1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 158 × 77.8 × 8.1 mm | 162.6 × 75 × 8 mm | OnePlus Nord 4 is taller, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max is slightly wider, which can impact one-handed use comfort. Both have similar thickness. |
| Weight | 226g | 199.5g | OnePlus Nord 4 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended holding and carrying. |
| Build | Unknown | Unknown | Missing information, unable to compare build materials or durability. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | OnePlus Nord 4 has a slightly larger display, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1242x2688 | 1240x2772 | Both have very similar resolutions; no noticeable difference in sharpness for most users. |
| PPI | 458 | 450 | Both offer very similar pixel density, meaning images appear similarly sharp on both screens. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use high-quality display technologies, with vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus Nord 4 has a much smoother visual experience with less motion blur, especially noticeable in scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2200 nits | OnePlus Nord 4 is significantly brighter, offering much better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM7675 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | OnePlus Nord 4 has a newer, more efficient chipset built on a smaller process. This typically means better performance and battery efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 916,151 | 1,366,982 | OnePlus Nord 4 scores significantly higher in benchmarks, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 732 | Different GPUs, both capable of handling most tasks and games well, but the Adreno 732 in the OnePlus Nord 4 should offer better graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 0.80µm | OnePlus Nord 4 has a much higher resolution main camera, which can capture more detail. The larger sensor might also mean better low-light performance, though pixel size matters too. |
| Telephoto | 12MP, f/2.0 | None | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, a feature that is missing in the OnePlus Nord 4. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max captures slightly more detail in wide-angle shots due to the higher resolution, while OnePlus Nord 4 may have better low-light performance due to a wider aperture and larger pixel size |
| Selfie | 12MP | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.00µm | OnePlus Nord 4 has a higher resolution front camera, likely capturing more detailed selfies, while iPhone 11 Pro Max image quality is unknown. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR, Stereo Sound | Up to 4K@60fps, EIS | Both offer 4K video, but the OnePlus Nord 4 uses EIS for stabilization and the iPhone 11 Pro Max has HDR, stereo sound. Both offer slow-motion capabilities. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 122, Selfie: 122 | Not Available | The iPhone 11 Pro Max's camera performance has been rated via DXOMark. The OnePlus Nord 4 has no rating to compare. |
| Features | Triple camera, OIS, 4K video, RAW, Night Mode | Dual camera, OIS, 4K video, PDAF, EIS, Panorama | Both have essential features, but the Apple has a telephoto lens, RAW, and night mode. The OnePlus has digital stabilization, and panorama mode. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3969mAh | 5500mAh | OnePlus Nord 4 has a significantly larger battery, potentially leading to much longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 100W fast charging | OnePlus Nord 4 charges much faster, taking less time to get a full battery. |
| Features | Non-removable, 18W fast charging, wireless reverse charging | Non-removable | The iPhone 11 Pro Max has wireless reverse charging, a feature absent in the OnePlus. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | iOS 13 (upgradable to iOS 18) | Android 14 (upgradable to Android 18) | Different operating systems cater to different user preferences, with distinct ecosystems, app stores, and interfaces. Both can be updated to latest version |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual band, Hotspot | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MiMO | Both offer modern Wi-Fi standards; the OnePlus Nord 4 offers some additional connectivity features like direct, display and MiMO, which offer more control over network and device connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE | 5.4, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | OnePlus Nord 4 has a newer Bluetooth version and additional codec support for higher-quality wireless audio, while iPhone 11 Pro Max has LE for power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | OnePlus Nord 4 has more satellite support for greater location accuracy in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Both offer dual SIM functionality, but the iPhone 11 Pro Max allows you to use an eSIM for more flexibility. |
Storage and Audio
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64/256/512GB | 128/256/512GB | Both offer similar maximum storage, but base storage varies by model. Neither is expandable. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8/12/16GB | OnePlus Nord 4 has significantly more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking, especially with multiple demanding apps running simultaneously. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage, so user must select correct storage capacity. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | The iPhone 11 Pro Max offers slightly better audio features with Dolby Atmos support. The OnePlus has 2 microphones, which may help in call clarity, though it may lack noise cancellation feature. |
Security, Build & Sensors
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | Basic features | Fingerprint sensor | OnePlus Nord 4 has a fingerprint sensor for faster and more convenient unlocking, compared to the iPhone’s Face ID, not mentioned. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Missing information to compare durability and screen protection. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity, Geomagnetic | OnePlus Nord 4 has more biometric sensors for security and gaming; Apple has a Barometer for environmental data. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Advantages:
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto camera for optical zoom, a significant advantage for photography.
