Consistent Lag\Stuttering With ONN Device

[Zack Kitts]

ONN tablet device, model #100026203
Running Android 11

The device is several years old, but for the entire time I have had it, there has been a lag or stuttering in all types of game apps (general play) and browsers (when scrolling). Video playback and typing is fine, and the issue doesn't appear to be related to graphic intensity, Wi-Fi connection or system requirements. I also make sure that I have enough memory to support the app, and that FPS is stable while gaming. It doesn't matter whether I am playing Raid: Shadow Legends or a simple idle or tap game made with software like Unity, the outcome is the same.

The problem is like this: Around every 3 seconds the screen freezes entirely (graphics stop and no taps register, yet sound is unaffected) for about a third of a second. This may not seem like a very big issue, but remember that this continues indefinitely every 3 seconds or so. That is a lot of missed taps, interrupted response time and scrolling that stops dead in its tracks.

Reading over what I have typed I am starting to see that it may be a hardware related issue, but strangely it seems to resolve itself for just a few minutes sometimes when I kill background tasks, clear caches or reboot the system, which could indicate a software issue. I have tried playing games offline and even booted in safe mode to insure that only crucial tasks are running; no luck. The only thing I have concluded, is that if it happened to be a conflict with an app in some way, it is likely a system app.

Lastly, I wanted to mention that I am not rooted, but do have developer options activated (I have not manipulated them, just activated them in case I ever needed to). Best case scenario, I am hoping someone can help so that I don't have to wipe everything or get a new device, but this may be a lost cause. Thank you to everyone that takes time to read and help out if they can!

 

[SyCoREAPER]

Onn is about as close to buying a clone device at a retail store as you can get, they are absolutely bottom of the barrel, id put them below FireTV and possibly even Rokus.

My advice, hold out and see what the new Chromecast that's coming out brings. It should be 4K Google TV based (new GoogleTV, not the retired one, see appendix, Google joining stupid naming conventions) with full and proper Android as well as AV1 for better picture and less data.

If that's not your cup of tea, the next option would be a side grade being a Shield TV. Way more expensive and older hardware but performa significantly better nevertheless.

Onn is a lost cause since day 1. Roku is a has been company. FireTV/Amazon is preparing for questionable moves like no sideloading and a new OS, devices affected unknown.

So options without wasting time and energy needlessly; Wait for new Chromecast, wait for reviews. Pending outcome get one of those. Otherwise look at last/current gen Chromecast or Shield TV.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Can you give us the exact model number of the tablet? You can find it in Settings>About Tablet. I don't think the long string of digits you shared is the actual model number, but I think it's the Onn. Tablet Pro?

@SyCoREAPER FYI, the OP is specifically asking about an Onn. tablet -- you're talking about their Google TV box (which I thought actually got a lot of good reviews -- have you had experiences otherwise?).

 

[SyCoREAPER]

Welcome to Android Central! Can you give us the exact model number of the tablet? You can find it in Settings>About Tablet. I don't think the long string of digits you shared is the actual model number, but I think it's the Onn. Tablet Pro?

@SyCoREAPER FYI, the OP is specifically asking about an Onn. tablet -- you're talking about their Google TV box (which I thought actually got a lot of good reviews -- have you had experiences otherwise?).

Whoops that's a my bad.

 

[SyCoREAPER]

@B. Diddy

Sorry both timrs half asleep and didn't read the whole thing.
Chromecast I skipped because no AV1 and I already had a superior Shield Pro 2021(?) newest model so it wasn't worth changing.

When the new one comes out I will be upgrading provided Google didn't pull a Google and this thing ends up being some cheapo junk.

OP, As for the Onn tablet, my advice is still much the same as the Onn TV box. Get something else. You're trying to fix a typewriter in 2024. Even a cheap Samsung Tablet will give you a better experience. Those off brands rarely end in happiness or satisfaction.

 

[joeldf]

I pretty much agree about that tablet.

Now, Onn is sort of off-brand, and sort of not. Onn is the "store brand" name for electronic and computer devices sold by Walmart. The Onn line includes mice, keyboards, SD cards, headphones... things like that.

The Onn tablet was meant to be cheap and compete against the Amazon Fire tablet line. Difference was that it ran straight Android which allows the Google Play Store, while the Fire tablets run a forked Android that doesn't support Google Play (but can still be loaded with the right combo of files).

In the end, it's plain underpowered. Even the Fire tablets are underpowered but works for what it's meant for, which is streaming, and buying/subscribing through Amazon.

 

[SyCoREAPER]

I pretty much agree about that tablet.

