Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra and the OnePlus 11. These two phones are powerhouses in their own right, but they approach the high-end smartphone experience from slightly different angles. Let's break down what makes each unique and which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra | OnePlus 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.8 x 73.5 x 8.4 mm | 163.1 x 74.1 x 8.5 mm | The OnePlus 11 is slightly taller and wider, but both are very similar in hand. |
| Weight | 198.5g | 205g | Motorola is a bit lighter, which might be preferable for extended use or one-handed operation |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | OnePlus 11 has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Both have large displays, minimal practical difference in size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3216 | The OnePlus 11's higher resolution provides a noticeably sharper and clearer image. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 525 | OnePlus 11 offers much higher pixel density for crisper visuals and less pixelation. |
| Technology | P-OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast; P-OLED offers similar performance to AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra's higher refresh rate may feel slightly smoother in animations, especially in fast-paced games. |
| Brightness | 1250 nits | 1300 nits | Both are very bright and visible outdoors, but OnePlus 11 can get just a tad brighter. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | The OnePlus 11 has a newer chipset, offering better overall performance and energy efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,231,300 | 1,389,474 | The OnePlus 11 has better real-world performance, particularly in intensive tasks and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 740 | OnePlus 11's newer GPU means better graphics performance and smoother frame rates. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 200MP, f/1.95, 1/1.22" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Motorola boasts higher resolution but OnePlus' larger pixels capture more light, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.1" | Motorola's higher-resolution selfie camera captures more detail, although bigger pixels on the Oneplus are good for low light |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP, f/1.6 | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74" | The OnePlus 11 has a higher-resolution telephoto lens, while the Motorola's lens has a wider aperture for better light sensitivity. |
| Wide-Angle | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | 48MP, f/2.2, 1/2" + Macro | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra only has wide angle, whereas the OnePlus has an all in one solution with wide angle and macro. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both can capture very high-resolution footage, though the Motorola has slightly better slow-motion and fps options. |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | 127 (Mobile) | OnePlus 11 has been tested and its score is an excellent 127. |
| Additional Camera Features | Some, OIS, EIS | More, OIS, EIS, Gimbal, Flicker Sensor | The OnePlus 11 has more video stabilization features and a flicker sensor, which is helpful in various lighting situations. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4610mAh | 5000mAh | OnePlus 11 offers a larger battery, potentially leading to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 125W Wired, 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wireless | 100W Wired | Motorola has faster wired charging and includes wireless and reverse wireless charging features, a huge advantage. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 14) | OnePlus 11 comes with a newer operating system out of the box, promising extended future support. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | The Oneplus 11 has much more advanced WiFi and a better overall WiFi experience. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | The Oneplus 11 has the newer version and more features of Bluetooth for enhanced audio connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, SUPL, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | Oneplus 11 has better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Nano Sim | Dual SIM, Nano Sim, e-Sim | Oneplus 11 has the addition of e-sim functionality. |
| Other | |||
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | OnePlus offers a 512GB option for those needing more internal space. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB | OnePlus 11 has the option for more RAM, for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, which may be limiting to some users. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 11 supports Hi-Res Audio, giving it a slight edge in audio quality. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra Strengths:
- Ultra-Fast Charging: The 125W wired charging is incredibly fast, and wireless charging at 50W is also impressive. These are significant advantages for busy users.
- Higher Refresh Rate: With a 144Hz refresh rate, animations may feel slightly smoother than the 120Hz of the OnePlus 11.
- Versatile Camera: The 200MP main camera offers high resolution and an impressive selfie camera, though it's not all about the megapixel count as is detailed in the table.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: A unique feature allowing it to charge other devices wirelessly, adding some utility.
OnePlus 11 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and more RAM, translate to better raw power, especially for demanding games and apps.
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution and pixel density offer significantly clearer and more detailed visuals.
- Better Bluetooth, WiFi, and GPS: OnePlus 11 includes a new version of Bluetooth, WiFi, and GPS, allowing for faster and more precise connections.
- Larger Battery: The slightly bigger battery capacity potentially offers longer battery life between charges.
- More Advanced Camera Features: The OnePlus 11 has more camera features, including a flicker sensor, Ultra stable video, and Gimbal, which can be beneficial for some users.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus offers much better protection for the screen than the older Gorilla Glass 5 used on the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra.
- More Storage Options: OnePlus 11 provides a 512 GB model for users requiring more storage.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Motorola: While having ultra-fast charging speeds, the smaller battery might mean needing to charge more frequently than the OnePlus 11 for heavy usage.
- OnePlus: Lacks wireless charging features, which can be a drawback for users who enjoy wireless charging. It also only has 24fps for 8K video capture.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is Best For:
- Power Users Who Value Speed: Those who need the fastest charging speeds and value wireless charging as well.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy taking selfies and need a high-resolution main camera for casual photography, though not for low-light performance.
- Gamers who value high refresh rates: Users who value a high refresh rate.
OnePlus 11 is Best For:
- Performance-Driven Users: Those who prioritize top-tier processing power, perfect for demanding mobile gamers and multi-taskers.
- Display Connoisseurs: Individuals who value crispness, clarity, and detail in their screen resolution.
- Multimedia Creators: Users who need very good video recording with a wider range of features and better connectivity with their headphones.
- Users who want a device that lasts: Those who prioritize the battery life of the device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Charging Needs: Do you prioritize the fastest charging speeds and wireless/reverse wireless charging over slightly longer battery life?
- Performance and Display: Do you need the best raw performance and the most detailed display, or is a solid chipset with a very fast refresh rate enough?
- Camera Capabilities: Do you want higher resolution, or are the features of the Oneplus 11 more your thing?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The "Speed Junkie": If fast wired and wireless charging are your top priority, the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is the choice for you.
- The "Power User": For the best overall performance and graphics, the OnePlus 11 is your pick with its newer Snapdragon chip and more RAM.
- The "Multimedia Pro": If you want very good video recording features, along with Hi-Res audio, the OnePlus 11 provides better connectivity and stability.
- The "Everyday User": If you want a balance of very good performance and features, the OnePlus 11 edges out the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra, providing a great value for the price.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd go with the OnePlus 11.
Here's why: As a tech journalist, I'm always looking for the latest and greatest. The OnePlus 11's newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip delivers tangible performance advantages, especially when I'm pushing the phone's capabilities. It also has a newer version of Bluetooth, WiFi and GPS, which makes it a more appealing purchase for me. The higher resolution display is a major plus for daily use and media consumption, and the extra battery capacity gives me peace of mind during heavy usage days. While I appreciate the Motorola's charging speeds, the total package of the OnePlus 11, with its stronger internals and more up-to-date features makes it a better overall experience. The fact that it has the newest version of Android out of the box is also a plus for long-term support and I believe that its better build quality will help me keep this device for a long time.
