’s hassle-free return policy, adds to the appeal.

Key Specifications Comparison

• Onn 13-inch Pro Tablet: 13-inch IPS LCD (2400x1600), MediaTek 2.6GHz, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, 13MP rear / 8MP front cameras, Android 16, includes folio case and USI 2.0 stylus, $288.
• Onn 8.1-inch Core Tablet: 8.1-inch IPS LCD (1524x1000), Snapdragon 685, 6GB RAM, 64GB storage + microSD, up to 15-hour battery, Android 16, $138.

How They Stack Up Against Competitors

The budget tablet market is crowded, with established players like Amazon (Fire series), Samsung (Galaxy Tab A), and Lenovo (Tab M series) dominating the landscape. The Onn 13-inch Pro directly challenges the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ and Lenovo Tab P11, both of which cost more yet offer similar or lesser specs. The inclusion of a stylus and folio case in the box gives the Onn Pro a distinct advantage, as these accessories typically add $50-$100 to the total cost.

The Onn 8.1-inch Core targets the Amazon Fire HD 8 and Lenovo Tab M8. While the Fire HD 8 runs a heavily forked version of Android (Fire OS) and often falls short on app compatibility, the Onn Core uses stock Android 16, ensuring access to the full Google Play Store. This is a significant differentiator for users who rely on Google services, such as Gmail, YouTube, and Google Docs.

Neither Onn tablet includes cellular connectivity, relying solely on Wi-Fi. However, given their price points, this is not a major drawback. Most users in this segment will primarily use tablets at home or in areas with Wi-Fi access.

Target Audience and Use Cases

The Onn 13-inch Pro is ideal for students who need a large screen for note-taking, research, and video lectures. The included stylus supports natural handwriting and drawing, while the folio case doubles as a stand. Budget-conscious professionals may also find it suitable for light productivity tasks, such as checking email, editing spreadsheets, or participating in video conferences.

The Onn 8.1-inch Core, on the other hand, appeals to parents looking for an affordable tablet for their children, or to travelers who want a compact device for streaming movies, reading e-books, and playing casual games. Its long battery life reduces the need for frequent charging, a critical feature when on the move.

Software and Updates

By shipping with Android 16, Walmart ensures that both tablets are future-proof for at least the next two to three years of security updates and major OS upgrades (depending on Walmart's update policy). Android 16 introduces several features beneficial to tablets, such as a revamped taskbar for easier app switching, split-screen improvements, and enhanced stylus support. The “Extended display mode” is particularly useful for power users who want to mirror or extend their tablet screen to a larger monitor via USB-C or wirelessly.

It is worth noting that Walmart has not committed to a certain number of OS updates in the past, so users should temper expectations about receiving Android 17 or 18. Nonetheless, being on the latest version at launch is a solid starting point.

Walmart’s pricing makes these tablets attractive alternatives to budget offerings from Samsung, Lenovo, and Amazon. With the Onn 13-inch Pro and 8.1-inch Core, the retailer has once again demonstrated that it can deliver compelling value without compromising on essential features.

Source: Android Authority News