The Onn 13.2-inch Core tablet from Walmart remarkably challenges expectations within the budget tablet market. As you just observed in the video above, this device represents a significant leap for the Onn brand, offering premium features and robust performance typically found in much more expensive models. This detailed review explores how Walmart’s new 13-inch gaming tablet delivers exceptional value for both media consumption and serious gaming enthusiasts.
Unboxing the Onn 13.2-inch Core: Premium Design & Accessories
Walmart’s Onn 13.2-inch Core tablet immediately impresses with its included accessories and overall build quality. Unlike many higher-end tablets that often require separate purchases, this device ships with a sturdy folio case and a rechargeable active stylus. Imagine receiving an $800 tablet without a single accessory; the Onn tablet, priced at $288, offers a far more complete package right out of the box.
The tablet itself boasts a premium metallic construction on its back, giving it a much more sophisticated feel than its price suggests. This robust design extends to its functional folio case, which features a magnetic closure to automatically turn the screen off and offers two different viewing angles. Additionally, a heavy-duty USB Type-C cable and an extra stylus tip are thoughtful inclusions that enhance the user experience.
Powerful Performance for the Price: The MediaTek Dimensity 7300
At the heart of the Onn 13.2-inch Core tablet lies the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, a capable 8-core ARM SOC that truly elevates its performance beyond typical budget tablets. This chip features four high-performance A78 cores, clocked at up to 2.5 gigahertz, alongside four power-efficient A55 cores running up to 2 gigahertz. While Walmart’s website advertises 2.6 GHz, independent testing confirms the 2.5 GHz peak, which still provides ample power for demanding tasks.
The integrated Mali G615 MC2 GPU complements the CPU, ensuring smooth graphics rendering across various applications and games. Furthermore, the tablet comes equipped with 8 gigabytes of RAM and a generous 256 gigabytes of internal storage. For users needing even more space, microSD card support offers flexible storage expansion, accommodating extensive game libraries and media collections.
A Stunning 13.2-inch Display with 120Hz Refresh Rate
The visual centerpiece of this Walmart gaming tablet is its massive 13.2-inch IPS display, offering an immersive viewing experience with a resolution of 2400 by 1600 pixels. The high resolution ensures sharp images and vibrant colors, making movies and games come alive. Moreover, the display supports a variable refresh rate up to 120 hertz, providing incredibly fluid motion for scrolling, gaming, and general navigation.
Users can select between 60, 90, or 120 hertz modes, balancing battery life with visual smoothness according to their preferences. Complementing the stunning visuals, the tablet features a quad speaker setup with Dolby DTS support, delivering rich and spatial audio. This combination of a large, high-refresh-rate display and impressive sound creates an exceptional multimedia consumption device.
Clean Android 16 Experience and Essential Features
The Onn 13.2-inch Core tablet runs on a remarkably clean version of Android 16, a refreshing departure from heavily customized or bloatware-laden budget devices. There are no pre-installed Walmart-specific apps or unnecessary software cluttering the system, ensuring a lean and responsive operating environment. The only notable additions include a basic sound recorder and an “Instant Games” section, neither of which interferes with the core Android experience.
Crucially for media enthusiasts, this tablet boasts Widevine Level 1 support, enabling high-definition (HD) video streaming from popular services like Netflix, HBO, and Paramount Plus. Many cheaper tablets often lack this crucial certification, limiting users to standard definition content. Imagine purchasing a beautiful tablet only to watch your favorite shows in low resolution; the Onn 13.2-inch Core tablet eliminates this frustration entirely.
Native Android Gaming on the Onn 13-inch Tablet
For mobile gamers, the Onn 13-inch tablet proves itself a formidable contender, capable of handling a wide array of native Android games from the Google Play Store. Titles like PUBG Mobile run exceptionally well, allowing players to enjoy smooth gameplay at 60 frames per second (FPS) on high settings. While reaching max resolution at 60 FPS might be a stretch, the Dimensity 7300 comfortably handles 30 FPS with maximum graphical fidelity.
Furthermore, popular games such as Fortnite perform admirably, maintaining a steady 60 FPS on medium settings when paired with a Bluetooth or USB controller. This provides a highly competitive and enjoyable gaming experience. Even graphically demanding titles like Genshin Impact are playable, though users might need to adjust settings downwards for optimal fluidity, proving this Onn gaming tablet’s versatility for the latest mobile releases.
Unleashing Retro Emulation: PSP, GameCube, and PS2 Performance
One of the most exciting capabilities of the Onn 13.2-inch Core tablet is its surprising prowess in retro game emulation. The combination of the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 and Mali GPU truly shines here, especially when utilizing the Vulcan backend for maximum performance. This 13-inch emulation tablet transforms into a portable retro gaming powerhouse.
