1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 9R and OnePlus 11, focusing on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | OnePlus 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 163.1 × 74.1 × 8.5 mm | OnePlus 11 is slightly taller, but similar width and thickness. Minimal real-world difference in handling. |
| Weight | 189g | 205g | OnePlus 9R is noticeably lighter (16g difference), more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | OnePlus 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | OnePlus 11 has a slightly larger display. Offers a more immersive experience, especially for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3216 | OnePlus 11's higher resolution results in a much sharper display, making text, images, and videos look significantly clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 402 | 525 | Noticeably sharper visuals on the OnePlus 11. Less pixelation and more detailed images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED for vibrant colors and deep blacks, providing a similar visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. 120Hz is ideal for fluid gaming and UI navigation on both. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | OnePlus 11 has dramatically better visibility in bright sunlight, whereas visibility of OnePlus 9R is unknown due to missing spec. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | OnePlus 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | OnePlus 11's newer chip offers significantly faster performance for all tasks, from everyday use to demanding gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 1,389,474 | OnePlus 11 scores 69% higher, meaning noticeable improvements in app loading, multitasking, and overall responsiveness, particularly noticeable for resource-intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 740 | OnePlus 11's GPU enables smoother gameplay in graphic-intensive games, and also allows for better performance in graphic-intensive apps |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | OnePlus 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | OnePlus 11's larger battery provides longer usage between charges, a noticeable advantage for heavy users. |
| Charging | 65W | 100W | OnePlus 11 charges much faster, minimizing downtime. More convenient for users needing quick power boosts. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries, which is standard on modern smartphones. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | OnePlus 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Main) | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2" Sony IMX586, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" Sony IMX890, 1.0µm | OnePlus 11's larger sensor and pixels capture more light, resulting in superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions; OnePlus 9R has wider aperture that offers better shallow depth of field. |
| Selfie | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471, 1.0µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.1" Samsung S5K3P9, 1.0µm | Minor sensor size difference, with similar performance for selfies in normal lighting conditions, though sensor difference may indicate different color reproduction. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74" Sony IMX709, 0.8µm | OnePlus 11 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, allowing for closer shots without losing image quality. A significant advantage for photography enthusiasts who often zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09" Sony IMX481, 1.0µm | None | OnePlus 9R has a wide-angle lens to capture more in the frame. Suitable for landscape and group photos. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 48MP, f/2.2, 1/2" Sony IMX581, 0.8µm | OnePlus 11 combines wide-angle and macro into a single lens, capturing both wider scenes and close-up details. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps with HDR, EIS | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@480fps with HDR, EIS | OnePlus 11 offers higher resolution (8K) video and better slow motion (480fps), while both feature HDR and EIS. Suitable for videography enthusiasts seeking highest quality. |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | Mobile: 127, Photo: 134, Video: 121 | OnePlus 11's camera performance is confirmed by DxOMark scores, providing an indication of image quality and consistency. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, OIS, PDAF, HDR, RAW | Flicker sensor, 4K/8K Video, OIS, PDAF, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Ultra stable video, Gimbal, Night Mode, Continuous autofocus, HDR, RAW | OnePlus 11 offers more advanced features, including 8K video, optical zoom, and a gimbal for improved video stability as well as better low light performance. |
Software
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | OnePlus 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 (up to 13) | Android 13 (up to 14) | OnePlus 11 offers a more recent OS with more features and security updates, and is supported for longer. |
Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | OnePlus 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | OnePlus 11 offers newer WiFi standards, resulting in faster speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded areas. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.3 | OnePlus 11 has a newer version of Bluetooth, offering slightly faster speeds and improved power efficiency, plus an extra codec. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | OnePlus 11 supports a broader range of satellite systems for enhanced accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | OnePlus 11 allows the use of an eSIM, allowing users to change plans digitally. |
Storage & RAM
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | OnePlus 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | OnePlus 11 offers more storage options, providing more space for apps, media and files, especially with the 512GB option. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12/16 GB | OnePlus 11 has a 16GB RAM option, ensuring better multitasking and performance in demanding apps and games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage; Users must choose a sufficient option initially. |
Audio
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | OnePlus 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both have good stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, but the OnePlus 11 has Hi-Res audio support, which is negligibly better for compatible headphones. |
Security
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | OnePlus 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones feature a standard fingerprint sensor. |
Build Quality
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | OnePlus 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | OnePlus 11's screen offers better scratch and shatter resistance. |
Sensors
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | OnePlus 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | OnePlus 11 offers a gravity sensor which can be useful in specific apps and games |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 11 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers significantly faster processing, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming capabilities.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution (1440x3216) and pixel density (525 PPI) result in a much clearer and more detailed screen.
