Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the OnePlus 11 and the Asus ROG Phone 7. Both are powerhouses, but they cater to slightly different needs. I'll break down the specs, what they mean for you, and help you figure out which phone might be your next daily driver.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | OnePlus 11 | Asus ROG Phone 7 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.1 x 74.1 x 8.5 mm | 173 x 77 x 10.3 mm | ROG Phone 7 is larger, bulkier, and less pocketable |
| Weight | 205g | 239g | OnePlus 11 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus front | Gorilla Glass Victus front | Both phones offer similar screen protection |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Minimal size difference, both offer a large viewing area |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3216 (QHD+) | 1080 x 2448 (FHD+) | OnePlus 11 has a significantly sharper and clearer display due to higher pixel density |
| Pixel Density | 525 PPI | 395 PPI | OnePlus 11 display will appear noticeably more detailed |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 7 provides smoother animations and less blur when gaming |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1500 nits | ROG Phone 7 is better for bright outdoor conditions |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Both offer top-tier performance for any task you throw at them |
| Antutu Score | 1,389,474 | 1,603,292 | ROG Phone 7 has slightly better performance according to benchmarks, will be negligable in most cases |
| GPU | Adreno 740 | Adreno 740 | Both have the same graphics processing capabilities |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh | ROG Phone 7 will likely last significantly longer on a single charge |
| Charging | 100W fast charging | 65W fast charging | OnePlus 11 charges significantly faster than the ROG Phone 7 |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, USB power adapter, Non-removable | ROG Phone 7 includes bypass charging (powering the phone directly, avoiding heat generation while gaming), and reverse charging for other devices |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 50MP, f/1.8, Sony IMX890 | 50MP, f/1.9, Sony IMX766 | OnePlus 11 might perform slightly better in low-light |
| Rear (Telephoto) | 32MP, f/2.0, Sony IMX709 | None | OnePlus 11 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed photos |
| Rear (Wide/Macro) | 48MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX581 | 13MP, f/2.2, OmniVision OV13B10 5MP, f/2.4, Samsung S5K5E9 | ROG Phone 7 has a dedicated Macro camera where the OnePlus 11 lacks it, OnePlus 11's wide camera has higher resolution |
| Front (Selfie) | 16MP, f/2.4, Samsung S5K3P9 | 32MP, f/2.5, Omnivision OV32C | ROG Phone 7 takes sharper selfies due to higher resolution |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both record high-resolution video, with differences in video stabilization |
| DXOMark | 127(Main), 134(Photo), 121(Video) | Not tested | OnePlus 11 has better overall camera performance according to DXOMark |
| Features | Flicker sensor, Optical zoom, OIS, Ultra stable video, Gimbal | None | OnePlus 11 has additional features for photography and videography |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 13 (upgradeable to 14) | Android 13 (upgradeable to 15) | ROG Phone 7 will likely receive an extra year of software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 | Both phones support the latest Wi-Fi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 | Both offer modern Bluetooth connectivity features, ROG Phone 7 has more profiles |
| GPS | L1+L5, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, Galileo | L1+L5, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | ROG Phone 7 has more satellite system support for accurate GPS |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | OnePlus 11 offers the convenience of eSIM and dual sim, while the ROG Phone 7 offers dual physical sim cards |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | Both offer generous internal storage options, however the OnePlus 11 has a 128GB variant |
| RAM | 8/12/16 GB | 8/12/16 GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for multitasking, and heavy gaming |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo speakers | DTS / DTS X, Hi-Res, Stereo speakers, Noise cancellation microhpone | Asus offers slightly better quality through DTS, Noise cancellation and an extra microphone, the OnePlus 11 features Dolby Atmos |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both have a basic in-display fingerprint sensor |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | Both have a rich sensor array; The OnePlus 11 includes a gravity sensor and the ROG Phone 7 includes a Hall sensor. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus 11: Strengths
- Sharper Display: The QHD+ resolution and higher pixel density make the OnePlus 11's display noticeably crisper.
- Faster Charging: The 100W fast charging is a game-changer, getting you back to full power much faster.
- More versatile Camera Features: Offers Optical Zoom, OIS, and more specialized camera features.
- Lighter Design: Lighter and thinner for better comfort.
- eSIM Support: Provides a more versatile dual-sim option
Asus ROG Phone 7: Strengths
- Longer Battery Life: A larger 6000 mAh battery will keep you going for much longer.
- Smoother Display: The 165Hz refresh rate provides an ultra-smooth experience, especially for gaming.
- Superior Audio Features: Features DTS, noise cancellation mic, and an extra microphone for better audio.
- Better Performance: Marginally better performance with a higher antutu benchmark score.
- Gaming Features: Bypass charging and air triggers are a huge plus for gamers.
- Extra Software Support: Likely to get one more OS upgrade in the future.
Trade-offs
- OnePlus 11: Lacks some gaming-centric features, its camera is better but lacks the macro lens.
- Asus ROG Phone 7: Bulkier and heavier, and the charging is slower.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
OnePlus 11:
- Everyday Power User: Ideal for users who prioritize a sharp display, fast charging, and solid camera performance.
- Content Creators: The good cameras, optical zoom, gimbal, and ultra-stable video mode, could be better suited.
- Those Needing a Light Device: The reduced size and weight makes it better for everyday carry and use.
Asus ROG Phone 7:
- Hardcore Gamers: The 165Hz refresh rate, larger battery, better audio quality, and gaming-focused features are a must.
- Battery Life Prioritizers: If you need a phone that can easily last through the day, the ROG Phone 7 is your choice.
- Those who want the Latest Android OS: You will have access to Android 15
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize a sharper display and fast charging, or longer battery life and better gaming features?
- Are you primarily a gamer, or a more general user who values camera quality and portability?
- Is a slimmer and lighter form factor crucial for everyday comfort and portability?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming: If gaming is your primary use case, the ROG Phone 7 is the clear winner with its 165Hz display, larger battery, and gaming-centric features.
- Photography: If you take photos and videos often, the OnePlus 11 may be better due to its better DXOMark score, better low-light performance, optical zoom and gimbal.
- Portability and Aesthetics: If you prioritize a lighter phone, a sharper display, and faster charging, the OnePlus 11 should be your choice.
- Balanced User: If you want a well-rounded device, and your budget constraints dictate otherwise, the OnePlus 11 is an excellent all-arounder.
My Pick
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd personally lean towards the OnePlus 11. While I appreciate the gaming prowess of the ROG Phone 7, my daily needs prioritize a balance of performance, camera, portability, and user experience. The OnePlus 11's sharper display, significantly faster charging, better camera features, and lighter form factor fit my lifestyle better. I also appreciate the convenience of having eSIM and dual sim capability. While I would appreciate the larger battery of the ROG Phone, I think the OnePlus 11 is a better overall package for my needs. I would consider the ROG Phone 7 if I were primarily a hardcore mobile gamer or if I needed the absolute longest battery life.
