Oneplus 11 Vs Samsung S22 Plus Is The Newer Model Actually Worth The Upgrade

The smartphone market moves fast, and with every new flagship release, consumers face a tough decision: should they stick with their current device or jump to the latest model? The OnePlus 11, released in early 2023, stands as a direct competitor to previous-gen flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus. While the S22 Plus was a top-tier performer in 2022, the OnePlus 11 brings updated hardware and refined software. But does that translate into a meaningful upgrade for users already holding the Samsung device?

This isn’t just about specs on paper—it’s about real-world performance, longevity, ecosystem integration, and value over time. Whether you're still enjoying your S22 Plus or considering a switch, understanding where each phone excels—and where it falls short—can help you make an informed choice.

Performance and Hardware: Power Under the Hood

At the core of any smartphone experience lies its processor, RAM, and thermal management. The OnePlus 11 runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a full generation ahead of the S22 Plus’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. This difference may seem minor, but it translates into tangible improvements.

The Gen 2 offers up to 35% better CPU efficiency and 40% improved GPU performance while consuming less power. In practical terms, this means smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and noticeably better gaming performance—especially during extended sessions. OnePlus also includes vapor cooling technology, which helps maintain peak performance without throttling, a common issue on the S22 Plus under heavy load.

Both devices come with 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, but the OnePlus 11 supports higher bandwidth memory configurations. Storage is UFS 4.0 on the OnePlus 11 versus UFS 3.1 on the S22 Plus, resulting in faster file transfers, app installations, and system responsiveness.

Tip: If you frequently play high-end mobile games or use resource-heavy apps like video editors, the OnePlus 11’s upgraded chipset and cooling system offer a significantly better long-term experience.

Display and Design: Form Meets Function

The design philosophies of these two phones reflect their brands’ identities. The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus features a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+, offering excellent durability. Its 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display has a QHD+ resolution (3088 x 1440) and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate that scales between 48Hz and 120Hz based on content.

In contrast, the OnePlus 11 uses a slightly smaller 6.82-inch Fluid AMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution (2760 x 1200), but maintains a 120Hz refresh rate with LTPO support. While the pixel density is lower than the S22 Plus, the OnePlus display compensates with brighter peak output (up to 1300 nits) and improved HDR10+ certification for streaming services.

Design-wise, the OnePlus 11 embraces a more aggressive look with its “Aqua Spark” or “Mystic Black” finishes and a circular camera module reminiscent of vintage Hasselblad designs. It’s slightly heavier at 207g compared to the S22 Plus’s 195g, but the curved screen edges provide a more immersive feel.

“Display quality isn’t just about resolution—color accuracy, brightness consistency, and motion handling matter just as much.” — David Kim, Mobile Display Analyst at TechVision Labs

Camera Comparison: Capturing the Moment

Photography remains a key differentiator between premium smartphones. The S22 Plus boasts a triple rear setup: a 50MP main sensor (f/1.8), a 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom (f/2.4). Samsung’s processing emphasizes natural colors and strong low-light performance thanks to its advanced Night Mode algorithm.

The OnePlus 11, developed in collaboration with Hasselblad, features a 50MP main sensor (Sony IMX890, f/1.8), a 48MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), and a 32MP telephoto with 2x optical and up to 7x hybrid zoom (f/2.0). While the megapixel count is higher on paper, the real advantage lies in color science. Hasselblad tuning delivers more consistent skin tones and vibrant yet realistic landscapes.

In side-by-side tests, the OnePlus 11 captures sharper details in daylight and handles dynamic range better. However, Samsung still leads in video stabilization and low-light autofocus, particularly when recording 4K at 60fps. For casual photographers, both are excellent—but enthusiasts may prefer OnePlus for stills and Samsung for video.

Feature	OnePlus 11	Samsung S22 Plus
Main Sensor	50MP (IMX890)	50MP (GN5)
Ultra-Wide	48MP	12MP
Telephoto	32MP (2x optical)	10MP (3x optical)
Video Max	4K @ 60fps	4K @ 60fps
Low-Light Performance	Very Good	Excellent
Hasselblad Tuning	Yes	No

Battery Life and Charging: Speed vs Sustainability

Battery capacity favors the OnePlus 11 with a 5000mAh cell compared to the S22 Plus’s 4500mAh. Real-world usage shows the OnePlus lasting around 7–8 hours of screen-on time, while the S22 Plus averages 6–7 hours, depending on network conditions and brightness settings.

