Can the Samsung Galaxy S23 compete with the OnePlus 11 as the return of a budget flagship? We uncover.
At a glance
OnePlus 11:
| Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|
| Eye-catching design and finish | No wireless charging |
| Stunning display | Hit or miss camera colors |
| Powerful peak performance | Awful low-light shots |
| Blazing-fast wired charging | Mediocre zoom capabilities |
| Excellent software update promise | Limited water resistance |
The Bottom Line: The OnePlus 11 is a powerful performer at a great price and runs circles around most phones when it comes to charging, but it skips important features like wireless charging and has limited water resistance and camera pitfalls.
Galaxy S23:
| Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|
| Compact size | No UWB support |
| Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 power | Limited charging power |
| Larger battery | Less base storage |
The Bottom Line: The Galaxy S23 promises to be Samsung’s best compact Galaxy S flagship yet, with a brighter screen, a larger battery, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 power, but it lacks UWB support and has limited charging power and storage.
Samsung may dominate the Android smartphone market, but OnePlus revolutionized the concept of “flagship killers.” The latest addition, the OnePlus 11, is a streamlined single flagship designed to last the year. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a compact flagship that also targets the value market. Both phones boast impressive upgrades, so deciding between the two is a tough one. Join us as we guide you through the comparison of the OnePlus 11 vs Samsung Galaxy S23.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs OnePlus 11: Specifications
| OnePlus 11 | Galaxy S23 | |
|---|---|---|
|
Display
|
6.7-inches AMOLED Edge display (curved)
QHD+ resolution (3,216 x 1,440) 120Hz refresh rate (1Hz to 120Hz), LTPO 3.0 HDR10+ 1300 nits peak brightness |
6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED
Flat display 19.5:9 aspect ratio FHD+ resolution (2,340 x 1,080) 120Hz adaptive refresh rate |
|
Processor
|
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
|
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
|
|
GPU
|
Qualcomm Adreno 740
|
Qualcomm Adreno 740
|
|
RAM
|
8GB or 16GB LPDDR5X
|
8GB
|
|
Storage
|
128GB UFS 3.1, or 256GB UFS 4.0
No microSD card support |
128GB or 256GB
No microSD card support |
|
Battery and charging
|
5,000mAh battery
80W wired charging (US) / 100W wired charging (Rest of the world) Relevant charger in the box |
3,900mAh battery
25W wired charging 15W wireless charging No charger inbox |
|
Cameras
|
REAR:
– 50MP main 1.0 μm, f/1.8 1/1.56-inch Sony IMX890 sensor OIS and EIS- 48MP ultrawide μm, f/2.2 115-degree FoV 1/2-inch Sony IMX581 sensor- 32MP telephoto 2x optical zoom f/2.0 1/1.56-inch Sony IMX709 sensorFRONT: – 16MP f/2.45, 1.0 μm, Sony IMX471 |
REAR:
– 50MP wide 1.0μm, ƒ1.8 85-degree FoV- 12MP ultrawide 1.4μm, ƒ2.2 120-degree FoV- 10MP telephoto 1.0μm, ƒ2.4 36-degree FoV 3x optical zoomFRONT: – 10MP wide ƒ2.2 80-degree FoV |
|
Video
|
Rear:
8K at 24fps (main lens only) 4K at 30/60fpsFront: 1080p at 30fps |
Rear:
8K at 24/30FPS 4K at 30/60fpsFront: 4K at 30/60fps |
|
Audio
|
Stereo speakers
Triple mics No 3.5mm port |
Stereo speakers
Triple mics No 3.5mm port |
|
Connectivity
|
5G (Sub6)
Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.3 NFC support |
5G (Sub6)
Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.2 NFC support |
|
Security
|
Optical under-display fingerprint sensor
5 years of security updates |
Optical under-display fingerprint sensor
5 years of security updates |
|
IP rating
|
IP64
|
IP68 certified
|
|
Software
|
Android 13
OxygenOS |
Android 13
One UI 5.1 |
|
Materials
|
Gorilla Glass Victus on the front, Gorilla Glass 5 on the back
Aluminum frame Alert Slider |
Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back
Aluminum frame |
|
Dimensions and weight
|
163.1 x 74.1 x 8.5 mm
205g |
146.3 x 70.8 x 7.6mm
168g |
|
Colors
|
Titan Black, Eternal Green
|
Phantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender, Graphite, Lime
|
The OnePlus 11 and Samsung Galaxy S23, two of the best Android phones available, cater to the same market segment but have subtle differences throughout their packages, besides their size difference.
The Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch Full HD+ resolution display, whereas the OnePlus 11’s screen is 6.7 inches with QHD+ resolution and curved sides, which may be a matter of personal preference.
