The onn. Google TV Stick from Walmart is now back on the market for purchase. Previously unavailable earlier in the year, it has made a return to store shelves and the online platform.
Within the scope of onn.’s streaming device offerings, the introduction of the Google TV Stick in 2023 complemented the popular onn. 4K Google TV Box product lineup quite well.
Priced initially at a modest $15, the cost saw a slight rise to $17.50 shortly after its launch, causing some confusion as the 4K Box was only marginally more expensive. The primary distinguishing factor between the two was their video resolution capabilities, with the stick version supporting 1080p HD video streaming.
Despite its sudden disappearance from shelves and Walmart’s online store, with no official explanation provided earlier in 2024, the onn. Google TV Stick has resurfaced for purchase once again, now available both in physical stores and on Walmart.com at its original price of $14.88.
An apparent reason for this product’s return could be in preparation for the forthcoming new onn. 4K Pro release expected in the near future, offering interested buyers a budget-friendly media device with Google TV functionality. For a more detailed review, click on the link provided below.
Credits to a Patron on the TROYPOINT Insider for this valuable update. The TROYPIONT Insider is a fantastic resource aiding cord-cutters in staying informed about device upgrades, app releases, and engaging with other like-minded enthusiasts
Walmart $15 onn. Google TV Stick Review
The main differentiator between the onn. Google TV Box and the Stick lies in the Stick’s maximum video resolution of 1080p in contrast to the Box’s 4K capacity.
Prior to this current release, onn. presented another streaming stick with Android TV priced at $24.88. Regrettably, it faced multiple issues and was discontinued by late 2021.
However, this new version aims to address the past problems by incorporating 1.5GB of RAM along with various improved specifications listed below.
Expectations are high for this latest release, given the success of onn.’s 4K Google TV Box, which is highly regarded as the leading budget-friendly Android TV Box available today. While currently not available in physical stores, the item can be ordered directly from the Walmart website.
Purchase the Walmart onn. Google TV Stick
Walmart onn. Stick Features
- Quad Core ARM Cortex-A35 Processor
- Mali-G31 GPU
- 8GB Internal Storage
- 1.5 GB RAM
- Up to 1080p Full HD Resolution
- Google TV OS (Android TV 12)
- Google Assistant
- HDMI/Micro USB Connection
- Bluetooth Capabilities
- MIMO Fast Wi-Fi
- Stereo; Mono Audio
- Included Remote & Batteries
Onn. Google TV Stick vs Box
Concerning the onn. Stick and the 4K Box, the primary differences are in their resolution and RAM capabilities.
The Stick can reach a maximum resolution of 1080p, whereas the Box supports 4K video output.
Additionally, the Stick is equipped with 1.5GB of RAM, whereas the Box boasts 2GB. Most other features such as the CPU, GPU, wireless chip, and Android TV 12 are the same across both devices.
You will notice that the Stick’s CPU reaches a maximum of 1800 MHz, slightly lower than the Box’s 2004 MHz. However, this disparity is minimal and likely imperceptible during regular use. The most significant hardware variance lies in the RAM capacity, with the Stick having 500MB less than the Box.
The onn. Stick sells for $5 less than the 4K Box.
Setup
Setting up was a breeze; however, it took a long time. When first setting up the device, I was prompted to install an update. Although it was only 36MB in size, it took forever.
Once the device booted for the first time, everything worked as it should.
Upon initial setup, I was prompted to pair the remote with external devices such as TV or soundbar. I paired it with my TV with no problems whatsoever. The onn. remote control now allows me to turn my TV on/off, adjust volume, and change inputs.
The setup process is similar to what you would find on any Google TV streaming device, and it works efficiently.
Sideloading APKs
I sideloaded some popular apps through the TROYPOINT Toolbox, such as SmartTubeNext, IPTV Smarters, and Launcher Manager. I’m pleased to report that side-loading works well on this device, just like its counterpart, the 4K Box.
Streaming Quality
As mentioned earlier, this device outputs a maximum of 1080P resolution.
I tested the streaming quality by playing YouTube videos, movies & TV shows within Kodi, and live IPTV channels through IPTV Smarters. Everything I attempted to play worked smoothly with no buffering. It’s important to note that I was using a Real-Debrid account within Kodi when testing playback.
Real-Debrid is a premium service that offers buffer-free high-quality links. The service can be linked to most popular Kodi Addons and APKs.
I was curious to see if this small unit would overheat, so I played an IPTV channel for 24 hours straight, and the stream never stopped. Although the onn. Stick was warm to the touch, I wouldn’t call it hot by any means.
Buy Walmart onn. Google TV Stick
Responsiveness
The biggest problem with the first onn. Streaming Stick was responsiveness. It would hang when moving around the user interface. Fortunately, I don’t see that with this new device, and it’s extremely snappy, which is surprising due to only 1.5GB of RAM.
3rd Party Launchers Work
I’m pleased to report that 3rd party Launchers work great on the new onn. Google TV Streaming Stick. One of the first things I did when setting up the new Stick was to install ATV Launcher Pro.
Expandable Storage
I couldn’t get expandable storage to work on the new onn. Streaming Stick like it did on the 4K Box. I tried two different SanDisk 64GB USB Drives, and neither of them were recognized. I’m sure we could probably do the trick of issuing ADB commands to get it working, but personally, I don’t think it’s worth the hassle. Running apps from USB is always hit and miss, plus many times the included power adapter has a hard time supporting it.
Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
I tried connecting the same Gigabit Ethernet Adapter to the onn. Google TV Stick that worked on the 4K Box, but that didn’t work either. It seems that OTG connections are disabled on this device. I can’t get anything to work that I connect via OTG Cable.
Download/Upload Speed Tests
I used the Analiti Speed test app for the following tests.
I have one GB Fiber download speed plan through my Internet Service Provider.
During the WiFi tests, I’m connected to the 5GHz band on my Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Router. This router resides in the same room as my onn. Google TV Android Box (approximately 20 feet away from the wireless router).
I’m using Surfshark VPN as my VPN on Chicago Server.
VPN Off: Download = 388 Mbps & Upload = 216 Mbps
VPN On: Download = 96 Mbps & Upload = 82 Mbps
Running a VPN always slows down both download/upload speeds due to encryption and tunneling traffic through an outside server.
I would rate the download/upload speeds as great!
Final Thoughts
Although the new onn. Google TV Streaming Stick works just fine, I still can’t fathom why they would bother selling another device for only $5 less than their 4K variation. Are people really going to pass up the more powerful 4K option to save two bucks? Pretty silly in my opinion.
I strongly suggest that TROYPOINT fans pay the extra five dollars for the onn. Google TV 4K Streaming Box.
For those who want to purchase the new onn. Google TV Stick, the following link will take you to the online order page on the Walmart Website.