Which OnePlus model is best? 12, 11, and Open considered

As OnePlus continues to establish itself in the mainstream smartphone market, we’re taking action and deciding which OnePlus model is best. Now that we’re just around the corner of the global launch of the OnePlus 12, now seems a good time to take a step back and reflect on which of its three most notable devices, the OnePlus 12, 11, and the OnePlus Open, is actually the best model.

Considering its previous flagship, its current flagship, as well as its take on the folding phone, OnePlus has a range of impressive smartphones available. Moreover, as the brand dives into the mainstream market, more and more users are tempted to invest in a OnePlus device over other popular phones. So, in this article, we’ll be weighing in on which of the current OnePlus models is the best, considering features such as their camera capabilities, specs, and overall pricing and availability.

Which OnePlus model has the best camera?

On December 5, 2023, OnePlus launched its latest flagship device, the OnePlus 12, in China. With its international launch just around the corner, let’s find out how its camera compares to the other two high-end OnePlus devices, the OnePlus 11 and the OnePlus Open.

OnePlus 12

In a world where the camera is becoming an even more essential smartphone feature, OnePlus has definitely stepped up to the mark with the OnePlus 12, bringing us comfortably one of the best flagship smartphone cameras currently available. OnePlus has once again paired with Hasselblad to provide its next flagship with a 50MP main camera, 48MP ultrawide, and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.

It doesn’t go too far beyond the capabilities of the OnePlus 11 in terms of its main and ultrawide cameras, but the telephoto lens and the selfie camera have both doubled in performance to 64MP and 32MP from the 11’s 32MP and 16MP’s respectively. Additionally, the OnePlus 12’s camera system experience will get a big boost from the more powerful and highly optimized Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip.

OnePlus 11

The fight for the OnePlus model with the better camera is close between the OnePlus 11 and the OnePlus Open. The camera in OnePlus 11 is the fruit of the collaboration with Hasselblad, the photography company. Anchored by a cutting-edge camera system, the device captures the essence of every moment with unparalleled clarity and detail.

It features a triple-camera setup, starring a 50MP main camera that boasts Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), ensuring that each shot is a masterpiece in precision. Complementing this powerhouse is a 48MP ultrawide shooter with an expansive 115-degree field of view (FOV). Adding a touch of artistry to it is the 32MP Portrait telephoto lens, which is equipped with 2x optical zoom.

On the front, the smartphone boasts an impressive 16MP selfie snapper. Not just limited to stills, the OnePlus 11 raises the bar for video recording with its 8K @ 24fps capability. Additionally, its visual experience extends beyond the camera, as the OnePlus 11 features a stunning 2K 120Hz variable refresh rate display.

OnePlus Open

Similar to OnePlus 11’s camera excellence is that of the OnePlus Open, the company’s sophisticated take on a folding smartphone. Powered by the same Hasselblad collaboration, the OnePlus Open also features a triple-camera setting. The primary back camera features a 48MP Sony LYT-T808 “Pixel Stacked” Sensor. With a sizable 1/1.43” sensor, 1.12 μm pixels, and a wide ƒ/1.7 aperture, this sensor leverages Sony’s groundbreaking “2-Layer Transistor Pixel” architecture, providing double the light for stunning clarity even in low-light conditions.

For an unparalleled telephoto experience, the OnePlus Open boasts a 64MP OV64B Sensor with 3X Optical Zoom, featuring a 6X in-sensor zoom. The 1/2” sensor, 0.7 μm pixels, and ƒ/2.6 aperture, coupled with OIS, elevate your telephoto game.

The ultra-wide capabilities of the OnePlus Open are no less impressive. It features a 48MP Sony IMX581 sensor with a wide 114° FOV. The OnePlus Open incorporates a powerful 16MP sensor for stunning selfies without forgetting the front-facing camera. Whether capturing your own moments or engaging in video calls, this front camera ensures that your self-portraits are as impressive as your rear camera shots.

Which OnePlus model is best? Pricing considered

As you can see, OnePlus’s range of smartphones are all fairly neck to neck in terms of camera, and there are different perks associated with each device. However, considering the cost, it could be said that the OnePlus 11 gets a slight edge, as probably the most affordable of the three. The OnePlus 11 comes at a starting price of $699 for the international model of the phone. However, the OnePlus Open comes at a whopping price of $1.699.99, over double the cost of the OnePlus 11. Naturally, this higher price stems from the fact that not only are folding phones more expensive on the whole, but that the Open represents one of the best folding smartphones currently available.

However, the OnePlus 12 brings a revolutionary leap in mobile photography powered by the cutting-edge 4th-generation Hasselblad camera systems, superior chipset, and latest operating system. The rear camera setup is a testament to the powerful partnership between OnePlus and Hasselblad, and combined with the QHD display and its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, you get a pretty formidable smartphone for hopefully a pretty affordable price.

