Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 11 and Huawei Mate X3. These are two very different beasts, so let's break down what each brings to the table.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | OnePlus 11 | Huawei Mate X3 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2023-01-09 | 2023-04-08 | Mate X3 is the newer device by about 3 months |
| Foldable | Standard | Foldable | Mate X3 offers a larger screen and more flexible form factor when unfolded; OnePlus 11 is a traditional slab phone. |
| Size | 163.1 × 74.1 × 8.5 mm | 156.9 × 141.5 × 5.3 mm | OnePlus 11 is taller and thicker, while the Mate X3 is much wider when unfolded and thinner, making it very different. Mate X3 has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 205g | 239g | OnePlus 11 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 7.85" | Mate X3's larger display is ideal for media consumption, multitasking, and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 2224x2496 | Mate X3 has a slightly higher resolution, but the difference isn't drastic |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 426 | OnePlus 11 has a noticeably sharper display, great for reading and fine details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | OnePlus 11's AMOLED offers superior color, contrast, and power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 11 is significantly brighter, making it much better for outdoor viewing. Mate X3 brightness not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G | OnePlus 11 offers better overall speed and performance with the newer chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,389,474 | 1,238,400 | OnePlus 11 is slightly faster, leading to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 740 | Adreno 730 | OnePlus 11 handles graphically intensive tasks and games better. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | OnePlus 11 has a slightly larger battery, but real-world differences may be negligible. |
| Charging | 100W fast charging (Lithium) | 66W fast, 50W wireless (Li-Polymer) | OnePlus 11 has much faster wired charging; Mate X3 offers convenient wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, IMX890 | 50MP, f/1.8, IMX766 | Both have good 50MP main cameras with slightly different sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, S5K3P9 | 8MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 11 has a higher-resolution selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Camera | 32MP, f/2.0, IMX709 | 16MP, f/3.4, IMX351 | OnePlus 11 has a higher-resolution telephoto camera with a wider aperture and larger sensor, leading to better zoom and low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 48MP, f/2.2, IMX581 | 12MP, f/2.2, IMX688 | OnePlus 11 has a much higher resolution ultrawide camera, capturing more detail. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | 4K@60fps, EIS | OnePlus 11 supports higher resolution video recording with 8K. |
| DXOMark | 127 (Overall), 134 (Photo) | N/A | OnePlus 11 has a strong camera performance as per DXOMark scores, the Mate X3 has not been tested. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | (Android 14) | OnePlus 11 offers a clean Android experience and timely updates. Android version for Mate X3 not specified, assumed to be 14 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 7 | WiFi 6 | OnePlus 11 supports faster, more advanced Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 | OnePlus 11 has a more recent Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | L1+L5, GLONASS etc | L1+L5, NavIC etc | Both are very similar with slight differences in specific systems. Mate X3 offers NavIC system. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM, with OnePlus offering eSIM as well |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Mate X3 provides a 1TB storage option, offering much more space for data. |
| RAM | 8/12/16 GB | 8/12 GB | OnePlus 11 offers up to 16GB of RAM, which helps with heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Stereo | OnePlus 11 offers superior audio quality with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Mate X3 has a more convenient and modern side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unspecified | OnePlus 11 has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accel, Compass, Gyro, Proximity | Accel, Compass, Gyro, Proximity, Barometer | Mate X3 includes an additional barometer for environmental readings. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus 11 Strengths:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset gives it a clear edge in speed and graphics.
- Display Sharpness: Higher pixel density for crisper images and text.
- Brightness: Significantly brighter screen for better outdoor visibility.
- Charging: Much faster 100W wired charging.
- Camera: Higher resolution telephoto and ultrawide cameras, plus 8K video recording.
- Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and 2 microphones.
- Software: Clean Android experience with timely updates.
- Connectivity: Supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard.
- Screen Protection: Superior Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
Huawei Mate X3 Strengths:
- Foldable Form Factor: A large screen that folds for portability, offering a unique user experience.
- Display Size: Much larger 7.85" screen for enhanced media consumption and multitasking.
- Storage: Up to 1TB of internal storage available.
- Wireless Charging: 50W wireless charging capability.
- Security: More advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Environmental Sensors: Includes a barometer for advanced features and gaming.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 11: Lacks the versatility of a foldable design, wireless charging, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Huawei Mate X3: Older chipset, less bright display, lower resolution for secondary cameras, not as good audio, no 8k recording.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
OnePlus 11 is best for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
- Gamers: Those who want the best graphical performance and smooth gameplay.
- Photography Fans: People looking for higher-resolution cameras and enhanced video capabilities.
- Outdoor Users: Individuals who need a bright screen for viewing in sunlight.
- Android Purists: Users who prefer a clean Android experience.
- Value-Conscious Consumers: Those seeking top-tier performance at a competitive price.
Huawei Mate X3 is best for:
- Media Lovers: Users who want a large, immersive display for watching videos and browsing.
- Multitaskers: People who need a large screen for productivity.
- Tech Innovators: Individuals drawn to the unique foldable form factor.
- Storage Hogs: Users who need the most storage space for their files and media.
- Wireless Charging Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize the convenience of wireless charging.
- Travelers: Individuals who value versatility and a device that adapts to different use cases.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide:
- Do you need a foldable phone? If yes, the Mate X3 is your choice. If not, consider the OnePlus 11.
- Is screen brightness important? If you regularly use your phone outdoors, the OnePlus 11 is a better fit.
- Do you need the fastest performance and advanced video recording capabilities? The OnePlus 11 wins in performance and camera tech.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Gamer: The OnePlus 11 with its higher performance chipset and smooth display is the clear choice.
- For the Media Consumer: If you prioritize a large screen for movies and TV, the Mate X3’s expansive display will be your preference, though you'll be missing out on brightness and audio quality.
- For the Mobile Photographer: The OnePlus 11 with its stronger camera hardware, 8K recording and better DXOMark rating will provide more capability for camera features.
- For the Business User: The Mate X3, with its large screen and multitasking capabilities is excellent.
- For Someone Who Wants the Best all Around: The OnePlus 11 balances performance, camera, and software at a great value.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd lean toward the OnePlus 11. While the Mate X3's foldable display is intriguing, the OnePlus 11's combination of superior performance, brighter display, better camera capabilities, faster charging, and cleaner software experience is more compelling for my daily needs. As a tech journalist, the ability to capture high quality photos and videos, especially in challenging conditions is of great importance. Also, the price to performance ratio with the OnePlus is simply unbeatable. The foldable format is a significant advantage for the Mate X3, but it's not enough to overcome the OnePlus 11's other strengths.
