Although the OnePlus 12 no longer stands as the newest flagship phone in OnePlus’s lineup, it continues to embody the company’s enduring legacy of crafting devices that deliver elite performance at a competitive price point. Despite being succeeded by the OnePlus 13, this model remains a formidable contender in both raw power and user experience. Equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, the OnePlus 12 operates with extraordinary responsiveness, offering effortlessly smooth transitions between demanding applications and resource-heavy mobile games such as Genshin Impact. Its processing power ensures that day-to-day multitasking feels instantaneous, while its rapid charge capabilities further underscore the phone’s technological prowess—enabling users to rejuvenate the battery almost completely in the time it might take to make a cup of coffee.
For those seeking an exceptional balance between price and performance, the OnePlus 12 serves as a cost-effective alternative to the newer OnePlus 13. At the moment, the device is available at a remarkably attractive price. Best Buy currently lists the 512GB configuration in the sleek Silky Black finish for just $600, which represents a substantial $300 price reduction from its original cost. This discount, equal to nearly a third off, makes the phone one of the most appealing purchases within its category. It’s worth noting that other variants, including the elegant Flowy Emerald (green) option and the smaller 256GB version, are now sold out—leaving the 512GB model as the final available configuration.
Prospective buyers should also be aware that the $600 cost applies to the fully unlocked version of the smartphone, giving consumers the freedom to use it with any compatible carrier. However, those opting for activation through Verizon or AT&T can secure an even greater bargain, bringing the total down to $500. Considering the capabilities of this device, that price is an outstanding value for anyone looking to upgrade without exceeding their budget.
When ZDNET’s managing reviews editor, Kerry Wan, first evaluated the OnePlus 12 upon its 2024 release, his comprehensive assessment praised the phone’s well-rounded nature and consistent performance across productivity, entertainment, and photography. He highlighted that while the OnePlus 12 may not lead the brand’s hierarchy anymore, its technical foundation places it confidently alongside the latest flagship, the OnePlus 13. The integration of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip enables the phone to deliver reliable frame rates even in graphically intensive gaming sessions, while sophisticated system optimization ensures minimal heat buildup. Users switching between multitasking workflows—such as editing photos, managing documents, or streaming high-resolution videos—will find its operation seamless and stable.
Complementing its robust processing core is the OnePlus 12’s stunning Quad HD+ display, boasting a 3,168 x 1,440-pixel resolution and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits. This extraordinary brightness capacity ensures visibility even under direct sunlight, making outdoor use both comfortable and vivid. Whether you are watching cinematic content, reviewing professional photos, or scrolling through a social feed, the display delivers rich contrast and lifelike detail.
Durability and endurance represent another defining strength of this device. Featuring a substantial 5,400mAh battery, the OnePlus 12 can easily sustain a day and a half of intensive use—whether that includes gaming, video streaming, or extensive navigation. For those always on the move, OnePlus’s celebrated charging technology minimizes downtime: 80W wired charging and 50W wireless options allow near-full replenishment in a fraction of the time required by many competitors, reaffirming the company’s reputation for innovative power management.
Evaluating the current promotion, ZDNET’s internal deal-rating framework assigns this offer an impressive 4 out of 5 score. A $300 markdown on an already compelling device qualifies as one of the most generous savings available outside high-profile sales events such as Black Friday. In practical terms, this discount places the OnePlus 12 at an unbeatable value, combining flagship power and premium design features at a mid-range price. For consumers contemplating an upgrade, now could be an ideal opportunity to act—not only because of the device’s intrinsic quality but also because such deals may soon vanish as OnePlus transitions toward its next-generation products.
Recent leaks have hinted at the imminent arrival of the OnePlus 15, with promotional imagery revealing glimpses of the new flagship’s design and hardware specifications. While these leaks remain unofficial and should therefore be interpreted with skepticism, they lend credibility to speculation that the company may soon phase out the OnePlus 12 entirely. If so, this discount could mark one of the final major chances to acquire the model before stock dissipates. Officially, the promotion is scheduled to conclude on October 19, though—as with any limited-time offer—it remains subject to early expiration or sellout.
ZDNET continues to monitor such promotions closely, reaffirming its commitment to highlighting the most reliable and up-to-date technology deals for readers. The editorial team routinely verifies that shared discounts remain active and accessible, ensuring transparency and precision in their recommendations. Even if some offers expire before readers can seize them, ZDNET persists in discovering and sharing fresh opportunities to help consumers save effectively at ZDNET.com.
Behind each of these recommendations lies a legacy of over 33 years in the technology industry, supported by a staff of 30 experienced product reviewers and an expansive 10,000-square-foot testing facility. This infrastructure enables ZDNET to deliver hands-on, evidence-based guidance that empowers readers to make informed purchasing decisions. In 2025, the platform refined its deal-evaluation methodology, establishing a measurable review and rating system centered on transparency and expertise. Each featured deal is now accompanied by a clear rating badge, allowing audiences to easily gauge expert analysis and identify the best value propositions.
This evolved method leverages a percentage-based savings scale alongside a nuanced sliding system that accounts for editorial expertise, brand reputation, product frequency, and other determining factors. The ultimate goal is to present readers with ‘hand-selected’ deals—curated and validated through an informed process designed specifically for ZDNET’s audience. Through this framework, ZDNET ensures that every spotlighted offer, such as the current OnePlus 12 discount, represents more than just a price cut—it reflects a carefully examined opportunity supported by professional insight and genuine effort to deliver maximum consumer value.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-oneplus-12-is-still-on-sale-for-300-off-but-time-is-running-out/
