OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 11: Which One Should You Buy?

As OnePlus unveiled its latest flagships, the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus 12R, it's customary to assess how the OnePlus 12 stacks up against its predecessor, the OnePlus 11. While the physical resemblance is evident, a closer look reveals noteworthy upgrades in key areas.

Let's dive into a detailed comparison of these two smartphones.

Design

When it comes to aesthetics, the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 11 exhibit subtle yet significant differences. The OnePlus 12, slightly larger and more refined, showcases meticulously crafted design elements, such as a luxurious metal ring encircling the camera system. Additionally, the repositioning of the volume and power keys, along with the relocated alert slider, enhances the visual aesthetics, creating a harmonious overall look.

The OnePlus 12 showcases sophistication in its Flowy Emerald and Silky Black color options, while the OnePlus 11 retains a recognizable circular camera system. However, the OnePlus 12 surpasses its predecessor with refined design elements and improved dimensions.
Display

While both devices share a 2K resolution and a 120Hz variable refresh rate, the OnePlus 12 leaps forward with a 6.82-inch screen that dazzles with a peak brightness of 4500 nits. In contrast, the OnePlus 11's 6.7-inch display reaches a peak brightness of 1300 nits.

The OnePlus 12's display shines brighter, making it a standout choice for users who prioritize vivid visuals and clarity. Whether indulging in multimedia content or navigating the interface, the OnePlus 12's superior brightness does leave its mark.

Performance

OnePlus continues its tradition of upgrading processing power with the OnePlus 12 featuring the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, offering a 30% faster CPU, 25% faster GPU, and a 10% improvement in power efficiency. In contrast, the OnePlus 11 relies on the previous-gen Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, showcasing the natural progression in flagship phone capabilities.

If you want the absolute best performance, the OnePlus 12 is the natural choice, otherwise you can save some cash and still get brilliant performance with the OnePlus 11.

Camera

The OnePlus 12 elevates the photography experience with a triple-camera setup, headlined by a 64-megapixel 3x periscope telephoto lens, offering superior zoom capabilities compared to the OnePlus 11's 32-megapixel 2x portrait telephoto camera. The main camera on the OnePlus 12 features the new Sony LYT-808 sensor, promising DSLR-level portraits with its 23mm focal length and f/1.6 aperture.

Both devices share a 48MP ultrawide camera but the OnePlus 12 introduces a 32MP selfie camera, replacing the OnePlus 11's 16MP option. The OnePlus 12's image enhancements extend beyond zoom capabilities, with improved color reproduction and natural tones evident across various scenarios.

Battery

The OnePlus 12 emerges as the undisputed champion with its massive 5400mAh battery, surpassing the OnePlus 11's 5000mAh cell. Despite the slight increase in charging time due to the larger battery, the OnePlus 12 still supports 100W fast charging like the OnePlus 11, ensuring a quick refill. Additionally, the OnePlus 12 introduces 50W AirVOOC wireless charging, a feature absent in the OnePlus 11, enhancing charging convenience for users.

Price

The OnePlus 12 debuts in India at a slightly higher price compared to its predecessor, the OnePlus 11. Starting at Rs 64,999 for the 12/256GB configuration, the OnePlus 12 offers users more powerful specifications. The OnePlus 11 begins at Rs 56,999 for the 8/128GB configuration. The OnePlus 12's maximum price is Rs 69,999 for the 16/512GB configuration, while the OnePlus 11 reaches a maximum of Rs 61,999 for the 16/256GB configuration.

The price difference reflects the numerous enhancements introduced in the OnePlus 12. It boasts a larger battery, an advanced camera system, and improved performance, ensuring it remains competitive in the ever-evolving smartphone market. Despite the incremental increase in cost, the OnePlus 12 offers users a compelling balance between cutting-edge features and affordability, making it a desirable choice for those seeking a high-end smartphone experience.

The Verdict

The OnePlus 12 marks a significant leap forward from its predecessor, establishing itself as a flagship device worthy of consideration. It boasts a powerful new processor, an enhanced display, improved cameras, and competitive pricing. While it may not offer specialized AI features found in devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the Pixel 8 series, the OnePlus 12's overall advancements make it a compelling choice for those looking to upgrade from the 11.