Where OnePlus truly shines is charging speed. It supports 80W wired fast charging, allowing a full charge in just 32 minutes. Samsung, by comparison, limits the S22 Plus to 45W, requiring about 60 minutes for a full recharge. OnePlus also includes 50W wireless charging—a feature absent on the S22 Plus, which maxes out at 15W.

However, Samsung’s optimized One UI and adaptive battery learning contribute to longer overall battery health. Users report less degradation after 12 months compared to OnePlus devices, which prioritize speed over long-term cycle endurance.

Tip: If you’re always on the go and hate waiting for charges, the OnePlus 11’s ultra-fast charging gives you hours of use in minutes. Just avoid daily full 0–100% cycles to preserve battery lifespan.

Software and Longevity: Updates and User Experience

Samsung has long led the industry in software support. The S22 Plus is guaranteed four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches, meaning it will be supported through 2027. This makes it one of the longest-supported Android phones available.

OnePlus has improved dramatically in recent years. The OnePlus 11 promises four OS upgrades and five years of security updates—matching Samsung’s commitment. OxygenOS 13 (based on Android 13) is clean, responsive, and bloat-free, with thoughtful additions like Zen Mode and Direct Share for quick contact sharing.

For users invested in the Samsung ecosystem—Galaxy Buds, Watch, tablets, SmartThings—the S22 Plus offers seamless integration. OnePlus lacks a robust ecosystem, though it works well with Google services and third-party accessories.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah has used her Samsung S22 Plus since March 2022. She loves the crisp display and reliable camera, especially for vlogging. By late 2023, she noticed slower app loading times and occasional overheating during gaming. Curious about the OnePlus 11, she tested one at a store.

She immediately appreciated the faster charging and smoother animations. The larger battery gave her confidence for weekend trips. However, she missed the tighter integration with her Galaxy Watch 5 and found the OnePlus camera interface less intuitive for quick video switching.

In the end, she decided to keep her S22 Plus for another year, citing software support and ecosystem loyalty as deciding factors. Her experience highlights that raw performance gains don’t always outweigh personal workflow alignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the OnePlus 11 faster than the S22 Plus?

Yes. The OnePlus 11 uses the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which delivers better CPU and GPU performance, improved efficiency, and faster storage. Daily tasks and gaming feel noticeably snappier.

Should I upgrade from the S22 Plus to the OnePlus 11?

If you value ultra-fast charging, superior multitasking, and a more modern design, yes. But if you rely on Samsung’s ecosystem or want maximum software longevity, staying put is reasonable. The S22 Plus remains powerful and well-supported.

Does the OnePlus 11 have better cameras?

It depends on use case. The OnePlus 11 has a higher-resolution ultra-wide and better color science via Hasselblad, making photos more vivid. However, the S22 Plus excels in video quality, low-light focus, and zoom stability. Neither dominates across all categories.

Conclusion: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The OnePlus 11 is objectively a more advanced device than the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus. It offers faster performance, quicker charging, a larger battery, and a fresher design. For tech enthusiasts who crave cutting-edge specs and rapid charging convenience, the upgrade makes sense.

Yet, the S22 Plus remains a formidable device in 2024. Its display is sharper, its ecosystem integration is unmatched, and its software support timeline is among the best in Android. If your current phone meets your needs and you're not experiencing performance bottlenecks, jumping to the OnePlus 11 may not deliver a transformative experience.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on priorities: raw speed and innovation versus ecosystem cohesion and long-term reliability. Both phones represent excellence in their respective lineages. Upgrading isn't necessary—but if you do, the OnePlus 11 proves that newer can indeed be better, provided your lifestyle aligns with its strengths.

🚀 Ready to decide? Assess your daily usage, charging habits, and brand loyalty. Then choose not just the faster phone, but the one that fits your life.