Although both phones have the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, Samsung’s modified version delivers faster performance. Nevertheless, OnePlus has a wider range of options. The base variant has 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, with options for 256GB or 512GB storage and 12GB or 16GB RAM on the middle-of-the-line model. The Galaxy S23, in contrast, offers a consistent 8GB RAM and 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage options.
Galaxy S23 vs OnePlus 11: Size Comparison
The size difference between the OnePlus 11 and the Galaxy S23 is quite noticeable, with the former sporting a larger 6.7-inch display and the latter featuring a more pocket-friendly 6.1-inch screen. However, for users who want a larger display, Samsung offers the Galaxy S23 Plus, albeit at a different price point.
In terms of dimensions, the OnePlus 11 is larger and heavier, measuring 163.1 x 74.1 x 8.5mm and weighing 205g, while the Galaxy S23 is smaller and lighter, measuring 163.1 x 74.1 x 8.5mm and weighing only 168g.
Samsung’s device is much more portable than the OnePlus 11 due to its smaller size and flattened display.
The two phones also differ in their design language, with the OnePlus 11 featuring a prominent camera module and a curved, matte-finished back panel, while the Galaxy S23 has a more understated design and a flat glass back, giving it a more premium feel.
Ultimately, choosing between the two phones depends on personal preference and priorities, whether it’s portability or a larger screen real estate.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs OnePlus 11: Camera
The camera setups on the OnePlus 11 and Samsung Galaxy S23 are quite similar, with both having a primary camera, ultrawide, and telephoto sensors. The primary sensor is 50MP on both, but Samsung is promoting better low-light photography and AI processing for improved performance. The OnePlus 11’s secondary cameras, with a 48MP ultrawide sensor and 32MP telephoto lens, offer more information-gathering capabilities, but Samsung’s 10MP camera sensor with a 3x lens provides more zoom reach. Both phones have capable selfie cameras, with the Samsung Galaxy S23’s 12MP shooter being able to shoot 4K video at 30 or 60FPS.
Despite the OnePlus 11 having cutting-edge specs, Samsung will likely have better image output due to OnePlus’ traditional lackluster images.
Additionally, both phones offer a full suite of camera additions and a dedicated pro mode for more advanced users.
Galaxy S23 vs OnePlus 11: Battery & Charging
The battery capacities of the OnePlus 11 and Galaxy S23 cater to different user demographics. The OnePlus 11 uses its reliable 5,000mAh cell which can last for almost two days of moderate use.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 has a larger battery and a smaller display, which should allow it to match up with the OnePlus 11’s battery life.
Samsung has increased its battery capacity to 3,900mAh in the Galaxy S23, which is an improvement from the S22’s 3,700mAh. Combined with the power-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and a smaller display, the phone’s overall battery life should be better, but still not quite as long-lasting as the OnePlus 11. Actual results will be revealed in our testing, and we will update this comparison accordingly.
However, the OnePlus 11 has a clear advantage when it comes to charging speeds. It supports 100W charging globally, which throttles down to 80W in North America, allowing for a full charge in just 30 minutes. On the other hand, the Galaxy S23 has a maximum wired charging speed of 25W, which only provides a 50% charge in half an hour. Nonetheless, the Samsung phone has the convenience of 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, which the OnePlus 11 lacks.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs OnePlus 11: Price
Samsung Galaxy S23 price:
8GB/128GB: $799 / Rs. 74,999
8GB/256GB: $849 / Rs. 79,999
OnePlus 11 price:
8GB/128GB: $699 / Rs. 56,999
16GB/256GB: $799 / Rs. 61,999
You can now pre-order the OnePlus 11, which is priced at $699, a hundred dollars less than the Samsung Galaxy S23. For the high-end version of the OnePlus 11 with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, you will pay the same as you would for the entry-level Galaxy S23. During the pre-order period, you can get a free upgrade to the 256GB version of the Galaxy S23.
The OnePlus 11 is currently available for pre-order and will go on sale to the general public on February 16, 2023. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus are available for pre-order with additional benefits until February 16, 2023, and will go on sale on the 17th.
Galaxy S23 vs. OnePlus 11: Which is the better bet?
When choosing between the OnePlus 11 and the Samsung Galaxy S23, it ultimately depends on what you value the most.
The OnePlus 11 offers a gorgeous display, exceptional performance, and blazing-fast charging at a very competitive price. Its camera system is also decent for everyday use.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 appeals to those who prioritize a complete and refined experience.
Its compact size and top-of-the-line display make it a perfect fit for those who prefer smaller smartphones. Additionally, the phone offers features like an IP68 rating and wireless charging that add to its overall convenience. Samsung also provides well-designed software and extra functionalities. Both phones receive extended software and security updates, ensuring a long-term use.
While size and form factors are critical in the decision-making process, wireless charging, and IP68 rating are desirable for some users. The pricing of both phones is not too far apart, and they offer similar performance. Hence, your choice should be based on your personal preference.
