Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the OnePlus 11 and the Honor 90. I've got my engineering hat on and will translate these specs into real-world implications, focusing on what actually matters to you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key specifications of the OnePlus 11 and the Honor 90, keeping user experience front and center:
| Feature | OnePlus 11 | Honor 90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.1 × 74.1 × 8.5 mm | 161.9 × 74.1 × 7.8 mm | OnePlus 11 is slightly taller and thicker; Honor 90 is slimmer and may feel more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 183g | Honor 90 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen sizes for both phones. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1200x2664 | OnePlus 11's display is significantly sharper with more pixels, leading to crisper visuals. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 435 | OnePlus 11 has a visibly sharper display, with finer details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones have vibrant and excellent contrast thanks to AMOLED panels. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1600 nits | Honor 90 has a brighter display, offering significantly better outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | OnePlus 11 offers top-tier performance, far superior for heavy tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,389,474 | 701,227 | OnePlus 11 is almost twice as powerful, ensuring smoother performance under load. |
| GPU | Adreno 740 | Adreno 644 | OnePlus 11 provides vastly superior graphics processing power, vital for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer a day’s worth of battery life for average use, though real-world usage varies. |
| Charging | 100W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | OnePlus 11 charges significantly faster, getting you back to 100% quicker. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP | 200MP | Honor 90 captures more detail on paper, but image quality is more nuanced than just resolution. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.56" | 1/1.4" | Honor 90's larger sensor theoretically captures more light, but pixel size is smaller, resulting in a trade-off |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 50MP | Honor 90 should capture more detailed selfies, especially in good lighting. |
| Telephoto Camera | Yes | No | OnePlus 11 has the flexibility of optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 48MP | 12MP | OnePlus 11 can capture more detail in wide shots, and a better macro experience |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | OnePlus 11 offers much higher video resolution with a wider range of frame rates. |
| DxOMark Camera Score (Main) | 127 | 122 | OnePlus 11 slightly outperforms Honor 90 in overall camera performance, based on DXOMark. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 13 (Upgrade to 14) | Android 13 | OnePlus 11 users can expect a newer OS version from the manufacturer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 7 | WiFi 6 | OnePlus 11 offers future-proof Wi-Fi speeds, potentially faster in compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 | OnePlus 11 features the latest Bluetooth standard, potentially enhancing connection stability and battery life. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | Both offer ample storage; OnePlus 11 offers a lower storage base option at 128 GB. |
| RAM | 8/12/16GB | 8/12/16GB | Both offer plenty of RAM for smooth multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Noise cancellation microphone | OnePlus 11 offers richer, more immersive audio quality with dedicated speakers. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | OnePlus 11 has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | OnePlus 11 offers a gyroscope for a more complete sensor suite for gaming and AR experiences. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus 11: Strengths
- Performance King: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip makes the OnePlus 11 significantly faster in real-world tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density result in a crisper, more detailed visual experience.
- Superior Camera Flexibility: With a telephoto lens and higher quality on both wide-angle and front cameras, it provides more versatility.
- Faster Charging: The 100W fast charging is a game-changer for quickly topping up the battery.
- Future-Proof Connectivity: WiFi 7 ensures the fastest possible connection speeds when available.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio support provide a richer, more immersive listening experience.
- Stronger Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus provides protection and durability.
Honor 90: Strengths
- Lighter & Slimmer: More comfortable for extended use due to a lower weight and thinner design.
- Brighter Display: A significantly brighter screen, better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight.
- Impressive Main Camera Resolution: High-resolution main sensor for capturing detailed photos.
- Selfie Camera Resolution: With 50MP, selfies come out sharp and detailed.
- More Affordable: The Honor 90 is generally cheaper making it more attainable for budget conscious consumers.
Key Trade-offs and Limitations
- OnePlus 11: Heavier and thicker than the Honor 90, which may feel cumbersome for some users.
- Honor 90: The chipset is mid-range, so it might struggle with demanding tasks, games and multitasking. Also the lack of a telephoto lens is a limitation in camera versatility.
- Both: Neither phone offers expandable storage, which may be a deal-breaker for some.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
OnePlus 11 is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need the best performance for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want more flexibility in their camera setup, including optical zoom and higher video quality.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest and greatest in terms of connectivity and performance.
- Users who need longevity: The future proofed design should keep the phone relevant and usable for several years.
Honor 90 is best for:
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and everyday tasks.
- Content Creators: Those who prioritize selfie quality and need a device to capture vibrant photos for sharing on social media.
- Users Seeking Comfort: Those who prefer a lighter, more ergonomic phone that is comfortable to hold.
- Budget Conscious Consumers: Those looking for a feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself when choosing between these phones:
- How important is raw performance to you?
- If you are a heavy gamer or power user, the OnePlus 11's top-tier chipset will be a significant advantage. If you are a light user, the Honor 90 will be fine.
- What is your primary need from your phone's camera?
- If versatility and 8K recording matter more, choose the OnePlus 11. If high-resolution selfies and bright outdoor photos are a higher priority, the Honor 90 is the better option.
- How important is physical comfort and usability to you?
- If a lighter and thinner phone is a must, the Honor 90's design may be more appealing.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer/Heavy Multitasker
- Recommendation: OnePlus 11. The vastly superior chipset and GPU make it the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User/Social Media Sharer
- Recommendation: Honor 90. The brighter display, higher resolution selfies, and lighter design make it a good fit.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Buyer
- Recommendation: Honor 90. The slightly lower price will be the deciding factor.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I'd go with the OnePlus 11. While I appreciate the Honor 90's lighter weight and brighter display, the OnePlus 11 offers a level of performance and camera versatility that aligns more with my needs. As a tech journalist and enthusiast, I push my phone to its limits, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip makes a significant difference. The ability to capture higher-quality video in 8K and the additional flexibility of the telephoto lens are huge pluses for me. Also, I like the future proofed design for the connectivity which will keep it relevant for longer.
While the Honor 90 is a great option for many, the OnePlus 11 simply offers more firepower for my kind of user profile. The better performance and camera capabilities along with a superior display makes it the winner for me!
