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The OnePlus 12, ZDNET's previous pick for the best budget Android flagship, has just become an even more enticing proposition for developers, power users, and tech-savvy consumers. A substantial $300 discount slashes its price to $600 directly from OnePlus (using code "BACK2COLLEGE"), positioning it as a serious value contender against current premium smartphones, including its successor, the OnePlus 13.

Unpacking the Value: Flagship Specs, Budget Price

What makes this discount significant isn't just the price drop; it's the caliber of hardware now available at this mid-range point:

  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Power: The beating heart of the OnePlus 12 remains Qualcomm's top-tier mobile platform from the previous generation. This chipset delivers exceptional performance for demanding tasks, from intensive mobile gaming (think Genshin Impact) to seamless multitasking between developer tools and resource-heavy apps. For developers testing applications or users pushing their devices, this level of power at $600 is noteworthy.
  • Display Excellence: The device boasts a stunning 6.82-inch Quad HD+ (3,168 x 1,440 pixels) LTPO AMOLED display. Its standout feature is a staggering peak brightness of 4,500 nits, ensuring crystal-clear visibility even under harsh sunlight – a practical advantage often overlooked until needed.
  • Battery & Charging Champion: Battery anxiety is virtually eliminated. The massive 5,400mAh capacity reliably delivers a day and a half of use on a single charge. More impressively, the OnePlus 12 supports 80W wired SUPERVOOC charging and 50W wireless AIRVOOC charging. This translates to a 0-100% top-up in roughly 30 minutes wired – a game-changer for users constantly on the move or needing quick power bursts during development sprints.
  • Premium Build: Despite the price cut, the OnePlus 12 retains its high-quality construction, offering a solid, premium feel that belies its new price point.
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Caption: Kerry Wan/ZDNET

Why This Matters Beyond the Discount

ZDNET's managing reviews editor, Kerry Wan, highlighted these strengths in his original review, praising the device as a "well-rounded" flagship contender. This sale amplifies that assessment. For the developer community and tech professionals:
1. Cost-Effective Testing: It provides a high-performance Android device running near-stock OxygenOS, ideal for testing apps on powerful hardware without the cost of the absolute latest flagship.
2. Hardware Benchmark: The combination of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, ample RAM (especially in the 512GB model on sale), and fast storage offers a relevant performance benchmark.
3. Endurance Focus: The exceptional battery life and revolutionary charging speeds address real-world productivity and usability pain points far more effectively than incremental CPU gains in newer models.

The Deal Mechanics & Verdict

The deal applies specifically to the 512GB Silky Black variant on OnePlus's website using the promo code "BACK2COLLEGE". An additional $50 trade-in credit is available for any device in any condition, potentially lowering the final cost to $550. However, stock is limited, and the Flowy Emerald color and 256GB model appear unavailable.

ZDNET Deal Rating: 4/5
This rating reflects the significant discount ($300 off), the historical low price point outside major sales events, and the inclusion of top-tier specs relevant to technical users. While not the absolute newest chipset (Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is emerging), the Gen 3's performance remains stellar, and the overall package – display, battery, charging, build – at $600 presents immense value. The trade-in bonus sweetens it further.

Act Fast: This promotion is set to expire on September 14th. For developers, engineers, or anyone seeking a powerful, well-built Android device that excels in core performance and battery tech without breaking the bank, the discounted OnePlus 12 is a rare opportunity worth serious consideration. It proves that last year's flagship, when priced right, can easily outperform its successors on pure value.

Source: Based on reporting from ZDNET (https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-oneplus-12-was-already-our-favorite-budget-android-phone-and-now-its-300-off/).