Unveiling the Power-packed OnePlus 11: A Stunning Phone with Cutting-Edge Performance and Unmatched Battery Life
The highly anticipated OnePlus 11 smartphone is set to shake up the market with its cutting-edge technology at a fraction of the cost compared to big names like Apple, Samsung and Google. Equipped with a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, a stunning 6.7 inch OLED screen, and a versatile camera setup, the 11 has the potential to be one of the top smartphones of the year. But is it worth the investment? In this review, we delve into the design, software, performance, sustainability, and camera of the OnePlus 11, giving you a complete understanding of what to expect from this device. Whether you’re in the market for a new smartphone or simply curious about the latest advancements, this review has got you covered on all things OnePlus 11.
Design:
The phone features a metal and glass sandwich design like most premium smartphones. The large 6.7-inch OLED screen on the front of the device is bright, clear and boasts a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it one of the finest displays available. The glass curves to the metal band at the sides while the phone’s relatively narrow width makes it easier to hold than wider rivals from Google or Samsung.
The black version’s frosted glass back provides a comfortable grip and the standout feature is its prominent circular camera module located at the top. The phone is only splash resistant and not rated to be capable of surviving submersion in water like most rivals, which feels a bit cheap.
Software:
The OnePlus 11 operates on the latest version of OxygenOS, OxygenOS 13, a custom-tailored version of Android 13 that offers advanced customization options. The software is known for its smooth and seamless performance, similar to previous OxygenOS versions. Although the company has committed to providing five years of bimonthly security updates and four major Android upgrades, this falls short compared to its competitors such as Samsung and Apple who offer extended support for their software.
Performance and Battery Life:
The 11 has Qualcomm’s brand new top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, which makes it faster and longer lasting. The phone feels rapid in day-to-day operations. Battery life is much improved, lasting about 46 to 48 hours between charges. The battery can be fully charged in about 23 minutes using the 100W power converter, which is only somewhat longer than the 10T. The battery is estimated to endure at least 1,600 full charge cycles, approximately twice that of most competitors and is expected to last the lifetime of the phone without requiring a replacement.
Sustainability:
The OnePlus 11 lacks eco-friendly elements like recycled materials, but it does prioritize repairability, making it a more sustainable option compared to other smartphones that can only be repaired by the manufacturer. Screen replacements for the OnePlus 11 can be completed for roughly $96 (£80/Rs.7950), while battery replacements can be performed for around $24 (£20/Rs.2000), plus the cost of labor. Additionally, the company offers a trade-in program and is included in the sustainability reports of its parent company, Oppo, which showcases their commitment to sustainability efforts.
Camera:
The OnePlus 11 features a similar camera setup to the previous year’s 10 Pro, utilizing technology from Hasselblad. It includes a 48MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 32MP 2x telephoto lens on the rear, as well as a capable 16MP front-facing camera. The main camera captures excellent photos with good detail and range, but some slight loss of sharpness around the edges of the frame and color balance issues may occur.
The three cameras may perform less impressively in low-light situations compared to leading competitors. The ultra-wide camera doubles as a macro photography mode and can produce stunning images up close. Other modes, such as a proficient portrait mode and a unique Xpan panoramic mode, perform well overall.
Display:
The stunning 6.7-inch OLED display of the OnePlus 11 is a true feast for the eyes. With a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz, it offers unparalleled smoothness and clarity. Its peak brightness of 1100 nits guarantees stunning visibility even under bright light conditions, and HDR10+ support enhances the overall viewing experience. The display features a sleek hole-punch cutout for the front camera, giving it a modern and minimalistic appearance. To top it off, the screen is fortified with Corning Gorilla Glass, ensuring protection against scratches and cracks.
Speakers:
The OnePlus 11 is equipped with a pair of powerful dual stereo speakers, delivering exceptional sound quality with clear and robust audio output. Whether you’re listening to your favorite tunes, binging on a movie or gaming, these speakers will immerse you in a dynamic audio experience like no other. With their superior sound quality, the speakers on the OnePlus 11 bring your entertainment to life like never before. Prepare for an aural spectacular with Dolby Atmos. Powerful speakers immerse you in our most cinematic audio ever with directional spatial audio using a similar auditory structure to that found in high-end computers.
Storage:
The OnePlus 11 offers two storage configurations to choose from – 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage or 16GB RAM and 256GB internal storage. Both options offer generous storage space for most consumers, however, there is no provision for expandable storage through microSD card.
Fingerprint Scanner:
The phone has a quick and reliable in-display fingerprint scanner. The scanner also supports two-factor authentication, providing an extra layer of security.
Connectivity:
The OnePlus 11 supports 5G connectivity, providing lightning-fast download and upload speeds. Additionally, it has dual-SIM capabilities, enabling simultaneous use of two SIM cards. Other connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, NFC, and USB Type-C.
Price:
The OnePlus 11 costs £729 ($699/Rs56,999) for 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage or £799 ($799) with 16 and 256GB, shipping on 16 February.
Conclusion:
In summary, the OnePlus 11 is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a high-performance smartphone at a cost-effective price point. It boasts a powerful processor, a long-lasting battery and a top-notch display, offering substantial value for its price. However, some individuals may be disheartened by the absence of water-resistance and the modest camera capabilities in comparison to other leading smartphones. If you are searching for a premium phone that won’t hurt your budget, the OnePlus 11 is a dependable choice.
