Iphone 11 Pro Max Vs Oneplus 7 Is The Iphone Still Worth The Extra 5

When Apple released the iPhone 11 Pro Max in 2019, it entered a market already shaken by aggressive competition from Android flagships. The OnePlus 7, launched earlier that year, offered flagship-level specs at nearly half the price. At launch, the iPhone 11 Pro Max retailed for $1,099, while the OnePlus 7 started at $549 — a $550 difference. That’s not “extra $5,” but depending on region or used pricing, the gap may now hover around $500. So, is the iPhone still worth the premium over the OnePlus 7 today? The answer depends on what you value most: raw hardware, ecosystem loyalty, long-term support, or photography excellence.

Performance: Power vs Longevity

On paper, both devices were powerhouses in their time. The iPhone 11 Pro Max runs Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, built on a 7nm process with a six-core CPU, four-core GPU, and an advanced Neural Engine. The OnePlus 7 uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855, also on 7nm, with an octa-core CPU and Adreno 640 GPU. Benchmarks from AnandTech and Geekbench show the A13 outperforming the 855 in single-core tasks by up to 40%, though multi-core scores are closer.

But real-world speed isn’t just about benchmarks. iOS is tightly optimized for Apple’s hardware, resulting in buttery-smooth animations, faster app launches, and minimal lag even after years of use. Android, while improved, can suffer from background bloat and inconsistent optimization across apps.

Tip: If you plan to keep your phone beyond two years, prioritize software longevity over initial benchmark scores.

The A13 continues to receive updates and performs well in 2024, handling modern apps and games effortlessly. The OnePlus 7, despite its strong start, stopped receiving major OS updates after Android 11 (upgraded to OxygenOS 11). Security patches ended in 2022. For users who want reliability over time, the iPhone holds a clear edge.

Camera Comparison: Quality Over Quantity

The iPhone 11 Pro Max introduced a triple-lens system: 12MP wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses. Its strengths lie in dynamic range, color accuracy, and video stabilization. Apple’s Smart HDR and Deep Fusion technologies enhance detail in challenging lighting, particularly in mixed indoor scenes.

The OnePlus 7 features a dual-camera setup: a 48MP main sensor and a 5MP depth sensor. While the high-resolution sensor captures fine textures in daylight, low-light performance lags behind due to smaller pixel size and less advanced image processing. It lacks an ultra-wide lens, limiting creative flexibility.

“Apple doesn’t win every spec sheet, but they consistently deliver the most reliable point-and-shoot experience.” — David Pierce, The Verge

In side-by-side tests, the iPhone produces more consistent results across lighting conditions. Its Night Mode, introduced in 2019, remains superior to OnePlus’ implementation at the time. Video recording is where the gap widens: the iPhone supports 4K at 60fps with extended dynamic range and cinematic stabilization, while the OnePlus 7 caps at 4K/30fps with basic stabilization.

Software & Ecosystem: The Hidden Premium

This is where the $500 difference starts making sense for many users. iOS offers a cohesive experience across Apple devices. Handoff, AirDrop, iCloud syncing, and iMessage integration create a seamless workflow that Android alternatives struggle to match.

If you own a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch, switching to the iPhone reduces friction. Messages sync instantly. Files transfer with a drag. Your watch unlocks your Mac when you’re near. These small efficiencies compound over time.

OnePlus offers a clean version of Android through OxygenOS, known for its responsiveness and customization. But integration with non-OnePlus devices is limited. Google services help bridge gaps, but there's no equivalent to Continuity or Universal Clipboard.

Feature	iPhone 11 Pro Max	OnePlus 7
OS Updates	iOS 17 supported (2023)	Stopped at Android 11 (2021)
Security Patches	Ongoing until 2024+	Ended in 2022
Ecosystem Integration	High (Apple devices)	Low to moderate (Google)
App Optimization	Excellent (native iOS)	Good, but varies by developer

Battery Life & Charging: Real-World Endurance

The iPhone 11 Pro Max packs a 3,969mAh battery. Apple claims up to 20 hours of video playback. In daily mixed use — browsing, messaging, social media, and streaming — it comfortably lasts a full day, often stretching into a second with moderate use.

