Alright, let's dive deep into the battle of the OnePlus titans – the 10 Pro versus the 11. As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I'm keen to break down these devices beyond the spec sheet and see what they offer in real-world scenarios.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key specifications of the OnePlus 10 Pro and 11, with a focus on how these translate to everyday usage:
| Feature | OnePlus 10 Pro | OnePlus 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm, 201g | 163.1 × 74.1 × 8.5 mm, 205g | Both have similar sizes and weights, barely noticeable difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical size, perfect for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1440x3216 | Sharp visuals, ideal for detailed content. |
| PPI | 525 | 525 | Very high pixel density, resulting in incredibly sharp text and images. |
| Technology | - | AMOLED | OnePlus 11's AMOLED provides superior contrast, deep blacks and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations for better user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both offer excellent peak brightness, ensuring good readability even under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | OnePlus 11 has a newer generation chipset, more efficient and faster than the 10 Pro. |
| AnTuTu Score | 900,491 | 1,389,474 | OnePlus 11 is significantly faster, with nearly 54% higher benchmark scores, making it more responsive for heavy tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 740 | Newer GPU in OnePlus 11 is better for graphics-intensive tasks, including demanding games and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Slight resolution bump in the OnePlus 11, which might lead to slightly more detailed images. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.43" | 1/1.56" | 10 Pro has larger main sensor. Larger sensors generally capture more light and perform better in low light conditions. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX789 | Sony IMX890 | Newer sensor in OnePlus 11 might offer some improvements in color accuracy and detail. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 1.12 µm | 1.00 µm | Slightly larger pixel size on the 10 Pro might capture more light, while pixel size in the 11 is adequate for most uses. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 16MP | Higher resolution on the 10 Pro for slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.74" | 1/3.1" | Larger selfie sensor on the 10 Pro generally captures more light, especially in low-light situations. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Larger pixel size on the 11 might result in better dynamic range in some situations. |
| Telephoto Camera Resolution | 8MP | 32MP | Huge leap in resolution for telephoto lens on the 11, offering greater zoom detail and clarity. |
| Telephoto Camera Sensor Size | 1/4.4" | 1/2.74" | Significantly larger sensor on 11 for the telephoto lens, leading to better images when zooming. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 50MP | - | OnePlus 10 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more expansive shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | - | 48MP | OnePlus 11 has a wide angle + macro camera offering versatile shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K @ 24fps | Up to 8K @ 24fps | Both capable of high-resolution video capture. |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | 122 | 127 | OnePlus 11 has a higher overall camera score. |
| DxOMark Score (Photo) | 124 | 134 | Significantly better photography performance on OnePlus 11. |
| DxOMark Score (Video) | 119 | 121 | Slight advantage to OnePlus 11 in video performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer the same capacity, likely yielding similar all-day battery life under average use. |
| Charging | 80W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | OnePlus 11 charges significantly faster, getting you back to full power much quicker. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | - | OnePlus 10 Pro has 50W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, a handy feature the 11 lacks. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 14) | The OnePlus 11 has a more recent Android version out of the box, with both being upgradable to the same version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Up to WiFi 7 | Up to WiFi 7 | Both devices support the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | OnePlus 11 has the newer, slightly more efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | OnePlus 11 supports more satellite systems for better positioning accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | OnePlus 11 supports eSIM for added flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 128/256/512GB | Both offer the same storage options; Neither has expandable storage. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12/16 GB | OnePlus 11 offers 16 GB of RAM option for more intensive tasks. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, 2 microphones | OnePlus 10 Pro offers enhanced spatial audio, clearer calls and better voice capture; OnePlus 11 has Hi-Res Audio and is geared towards higher quality listening. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic biometric security offered by both devices. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones have the same level of robust protection against scratches and accidental drops. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Both phones have comprehensive sensor suites; OnePlus 10 Pro also features RGB sensor while OnePlus 11 includes a Gravity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus 10 Pro Strengths:
- Wireless Charging: The inclusion of 50W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging is a big advantage for users who appreciate the convenience.