PSP Emulation: PPSSPP on the Onn 13.2-inch Core
The tablet handles PSP emulation via PPSSPP with impressive ease. Demanding games like those in the God of War series run smoothly at 3X resolution, delivering a significantly enhanced visual experience over original hardware. For less intensive PSP titles, users can comfortably push resolutions up to 4X or even 5X, making older games look fantastic on the large display. Imagine revisiting your favorite PSP adventures with crystal-clear graphics on a portable screen.
GameCube Emulation: Dolphin’s Performance
GameCube emulation using the Dolphin emulator is also remarkably solid on this device, with a selection of six tested games showcasing its capabilities. Titles such as TimeSplitters 2, Mario Kart: Double Dash, Metroid Prime, and Hit & Run all achieve a consistent 60 FPS at 2X resolution, providing a superb experience. Auto Modellista runs perfectly at 1X resolution and 60 FPS.
More challenging games like F-Zero GX generally perform well at 1X resolution, though certain demanding tracks, such as Fire Field, might experience minor dips in frame rate. The overall GameCube experience is very positive, demonstrating the Dimensity 7300’s ability to handle console classics on the go.
PS2 Emulation: NetherSX2 on the Onn Tablet
PS2 emulation via NetherSX2 delivers similarly strong results for many titles, with six games undergoing thorough testing. Gran Turismo 3 and Gran Turismo 4 both run at 60 FPS at 2X resolution, offering a fantastic racing experience. Kingdom Hearts 2 also maintains a smooth 60 FPS at 2X resolution, showcasing the tablet’s ability to handle complex RPGs.
Devil May Cry 3 is perfectly playable at 1X resolution, maintaining excellent frame rates. God of War 2 achieves 60 FPS at 1X resolution, though larger battles can cause slight dips, which might be mitigated by experimenting with cycle skips. However, Shadow of the Colossus, known for being one of the most challenging PS2 games to emulate on ARM devices, struggled significantly, serving as a reminder that not every game will run flawlessly without extensive tweaking.
Beyond Entertainment: The Onn Core as a Portable Monitor
Beyond its impressive capabilities for gaming and media, the Onn 13.2-inch Core tablet offers a unique and highly practical feature: video input support. While video output functionality was not confirmed in initial tests, the ability to use the tablet as a secondary monitor is a standout benefit. Simply connecting a laptop or other compatible device via USB Type-C instantly transforms the tablet into an additional display.
Imagine being on a business trip or working remotely and needing extra screen real estate for productivity. This feature makes the Onn 13.2-inch Core tablet an incredibly versatile tool, offering added value far beyond its entertainment functions. It provides a portable and high-quality second screen, enhancing multitasking and workflow efficiency wherever you are.
Is the Onn 13.2-inch Core Tablet the Best Value?
Considering its comprehensive features, robust performance, and incredibly competitive price point, the Onn 13.2-inch Core tablet stands out as an exceptional value proposition. Priced at just $288, this Walmart gaming tablet includes a folio case and an active stylus, accessories often costing extra with premium devices. Flagship tablets with comparable screen sizes and features can easily range from $700 to $1300, making the Onn tablet a compelling budget-friendly alternative.
For consumers in the market for a large-screen device capable of handling HD streaming, native Android gaming, and extensive retro emulation, this Onn 13.2-inch Core tablet offers an unbeatable package. It delivers a powerful and versatile experience that significantly outperforms its price tag, truly making it a top contender for those seeking an affordable yet high-performing 13-inch tablet.
Press Start: Your Onn Pro Gaming & Emulation Q&A
What is the Onn 13.2-inch Core tablet?
It’s a new 13.2-inch tablet from Walmart’s Onn brand, designed for both media consumption and gaming, offered at a budget-friendly price.
What accessories are included with the Onn 13.2-inch Core tablet?
The tablet comes with a sturdy folio case and a rechargeable active stylus, which are often sold separately with other premium tablets.
Is the Onn 13.2-inch Core tablet good for playing games?
Yes, it performs well for native Android games from the Google Play Store and can also emulate many classic games from systems like PSP, GameCube, and PS2.
Can I watch high-quality movies and TV shows on this tablet?
Absolutely, it features a large, high-resolution 13.2-inch display and Widevine Level 1 support, enabling HD streaming from popular services like Netflix and HBO.
Can the Onn 13.2-inch Core tablet be used as a second screen?
Yes, it offers video input support, allowing you to connect a laptop or other compatible device via USB Type-C and use the tablet as a portable second monitor.