Iphone 11 Vs Oneplus 7 Pro Three Years Later Which Camera Still Wins 2

When the iPhone 11 and OnePlus 7 Pro launched in 2019, they represented two distinct philosophies in smartphone photography. Apple emphasized computational imaging, consistency, and ecosystem integration. OnePlus pushed hardware boundaries with a pop-up front camera, high-resolution primary sensor, and aggressive HDR processing. Three years later, both phones have aged—physically, technologically, and in software support—but their cameras remain relevant for budget-conscious users or those holding onto older devices. So, which camera system holds up better today?

The Evolution of Smartphone Cameras Over Time

Camera longevity isn’t just about megapixels or lens count. It’s influenced by sensor durability, image processing algorithms, software updates, and user expectations. The iPhone 11 launched with iOS 13; it now runs iOS 16. The OnePlus 7 Pro shipped with Android 9 and received updates through Android 11, with no further major OS upgrades. This divergence in update policy affects not only security but also camera optimizations and AI enhancements.

Apple continues to refine its Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, and Night mode algorithms across generations. Even without new hardware, older iPhones benefit from these refinements. OnePlus, while strong at launch, stopped receiving major camera tuning updates after OxygenOS 11, leaving its imaging engine largely frozen in time.

“Software is what keeps older cameras competitive. Without ongoing tuning, even great hardware can feel outdated.” — Rajiv Mehta, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK (2022 interview)

Hardware Comparison: Then vs. Now

At launch, the OnePlus 7 Pro had a technical edge. Its 48MP Sony IMX586 main sensor captured more detail than the iPhone 11’s 12MP sensor. The telephoto lens offered 3x optical zoom, while the iPhone relied on digital cropping. However, Apple's dual-camera system included an ultra-wide lens—a first for iPhones—giving it greater versatility in framing.

Feature	iPhone 11	OnePlus 7 Pro
Main Sensor	12MP f/1.8 (Sony IMX577)	48MP f/1.6 (Sony IMX586)
Secondary Lens	12MP Ultra-Wide f/2.4	8MP Telephoto f/2.4 (3x zoom)
Front Camera	12MP f/2.2	16MP f/2.0 (pop-up)
Video Recording	4K@60fps, extended dynamic range	4K@30/60fps, no gyro-EIS
Software Updates	iOS 13 → iOS 16+	Android 9 → Android 11 (no further)

Today, sensor degradation is minimal on both devices, but wear on the OnePlus 7 Pro’s mechanical pop-up camera mechanism has been reported by some users. Dust ingress and motor fatigue can lead to slower actuation or failure—something absent in the iPhone’s static front camera.

Tip: If you're still using a OnePlus 7 Pro, manually close the pop-up camera after use to reduce strain and avoid triggering it unnecessarily.

Image Quality in Real-World Conditions

In daylight, both phones produce usable images, but their approaches differ. The OnePlus 7 Pro tends to oversharpen and over-saturate, especially in greenery and skies. While initially striking, this look ages poorly and often requires post-processing to tone down. The iPhone 11 applies a more natural color science, preserving skin tones and subtle gradients.

In low light, the gap widens. Apple’s Night mode, introduced with the iPhone 11, remains effective and has been refined over multiple iOS versions. It automatically activates in dim environments, combining multiple exposures for cleaner results. The OnePlus 7 Pro lacks a dedicated night mode; instead, it relies on HDR+ and longer exposure in “Nightscape” mode, which can be inconsistent and prone to blur if hands aren’t steady.

Dynamic range favors the iPhone in high-contrast scenes. The OnePlus often clips highlights in bright skies or indoor windows, while the iPhone preserves more detail through advanced tonal mapping. However, the 7 Pro’s telephoto lens still offers genuine optical zoom benefits that the iPhone 11 cannot match without loss of quality.

Sample Scenario: A Weekend Hike

Lena, a travel blogger, used both phones during a hiking trip in late 2022—two years after purchasing them secondhand. She shot landscapes, portraits, and dusk campfire scenes. Her findings were telling:

• The iPhone 11 handled backlit mountain ridges more gracefully, retaining cloud texture.
• The OnePlus 7 Pro captured sharper distant details using its telephoto lens when photographing wildlife.
• For group photos around the fire, the iPhone produced warmer, more flattering skin tones.
• The OnePlus required manual switching to Nightscape mode, while the iPhone auto-activated Night mode seamlessly.

She ultimately preferred the iPhone for ease of use and consistency, though she missed having a true zoom option.

Software Longevity and User Experience

Apple’s commitment to long-term software support gives the iPhone 11 a clear advantage. Features like Photographic Styles (introduced in iOS 15) allow users to customize the look of photos while maintaining Apple’s processing pipeline. Third-party apps also continue to optimize for older iPhones due to their large installed base.

In contrast, the OnePlus 7 Pro stopped receiving major updates in 2021. No new camera features have been added, and some apps now run less efficiently due to outdated APIs. While rooted users have found custom ROMs to extend life, this introduces complexity and risk.

Moreover, iCloud Photos integration ensures seamless backup and cross-device syncing for iPhone users. OnePlus lacks a unified cloud solution, making photo management more fragmented over time.

Checklist: Evaluating an Aging Smartphone Camera

If you’re deciding whether to keep or replace your iPhone 11 or OnePlus 7 Pro, consider the following:

1. Test low-light performance: Take a photo indoors without flash. Is noise excessive? Are colors accurate?
2. Check autofocus speed: Does the camera struggle to lock focus quickly?
3. Evaluate app stability: Do camera apps crash or lag?
4. Inspect physical components: For OnePlus 7 Pro, ensure the pop-up camera functions smoothly.
5. Review software status: Is the OS up to date? Are security patches recent?
6. Assess storage and transfer: Can you easily back up and share photos?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 11 still take good photos in 2024?

Absolutely. While newer phones outperform it, the iPhone 11 still captures well-balanced, detailed photos in most conditions. Its processing, color accuracy, and video capabilities remain impressive for a device of its age.

Is the OnePlus 7 Pro camera obsolete?

Not entirely. Its 48MP sensor and telephoto lens are capable, but inconsistent software tuning and lack of updates make it less reliable. It works best for users who enjoy manual control and don’t mind occasional glitches.

Which phone holds better resale value?

The iPhone 11 generally retains higher resale value due to longer software support, brand demand, and broader compatibility with current ecosystems.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Wins After Three Years?

The iPhone 11 emerges as the long-term winner—not because of superior hardware, but because of sustained software investment, consistent image quality, and ecosystem reliability. While the OnePlus 7 Pro was the bolder device at launch, its camera has stagnated. Apple’s iterative improvements have kept the iPhone 11 feeling more modern, even as its hardware ages.

For users still relying on either device, the iPhone offers fewer surprises and more dependable results. The OnePlus 7 Pro demands more effort to extract quality and carries higher risk of mechanical failure. That said, if optical zoom is a priority and the pop-up mechanism is intact, the OnePlus remains a viable secondary shooter.

💬 Still using your iPhone 11 or OnePlus 7 Pro? Share your camera experience in the comments. How do your photos hold up today?