OnePlus 11 5G vs Nokia XR21 (2023) 5G – Specs, camera & prices compared

OnePlus 11 5G

The OnePlus 11 5G impresses with its sleek design and vibrant display, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. Equipped with advanced camera capabilities, it captures stunning photos in various lighting conditions. Additionally, its performance is top-tier, delivering smooth multitasking and efficient power use, making it a strong contender in the smartphone market.

Nokia XR21 (2023) 5G

The Nokia XR21 5G is a rugged smartphone built to withstand harsh conditions while maintaining seamless connectivity. It combines durability with a sleek design, making it suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals who need reliability in their mobile devices. With its advanced features, the XR21 caters to users looking for performance and endurance in a 5G-capable handset.

Design & Aesthetics: The Tangible Differences

When it comes to design, the OnePlus 11 5G and the Nokia XR21 (2023) 5G offer distinct philosophies catering to different aesthetics. The OnePlus 11 boasts a slender profile with dimensions of 163.1 mm in height, 74.1 mm in width, and a thickness of 8.53 mm, weighing in at 205 grams. Its premium build and sleek finish are aimed at users who prefer a modern, elegant look.

In contrast, the Nokia XR21 is slightly bulkier, with dimensions of 168 mm in height, 78.58 mm in width, and a significant thickness of 10.45 mm, weighing 231 grams. It is clearly designed for durability and robustness, perhaps appealing to those who lead an active lifestyle and need a stronger device that can withstand harsher conditions.

Display & Visual Experience

The OnePlus 11 5G's display is a spectacle, offering a 6.7-inch screen with a resolution of 1440x3216 pixels and a pixel density of 526 PPI. The 120 Hz refresh rate guarantees smooth scrolling, but its Ace in the sleeve is the lightning-fast 1000 Hz touch response. Moreover, it supports a staggering 1073 million colors, setting a high bar for vibrant and immersive visual experiences.

On the other hand, the Nokia XR21’s 6.49-inch display is no slouch. With a resolution of 1080x2400 pixels and 406 PPI, it provides crisp images and a 120 Hz refresh rate ensures fluid gameplay and browsing. It supports 16 million colors, which, while less than OnePlus, caters to the average consumer's needs quite adequately.

Performance & Processing Power

Under the hood, the OnePlus 11 flexes its muscles with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 5G SM8550-AB processor paired with a robust Qualcomm Adreno 740 GPU. It comes in multiple RAM options (8 GB to 18 GB) and storage options ranging from 128 GB to 512 GB, making it ideal for power users who demand speed and multitasking agility.

Nokia XR21 is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G SM6375 processor, which, while not as powerful as OnePlus’s offering, is more than capable for standard use. The 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage is well-suited for users who prioritize reliability and efficiency over raw power.

Camera Capabilities: Pixel Wars

Photography enthusiasts might be swayed by the camera specs of these devices. The OnePlus 11 sports a 50.1 MP main camera with impressive zoom capabilities (2.0x optical and 10.0x digital) and can capture video at an astonishing 7680x4320 resolution at 24 fps. The selfie camera boasts a 15.9 MP sensor, making it excellent for high-resolution self-portraits and video calls.

Nokia counters with a higher resolution main camera at 63.7 MP, albeit with only 1.0x optical zoom. It records video at 1920x1080 pixels, which is standard for most uses. The front camera matches OnePlus in resolution with 15.9 MP, ensuring quality selfies and video chats.

Battery Life & Charging

The OnePlus 11 offers a hefty 5000 mAh battery with fast charging capabilities of 80W to 100W, letting users power up rapidly. Wireless and reverse wireless charging features add to its versatility.

Nokia XR21 holds its ground with a 4800 mAh battery with a 33W charging capacity, a satisfactory performance for everyday use but lacking the quick-charge capabilities of its rival.

Connectivity & Extras

Both phones boast comprehensive 5G capabilities. The OnePlus 11 supports the latest WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, offering advanced connectivity options, while the Nokia XR21 supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. The OnePlus has USB Type-C audio output versus the traditional 3.5 mm jack from Nokia, hinting at user preferences for either classic or modern audio connection options.

Conclusion: Choices Tailored for Your Needs

Choosing between the OnePlus 11 5G and the Nokia XR21 boils down to your needs and preferences. The OnePlus 11 excels in processing power, display quality, and charging technology; it’s a performance powerhouse wrapped in a sleek design. The Nokia XR21, however, offers durability and solid performance with an emphasis on practicality and robust build quality—ideal for those seeking reliability over all else.