The iQOO 12 Series: Flagship Power, Redefined
Launched in December 2023, the iQOO 12 Series disrupted the premium smartphone segment with flagship-tier specs at aggressive prices. The standard iQOO 12 debuted at ₹52,999 (12GB+256GB), while the Pro variant started at ₹65,999 (16GB+512GB). Both models feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, vapor chamber cooling, and iQOO’s proprietary Q1 chip for gaming optimization. The Pro adds a Samsung E7 AMOLED 2K display (144Hz) versus the standard’s 1.5K LTPO panel (120Hz). A 5,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging powers both, though the Pro includes 50W wireless charging. Camera setups include a 50MP OIS main sensor (OmniVision OV50H), 50MP ultra-wide, and 64MP OIS 3x telephoto—identical across models.
Breaking: iQOO 12 Series Price Slashed!
As of July 2024, iQOO has slashed prices across India, China, and Southeast Asia. The iQOO 12 now starts at ₹44,999 (down ₹8,000), while the Pro retails for ₹57,999 (down ₹8,000). Chinese prices dropped to ¥3,999 (iQOO 12, ~$550) and ¥4,999 (Pro, ~$690)—15% lower than launch. This reduction coincides with Amazon Prime Day, Flipkart Big Saving Days, and iQOO’s own “Summer Blitz” sale. Offline retailers like Reliance Digital and Croma mirror these discounts. Limited-time bank offers (e.g., 10% ICICI cashback) and exchange bonuses (up to ₹10,000) further sweeten the deal.
Why the Sudden Price Cut?
Three factors drive this strategic discount:
- Upcoming Launch Cycle: The iQOO 13 Series, expected in Q4 2024, is prompting inventory clearance.
- Market Pressure: Competitors like OnePlus 12 (₹69,999) and Xiaomi 14 (₹69,999) recently discounted 10–12%, forcing iQOO to respond.
- Festive Preperation: Early monsoon sales in India (July–August) aim to boost Q2 revenue before Diwali.
iQOO 12: Performance Beast, Now Affordable
Key Specs:
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 + LPDDR5X RAM + UFS 4.0 storage.
- Display: 6.78″ 1.5K AMOLED, 144Hz refresh rate, 3,000 nits peak brightness.
- Camera: Triple rear (50MP+50MP+64MP), 16MP front.
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 120W fast charging (0–100% in 27 mins).
- OS: Funtouch OS 14 (Android 14).
Gaming enhancements like motion estimation support and frame interpolation leverage the Q1 chip. Post-discount, it undercuts rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (₹49,999) by ₹5,000.
iQOO 12 Pro: Premium Perks, Pocket-Friendly Tag
Upgrades Over Standard Model:
- Display: Larger 6.78″ 2K E7 AMOLED with LTPO 4.0 (1–144Hz adaptive).
- Audio: Stereo speakers tuned by Harman Kardon.
- Charging: Adds 50W wireless support.
- Design: Curved display, ceramic glass back (Legend variant).
Benchmarks hit AnTuTu scores of 2.1M+, rivaling the OnePlus 12. The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and IP68 rating cement its flagship status.
Value Verdict: Unbeatable Bang-for-Buck
At ₹44,999, the iQOO 12 delivers Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 power below ₹50k—a segment dominated by last-gen chips (Dimensity 9200+, Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2). The Pro’s ₹57,999 tag undercuts the OnePlus 12 (₹64,999) by ₹7,000 while matching core specs. Both devices promise three OS updates and four security patches, extending longevity.
Head-to-Head: Discounted iQOO 12 vs. Competitors
| Model | Post-Discount Price | Chipset | Display | Charging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iQOO 12 | ₹44,999 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 1.5K/144Hz | 120W wired |
| OnePlus 12R | ₹39,999 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 1.5K/120Hz | 100W wired |
| Nothing Phone (2) | ₹44,999 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | FHD+/120Hz | 45W wired |
| iQOO 12 Pro | ₹57,999 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 2K/144Hz LTPO | 120W+50W wireless |
| OnePlus 12 | ₹64,999 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 2K/120Hz LTPO | 100W+50W wireless |
The iQOO 12 dominates with Gen 3 power in its bracket, while the Pro trades blows with pricier flagships.
Where to Buy at Discounted Prices?
Online:
- India: Flipkart (₹44,999 for iQOO 12), Amazon (₹57,999 for Pro).
- China: JD.com, Tmall (¥3,999–¥4,999).
- Global: AliExpress (shipping to SEA/Europe, $550–$690).
Offline: - iQOO Exclusive Stores (India), Reliance Digital, Croma.
Limited Offers: - ICICI Bank cards: 10% instant discount.
- Exchange bonus: ₹8,000–₹10,000 for older flagships.
- Freebies: Extended warranty, E7 gaming controller (select retailers).
Maximize Savings: Stack Offers & Trade-Ins
Combine discounts for maximum value:
- Bank Deals: HDFC (₹4,500 cashback), SBI (no-cost EMI).
- Exchange: Trade Galaxy S21 (₹14,000 value + ₹8,000 bonus = ₹22,000 off).
- Bundles: Flipkart’s “Complete Mobile Protection” at 60% discount.
Stock is limited—Amazon India sold 500 units in the first 2 hours of the sale. Stock-up before the August 15 deadline!
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