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits brightness provides excellent outdoor visibility.
- Better Camera System: Improved main sensor, a dedicated telephoto lens, better video recording options, and higher DxOMark scores contribute to better overall image quality and versatility.
- Faster Charging: 100W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Larger Battery: 5000 mAh provides longer battery life, ideal for heavy users.
- Newer Software: Launched with Android 13, offering better feature set and extended support
- Modern Connectivity: Offers Wi-Fi 7 support with much more speed and better latency compared to WiFi 6
- More RAM: 16GB RAM option is excellent for heavy multitasking
- eSIM Support: eSIM capability allows digital carrier switching, providing greater flexibility for travelers and multiple mobile users
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus display offers better protection against damage
- Additional Sensors: The inclusion of the gravity sensor in the OnePlus 11 can be useful in specific apps and games
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Lighter Build: Weighing 16 grams less makes it more comfortable for extended use.
- Wide Angle Lens: Dedicated wide angle lens for broader field of view shots.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for capturing close-up shots.
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor for enhanced portrait mode.
- Lower Cost: The older model typically comes at a lower price point, appealing to budget-conscious users.
- Quadruple Camera: A dedicated 4th camera lens for macro shots.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 11: Higher price point; slightly heavier.
- OnePlus 9R: Significantly less powerful performance; less sharp display; inferior camera in comparison; no optical zoom.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 11 Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other resource-intensive tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users seeking a versatile camera system with great image quality, zoom capabilities, and advanced features.
- Frequent Travelers: Users who will benefit from the eSIM functionality and the improved GPS for accuracy.
- Media Consumers: Those who enjoy watching videos and playing games on their phone and want a sharper and more immersive experience.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest technology and features and will make use of the faster charging and connectivity.
OnePlus 11 Use Cases:
- Gaming at the highest settings with smooth, fluid performance.
- Capturing professional-grade photos and videos with optical zoom and advanced features.
- Extended use on the go due to larger battery capacity and faster charging.
- Enjoying media on the large, sharp, and bright display.
- Multitasking with numerous apps open without performance issues.
OnePlus 9R Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a decent smartphone experience at a lower price point.
- Users who prioritize comfort and weight: Preference of a lighter and slightly smaller phone
- Casual Photographers: Users who need a versatile camera for everyday shots, including the wide-angle and macro capabilities.
- Users with less-demanding needs: Those who do not need the latest performance or cutting-edge features.
OnePlus 9R Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Taking wide-angle landscape photos and detailed close-up shots.
- Casual gaming and media consumption.
- Users who do not require the best performance for demanding tasks
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you need the absolute best performance for gaming and demanding tasks, or is adequate performance sufficient?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need a versatile camera system with optical zoom and high image quality, or are basic photo and video capabilities enough?
- Budget Constraints: Is the lower price point of the OnePlus 9R more appealing, or is the OnePlus 11's additional performance and features worth the premium cost?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance & Camera Focused User: If you prioritize top performance and a premium camera experience, choose the OnePlus 11.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: If you need a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks and basic photography and want to save money, the OnePlus 9R is a suitable choice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you need some additional camera capabilities with wide and macro lenses as well as a more comfortable light weight phone, the OnePlus 9R can satisfy while saving some money.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus 11.
Here's why:
While the OnePlus 9R has its merits, particularly its lighter weight and dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, the OnePlus 11 offers a significantly superior experience across several key areas that are crucial to me:
- Performance: As a power user who runs resource intensive apps often, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip is a big draw, making the phone future proof for a few years.
- Display Quality: I value a sharp and vibrant screen for media consumption and everyday use. The much higher resolution and brightness of the OnePlus 11 are significant upgrades.
- Camera Versatility: I would prioritize the telephoto zoom lens of the OnePlus 11 over the macro lens in the OnePlus 9R. While a wide angle camera is a plus point of the OnePlus 9R, its lack in the OnePlus 11 can be neglected due to its overall better camera system.
- Overall Experience: Features like faster charging, better connectivity, a larger battery, newer software, and superior build quality make the OnePlus 11 feel like a more modern and premium device.
I understand that the OnePlus 9R is a great option for those on a budget or for those who prefer a lighter phone. However, for me, the improvements of the OnePlus 11 in overall performance and feature set greatly outweigh the added cost and minor drawbacks.
