Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs. OnePlus 9 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | OnePlus 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158 × 77.8 × 8.1 mm | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is taller and slightly thicker, iPhone 11 Pro Max is wider. Impact on single hand use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 226g | 197g | OnePlus 9 Pro is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying. |
| Build Quality | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers better scratch and impact resistance for the display; iPhone 11 Pro Max's is unknown. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | OnePlus 9 Pro provides slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1242x2688 | 1440x3216 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a noticeably sharper and more detailed image due to higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density | 458 PPI | 525 PPI | OnePlus 9 Pro's higher pixel density results in crisper text and images, especially noticeable on close inspection. |
| Technology | OLED | Unknown | The iPhone 11 Pro Max's OLED screen offers vibrant colors and deep blacks; OnePlus 9 Pro display technology is unknown. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus 9 Pro offers much smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1300 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro offers slightly better outdoor visibility and readability under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Both offer flagship-level performance, the A13 provides excellent daily performance, while the 888 delivers top-tier Android performance and better 5G capabilities |
| AnTuTu Score | 916,151 | 877,600 | Performance is nearly identical, with the iPhone slightly higher, indicating similar levels for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 660 | Different GPU configurations; both deliver excellent graphics performance for gaming and demanding applications, though they perform differently under the hood. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43", 1.12µm | OnePlus 9 Pro captures more detail with its higher resolution and larger sensor, potentially better low light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.0µm | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a dedicated telephoto zoom lens; iPhone 11 Pro Max provides a second telephoto/portrait lens but specifics are unavailable. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.4 | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | OnePlus 9 Pro has a higher resolution wide-angle lens, resulting in detailed wide shots. Wider aperture of the 9 Pro is better in low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 0.70µm | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a slightly higher resolution selfie camera with better low light performance due to wider aperture |
| Black & White Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a dedicated black and white sensor to improve black and white photography. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro offers higher 8K video recording resolution for professional video. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 122 (Photo:126, Video:124) | 122 (Photo:124, Video:118) | Both phones offer excellent camera performance, the iPhone excels in video while the OnePlus in photo. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3969mAh | 4500mAh | OnePlus 9 Pro has a larger battery, which should provide longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges much faster, greatly reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | Wireless reverse | 50W Wireless charging & Reverse | OnePlus 9 Pro offers faster wireless charging, and also includes reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 13 (up to 18) | Android 11 (up to 14) | Different operating systems, iOS is known for its ease of use, while Android is more customizable. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 with Direct, Display, MiMO | Both support WiFi 6, OnePlus 9 Pro offers additional WiFi features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE with APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | OnePlus 9 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version with more advanced audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more accurate location tracking through more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | iPhone 11 Pro Max offers eSIM support for easier digital carrier switching; both have physical dual sim functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | iPhone 11 Pro Max offers more maximum storage options (up to 512 GB), useful for users needing lots of space. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8/12 GB | OnePlus 9 Pro offers much more RAM for better multitasking and handling of demanding apps and games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Mics, Noise Cancellation mic | OnePlus 9 Pro has 3 mics, providing better voice clarity, and potentially clearer audio separation. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic security features | Fingerprint Sensor | OnePlus 9 Pro provides biometric security through a fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | iPhone includes a Barometer, while the One Plus has a biometric fingerprint reader. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Advantages:
- Ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple devices, known for its polished experience.
- Software Support: Longer software update lifespan compared to most Android phones.
- Video Quality: Slightly better video performance according to DxoMark.
- Storage: Max storage capacity is 512GB vs 256GB for the One Plus.
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Display: Higher resolution, higher refresh rate display provides a superior viewing experience.
- Performance: Higher RAM options translate to better multitasking capabilities.
- Camera: More versatile camera setup with higher resolution sensors and an additional black and white sensor, potentially better low-light performance.
- Charging: Significantly faster wired and wireless charging.
- Android Customization: Greater customizability and open-source nature of Android OS.
- Bluetooth: Newer Bluetooth version with more advanced audio codecs
- Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection.
- Battery: Larger battery capacity should allow for longer usage.
- GPS: Offers more accurate location tracking through more satellite systems.
- Audio: Multiple microphones for better voice capture and clearer audio.
- Security: Fingerprint sensor for biometric security.
Trade-offs:
- The iPhone 11 Pro Max is heavier and wider, making it less comfortable for some users.
- The OnePlus 9 Pro lacks the seamless ecosystem integration of the iPhone.
- The OnePlus 9 Pro's lower DxOmark video score means it's video performance might be inferior to the iphone.
- The iPhone 11 Pro Max offers a second telephoto lens, whereas the One Plus lacks this but has another B/W sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Ideal Users:
- Apple Ecosystem Users: Individuals heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem (Macs, iPads, AirPods).
- Video Content Creators: Professionals seeking high-quality, color-accurate video recording with good stabilization.
- Users Prioritizing Simplicity: Those who prefer a simple, easy-to-use interface with minimal customization.
- Users Prioritizing Long-Term Software Support: Individuals wanting a phone with longer software updates.
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal Users:
- Android Enthusiasts: Users who prefer a customizable experience, open-source, and cutting-edge features.
- Mobile Gamers: Those who want a high refresh rate display, ample RAM, and powerful performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who seek a versatile camera system with higher resolution sensors and advanced features.
- Power Users: Those who need fast charging and long battery life.
Use Cases:
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Video production, seamless Apple ecosystem integration, long-term OS support, content consumption on a high-quality screen, basic photography.
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Mobile gaming, photography, demanding apps, heavy multitasking, fast charging, customization, using advanced audio codecs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Which OS do you prefer? (iOS for Apple ecosystem, simplicity; Android for customization, open-source).
- What's more important - Camera quality or Display quality? (iPhone for slightly better video, OnePlus for an all around better system)
- How much do you value fast charging and longer battery life? (OnePlus offers significantly faster charging and longer battery life).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent Traveler & Media Consumer
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9 Pro with its slightly larger, higher resolution, faster refresh rate, and longer battery capacity, fast charging make it ideal for media consumption.
- Scenario 2: Video Creator with Apple Devices
- Recommendation: iPhone 11 Pro Max, with superior video recording capabilities, and seamless integration with their Apple ecosystem.
- Scenario 3: Gamer or Power User
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9 Pro for its high refresh rate screen, abundant RAM, fast charging and excellent overall performance.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus 9 Pro.
Here's why:
- Modern Experience: The higher refresh rate display of the OnePlus 9 Pro makes a huge difference in everyday use. Scrolling and animations are significantly smoother, which I highly value. The significantly faster charging is also a major convenience.
- Camera Versatility: While the iPhone 11 Pro Max's video recording is impressive, I find the overall versatility and performance of the OnePlus 9 Pro's camera system more appealing. The higher resolution sensors and additional Black & White lens offer more options for capturing different types of photos and videos.
- Customization and Openness: I personally prefer the flexibility and customization offered by Android over the walled-garden approach of iOS.
- Performance: The abundant RAM of the OnePlus 9 Pro guarantees great performance for gaming and demanding applications.
While I acknowledge the iPhone 11 Pro Max's strengths, particularly in its seamless ecosystem integration and excellent video quality, the OnePlus 9 Pro offers a superior experience in the areas that matter more to me: display quality, battery life, and customization. The OnePlus 9 Pro is a better fit for my preferences and user style.
