I’ll be honest — I almost fell for it back in the day. I was standing in a Walmart aisle around 2017, staring at a big red sale tag on the hot tablet deal RCA Galileo Pro 11 5 32GB Tablet with keyboard case Android 6 0 Marshmallow only 99 98 reg 179 99.
It looked like a steal: a full-sized 11.5-inch tablet with a keyboard, all for under a hundred bucks. As someone who loves a good bargain, I was tempted.
But fast-forward to 2025, and I can confidently say I’m glad I didn’t rely on it for long-term use. It’s a perfect example of how fast tech ages — and why the “steal of the year” in 2016 might not even be worth your coffee money today.
What Was the Big Deal With the RCA Galileo Pro 11.5?
At the time, the Galileo Pro seemed like the holy grail for budget-seekers. It offered a decent-sized 11.5-inch touchscreen, 32 GB of storage, Wi-Fi support, and a detachable keyboard case — all for $99.98, down from a regular price of $179.99.
It ran on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which was new then, and promised about 5–6 hours of battery life. The 1.3 GHz quad-core processor and 1 GB of RAM weren’t groundbreaking, but for checking emails, browsing the web, and watching YouTube, it worked fine.
And for students or casual users, it looked like a productivity booster thanks to that detachable keyboard.
I remember friends buying it and raving about how they got a “2-in-1” for under $100. And for 2016, they weren’t wrong — but that’s where the story ends.
Why That Tablet Feels Like a Fossil in 2025
It’s wild how much tech changes in less than a decade. The Galileo Pro now feels like an artifact compared to even the cheapest tablets today. Here’s why:
Android 6.0 Is Practically Prehistoric
Android Marshmallow launched in 2015. That means the RCA Galileo Pro is stuck on an operating system nearly a decade old, with no security patches or app support. That’s like driving a car that hasn’t had brakes checked in years — not safe, and definitely not efficient.
Newer apps require Android 11 or higher, so you’ll struggle to install basic tools. Even if you do, features may break or run poorly.
The Performance Can’t Keep Up
That 1 GB of RAM was “acceptable” back then, but today it’s a bottleneck. Most modern apps need at least 3–4 GB just to function smoothly. Trying to multitask or run video calls on this tablet is a patience test you’ll probably lose.
I once tried loading Gmail, YouTube, and Chrome at the same time on my old unit. Let’s just say I could have made a sandwich before the tabs loaded.
Missing Modern Features
The RCA Galileo Pro lacks what we now consider basic tablet standards — no high-resolution screen, no USB-C charging, no fast Wi-Fi, and a camera setup that feels straight out of the flip-phone era. It’s fine for nostalgic tinkering, but not for daily use.
Should You Still Buy It If You Find One Cheap?
I know what you’re thinking: “But what if I find one for $20 on eBay?” Even then, I’d pass. The software’s outdated, app support is gone, and you’d spend more time trying to make it usable than actually using it. Plus, older devices like this are often missing essential security protections, which puts your data at risk.
If you want a functional budget tablet, you’re better off spending a little more for something that will last longer, perform better, and keep your data safe.
What Are the Best Alternatives in 2025?
Here’s where the good news kicks in — you don’t have to break the bank to get a tablet that outperforms the Galileo Pro in every way.
Modern budget tablets are faster, safer, and way more feature-packed. And the best part? You can still find deals close to that magical $99 price tag.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
- Display: 11″, Full HD
- Processor: Snapdragon 695
- RAM: 4 GB
- OS: Android 14
- Battery: Up to 13 hours
This one’s a huge upgrade in every category. It handles streaming, light gaming, work apps, and video calls without choking. Pair it with Samsung’s slim keyboard cover, and you’ve got a sleek, modern 2-in-1 setup.
Onn. 10.4″ Tablet Pro (Walmart Exclusive)
- Display: 10.4″ IPS
- Processor: Octa-core
- RAM: 3 GB
- OS: Android 13
- Battery: Up to 12 hours
Walmart’s in-house brand “Onn.” is a solid pick for anyone on a tight budget. You can grab a Bluetooth keyboard and still stay well under $150. And unlike the RCA, this tablet will receive updates and run current apps without hiccups.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | RCA Galileo Pro | Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ | Onn. 10.4″ Tablet Pro |
| OS | Android 6.0 (2015) | Android 14 | Android 13 |
| RAM | 1 GB | 4 GB | 3 GB |
| Storage | 32 GB | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| Battery | 5–6 hrs | 13 hrs | 12 hrs |
| Price (2025) | ~$40 used | ~$179 (on sale) | ~$99–129 |
See the difference? Even the cheapest new model absolutely crushes the Galileo Pro in performance, longevity, and value.
Where Can You Find the Best Tablet Deals Now?
I check Walmart’s tablet deals page regularly, and it’s packed with options. Here are a few worth looking at right now (as of October 2025):
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ – $179.99 (regularly $229.99)
- Onn. 10.4″ Tablet Pro + Bluetooth Keyboard – $99.00 (bundle deal)
- Lenovo Tab M9 (2024) – $119.99 (great for streaming and light work)
These rotate frequently, especially during sales events like Walmart’s fall electronics sale or Black Friday promos. Bookmark their tablet deals page to catch discounts as they drop.
How Do You Choose the Right Tablet for Your Needs?
Here’s how I narrow it down without overcomplicating things:
For students and casual users: Go with something like the Onn. 10.4″. It’s cheap, fast enough, and does everything basic without headaches.
For work and multitasking: A Galaxy Tab A9+ or Lenovo M10 gives you more RAM and speed for productivity apps.
For entertainment and longevity: Spend a little more on an iPad or a higher-end Samsung — you’ll get better screens, longer support, and a smoother experience overall.
Remember, the best deal isn’t just the cheapest sticker price. It’s the one that saves you frustration and lasts for years.
FAQs: What People Still Ask About the RCA Galileo Pro
Q1: Can I still use the RCA Galileo Pro 11.5 in 2025?
Technically yes, but it’s not worth it. Most modern apps won’t run smoothly, security updates are gone, and it lacks basic features we now expect.
Q2: Can the RCA Galileo Pro be updated to a newer Android version?
No official updates exist. Some tech enthusiasts experiment with custom ROMs, but they’re unstable and not beginner-friendly.
Q3: What’s the minimum RAM I should look for in a tablet today?
I’d say 3 GB is the bare minimum for smooth app performance. If you can stretch your budget, go for 4 GB or more — it’ll make a world of difference.
Q4: Is it still possible to find the original RCA Galileo Pro for sale?
Only used or refurbished units pop up occasionally on eBay or secondary markets. Retailers like Walmart no longer carry it new because it’s too outdated.
Time to Retire the Dinosaur
Here’s the truth: the hot tablet deal RCA Galileo Pro 11 5 32GB tablet with keyboard case Android 6 0 Marshmallow only 99 98 reg 179 99 was a solid steal once upon a time.
But holding onto that deal in 2025 is like clinging to a flip phone when everyone else has a smartphone.
Tablets have evolved massively — they’re faster, safer, and way more capable now. If you’re still using an old RCA, consider upgrading.
Even Walmart’s budget-friendly models today will give you a dramatically better experience without breaking the bank.
And that’s the beauty of tech: there’s always a new “hot deal” waiting around the corner. This time, make it one that doesn’t feel like it belongs in a museum.
