Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs. OnePlus 8T
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | OnePlus 8T | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 158 × 77.8 × 8.1 mm | 160.7 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | OnePlus 8T is slightly taller and thicker but narrower, potentially affecting one-handed use. |
| Weight | 226g | 188g | OnePlus 8T is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build Quality - Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | OnePlus 8T offers more robust screen protection. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | OnePlus 8T | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.55" | Negligible difference in size. |
| Resolution | 1242x2688 | 1080x2400 | iPhone 11 Pro Max has a noticeably sharper display due to higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 458 | 402 | iPhone 11 Pro Max provides a clearer and more detailed viewing experience. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; negligible difference in quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus 8T provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience, especially for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1100 nits | iPhone 11 Pro Max is slightly better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | OnePlus 8T | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Apple A13 offers very smooth general usage and app experience. |
| Antutu Score | 916,151 | 744,900 | iPhone 11 Pro Max benchmarks significantly higher, translating to snappier app launches and smoother operation. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 650 | Both offer high-end graphics processing, suitable for gaming and video editing. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | OnePlus 8T has more RAM, allowing for better multitasking and performance with demanding applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | OnePlus 8T | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 48MP | OnePlus 8T captures more detail in photos. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | OnePlus 8T performs slightly better in low-light conditions. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/2" | OnePlus 8T captures more light. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | iPhone 11 Pro Max offers optical zoom capabilities, ideal for portraits and distant subjects. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 16MP | OnePlus 8T produces slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes, 12 MP, f/2.4 | Yes, 16 MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 8T has a wider field of view and slightly better low light performance. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes, 5 MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 8T can capture detailed close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | No | Yes, 2 MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 8T enables dedicated B&W photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, Stereo Sound | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Both offer high-quality video, but the iPhone 11 Pro Max features stereo sound recording. |
| Video Stabilization | OIS | OIS and EIS | Both provide effective stabilization; OnePlus 8T offers additional digital stabilization. |
| Slow Motion | 240fps | 480fps | OnePlus 8T captures more detailed slow-motion footage. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | Apple: Main:122, Photo:115, Video: 134 | OnePlus: Main:107, Photo:97, Video:124 | iPhone 11 Pro Max delivers superior overall selfie photo and video quality |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Continuous shooting, Exposure compensation | Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Laser AF, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), AF assist Beam | OnePlus 8T has more versatile features. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | OnePlus 8T | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 3969mAh | 4500mAh | OnePlus 8T likely offers better battery life. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 65W fast charging | OnePlus 8T charges significantly faster. |
| Features | Wireless reverse charging | 2x2250 mAh battery | iPhone 11 Pro Max allows for charging other devices wirelessly, and OnePlus 8T has a divided battery for faster charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Advantages
- Higher Display Resolution and PPI: Offers a sharper, more detailed display.
- Superior Performance: Benchmarks higher, providing faster and smoother overall performance.
- Better Selfie Camera Performance: Achieves a higher score in DxOMark test
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom, which is ideal for portrait shots and capturing distant objects without loss of quality.
- Wireless Reverse Charging: Can charge other compatible devices.
- Better Audio Quality: Has noise-cancellation microphones.
OnePlus 8T Advantages
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for prolonged use.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Provides smoother visuals for gaming and scrolling.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging speed (65W vs 18W)
- Larger Battery: Better battery life due to its larger capacity.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes a macro and monochrome lens.
- More RAM: Enables better multitasking capabilities.
- More Satellite Support: Better location accuracy.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Supports better audio codecs for higher quality audio streaming.
- More up to date Android version
Significant Trade-offs
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Sacrifices refresh rate, charging speed, and some camera versatility for higher display resolution, slightly higher performance, and telephoto camera with wireless charging capabilities.
- OnePlus 8T: Trades slightly lower display resolution, a less capable telephoto camera for smoother scrolling, faster charging, and versatile camera features, along with lighter weight.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Ideal Users
- Users who prioritize display quality: Those who value sharpness and clarity in their visuals will appreciate the higher resolution and pixel density.
- Users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem: This phone integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices and services.
- Users focused on professional photography: The telephoto lens is beneficial for specific types of photography.
- Users who value performance: The phone is very smooth in general and the difference is noticeable to regular users.
OnePlus 8T Ideal Users
- Users who prioritize smooth performance: The 120Hz refresh rate enhances the overall user experience for daily use and gaming.
- Users who prioritize speed: The faster charging capabilities means users can get back to using their device faster.
- Users who want a lighter phone: More comfortable for extended periods of use.
- Users who want the most versatile camera: Offers a larger variety of camera lenses.
- Users on a budget: The OnePlus 8T offers a more budget friendly price.
Specific Use Cases
- iPhone 11 Pro Max:
- Professional photography and videography: Telephoto lens and excellent video recording make it ideal for these tasks.
- Content consumption: High resolution and PPI is well suited for users who watch a lot of media.
- OnePlus 8T:
- Mobile gaming: The 120Hz display provides a more immersive experience.
- Daily productivity: The combination of fast charging and smooth performance makes it ideal for active users.
Price-to-Value Ratio
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is an older flagship device and will likely be more expensive. However, the OnePlus 8T offers a better price-to-value ratio due to its overall feature set.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- How important is a very sharp display? If high resolution and pixel density are critical, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is the better choice.
- Is fast charging and smooth scrolling a priority? The OnePlus 8T excels with 120Hz and 65W charging.
- What is the primary use case of the device? Professional photography or gaming will point towards different devices.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Professional Photographer/Videographer: Choose the iPhone 11 Pro Max for its telephoto lens and high-quality video capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Heavy User: Choose the OnePlus 8T for its 120Hz display, faster charging, and larger battery.
- Scenario 3: Casual User: Both phones are very capable, the OnePlus 8T may be more preferable due to its more modern features and lower price.
- Scenario 4: Budget conscious user: The OnePlus 8T will be the better choice as it offers a better price to performance value.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally lean towards the OnePlus 8T. While the iPhone 11 Pro Max has a sharper display and slightly higher benchmarks, the 8T’s 120Hz refresh rate would make the daily experience feel smoother and more enjoyable. Additionally, the significantly faster charging speeds are a massive convenience that I value. While the telephoto lens is a nice addition, the other camera benefits of the 8T are more compelling, and also the fact that it would be less expensive to purchase.
Ultimately, the "better" phone depends on individual priorities. However, based on my personal preferences, the OnePlus 8T's balance of speed, smooth display, and versatile camera system makes it the more appealing option for me.