The OnePlus 7 has a larger 3,700mAh cell but benefits from aggressive software optimizations and a 6.41-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display (vs iPhone’s higher-resolution 6.5-inch screen). Still, its battery life is slightly shorter under heavy load. However, it supports Warp Charge 30T, delivering a full day’s charge in 20 minutes. The iPhone supports fast charging too, but requires a separate adapter (not included), making the feature less accessible.

Wireless charging is exclusive to the iPhone, which supports Qi-based pads and MagSafe accessories (though MagSafe wasn't fully realized until 2020). The OnePlus 7 does not support wireless charging.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, needed a new phone in late 2020. She considered buying a used OnePlus 7 for $250 or investing $600 in a lightly used iPhone 11 Pro Max. Her work relied heavily on mobile editing and client communication via iMessage.

She chose the iPhone. “I knew I’d be using this device for at least three years,” she said. “The camera consistency, especially in cloudy Pacific Northwest light, mattered. Plus, my clients send files over AirDrop during shoots. Switching back to SMS would’ve been unprofessional.”

Two years later, her iPhone still receives updates, edits 4K footage smoothly, and integrates with her iPad Pro for quick client previews. The OnePlus 7 she tested briefly felt fast initially but began showing UI stutters by 2022 and couldn’t run newer Lightroom features.

Checklist: Should You Pay More for the iPhone?

• ✅ Do you use other Apple devices (Mac, iPad, Watch)?
• ✅ Will you keep the phone for 3+ years?
• ✅ Is camera consistency more important than megapixels?
• ✅ Do you rely on iMessage or FaceTime for personal or professional communication?
• ✅ Are you willing to pay extra for longer software support?

If you answered yes to three or more, the iPhone 11 Pro Max likely justifies its higher cost — even if it’s $500 more than the OnePlus 7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the OnePlus 7 still run modern apps in 2024?

Most lightweight apps work fine, but performance degrades with heavier applications like Instagram, TikTok, or photo editors. Some newer apps may not install due to API level restrictions. Security risks increase without official patches.

Is the iPhone 11 Pro Max waterproof?

Yes, it has an IP68 rating, meaning it can survive up to 4 meters underwater for 30 minutes. The OnePlus 7 has no official water resistance rating, making it more vulnerable to spills or rain.

Does the price difference include accessories?

No. Apple no longer includes chargers or headphones in the box. You’ll need to purchase a Lightning cable and adapter separately, adding ~$30. The OnePlus 7 includes a fast charger in-box — a practical advantage.

Expert Insight: The Value of Long-Term Support

“Five years of iOS updates is standard for iPhones. Most Android flagships get three, mid-range models get two. That longevity adds real value, especially when reselling.” — Marques Brownlee, Tech Reviewer & Analyst

Apple typically supports its devices with major OS updates for 5–6 years. The iPhone 11 series received iOS 17 in 2023 — four years after release. The OnePlus 7 got only two major updates. This extended lifecycle increases resale value. As of 2024, a used iPhone 11 Pro Max sells for 30–40% of its original price, while the OnePlus 7 fetches under 15%.

Final Verdict: Worth It — But Only for the Right User

The iPhone 11 Pro Max is objectively overpriced compared to the OnePlus 7 if you're only comparing hardware specs. On raw numbers — RAM, storage options, charging speed — the OnePlus wins. But smartphones aren’t just hardware. They’re tools shaped by software, ecosystem, and long-term usability.

If you value long-term reliability, seamless integration, best-in-class video, and five years of updates, the iPhone’s premium is justified. The extra $500 pays for peace of mind, future-proofing, and a polished user experience that rarely breaks stride.

But if you're a power user on a budget, prefer customization, don’t rely on Apple’s ecosystem, and plan to upgrade within two years, the OnePlus 7 was — and still is — an excellent value.

💬 Have you made the switch from Android to iPhone — or vice versa? What changed your mind? Share your experience below and help others decide whether the premium is truly worth it.