Apple iPhone 11 Pro vs OnePlus Nord CE 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 20, 2019 June 11, 2021
Release Year 2019 2021

Physical

Volume 83.28 cm³ 92.44 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.09 "/g 3.78 "/g
Weight 188 g 170 g
Height 144 mm 159.2 mm
Width 71.4 mm 73.5 mm
Thickness 8.1 mm 7.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Matte Space Gray
  • Matte Silver
  • Matte Gold
  • Matte Midnight Green
  • Blue Void
  • Charkoal Ink
  • Silver Ray

Display

Screen Size 5.8 " 6.43 "
Resolution 1125 x 2436 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 80.3 % 85.3 %
Pixel Density 458 PPI 410 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 800 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 90.55 mAh/in² 108.84 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.57 mAh/cm³ 48.68 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3046 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x2.65 GHz Lightning + 4x1.8 GHz Thunder) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Adreno 619

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 13 11
Maximum OS Version 18 13

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into a user-focused comparison of the Apple iPhone 11 Pro and the OnePlus Nord CE 5G. It's not just about specs; it's about how these phones fit into your life.

The Tale of Two Phones: A User-Centric Comparison

We're not just looking at numbers; we're exploring two different philosophies in smartphone design. The iPhone 11 Pro, a seasoned veteran, and the OnePlus Nord CE 5G, a fresh contender. Let's break down their stories.

1. Design and Usability Assessment

Feature CategoryApple iPhone 11 ProOnePlus Nord CE 5GUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignElegant, intuitive iOS interface; Focus on simplicity and fluidity.Clean, customizable OxygenOS on Android; Emphasizes user freedom.iOS is great for users who want simplicity and ease, while OxygenOS appeals to those who like tweaking settings.
Interaction FlowSeamless integration across Apple ecosystem; Consistent app experience.Android's flexible system allows greater app customization; Less unified user flow than Apple's approach.Apple provides a "walled garden" experience, while Android is more of an open playground.
Accessibility FeaturesRobust accessibility options; Good for visually and hearing impaired users; Voice Control.Standard Android accessibility features; Fingerprint sensor and basic settings.iPhone's accessibility options are more polished, while OnePlus Nord CE provides essential tools, with a focus on basic biometrics.
Design ErgonomicsSmaller form factor, heavier build (188g); Ideal for single-hand use; Premium feel.Larger display, lightweight (170g); Comfortable for extended use; More budget-friendly materials.The iPhone is premium and compact, while the OnePlus is more lightweight and expansive.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

Scenario 1: The Outdoor Photographer

Imagine you're on a hike, capturing breathtaking landscapes.

  • iPhone 11 Pro: With its incredibly bright 1200-nit display, you see every detail, even under direct sunlight. The triple 12MP cameras work together like a well-oiled machine, ensuring every photo and video is rich with color and detail. Its Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and optical zoom work together to make clear images.
  • OnePlus Nord CE 5G: The large 6.43-inch AMOLED screen is vibrant, but not as bright. The 64MP main sensor is fantastic for detailed shots, but it's missing the dedicated telephoto camera that the iPhone 11 Pro has. It relies on a digital zoom, and while the images are detailed, they won't match the optical zoom capabilities of the iPhone.

Scenario 2: The Daily Commuter

You're on a busy train, juggling work emails and listening to music.

  • iPhone 11 Pro: The compact size makes it easy to use with one hand. The A13 Bionic chip handles multitasking like a champ, so you can quickly switch between tasks without a hitch. Its Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers make it perfect to enjoy your favorite songs.
  • OnePlus Nord CE 5G: The larger screen is great for reading emails or watching videos on your commute, and the 90Hz display makes scrolling smooth. The larger battery helps you last through a longer commute and the faster 30W charging gets you ready to go in a shorter amount of time.

Scenario 3: The Gaming Enthusiast

You're looking for a device to keep you occupied during your downtime.

  • iPhone 11 Pro: The powerful A13 Bionic chip and dedicated 4-core GPU provide a fluid gaming experience. The smaller size also keeps your hands closer to the center of the screen.
  • OnePlus Nord CE 5G: While not as powerful as the iPhone, the Adreno 619 GPU and higher RAM configurations (up to 12GB) provide a good gaming experience on most games. Its larger screen makes for immersive gameplay.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation

  • For the Tech Novice: The iPhone 11 Pro's simplicity and consistency might be more appealing with its intuitive ecosystem.
  • For the Power User: The OnePlus Nord CE 5G's customization options, larger screen, and excellent battery provide lots of potential, with the ability to set up the phone the way the user prefers it to be.
  • For the Budget-Conscious: The OnePlus Nord CE 5G provides a better balance of features and price, offering essential functions and a larger battery, for significantly less.
  • For the Visually Impaired: The iPhone's more mature Voice Control and accessibility features are essential and highly polished.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework

CriteriaApple iPhone 11 ProOnePlus Nord CE 5GDesign Insights
Display ClarityExceptionally bright, great for outdoor use.Good, but not as bright; Larger size provides more viewing space.iPhone is better in sunlight; OnePlus provides a more immersive viewing experience.
Performance & SpeedSuperior; A13 Bionic chip is still a powerhouse.Solid, good for everyday use and some gaming.iPhone offers the highest performance for demanding tasks, while OnePlus is a strong performer for everyday usage and some games.
Battery LifeSmaller battery, may not last a full day for heavy users.Significantly larger battery, great for all-day use.OnePlus is a clear winner for battery life; The iPhone 11 Pro may need more frequent charging.
Camera VersatilityPremium quality with versatile lens capabilities, amazing videos and OIS.Solid images, but lacks the telephoto camera, but does offer a good quality main camera.iPhone excels with its versatile triple camera and is better with videos, while OnePlus still offers solid images.
Software ExperienceSimple, secure, and highly polished ecosystem.More customizable, flexible with its open platform.iOS offers a premium and controlled ecosystem, while Android allows greater flexibility.
PriceHigher cost.More budget-friendly.iPhone is the premium option, while OnePlus offers more value for its price.

Which One Would I Choose?

Given these considerations, if I were choosing between these two phones, I'd choose the OnePlus Nord CE 5G. Here's why:

As a tech communications specialist, I appreciate the design and the premium feel of the iPhone 11 Pro. However, I have to focus on daily usage scenarios as well as real-world practicality, along with design philosophies.

  • Battery Life: The Nord CE 5G's battery is a game-changer for someone like me who is always on the go. Its superior capacity means I don't have to worry about constant charging.
  • Flexibility: While I enjoy the intuitive nature of iOS, the customization options offered by OxygenOS on the OnePlus Nord CE 5G cater more to my needs and personal workflow. It allows me to customize the phone to my own specifications and allows me to better integrate it into my life.
  • Screen Experience: The larger screen on the Nord CE 5G is much more convenient when looking through a document or presenting a report. And with the 90Hz refresh rate, it has a good experience in terms of speed and fluidity.
  • Value: Ultimately, I am someone that likes a good value. The OnePlus Nord CE 5G strikes a balance between price and functionality, providing excellent features without breaking the bank. I believe it offers a better blend of features for a modern user.

The iPhone 11 Pro is still a solid phone, but for my daily needs and communication purposes, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G offers a more balanced user experience. It isn't about the most premium experience but rather about what is more useful for daily use.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.