Alright, let's break down the Motorola Edge 30 and the OnePlus 11. It's a classic case of mid-range contender versus flagship powerhouse, and the differences are pretty stark once you dig into the details. I've been hands-on with both types of phones, and I'll try to give you the most realistic comparison, not just marketing jargon.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two stack up, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 | OnePlus 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.4 × 74.2 × 6.8 mm | 163.1 × 74.1 × 8.5 mm | The Edge 30 is noticeably thinner and more compact, while the OnePlus 11 has a bigger presence. |
| Weight | 155g | 205g | Edge 30 feels much lighter in hand, better for one-handed use and carrying around all day, whereas the OnePlus feels more substantial, but is significantly heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | OnePlus 11 offers slightly more screen real estate, better for consuming media and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3216 | OnePlus 11 has a sharper and more detailed display, ideal for crisp text and detailed visuals. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 405 | 525 | OnePlus 11 is visibly crisper and more detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED panels, but the OnePlus 11's is of higher quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Edge 30's 144Hz refresh rate theoretically makes scrolling slightly smoother but, practically, you might not notice the difference in most situations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | OnePlus 11 has significantly better outdoor visibility, especially under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | OnePlus 11 has significantly faster processing speeds, handles demanding apps and games more easily. |
| AnTuTu Score | 609,900 | 1,389,474 | OnePlus 11 will provide a much more fluid experience; faster app loading, better multi-tasking and superior gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 740 | OnePlus 11 has a more powerful GPU for higher quality graphics in gaming and other graphic intensive apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020 mAh | 5000 mAh | OnePlus 11 will likely offer longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | OnePlus 11 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime, also offers USB-PD which is great for travel. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Lithium | Both offer similar performance; Lithium is more commonly used by other manufacturers. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Sensor | 50MP, 1/1.55" | 50MP, 1/1.56" | Both have similar camera specs. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" | 16MP, 1/3.1" | The Edge 30 has a higher resolution selfie camera, but the OnePlus 11 has a larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, 1/2.74" | OnePlus 11 has the added versatility of a telephoto camera for optical zoom. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP | None | The Edge 30 has a depth sensor which improves Portrait mode, but it's low resolution. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 50MP, 1/2.76" | 48MP, 1/2" | The Edge 30 has a slightly higher resolution sensor but OnePlus 11 has a larger sensor for better light performance. |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@24fps | OnePlus 11 offers 8k video, the Edge 30 does not. OnePlus also has higher frame rates for slow-mo. |
| DXOMark | None | Main 127, Photo 134, Video 121 | The OnePlus 11 has been rated by DXOMark, giving it good scores. |
| Camera Features | Standard Feature Set | Added Flicker sensor, optical zoom, Ultra stable video, Gimbal | OnePlus 11 has a more advanced camera feature set. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Up to 13) | Android 13 (Up to 14) | OnePlus 11 ships with a newer version of Android and receives an extra major update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | OnePlus 11 offers a more advanced and faster Wifi connection with the latest technology. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 LE | OnePlus 11 has a slightly newer version which could lead to slightly better performance and energy efficiency. |
| GPS | Basic | Advanced | OnePlus 11 has support for more satellite systems, offering better accuracy in different regions and situations. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | OnePlus 11 has the added flexibility of eSIM support, great for travelers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB or 512GB | OnePlus 11 offers more storage capacity, ideal for those with extensive media libraries. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB, 12GB or 16GB | OnePlus 11 offers significantly more RAM, making it much smoother when multitasking or playing graphics-intensive games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo | The OnePlus 11 has a more impressive audio setup with Hi-Res audio support. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have basic fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus | OnePlus 11 has better protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Gravity, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | OnePlus 11 features more sensors for more use-cases. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30
- Strengths: The Edge 30 shines with its super lightweight and thin design, making it incredibly comfortable to hold and pocket. It has a very smooth screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, and a decent camera for its class.
- Competitive Advantages: It's priced lower than the OnePlus 11, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
- Trade-offs: The Edge 30 lags behind in terms of processing power, display quality, battery life, camera features, build quality and some modern features like WiFi 7 and eSIM.
OnePlus 11
- Strengths: The OnePlus 11 is a powerhouse in nearly every aspect. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip delivers top-tier performance, matched with a high-resolution, high-brightness display that's gorgeous. The camera system is more versatile with an included telephoto lens. The battery is larger and the charging is lightning-fast.
- Competitive Advantages: The OnePlus 11 is a flagship phone offering better everything (screen, performance, camera, battery, etc.).
- Trade-offs: It's heavier and thicker than the Edge 30 and will cost significantly more.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 30:
- Ideal User: Someone who prioritizes a slim, lightweight device, wants a smooth display and doesn't need top-tier performance and camera. Perfect for casual users, students, and anyone who wants a solid phone without breaking the bank.
- Use Cases: Daily browsing, social media, basic photography, and light gaming.
- OnePlus 11:
- Ideal User: A power user who demands top performance, wants a great viewing experience, and needs a versatile, high-quality camera. Gamers, content creators, and tech enthusiasts who value premium features will love this phone.
- Use Cases: Heavy gaming, intensive multitasking, high-quality photography/videography, and streaming high-definition content.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
- Performance Needs: Do I need a phone that can handle intensive tasks and games, or will a mid-range chipset suffice for my usage patterns?
- Budget: Am I willing to pay more for top-tier specs, or is a more affordable option a better fit for my budget?
- Physical Preferences: Do I prefer a slim, light phone or one that feels more substantial with a bigger screen?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 30. You’ll get a good display, a decent camera and a very comfortable phone without overspending.
- Scenario 2: Casual User
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 30. The Edge 30 will be more than enough for web browsing and social media, especially for its weight and form factor.
- Scenario 3: Power User/Gamer
- Recommendation: OnePlus 11. This will offer the best experience with excellent performance, a top tier display, and a great camera system.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the OnePlus 11. It hits the sweet spot between performance and features, with its modern design, powerful processing, and amazing screen. As a tech journalist and someone who uses their phone for pretty much everything, I value the flagship experience. The faster charging, improved camera, better screen and higher quality build is worth the additional cost for me. While the Edge 30 is a good phone in its own right, the OnePlus 11 offers a superior experience across all parameters and provides value for money.
