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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.

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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