The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Huawei nova 11 Pro and OnePlus 11R represent compelling options. The nova 11 Pro focuses on a stylish design and fast charging, while the 11R prioritizes raw processing power with its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus 11R emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset delivers significantly superior performance, making it ideal for gaming and demanding applications. While the nova 11 Pro boasts a respectable endurance rating, the 11R’s processing advantage outweighs this benefit.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE (3CA), 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 17 | 2023, February 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 27 | Available. Released 2023, February 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back or eco leather back | Glass front, glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm (6.47 x 2.93 x 0.31 in) | 163.4 x 74.3 x 8.7 mm (6.43 x 2.93 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g or 193 g (6.63 oz) | 204 g (7.20 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Kunlun Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2652 pixels (~429 ppi density) | 1240 x 2772 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~451 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~91.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, HDR10, 120Hz | Fluid AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 730 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 3.0 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, OxygenOS 15 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 18GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide), AF | - |
| Features | Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.2, 52mm (telephoto), AF, 2x optical zoom
60 MP, f/2.4, 17mm, 100˚ (ultrawide), AF | - |
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 100W wired, 50% in 15 min
Reverse wired | 100W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, White, Gold | Galactic Silver, Sonic Black, Solar Red |
| Models | GOA-AL80, GOA-LX9 | CPH2487 |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 600 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.16 W/kg (head) 0.61 W/kg (body) |
Huawei nova 11 Pro
- Extremely fast 100W charging
- Good battery endurance (89h rating)
- Sleek and stylish design (implied by brand)
- Snapdragon 778G is less powerful than the 8+ Gen 1
- 4G connectivity limitation
OnePlus 11R
- Significantly more powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- Faster overall performance for gaming and multitasking
- Potentially better thermal management due to 4nm process
- Display specs are less defined
- Camera details are limited
Display Comparison
The Huawei nova 11 Pro features a display capable of reaching 702 nits of peak brightness, which is adequate for outdoor visibility but doesn’t compete with flagship-level displays. The OnePlus 11R’s display specifications aren’t provided, but given its positioning, it likely offers a similar brightness level. Both devices lack LTPO technology, meaning refresh rates are likely fixed, impacting battery efficiency during static content viewing. The absence of detailed display specs for the 11R makes a direct comparison difficult, but the nova 11 Pro’s measured brightness provides a concrete benchmark.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are described as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. However, the camera experience will likely differ due to image processing algorithms. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. Huawei historically emphasizes computational photography, potentially offering more vibrant and processed images. The OnePlus 11R, while capable, may lean towards a more natural look. The lack of detail necessitates caution; a 2MP macro lens, common in this price range, is unlikely to be a significant differentiator.
Performance
This is where the OnePlus 11R truly shines. Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Huawei nova 11 Pro’s Snapdragon 778G 4G (6nm). The 8+ Gen 1’s Cortex-X2 prime core, clocked at 3.0 GHz, provides a significant performance boost for single-threaded tasks and gaming. The 4nm process node also contributes to improved thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load. The nova 11 Pro’s 778G is a capable chip, but it’s designed for a different segment, prioritizing efficiency over outright power. The 11R’s chipset will deliver a noticeably smoother experience in demanding games and applications.
Battery Life
The Huawei nova 11 Pro boasts an endurance rating of 89 hours, suggesting good battery life. Its 100W wired charging is a standout feature, capable of charging 50% in just 15 minutes. The OnePlus 11R also supports 100W charging, matching the nova 11 Pro in charging speed. While the nova 11 Pro’s endurance rating is a positive, the 11R’s more efficient chipset could offset a potentially smaller battery capacity, resulting in comparable real-world battery performance. The faster charging speeds on both devices minimize downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova 11 Pro if you prioritize a sleek aesthetic and extremely fast 100W charging, and your primary use case doesn't involve intensive gaming or consistently demanding tasks. Buy the OnePlus 11R if you value raw performance, smoother multitasking, and a more future-proof chipset for gaming and resource-intensive applications, even if it means sacrificing some of the nova 11 Pro’s design flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 778G in the nova 11 Pro struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Snapdragon 778G is a mid-range chip and will likely require significant graphics settings reductions to achieve playable frame rates in Genshin Impact. Expect noticeable frame drops and potential stuttering, especially during intense combat sequences. The OnePlus 11R’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is far better equipped to handle such titles.
❓ Is the 100W charging on both phones equally effective in practice?
Yes, both the Huawei nova 11 Pro and OnePlus 11R utilize 100W charging technology, and both are advertised to reach 50% charge in approximately 15 minutes. Real-world charging times may vary slightly based on temperature and battery level, but the speed will be comparable.
❓ The nova 11 Pro only supports 4G. How much of a limitation is this in 2024?
The lack of 5G support on the nova 11 Pro is a significant limitation, especially if you live in an area with widespread 5G coverage. 5G offers substantially faster download and upload speeds, and a more responsive online experience. If 5G is important to you, the OnePlus 11R is the clear choice.
