OnePlus slashes $50 off its flagship OnePlus Pad 3 tablet and throws in a free Stylo 2 pen or Folio Case, making this premium Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered device a more compelling proposition for productivity and creativity. With a high-res 144Hz display and 13+ hour battery life proven in testing, it challenges the notion that Android tablets can't rival laptops. The deal runs until September 14.
The competitive Android tablet landscape just got hotter. OnePlus has launched a targeted Back to School promotion, offering its flagship OnePlus Pad 3 at a discounted $650 – a $50 saving off its regular $700 price. Crucially, this deal includes a choice of a free accessory: either the OnePlus Stylo 2 pen (valued at ~$100) or the OnePlus Pad 3 Folio Case. This configuration comes in Storm Blue with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
For those looking to maximize savings, OnePlus's trade-in program offers an additional $100 discount when trading in any device in any condition, potentially bringing the effective price down to $550 plus a free accessory.
Why the OnePlus Pad 3 Stands Out
ZDNET's testing positions the OnePlus Pad 3 as "one of the most compelling Android tablets of 2025." Its foundation is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a flagship chipset delivering desktop-class performance capable of handling demanding applications, multitasking, and gaming.
The centerpiece is its expansive 13.2-inch display. While it utilizes an IPS LCD panel instead of OLED, it boasts an exceptionally sharp resolution of 3,392 x 2,400 pixels, ensuring crisp text and detailed imagery. The 144Hz refresh rate provides exceptionally smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing both the user interface experience and gameplay fluidity.
Image: Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Battery life is a significant strength. During ZDNET's rigorous testing, the sizable 12,140mAh battery delivered over 13 hours of continuous use, making it a reliable companion for extended work or study sessions.
The Productivity Angle
Beyond raw specs, the inclusion of the Stylo 2 pen or Folio Case in this deal underscores the Pad 3's potential beyond media consumption. Paired with optional accessories like the Smart Keyboard, the Pad 3 transforms into a viable laptop replacement for many tasks, leveraging Android's evolving productivity ecosystem. The Stylo 2 pen adds precision for note-taking, sketching, and document markup.
Deal Assessment: Value Beyond the Discount
While a $50 discount (7% off) on the tablet alone might seem modest, the inclusion of the free accessory significantly boosts the overall value proposition:
- With Stylo 2: Total potential savings reach ~$150 ($50 off tablet + ~$100 accessory value).
- With Trade-in + Stylo 2: Savings jump to ~$250 ($50 tablet + ~$100 accessory + $100 trade-in).
ZDNET rated this specific offer 3 out of 5 stars, acknowledging the solid combined value of the discount, free accessory, and trade-in potential, while noting the core tablet discount percentage is relatively standard.
The Window of Opportunity
This promotion is time-limited. As stated by OnePlus, the deal expires on September 14, 2025. For developers, students, or professionals seeking a high-performance Android tablet with strong productivity credentials and a tangible discount, this offer presents a compelling window. Post-September 14th, buyers will likely need to wait for broader seasonal sales events like Black Friday to see similar discounts reappear.
Source: ZDNET
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