Now, Onn is sort of off-brand, and sort of not. Onn is the "store brand" name for electronic and computer devices sold by Walmart. The Onn line includes mice, keyboards, SD cards, headphones... things like that.

The Onn tablet was meant to be cheap and compete against the Amazon Fire tablet line. Difference was that it ran straight Android which allows the Google Play Store, while the Fire tablets run a forked Android that doesn't support Google Play (but can still be loaded with the right combo of files).

In the end, it's plain underpowered. Even the Fire tablets are underpowered but works for what it's meant for, which is streaming, and buying/subscribing through Amazon.

The difference however is Amazon specifically commissions their hardware with exact specs they want, QC it and as mentioned use FireOS which is heavily modified to work (mostly) flawlessly with the hardware they outsourced to be built.

Walmart is selling the equivalent of Bestbuys Insignia brand. No QC control other than "does it turn on?" No cares or involvement of the hardware, they basically(not literally) go on Aliexpress and order in bulk devices, repackage them and sell them. Hands off company.

Again as you said, underpowered to indescribable extents. As bad as FireOS is, it is at the very least optimized for the hardware. Walmart has no incentive to create a good device, Amazon (again, again) as you mentioned, uses their device to push their services like video, shopping, etc..

In short, Onn is just a step above buying an eBay special because you get a 30 day return in store. Beyond that they are a waste of money IMO.

 

[mustang7757]

I've also heard bad things about Onn tablet

 

[Zack Kitts]

Onn is about as close to buying a clone device at a retail store as you can get, they are absolutely bottom of the barrel, id put them below FireTV and possibly even Rokus.

My advice, hold out and see what the new Chromecast that's coming out brings. It should be 4K Google TV based (new GoogleTV, not the retired one, see appendix, Google joining stupid naming conventions) with full and proper Android as well as AV1 for better picture and less data.

If that's not your cup of tea, the next option would be a side grade being a Shield TV. Way more expensive and older hardware but performa significantly better nevertheless.

Onn is a lost cause since day 1. Roku is a has been company. FireTV/Amazon is preparing for questionable moves like no sideloading and a new OS, devices affected unknown.

So options without wasting time and energy needlessly; Wait for new Chromecast, wait for reviews. Pending outcome get one of those. Otherwise look at last/current gen Chromecast or Shield TV.

Thanks for the info, I will consider what Chromecast may have to offer, but I am more of a Samsung guy, myself. Forgive me for not mentioning before, but I do have other devices that run just fine; I am mainly looking to solve the issue for my own personal knowledge. This ONN I use mainly for experimental purposes and for learning, but all due considering it has been fairly decent. I may pass it on to my dad, because he only uses devices for the weather, sales papers and a casino game lol.

 

[Zack Kitts]

Welcome to Android Central! Can you give us the exact model number of the tablet? You can find it in Settings>About Tablet. I don't think the long string of digits you shared is the actual model number, but I think it's the Onn. Tablet Pro?

@SyCoREAPER FYI, the OP is specifically asking about an Onn. tablet -- you're talking about their Google TV box (which I thought actually got a lot of good reviews -- have you had experiences otherwise?).

The only thing I have otherwise there, is the serial number. 6**************. But yes, it is the Tablet Pro.

 

[Zack Kitts]

I pretty much agree about that tablet.

Now, Onn is sort of off-brand, and sort of not. Onn is the "store brand" name for electronic and computer devices sold by Walmart. The Onn line includes mice, keyboards, SD cards, headphones... things like that.

The Onn tablet was meant to be cheap and compete against the Amazon Fire tablet line. Difference was that it ran straight Android which allows the Google Play Store, while the Fire tablets run a forked Android that doesn't support Google Play (but can still be loaded with the right combo of files).

In the end, it's plain underpowered. Even the Fire tablets are underpowered but works for what it's meant for, which is streaming, and buying/subscribing through Amazon.

I agree that the ONN lineup is underpowered, but I still don't see why it has the skipping. I have had a few ONN devices that ran for what I needed them for, so this has just been nagging at my brain as to why the issue persists with even the simplest of apps.

 

[davidnc]

The only thing I have otherwise there, is the serial number. 6**************. But yes, it is the Tablet Pro.

Please do not post sensitive information ( As a Serial Number , or IMEI ) about your device on a public forum.

 

[Zack Kitts]

Please do not post sensitive information ( As a Serial Number , or IMEI ) about your device on a public forum.

Oh, sorry. I'm new here, so I didn't know; I didn't realize it was that sensitive.

 

[mustang7757]

Oh, sorry. I'm new here, so I didn't know; I didn't realize it was that sensitive.

Yeah people can do shady things with those