Walmart’s Onn Tablet Blitz: A New Budget Threat to Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A Series
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The retail giant is moving beyond the basics
For years, the entry-level tablet market in the United States has been a predictable landscape. If you wanted a reliable, low-cost Android slate, you typically landed on a Samsung Galaxy Tab A series device or a generic, often underpowered, white-label tablet. However, Walmart is attempting to disrupt this binary with a massive expansion of its Onn house brand, launching six new tablets that aim to bridge the gap between ‘disposable’ tech and premium hardware.
The most striking detail across the new lineup is the software: all six devices are shipping with Android 16. This is a strategic move that ensures longevity for users who typically hold onto budget devices for longer cycles than flagship owners. By bypassing older versions of Android, Walmart is positioning Onn not just as a cheap alternative, but as a modern one.
The Onn 13 Pro: A value proposition that challenges the A11
The centerpiece of this offensive is the Onn 13 Pro. At a price point of $288, it isn’t just competing with the Galaxy Tab A11; it’s attempting to undercut it on sheer value. The 13-inch 2400 x 1600 IPS LCD offers a canvas significantly larger than most budget offerings, and the inclusion of a stylus and case in the box is a direct jab at Samsung’s tendency to sell accessories separately.
Under the hood, the 13 Pro utilizes a 2.6GHz MediaTek processor paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. While the processor’s exact model remains unspecified, the RAM overhead is particularly impressive for the sub-$300 category, suggesting a level of multitasking capability that usually requires stepping up to a mid-range device. The addition of IP54 water and dust resistance also signals that Walmart is thinking about real-world durability for families and students.
Scaling down: The Core series and the $97 entry point
For those who don’t need a workstation-sized screen, Walmart has tiered the ‘Core’ line to hit every conceivable budget bracket. The 11 Core Tablet ($167) serves as the balanced mid-point, featuring a MediaTek Helio G99 and 6GB of RAM. It’s a specification set that mirrors the utilitarian nature of the Galaxy Tab A series, providing enough power for streaming and light productivity without the luxury price tag.
Further down the ladder, the 8.1 Core Tablet ($138) shifts to a Snapdragon 685, offering a more compact form factor and a 1524 x 1000 display. Then there is the 7 Core Tablet, which represents the absolute floor of the market at $97. While its 1024 x 600 LCD and Helio G80 chip are modest, it provides a functional entry point into the Android ecosystem for users who only need basic web browsing or a dedicated e-reader.
Specialized hardware for the next generation
Walmart is also doubling down on the kids’ market, offering two specialized models designed to survive the rigors of childhood. Both come with chunky bumper cases and integrated kickstands, alongside a 45-day subscription to ABC Mouse. The 11-inch kids’ model ($136) interestingly includes stylus support and a MediaTek G88 chip, making it a surprisingly capable device for educational use. The 8-inch variant ($118), while currently elusive on the Walmart website, rounds out the portfolio by offering a smaller, more portable option for younger children.
This aggressive rollout suggests that Walmart is no longer content with simply selling other brands’ hardware. By leveraging its massive retail footprint and the Onn brand, the company is building a vertical ecosystem that could force Samsung to rethink its pricing strategy for the Galaxy Tab A11 and A11+ in the North American market.