- Dolby Atmos and Noise cancellation microphone: Superior sound experience for audio playback and calls.
- Wireless Reverse Charging: Option to wirelessly charge other devices.
- eSIM Support: Offers flexibility with cellular plans.
- DXOMark Rating: Provides a benchmark on the camera quality.
- Triple Camera: Versatility and advanced photography options.
Practical Implication: These features make it a versatile, capable phone for users who prioritize photography, audio and seamless ecosystem integration, but the age of the device should be considered.
OnePlus Nord 4 Advantages:
- Newer, More Efficient Chipset: Provides better performance and power efficiency.
- Higher AnTuTu Score: Demonstrably faster performance for demanding tasks.
- Significantly Larger Battery: Offers much better battery life.
- Much Faster Charging: Significantly reduces charging times.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling and visual experience.
- Higher Brightness: Better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Better wireless audio capabilities with codecs.
- More RAM: Better multitasking capabilities.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Provides biometric unlocking for convenience.
- More GPS Satellites: Better location accuracy.
- Higher Resolution Main and Selfie Cameras Better detail in photographs.
- Wider aperture on Wide angle - Possibly better low light performance on the wide angle.
Practical Implication: This phone prioritizes performance, battery life, speed and a modern experience. It is ideal for users who value responsiveness, long battery life, and speed for gaming and multimedia.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Older chipset and battery technology might struggle compared to the OnePlus Nord 4. It lacks a higher refresh screen. It also lacks features like a fingerprint sensor and fast charging.
- OnePlus Nord 4: Lacks dedicated telephoto lens, Dolby Atmos support, wireless charging, and eSim support. The camera is untested by DXOMark.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Ideal User:
- Photographers: Those who value the telephoto lens, RAW capture and advanced camera features.
- Apple Ecosystem Users: Those who are deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem and its services.
- Audio Lovers: Those who appreciate Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation.
Use Cases: High-quality photography, video editing, seamless integration with other Apple devices, and premium audio consumption.
OnePlus Nord 4 Ideal User:
- Gamers: Those who need high performance, smooth refresh rates, and long battery life.
- Power Users: Those who use their phone heavily for multitasking, video, and content creation.
- Battery Life Focused Users: Those who value long battery life and fast charging.
Use Cases: Mobile gaming, streaming high-resolution content, extended outdoor use, and capturing photos and videos throughout the day, and those who value a fingerprint sensor for ease of unlocking.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions to guide purchase decisions:
- What is your priority for camera performance?
- Telephoto and advanced features: iPhone 11 Pro Max is a better option
- Higher resolution, modern tech, and better low-light OnePlus Nord 4 would be better suited
- How important are battery life and charging speed to you?
- Longer battery life and faster charging OnePlus Nord 4 is a better option
- Wireless charging The iPhone 11 Pro Max is a better option
- Which ecosystem and user experience are you more comfortable with?
- Apple ecosystem, iOS iPhone 11 Pro Max is a better option
- Android and Customization OnePlus Nord 4 is a better option
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Frequent Traveler): A user who travels frequently and needs a reliable phone with good battery life should choose the OnePlus Nord 4.
- Scenario 2 (Creative Professional): A user who focuses on photo and video creation and relies on the Apple ecosystem should choose the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
- Scenario 3 (Casual User): A user who is looking for a new phone with modern features and responsiveness and isn't worried about the telephoto lens or wireless charging should choose the OnePlus Nord 4.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the OnePlus Nord 4. Here's why:
- Modernity and Performance: The Nord 4 offers a significantly more modern chipset, higher refresh screen, faster charging, and generally better performance in benchmarks. The device being newer is a major factor, as it will have software support for longer.
- Battery Life: The larger battery and fast charging are crucial for my usage pattern, which includes a lot of media consumption and gaming.
- Value Proposition: While the iPhone has the telephoto camera, the overall package of the OnePlus Nord 4 represents a better value for money considering the features and its newer technology.
- User Experience: I find the Android OS and its customisation options more appealing, and also prefer a fingerprint sensor for faster unlocking.
- Practical Use Cases: I prefer the better location accuracy provided by the extra satellite systems, and a fingerprint sensor for faster unlocking.
While the iPhone 11 Pro Max has its strengths, particularly in the camera and Apple ecosystem integration, the OnePlus Nord 4 provides a more well-rounded and modern experience, especially with the faster performance, excellent battery life, and smoother display. For me, these factors outweigh the telephoto lens and wireless reverse charging capabilities of the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
