Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 vs. OnePlus 11: A Detailed Comparison
The foldable phone revolution continues with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, while the OnePlus 11 champions traditional smartphone design with top-tier specs. Let's dissect these two distinct approaches to mobile technology and see which phone emerges as the champion for various user needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | OnePlus 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Slab | Fold4 offers unique flexibility and a larger inner screen; OnePlus 11 prioritizes pocketability and durability. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 (folded) | 163.1 x 74.1 x 8.5 | Fold4 is more compact when folded but thicker; OnePlus 11 is thinner but taller and wider overall. |
| Weight (g) | 263 | 205 | Fold4's added weight is noticeable but understandable given its complex hinge mechanism; OnePlus 11 feels lighter in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Display Type | Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X | LTPO3 Fluid AMOLED | Fold4's inner display creases but offers expansive screen real estate; OnePlus 11 delivers a smoother, potentially more power-efficient experience with its LTPO panel. |
| Size (inches) | 7.6 (inner), 6.2 (cover) | 6.7 | Fold4's inner screen is tablet-sized; OnePlus 11 offers a large but standard smartphone display. |
| Resolution (px) | 1812 x 2176 (inner), 832 x 2268 (cover) | 1440 x 3216 | Both offer sharp visuals, but the OnePlus 11 boasts a slightly higher pixel density. |
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | 120 | 120 | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. OnePlus 11's LTPO technology allows for dynamic refresh rate adjustment, potentially saving battery. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | OnePlus 11 leverages a newer, more powerful, and efficient chipset, leading to faster performance and potentially better battery life. |
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) | OnePlus 11's CPU architecture offers performance gains over the Fold4. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 740 | OnePlus 11's improved GPU should deliver smoother gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| RAM | 12GB | 8/12/16GB | Both offer ample RAM for multitasking, though OnePlus 11 offers configurations with even more RAM. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera (MP) | 50 | 50 | Comparable main camera resolution, but image quality will depend on sensor and software processing. OnePlus edges out slightly in DxOMark scores. |
| DxOMark Score | 124 | 127 | OnePlus 11 scores slightly higher in overall camera quality according to DxOMark. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity (mAh) | 4400 | 5000 | OnePlus 11 has a significantly larger battery, promising longer usage time. |
| Charging | 25W wired, 15W wireless | 100W wired | OnePlus 11 offers dramatically faster wired charging. |
2. Key Insights
- Multitasking Powerhouse: The Fold4's expansive inner display truly shines when multitasking. Running multiple apps side-by-side feels natural and productive.
- Pocket Rocket: The OnePlus 11 delivers flagship performance in a sleek and manageable form factor. Its superior processor and faster charging are major advantages.
- Camera Prowess: While both phones boast impressive camera systems, the OnePlus 11 edges out the Fold4 in benchmarks and offers more versatile lens options.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Fold4: Ideal for power users, content creators, and anyone who values a large screen for productivity and media consumption on the go. The unique form factor enables new workflows and possibilities.
- OnePlus 11: A great choice for users seeking a high-performance, feature-rich smartphone with excellent battery life and fast charging. Gamers, photography enthusiasts, and those prioritizing raw speed will appreciate the OnePlus 11.
4. Buying Decision Framework
- Is a foldable screen a priority? If the answer is a resounding yes, the Fold4 is your only option here.
- How important is battery life and charging speed? The OnePlus 11's larger battery and blazing-fast charging give it a significant edge in this department.
- What is your budget? While both fall into the "medium price" range, specific configurations and market conditions will determine the final price.
My Choice: OnePlus 11
While the Fold4's foldable screen is undeniably cool, the OnePlus 11 better aligns with my personal needs and priorities. As someone who values raw performance, long battery life, and fast charging, the OnePlus 11 is the clear winner for me. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2's efficiency and power combined with the impressive 100W charging make it a compelling package. While I appreciate the innovative design of the Fold4, the added bulk, crease in the display, and higher price point make it less appealing for my daily use. The OnePlus 11 strikes a perfect balance between cutting-edge technology, practicality, and price.