Galaxy S23+ Vs OnePlus 11

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:293.00

Versus €1,019.00 new

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OnePlus 11
OnePlus 11
Starting at

Refurbished price:325.00

Versus €949.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and the OnePlus 11 are both high-performance smartphones released in early 2023, offering distinct experiences within the Android ecosystem. While the Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, emphasizes a balanced flagship experience with a focus on camera consistency and display quality, the OnePlus 11, released in January 2023, prioritizes raw performance and rapid charging capabilities. Both devices run on the Android operating system, providing users with a wide range of customization and application options.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus was released in February 2023, while the OnePlus 11 launched slightly earlier in January 2023. This means the Galaxy S23 Plus may receive software updates for a slightly longer period due to its later release.
  • OS Support Duration: Samsung typically provides four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for its flagship devices, including the Galaxy S23 Plus. OnePlus has committed to four generations of Android upgrades and five years of security updates for the OnePlus 11. This commitment ensures both phones will remain functional and secure for an extended period.
  • Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built with durable materials, with the Galaxy S23 Plus featuring Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for screen protection and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The OnePlus 11 uses Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, with an IP64 rating for splash and dust resistance. Users can expect several years of reliable performance from either device, making them suitable for those seeking a quality-assured refurbished option.

Year of Release

2023

2023

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both smartphones deliver robust performance for daily tasks and demanding applications, though they approach battery management and storage slightly differently.

  • Storage and RAM: The Galaxy S23 Plus is available with 256GB or 512GB of internal storage, paired with 8GB of RAM. The OnePlus 11 offers more varied configurations, including 128GB (UFS 3.1) with 8GB RAM, and 256GB or 512GB (UFS 4.0) with 12GB or 16GB of RAM. The UFS 4.0 storage in higher-tier OnePlus 11 models offers faster read/write speeds.
  • Everyday Responsiveness: Both devices are equipped with current-generation processors designed for high efficiency and speed. This translates to smooth app loading, fluid multitasking, and capable handling of graphics-intensive games. Users will experience quick transitions between applications and minimal lag during intensive use.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 4700 mAh battery, providing ample power for a full day of heavy use and often extending into a second day for moderate users. It supports 45W fast charging. The OnePlus 11 comes with a larger 5000 mAh battery, also offering strong endurance, with some users reporting up to two days of use. It supports significantly faster 80W (US) or 100W (international) wired charging, allowing for very quick recharges. However, the OnePlus 11 lacks wireless charging, a feature present on the Galaxy S23 Plus.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

16 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both phones is vibrant and responsive, though there are differences in resolution and display technology nuances.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+). The OnePlus 11 sports a slightly larger 6.7-inch Super Fluid AMOLED display with a higher QHD+ resolution of 3216 x 1440 pixels. Both offer rich colors and deep blacks characteristic of AMOLED panels.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S23 Plus can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. It features an adaptive refresh rate of 48-120Hz. The OnePlus 11 has an advertised peak brightness of 1300 nits, though some tests show it reaching around 850 nits. It boasts an advanced LTPO 3.0 display with a dynamic refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing for both smoothness and power efficiency.
  • Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S23 Plus offers a flat display, while the OnePlus 11 features a curved screen, which can impact handling and visual immersion for some users. Both displays are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus or Victus 2, offering good scratch and drop resistance.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3216

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems, but they have different strengths in terms of sensor configuration and image processing.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a triple camera setup: a 50MP main wide-angle camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. The OnePlus 11 also has a triple camera system co-developed with Hasselblad: a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 48MP ultra-wide camera, and a 32MP portrait telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 Plus is noted for its consistent image quality, good detail, and improved low-light performance, with natural color rendition. Its 3x optical zoom provides versatility. The OnePlus 11's main camera also performs well in various conditions, including low light, producing sharp and detailed images with natural colors due to Hasselblad calibration. Its ultra-wide camera is particularly strong, offering high resolution. However, its 2x telephoto lens is primarily optimized for portraits rather than distant subjects, and some users find its overall camera processing can be inconsistent.
  • Video and Audio: The Galaxy S23 Plus can record 8K video at 30fps and offers improved video stabilization. It also features an autofocus selfie camera. The OnePlus 11 supports 8K video recording at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps. Both devices offer stereo speakers for media consumption.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, several practical features differentiate these two smartphones in daily use.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both phones support 5G, Wi-Fi 6 (or 6E for S23 Plus), and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and the OnePlus 11 feature in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. They also offer face recognition capabilities.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 Plus measures 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 196g, offering a relatively slim and balanced feel. The OnePlus 11 is slightly larger and heavier at 163.1 x 74.1 x 8.5 mm and 205g, with a distinctive circular camera module on the back. The Galaxy S23 Plus has a flat display, while the OnePlus 11 features a curved screen. The OnePlus 11 also includes a physical alert slider, a feature not found on the Galaxy S23 Plus.

Weight

168 g

205 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and the OnePlus 11 both stand as strong contenders in the smartphone market, each catering to slightly different user preferences. User feedback often praises the Galaxy S23 Plus for its consistent camera performance, bright display, and reliable battery life that can often stretch to two days for moderate users. Some criticisms occasionally point to its charging speed not being as rapid as some competitors. The OnePlus 11 is frequently lauded for its exceptional raw performance, very fast wired charging, and its high-resolution, adaptive refresh rate display. However, some users have noted inconsistencies in camera processing and the absence of wireless charging as potential drawbacks.

Users prioritizing a highly consistent camera experience, a very bright flat display, and robust water and dust resistance (IP68) may find the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its balanced approach makes it a reliable daily driver. Conversely, users who value cutting-edge performance, extremely fast wired charging, a higher-resolution curved display, and a unique design aesthetic might lean towards the OnePlus 11. Both devices offer a premium Android experience, and choosing between them often comes down to these specific priorities. For those looking for an eco-friendly alternative, considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can provide excellent value and extend the lifespan of these capable devices.

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