- Selfie Camera: Higher resolution for detailed selfies and wider aperture with bigger sensor for better low light performance.
- Dedicated Wide Angle Lens: Has a dedicated wide angle camera for more expansive shots, an edge over the 11, which combines a wide angle with a macro lens.
- Audio superiority Noise cancellation microphone, 3 microphones
OnePlus 11 Strengths:
- Performance Leap: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset is a significant upgrade, resulting in a faster, more responsive experience in apps and gaming.
- Faster Charging: The 100W fast charging is a game-changer, allowing you to quickly top up your battery.
- Telephoto Camera Upgrade: The 32MP telephoto lens provides a significant boost in zoom capabilities, better clarity and detail.
- Main camera upgrade: While main camera sensor size is smaller, the newer sensor results in better photos and video performance, with higher DxOMark scores, along with a versatile wide angle + macro lens
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Uses the more recent 5.3 version of Bluetooth.
- More RAM: 16GB option provides smoother multitasking and gaming experience.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- OnePlus 10 Pro lacks the raw power of the 11, and while the camera is decent, it’s not as versatile as the 11, lacking a more recent sensor, and higher resolution telephoto.
- OnePlus 11 misses the convenience of wireless charging, and the selfie camera is not as capable as the 10 Pro, lower resolution with smaller sensor and aperture.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
OnePlus 10 Pro:
- Wireless Charging Enthusiasts: Users who heavily rely on wireless charging will find this model indispensable.
- Selfie lovers For those who prioritize selfies, the higher resolution camera with a wider aperture will result in better photos and videos.
- Wide Angle Photography: Photographers who prefer a dedicated wide angle lens instead of the versatile wide + macro combination will prefer the 10 Pro.
- Audio fanatics Users who need the clearest possible audio for calls and voice recording will appreciate the noise cancellation microphone, as well as the 3 microphones.
OnePlus 11:
- Power Users: Those who demand the highest performance for gaming and heavy multitasking will benefit from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and 16GB RAM option.
- On-the-Go Professionals: The 100W fast charging is ideal for users who need to quickly top up during the day.
- Camera-Centric Users: Users who want versatile and high-quality photography capabilities, especially when it comes to zoom, will appreciate the improved camera setup of the 11.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself before deciding:
- Do I prioritize speed and performance? If yes, the OnePlus 11 is the clear winner with its newer chipset and higher benchmark scores.
- Do I heavily rely on wireless charging? If yes, the OnePlus 10 Pro is the better choice, since the 11 doesn’t have wireless charging.
- What kind of photography and videography do I need? If you need more versatile and high-quality photography, especially when it comes to zoom and video, and you don't need a dedicated wide angle, the OnePlus 11 is better. If you need to take high quality selfies and take wide angle photos, the 10 Pro might suit you better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers/Power Users: The OnePlus 11 is the superior choice thanks to its processing power and faster charging speeds.
- For Casual Users: The OnePlus 10 Pro is a good option, especially if you value wireless charging, though the 11 still performs well in daily tasks and is future-proof.
- For Mobile Photographers: The OnePlus 11 offers a more versatile camera system, with a higher DxOMark score, especially in photos, but if you need dedicated wide angle photos, the 10 Pro is the better choice.
- For Audio Enthusiasts: Those who value the best audio for calls and voice recording will find the 10 Pro superior with noise cancellation microphone and 3 microphones, but if you prioritize listening quality and high-res audio, the 11 might be a better fit.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two devices, I would opt for the OnePlus 11. As someone who values the latest performance, I find the power jump offered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 crucial for smooth, responsive usage and for the future. The upgrade in telephoto capabilities is also a big win for me since I often find myself needing a good zoom on the go. I don’t rely on wireless charging that much, and although the 10 Pro offers a superior selfie camera and wide angle lens, as well as better audio for calls, the 11's improved main camera, faster charging, and raw performance win me over. I prioritize a device that can handle everything I throw at it with speed and without slowdown.
