Video Gamer is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
If you’re one of the many people who are wondering what the differences are between the Samsung Galaxy S23 vs OnePlus 11, then keep reading.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 has been released, ushering in the next generation of Samsung smartphones with some great improvements versus the Galaxy S22. Now that we finally know where to buy it, people are curious how it shapes up against the other big Android phone manufacturers. We’ve already compared it to the Pixel 7. Let’s see how it shapes up against another brand-new flagship.
The OnePlus 11 was announced on 7 February, though we already had a good sense of what was in store. Its earlier release in China has suggested the OnePlus 11 will be an incredibly powerful and visually striking device. The phone has a high res display with a high refresh rate to match, as well as 16GB of RAM and an incredible battery life.
For anyone looking to upgrade their phone in 2023, this is one of the first big showdowns. On the one hand, Samsung has cemented itself as one of the top Android phone manufacturers, and this popularity isn’t for nothing. Meanwhile, OnePlus has a history of offering high specs for less.
To make the choice between the two simpler, we’re breaking down our comparison into the categories of specs, features, design, and value for money, highlighting key differences in each of these areas. Everyone needs their phone for slightly different things, so having a full comparison of the two devices is the best way to be sure you get the one that is right for you.
So let’s get into it. Here are the differences between the Samsung Galaxy S23 versus the OnePlus 11.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs OnePlus 11 – Specs
| Specs | Galaxy S23 | OnePlus 11 |
| Screen size | 6.1-inch | 6.7-inch |
| Screen type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080p | 3126 x1440p |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| CPU | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB, 16GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto 3x zoom | 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 32MP portrait with 2x zoom |
| Front cameras | 12MP | 16MP |
| Battery size | 3,900 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging speed | 25W wired | 100W wired |
While the specs for both these phones are pretty jaw-dropping, we can see here that the OnePlus 11 does have a slight edge.
For example, while both have similar AMOLED displays, the OnePlus 11 backs this up with a higher resolution, 3126 x 1440p versus 2340 x 1080p on the Galaxy S23. While some of this is simply because the OnePlus has a far larger screen and so more space to put pixels, the overall look on this display will also be crisper.
Read More: Samsung Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 14 Pro – which one should you pick?
It’s also got more variability in its refresh rate. While both phones max out at 120Hz, the Galaxy S23 can only go as low as 48Hz. The OnePlus 11 however can go as low as 1Hz when the screen is static. This can hugely improve battery life.
Speaking of batteries the OnePlus 11’s is also superior. Not only is it larger but also capable of recharging at a lightning fast speed of up to 100W, while the S23 is limited to 25W.
The cameras on the two phones are more well-balanced. Typically picture quality has been an area where OnePlus has struggled, but, since its partnership with lens specialist Hasselblad, these issues seem to have been put to a stop. The camera on the OnePlus 11 now excels at low-light and night-time photography.
Read More: Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S23 Plus – which one should you pick?
However, so does the similarity impressive camera on the S23 which can also zoom in further than the OnePlus 11.
The overall performance of both phones is likewise similar, thanks to their identical and incredibly powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipsets, easily one of the fastest on the market. Again though the OnePlus 11 does just have the edge here thanks to its higher RAM count, boasting up to 16GB. The Galaxy S23 meanwhile maxes out at 8GB, though you can get up 12GB on the S23 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs OnePlus 11 – Features
The features of these phones are pretty similar. While both have slightly different versions of the Android OS, both offer the same 4 years of OS updates and 5 of security ones.
Both are also capable of wireless charging, though this will be slower than wired charging.
Read More: What is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus charging speed?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 does boast satellite connectivity bringing it in line with apple and Huawei and ahead of OnePlus. This means that in an emergency you can always still make a call on your S23. This will be very tempting for anyone who spends a lot of time out of normal cellphone signal range.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs OnePlus 11 – Design
The most overt difference in design between these two phones is their size. The Samsung S23 is 6.1 inches while the OnePlus 11 is a huge 6.7 inches. This makes the OnePlus 11 much more in the size range of the S23 Plus and S23 Ultra.
The camera layouts are also very different. OnePlus has completely updated its look from the OnePlus 10, with the 11 having a circular camera block on the rear, for an attention-grabbing look. There are also curved corners and the return of the popular alert slider feature, which was absent from the OnePlus 10.
Read More: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra release date prediction – when could it launch?
The S23 meanwhile has more rectangular edges, giving it a more striking look. Meanwhile, on the back, the cameras are individually housed in their own cutouts. This means that they sit flush with the rest of the rear of the phone, making for a great looking and minimalist design.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 remains available in Phantom Black, Cream, Green and Lavender, consistent with its predecessor. The OnePlus 11 in contrast is limited to black and green, though the black features a matte textured glass finish.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs OnePlus 11 – Value for money
The Samsung Galaxy S23 will be released with an asking price of $1,419, a premium price that reflects Samsung’s creeping prices.
Read More: Will the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra drop in price?
Meanwhile, the OnePlus 11 is available for preorder for a substantially smaller sum. So, while a Samsung Galaxy might be tempting as one of the most popular Android devices of 2023, you’re paying for a big brand. The OnePlus 11 might be a moneywise decision, especially as the company attempts to break into the global market. If you’re convinced, we’ve addressed new important questions, like whether there is a OnePlus 11 preorder bonus.
If you’re interested in saving even more, consider the OnePlus 10 Pro which has since enjoyed a considerable reduction in price thanks to the arrival of its successor.
Which one should you go for?
There is no easy winner here. Both these devices are excellent across the board and offer a good return on your investment.
It comes down to your budget requirements and how you use your smartphone. If you are using it all day, need a tonne of storage, and would appreciate spending under a grand, it’s hard to turn away from the OnePlus 11. With its incredible battery life and even more incredible recharging speed, you’ll be hard pressed to find a phone with better specs for less.
Read More: Best Samsung Galaxy S23 cases – our top picks
The Samsung S23 is ideal for those who want one of the latest premium and powerful smartphones, but perhaps don’t want a large handset. It’s also in our humble opinion the sleeker looking device than the OnePlus 11, but hey, that’s just us.
