1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158 × 77.8 × 8.1 mm | 162 × 75.1 × 8.2 mm | Similar size, Nord 3 is taller, iPhone 11 Pro Max is slightly wider; Both have similar thickness. |
| Weight | 226g | 193.5g | Nord 3 is significantly lighter, likely more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Nord 3 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1242x2688 | 1240x2772 | Similar sharpness, minor difference not noticeable in daily use. |
| Pixel Density | 458 PPI | 451 PPI | Both are very sharp; no practical difference in clarity. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar display tech, both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nord 3 offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations, better for gaming and overall fluidity. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1450 nits | Nord 3 has better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) | Nord 3’s chipset is newer and more efficient, generally offering faster performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 916,151 | 1,103,441 | Nord 3 generally performs better in benchmarks, potentially offering smoother experience with heavy apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G710 MC10 | Different GPU architectures, Nord 3's is more modern. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3969mAh | 5000mAh | Nord 3 has significantly larger battery, expected to provide longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Nord 3 charges much faster, significantly reducing charging times. |
| Features | Fast Charge, Wireless Reverse | Non-removable | iPhone 11 Pro Max offers wireless reverse charging, Nord 3 does not; Nord 3's fast charging is significantly faster |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Nord 3 has much higher resolution and a larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.0 | N/A | iPhone 11 Pro Max has a dedicated telephoto lens, offering better optical zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.0µm | Nord 3 has a higher resolution front camera, better for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.12µm | iPhone 11 Pro Max has higher resolution wide angle lens; Nord 3 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Nord 3 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps w/ HDR | Up to 4K@60fps w/ EIS | Both offer 4K recording, Nord 3 has EIS for better stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile:122, Selfie:122 | Not Available | iPhone 11 Pro Max camera performance well-regarded according to DXOMark, Nord 3 has not been tested. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 13, up to iOS 18 | Android 13, up to Android 16 | Different OS ecosystems; iPhone 11 Pro Max is only guaranteed software updates until iOS 18 compared to Nord 3 which is Android 16. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 with Direct, Display, MiMO | Nord 3 has additional Wi-Fi features; both support the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 LE with aptX, LDAC | Nord 3 has newer Bluetooth with better codec support for improved audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Both have robust location support; each has unique location system support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | iPhone 11 Pro Max has eSIM support, more flexible for travel and multiple numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/256/512GB | 128/256GB | iPhone 11 Pro Max offers a 512GB option, otherwise same as 256GB variant of Nord 3. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8/16 GB | Nord 3 has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo, Noise Cancelling Mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo, Hi-Res Audio | iPhone 11 Pro Max has noise cancellation microphone; Nord 3 has Hi-Res Audio support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Nord 3 has a fingerprint sensor for faster and convenient unlocking. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | iPhone 11 Pro Max includes additional environmental sensors while Nord 3 has additional biometric sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Advantages:
- Telephoto Camera: Dedicated telephoto lens provides optical zoom, superior for portrait photography and detailed zoomed shots.
- eSIM Support: Offers more flexibility for managing multiple lines and international travel.
- Wireless Reverse Charging: Can wirelessly charge other devices like AirPods.
- Established Camera Performance: While lacking the high megapixel count and large sensor of the Nord 3 main camera, the iPhone 11 Pro Max camera is well regarded, backed by DXOMark testing results.
- Barometer: Provides accurate altitude and pressure data for specific use cases.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Helpful during calls and video recording, providing clearer audio in loud environments.
OnePlus Nord 3 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Charging: 80W charging is much faster than 18W charging on the iPhone, quickly topping up the battery.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers smoother scrolling and animations, improving the overall user experience.
- Newer, More Efficient Chipset: The Dimensity 9000 offers better performance and efficiency than the A13 Bionic.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery provides potentially longer battery life for all-day use.
- Higher RAM: Up to 16GB of RAM enables smoother multitasking and better performance with heavy apps.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 offers better connection stability and audio codec support.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Provides convenient and fast biometric authentication, unlike the FaceID of the iPhone.
- Macro Lens: Allows for capturing detailed close-up shots.
- Better Main Camera Specs: Higher megapixel count and larger sensor on the main camera, potentially leading to better low-light and more detailed shots.
Significant Trade-offs:
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Slower charging speeds, lower display refresh rate, older chipset compared to the OnePlus.
- OnePlus Nord 3: Lacks a telephoto lens, lacks eSIM support, no wireless reverse charging, less established camera performance, no dedicated noise cancellation microphone.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max:
- Ideal User: Users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, prefer a premium feel and mature photo processing, value the telephoto lens for photography, find the eSIM feature important, and want the convenience of wireless charging.
- Use Cases: Photography enthusiasts who prefer a telephoto lens, frequent travelers who need eSIM support, users comfortable with the iOS ecosystem, and those that appreciate established camera performance for photography.
- Price-to-Value: May be overpriced in current market given its age, but the price may drop as newer iPhones come out.
OnePlus Nord 3:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize smooth performance, fast charging, a large, high refresh rate display, and who do not require a telephoto lens.
- Use Cases: Gamers and heavy multitaskers who need fluid performance, users who need all-day battery life with fast charging, those who value smooth visuals and animations, and budget-conscious users looking for value.
- Price-to-Value: Offers very good performance and battery life at a competitive price, offering excellent value for money compared to the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is more important: an established ecosystem and telephoto lens or overall newer specifications, fast charging, and smooth display?
- iPhone excels with ecosystem and telephoto lens while the Nord 3 wins in charging speed, smoother display, and faster overall performance.
- How important is battery life and charging speed?
- The Nord 3 has a significant edge here with its larger battery and much faster charging.
- Do you need the versatility of eSIM or wireless reverse charging, or is the fingerprint scanner more convenient?
- iPhone has eSIM and reverse wireless charging, while the Nord 3 has a physical fingerprint scanner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Photographers: If you need optical zoom and have experience with an iPhone camera, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is a better choice, especially if you do not mind the higher price for an older phone. If you prefer larger sensor/pixel main camera for lowlight performance and macro shots, Nord 3 is the better choice.
- For Gamers/Heavy Users: The OnePlus Nord 3 is ideal due to its faster chipset, higher refresh rate display, larger RAM, and quicker charging.
- For Budget-Conscious Users: The OnePlus Nord 3 offers a better price-to-performance ratio with modern specs for a lower price compared to the older iPhone 11 Pro Max.
- For Apple Ecosystem Users: The iPhone 11 Pro Max will integrate best into the Apple ecosystem and offer the features they know and appreciate.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus Nord 3.
Here's why:
While the iPhone 11 Pro Max has a good camera system and is well-built, the OnePlus Nord 3 offers a more compelling package for the modern user. The faster 120Hz refresh rate display, superior charging speed, larger battery, and overall better performance of the Nord 3 outweigh the advantages of the iPhone 11 Pro Max in my day-to-day usage. I value the smooth scrolling, faster app loading, and all day battery life of the Nord 3. While I appreciate the telephoto lens of the iPhone, I feel the newer main camera sensor and macro lens of the Nord 3 make it more versatile. Lastly, the much better price-to-performance ratio of the Nord 3 makes it a compelling choice. I do not heavily rely on the Apple ecosystem and am more concerned with value for money.
