OnePlus Nord 3 vs OnePlus 11: Is the Nord Almost a Flagship?

The smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and OnePlus has consistently delivered devices that blend premium features with affordability. The OnePlus Nord 3 and OnePlus 11 represent two distinct segments of the brand’s lineup—the former being a powerful mid-ranger, while the latter is a full-fledged flagship. But with the Nord 3 boasting specs like a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset, 120Hz AMOLED display, and a 50MP main camera borrowed from the OnePlus 11, many wonder: Is the Nord 3 almost a flagship killer?

Key Highlights

Feature	OnePlus Nord 3	OnePlus 11
Organization	OnePlus	OnePlus
Chipset	MediaTek Dimensity 9000	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Display	6.74″ 120Hz AMOLED	6.7″ 120Hz LTPO3 AMOLED
Main Camera	50MP (Sony IMX890)	50MP (Hasselblad-tuned)
Battery & Charging	5000mAh, 80W	5000mAh, 100W
Official Website	oneplus.com	oneplus.com

Performance: Dimensity 9000 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

The OnePlus Nord 3 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9000, a 4nm flagship-grade chipset that delivers impressive performance for a mid-range device. In benchmarks, it scores around 1,098K in AnTuTu, which is competitive but falls short of the OnePlus 11’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which hits 1,528K.

In real-world usage, the Nord 3 handles gaming, multitasking, and daily apps smoothly, but the OnePlus 11’s superior GPU (Adreno 740 vs Mali-G710) ensures better sustained performance in graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile. The Nord 3 also tends to throttle after 15-20 minutes of heavy gaming, whereas the OnePlus 11 maintains stability due to its advanced vapor chamber cooling.

For most users, the Nord 3’s performance is more than sufficient, but power users and gamers will appreciate the OnePlus 11’s extra headroom and efficiency.

Display: AMOLED Brilliance with Key Differences

Both phones feature 120Hz AMOLED displays, but the OnePlus 11’s LTPO3 panel is more advanced, dynamically adjusting refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz for better battery efficiency. The Nord 3, while smooth, only switches between 40Hz and 120Hz, which slightly impacts battery life.

The OnePlus 11’s screen also boasts a higher resolution (1440p vs 1240p) and pixel density (525 PPI vs 451 PPI), making it sharper for media consumption. However, the Nord 3’s peak brightness (1,450 nits) actually surpasses the OnePlus 11’s (1,300 nits), making it more visible in direct sunlight.

If absolute display quality is a priority, the OnePlus 11 wins, but the Nord 3 holds its own with excellent brightness and color accuracy.

Cameras: Hasselblad vs Mainstream Tuning

The OnePlus 11 benefits from Hasselblad’s color science, producing more natural and balanced images compared to the Nord 3’s slightly punchier processing. Both share the same 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor, but the OnePlus 11 adds a 32MP telephoto lens (2x optical zoom) and a 48MP ultrawide, while the Nord 3 settles for an 8MP ultrawide and a useless 2MP macro.

In low light, the OnePlus 11’s Hasselblad Night Mode delivers better dynamic range and less noise, whereas the Nord 3 tends to over-brighten scenes, losing the “night” feel. Video recording is another win for the OnePlus 11, offering 8K at 24fps and superior stabilization, while the Nord 3 maxes out at 4K/60fps with mediocre stabilization.

For casual shooters, the Nord 3 is great, but photography enthusiasts should opt for the OnePlus 11.

Battery & Charging: Similar Capacity, Different Speeds

Both phones pack 5,000mAh batteries, but the OnePlus 11 supports 100W charging (50% in 10 mins), while the Nord 3 caps at 80W (60% in 15 mins). Neither supports wireless charging, a notable omission in the flagship segment.

Battery life is comparable, with the OnePlus 11 lasting slightly longer due to its more efficient chipset. The Nord 3 drains faster with prolonged 120Hz usage, but both easily last a full day.

Software & Updates: OxygenOS with Different Commitments

Both run OxygenOS 13 (Android 13), but the OnePlus 11 is promised Android 15, while the Nord 3 gets only three major updates. The OnePlus 11 also receives security patches for longer, making it a better long-term investment.

Verdict: Should You Buy the Nord 3 or OnePlus 11?

The OnePlus Nord 3 is a fantastic mid-range phone that borrows flagship features, but it doesn’t fully replace the OnePlus 11. If you want top-tier performance, a superior camera, and longer software support, the OnePlus 11 is worth the premium. However, if you’re budget-conscious and still want 80% of the flagship experience, the Nord 3 is an excellent choice.

FAQs

1. Does the OnePlus Nord 3 have wireless charging?

No, neither the Nord 3 nor the OnePlus 11 supports wireless charging.

2. Which phone has better battery life?

The OnePlus 11 lasts slightly longer due to its more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, but both deliver all-day battery life.

3. Is the Nord 3’s camera as good as the OnePlus 11?

No, the OnePlus 11’s Hasselblad tuning and additional lenses (telephoto, better ultrawide) make it superior for photography.