OnePlus 13 vs OnePlus 11

What to know

• The OnePlus 13 stands out with its faster Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, advanced AI features, brighter flat display, improved cameras, larger battery with wireless charging, and robust IP68 durability.
• Meanwhile, the OnePlus 11 offers solid performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a sleek curved display, excellent camera quality, and a lower price point, making it a well-rounded choice for budget-conscious buyers.
• OnePlus 11 costs Rs 36K approx right now (January 10, 2025) while OnePlus 13 will cost you Rs 70K (65K if you ICICI credit card).

OnePlus has returned with a bang! It checks all the boxes of being better, faster, stronger (and smarter too) compared to previous generations of OnePlus devices. But the question is - by how much?

While the latest addition to the OnePlus family boasts of several improvements over its older cousin the OnePlus 11, it is also much more expensive. So the decision has to be made based on whether or not the improvements are worth the much higher price tag.

With that in mind, let's explore their key differences and similarities to help you make an informed choice.

OnePlus 13 vs OnePlus 11

The OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 11 are both impressive smartphones. But the differences (or lack thereof) are always in the details. Here's our in-depth comparison of the two devices as we try to ferret out which one offers a better value for your money.

Speed and Performance

The OnePlus 13 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, featuring octa-core architecture with clock speeds up to 4.32 GHz. It comes with 12GB, 16GB, or 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM - the fastest RAM type there is currently - ensuring exceptional performance for multitasking and demanding applications.

In contrast, the OnePlus 11 utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, with a maximum clock speed of 3.2 GHz, and offers 8GB or 16GB of RAM. While still capable, it doesn't match the raw speed and efficiency of the OnePlus 13.

Operating System

The OnePlus 13 runs on OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15, offering a modern and intuitive user experience with enhanced features and security updates. The OnePlus 11 operates on OxygenOS 13, based on Android 13, which, while still functional, lacks the latest enhancements found in the newer version.

Display

The OnePlus 13 features a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 3168 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. Manufactured by BOE, it boasts a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, making it exceptionally bright and clear even in direct sunlight. The display is flat, and the quad-curved screen has a slight edge on all four sides, enhancing viewing immersion and reducing eyestrain. But most importantly, thanks Aqua Touch 2.0 technology, you can use your device even if the screen's wet. The new Glove Mode also improves the screen responsiveness when you have gloves on. All these things make OnePlus 13 the world's first DisplayMate A++ rated display.

The OnePlus 11 offers a slightly smaller 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 3216 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. Its peak brightness is 1,300 nits, which is much lower than the OnePlus 13. The screen has curved edges, providing a sleek aesthetic but potentially affecting durability.

Cameras

The OnePlus 13 is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup:

• Main Camera: 50MP with an f/1.6 aperture for clear high-res photos.
• Telephoto Camera: 50MP periscope lens with 3x optical zoom, allowing for detailed zoomed-in shots.
• Ultra-Wide Camera: 50MP sensor with a 120° field of view, ideal for capturing expansive scenes.
• Selfie Camera: 32MP front-facing camera for high-quality selfies.

This setup delivers high-resolution photos and videos with enhanced clarity and color accuracy. But, as is the case with all OnePlus devices, there's a big drop off in terms of quality in low-light conditions.

The OnePlus 11 also features a triple-camera system:

• Main Camera: 50MP with an f/1.8 aperture.
• Telephoto Camera: 32MP lens with 2x optical zoom.
• Ultra-Wide Camera: 48MP sensor.
• Selfie Camera: 16MP front camera.

While capable, it doesn't offer the same level of detail and versatility as the OnePlus 13's camera system.

AI Features

The OnePlus 13 introduces advanced AI capabilities, including AI Unblur, AI Reflections Eraser, and AI Notes, for enhanced photo editing and productivity. There are other AI features as well, including device-wide Intelligent Search to find information from files and notes on-device, Circle to Search, Magic Compose, and PassScan to scan and save boarding pass in Google Wallet. These features are not present in the OnePlus 11, providing the OnePlus 13 with a significant advantage in AI-driven functionalities.

Battery

The OnePlus 13 houses a substantial 6,000 mAh battery, supporting 100W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging capabilities, ensuring quick and convenient power replenishment.

The OnePlus 11 comes with a 5,000 mAh battery and supports 100W wired charging but lacks wireless charging options, offering less flexibility compared to the OnePlus 13.

Connectivity

Both devices support Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth (v5.4 for OnePlus 13 and v5.3 for OnePlus 11), and NFC for seamless connectivity. The OnePlus 13 includes eSIM support, providing additional convenience for users, a feature not available in the OnePlus 11.

Design

The OnePlus 13 features a flat display and is available in Black, Blue, and White color options, with a faux leather option in blue, offering a premium and customizable aesthetic. It also boasts IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance, enhancing durability.

The OnePlus 11 has a curved display and comes in Titan Black and Eternal Green, with an IP54 rating, providing basic protection against dust and splashes but not as robust as the OnePlus 13.

Project Starlight

OnePlus has also unveiled Project Starlight - a ₹6,000 crore investment initiative over the next three years to improve device durability, better connectivity options, and improved customer service.

For starters, OnePlus 13 adds a new protective layer on the AMOLED display that addresses the perennial green line issue on such displays, while also providing lifetime warranty against these defects.

As per Project Starlight, OnePlus 13 is the first device in India to support 5.5G connectivity. In collaboration with the network provider Jio, the new 5.5G connectivity offers a 380% speed boost over 4G speeds. The project also includes a 'Steady Connect' feature that gives extended Bluetooth connectivity up to 360 meters.

The company is also looking to expand its service centers by 50% by mid-2026, as well as online hotline support, WhatsApp assistance, and live chat options.

Specifications Comparison

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the key specifications:

Which One is Better for You?

Choose OnePlus 13 if you:

• Want the fastest processor and highest RAM configurations for demanding apps or gaming.
• Prioritize a brighter, larger, flat display for excellent visibility and durability.
• Need advanced AI features to enhance photos and productivity.
• Require wireless and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
• Desire a more robust water and dust resistance rating (IP68/IP69).
• Appreciate camera versatility with better zoom capabilities and enhanced ultra-wide features.

Choose OnePlus 11 if you:

• Don't want to spend 65-70K and yet want a quality phone under 40K.
• Are looking for a capable phone with great performance and a sleek curved display.
• Prefer a more budget-friendly option while still enjoying high-quality features.
• Don’t require wireless charging or advanced AI features.
• Are satisfied with an IP54 rating for basic durability needs.

Final Verdict

The OnePlus 13 clearly offers a superior package with its top-tier specifications, advanced AI features, and durability enhancements. However, the OnePlus 11 remains a fantastic device for users who value a premium experience without the highest-end bells and whistles.

The choice ultimately depends on your priorities—whether it's cutting-edge performance and features or a well-rounded and slightly more economical flagship device.