Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the OnePlus 11 and the Motorola Moto G35. These two phones occupy different tiers in the smartphone world, and understanding their differences is key to making the right choice.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up, along with real-world implications:
| Feature | OnePlus 11 | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.1 × 74.1 × 8.5 mm, 205g | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm, 188g | Moto G35 is slightly taller and wider but noticeably lighter, which may make it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both phones have a standard build. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.72" | Virtually identical screen sizes; negligible real-world difference. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2400 | OnePlus 11 provides much sharper visuals; text and images will be noticeably clearer. |
| Pixel Density | 525 PPI | 392 PPI | OnePlus 11 has a higher pixel density, resulting in a sharper and more detailed screen, particularly noticeable with text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | OnePlus 11 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1000 nits | OnePlus 11 is much more viewable in bright sunlight, which is crucial for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | Unisoc T760 (6nm) | OnePlus 11's chip is significantly more powerful, handling demanding apps, multitasking, and games with ease; far more future proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,389,474 | 423,297 | OnePlus 11 offers vastly superior performance, which translates to faster loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 740 | Mali-G57 | OnePlus 11's GPU is far superior for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", IMX890, 1.0µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", S5KJN1, 0.64µm | OnePlus 11's larger sensor and larger pixel size gathers more light, resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.1", S5K3P9, 1.0µm | 16MP, f/2.45 | Both offer similar selfie capabilities, though OnePlus 11's larger sensor size should lead to slightly better image quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74", IMX709, 0.8µm | None | OnePlus 11 includes a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, giving better results at longer focal lengths. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Moto G35 has a wide-angle lens for capturing more in a single shot, which is useful for landscapes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 48MP, f/2.2, 1/2", IMX581, 0.8µm | None | OnePlus 11 has dedicated ultrawide lens that also doubles as a macro camera. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps | OnePlus 11 is superior for video recording, offering higher resolutions, frame rates, and additional stabilization. |
| DxOMark | 127 (Mobile) | None | OnePlus 11 camera is validated and is better than Moto G35. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, suggesting similar daily battery life (depending on usage). |
| Charging | 100W Fast Charging (Lithium) | 18W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | OnePlus 11 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 13 | Android 14 | Moto G35 has a newer version of Android out of the box; both will get Android updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 7, 6E, 6, ac, n, g, b, a, MiMO | WiFi ac, n, g, b, a | OnePlus 11 has the latest WiFi technology, offering faster speeds and better performance on modern networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with aptX, LDAC | 5.0 | OnePlus 11 provides a newer and more feature rich Bluetooth version for better audio quality and latency. |
| GPS | More accurate GPS | Normal GPS | OnePlus 11 has far more advanced GPS options. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Both offer dual SIM support; Both have eSIM for flexible digital plan switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128, 256, 512 GB | 128, 256 GB | OnePlus 11 has an option for much larger internal storage, useful for those with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 8, 12, 16 GB | 4, 8 GB | OnePlus 11 offers a higher RAM for smoother multitasking and better app performance; better for gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 11 is slightly better for audio with Hi-Res audio for audiophiles. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic in-display | Side-mounted | Moto G35 has a more advanced fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | OnePlus 11 has a much tougher screen, better resistance to scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| List | Gravity, Proximity, Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | OnePlus 11 has Gravity sensor. |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
OnePlus 11: This is a high-performance flagship killer. Its primary strengths are in its performance, display quality, camera capabilities, fast charging, and high build quality. It is for users who demand the best possible performance, premium features, and stunning visuals. The biggest advantages of this phone are the performance, 8K video, fast charge and more durable build.
Motorola Moto G35: This phone is positioned as a budget-friendly, mid-range device. Its advantages are a newer operating system, and a more advanced fingerprint sensor. It is aimed at users who prioritize essential functions at a lower cost. The main advantages of this phone is the budget-friendly price and newer Android operating system.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
OnePlus 11:
- Ideal For: Power users, gamers, photographers, and those who value cutting-edge technology.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-quality video recording, professional photography, demanding applications, and users who want a very responsive and fluid experience.
Motorola Moto G35:
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users, everyday users with basic needs, those who need a newer version of android.
- Use Cases: Web browsing, social media, basic photography, streaming, users who need a reliable smartphone at a budget price point.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you choose, ask yourself these questions:
- How important is performance for me? If you play graphics-intensive games or do demanding tasks, the OnePlus 11 is the only real choice.
- How much do I value a high-quality display and camera? If sharp visuals and good photos are critical, then OnePlus 11 is the obvious choice.
- What is my budget? The Moto G35 is a budget option, but the OnePlus 11 provides a lot more in performance and features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- High-Performance User: If you need a phone for demanding tasks, gaming, or want the best possible experience: Choose the OnePlus 11.
- Budget-Conscious User: If you need a solid, reliable phone for basic tasks: Choose the Motorola Moto G35.
- Mid-Range User: The Moto G35 is your go to device because its the only one here that's a mid-range.
- Power User that doesn't Game: If you need a device for professional or more demanding tasks, choose the OnePlus 11.
My Choice and Why
Personally, if I were choosing between these two devices, I would go with the OnePlus 11. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, I spend a lot of time using my phone for research, photo/video editing, and multitasking between multiple apps. I also enjoy mobile gaming. The OnePlus 11's blazing-fast performance, stunning AMOLED display, and high-quality camera system are essential for my use case. While I appreciate the budget-friendly price point of the Moto G35, the trade-offs in performance and display quality are too significant for my needs. The much faster charging and far more capable cameras (8K video is a must for some videos), the more durable build of the OnePlus 11 is why it is an easy choice for me. The OnePlus 11 also has the edge when it comes to more advanced WiFi and Bluetooth support, leading to better user experience. While the slightly newer Android OS on the Moto G35 is nice to have, it doesn't outweigh the numerous advantages that the OnePlus 11 offers in real-world usage.