Unfortunately, we’re yet to get the official international pricing of the OnePlus 12, as so far the phone has only been released in China. We won’t be waiting too long for its global launch, which is arriving on January 23rd, 2024. All we can currently go off is that its price in China starts at ¥4,299 (around £480 / $600) and make an estimated guess that its price will range between $600 to $800.

So, if you have to rank them by price for now, the OnePlus Open is $1,699, the OnePlus 12 is potentially somewhere around $700 – $800, and the OnePlus 11 has a starting price of $699 that could be seen going down following the international launch of its successor.

What is the highest OnePlus model?

Despite being replaced by its successor less than a year after its February 2023 release, the OnePlus 11 still offers high-end features at a modest price point. While we await the January international launch of the OnePlus 12, then the OnePlus 11 is technically still the highest OnePlus model, and marked OnePlus’s determination to get into the mainstream smartphone market alongside Samsung, Apple, and Google.

At the heart of the OnePlus 11 is a still impressive Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that ensures seamless performance, the same chip that powers the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Its OxygenOS 13 software is light yet feature-packed with a near stock Android experience, and you’ll be able to upgrade to OxygenOS 14 too. To top it off, the stunning QHD display delivers vibrant colors and sharp details, providing an immersive visual experience.

However, what sets this phone apart is its exceptional battery life, with its notable 5,00 mAh battery and fast charging speeds, it allows you to go through your day without worrying about running out of power: more than can be said about a lot of high-end smartphones.

As discussed earlier, the OnePlus 11’s camera is one of its standout features. The reliability of its performance puts it on par with flagship devices from competitors. While it may not outshine the very best in the market, the OnePlus 11’s camera certainly delivers impressive results that exceed expectations for a phone at its price point.

Here are some other specs of the OnePlus 11:

What truly sets the OnePlus 11 apart is its commitment to longevity. This device becomes the first in the OnePlus lineup to offer four major Android upgrades. Thus, you can stay on the cutting edge of technology for an even longer extended period. With security updates promised until 2028, the OnePlus 11 ensures your investment remains secure and up-to-date.

Ultimately, its combination of top-tier specifications, remarkable battery life, and a capable camera system make it a flagship contender. Priced at a reasonable $699, it offers incredible value.

Could the OnePlus 12 be the best OnePlus phone?

While the OnePlus 11 has certainly been the best flagship device offered by OnePlus until now, the new OnePlus 12 is putting this title on the rocks. OnePlus has again demonstrated its commitment to pushing the boundaries, sparing no expense on the core specifications. This technological marvel features a brand-new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, and might end up being the first phone in the US to launch with this chipset if it arrives ahead of the Galaxy S24. Accompanying this powerhouse is a substantial 5,400mAh battery, cementing the 12 as a commendable upgrade over the OnePlus 11 and OnePlus Open predecessors.

The OnePlus legacy of outstanding displays continues with the OnePlus 12. Boasting a 6.82-inch QHD+ OLED screen, it’s equipped with a 120Hz LTPO display by BOE, capable of scaling down to 1Hz for power efficiency. With a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, the phone engages in the ongoing smartphone brightness war, and blows the competition out of the water.

Another noteworthy inclusion are the apparently “medical-grade” eye protection features, including “melatonin protection” designed to preserve users’ melatonin levels for a more restful night’s sleep. Furthermore, the Rain Water Touch technology enhances touch input when the screen or user’s hands are wet, adding a practical touch to the device alongside its IP65 rating.

As stated above, the OnePlus 12 features a powerful camera system. While its camera is similar to that of the OnePlus Open, it is expected to cost similar to the OnePlus 11. Thus, it brings the best of both phones together. So, undoubtedly, the OnePlus 12 is all set to become the new best camera phone in the OnePlus lineup as the company tries to offer its newest flagship as a viable alternative to Samsung and Apple.

Here are the specs of the OnePlus 12:

Final verdict

Choosing the best OnePlus model depends on your specific requirements, budget, and preferences. If you prioritize top-tier features and are willing to invest in a flagship device, it’s best to wait another month for the OnePlus 12 instead of investing in the current OnePlus phones. However, it might be the case that the price of the OnePlus 11 will drop, and you’ll be able to snag some high-quality features for an even more decent price point.

The OnePlus Open caters to those who are interested in the folding phone side of things, and arguably offers one of the best folding smartphone options available. Users across the web have praised its slim profile and almost unnoticeable hinge mechanism. While it comes at a high price, folding phones are still top-market products that are yet to make their way into the more affordable end of things. Ultimately, OnePlus offers some impressive models across its lineup, and looks like its making Android devices worth defecting Apple for.