Following the European Union's (EU) mandate to reduce tech giant domination in the smartphone market, we'll likely see brands like OnePlus shine more in the spotlight. The Chinese company offers the OnePlus line with flagships that perform excellently.
The Nord models are also available if you're targeting lower-end phones, although more phones outside both types cater to different needs. If you want to buy one, we've provided the specifications and reviews of the best five.
Before you buy: OnePlus phones are near-stock Android
If you're a longtime Android fan, you’ll know that the operating system has different variations besides Google's stock version. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Samsung have their One UI, while Xiaomi presents the HyperOS. OnePlus uses OxygenOS, which is a breath of fresh air.
It's a near-stock OS that cuts out much of the bloatware you'll see on other phone brands—at least, that's how it was originally designed. While it has changed dramatically over the years, it's still an ideal choice for minimalists who want a powerhouse device with lightweight customizations.
OxygenOS and Oppo's ColorOS were to merge at some point. In September 2021, OnePlus announced the plan. Both OS were to have the same codebases at the core while using different interfaces. Following backslashes from their user community and fans, the company put a lid on the plan. They may revisit it in the future.
Overview: The best OnePlus phones for you
- Best overall phone: OnePlus 12.
- Best value phone: OnePlus 12R.
- Best mid-range phone: OnePlus 11 5G.
- Best foldable phone: OnePlus Open.
- Best budget phone: OnePlus Nord N30 5G.
OnePlus 12
Pros
- Large RAM & storage options.
- Powerful processor & battery.
- Sharp camera quality.
- Near-stock Android 14 OS.
Cons
- Heavyweight.
- IP65 resistance rating. Most flagships pack IP68.
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Display: 6.8-inches LTPO AMOLED | RAM: 12GB, 16GB, 24GB | Storage size: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Cameras: 32MP wide (selfie), 50MP wide, 64MP periscope telephoto, 48MP ultrawide | Battery: 5,400mAh | Earphone jack: USB Type-C | Price: $800
If you like big phones, the OnePlus 12 has a large 6.8-inch display. Its 120Hz dynamic refresh rate and HDR support make the visuals pop. It runs on the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip with OxygenOS 14, based on Android 14.
The phone can handle multiple apps without lag with either the 12GB, 16GB, or 24GB RAM variations. The 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage options provide enough room for all file types.
The phone also has a versatile camera system featuring periscope telephoto and ultra-wide lenses perfect for capturing different scenes. With 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.4 present, your connection with other devices and the internet is fast and reliable.
OnePlus 12R
Pros
- Cheaper than the OnePlus 12.
- Higher battery capacity.
- Powerful processor.
- LTPO4 AMOLED display that's better than the OnePlus 12's.
Cons
- IP64 resistance rating.
- Smaller RAM & storage options.
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Display: 6.8-inches LTPO4 AMOLED | RAM: 8GB, 12GB, 16GB | Storage size: 128GB, 256GB | Cameras: 16MP wide (selfie), 50MP wide, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro | Battery: 5,500mAh | Earphone jack: USB Type-C | Price: $650
Think of the OnePlus 12R as the lite version of the first model. With such phones, you'd expect major trade-offs, but this one performs superbly. The battery capacity is 100mAh higher at 5,500mAh, and it uses AMOLED display technology—precisely LTPO 4.0, which surpasses the OnePlus 12's display technology.
The display is 6.7 inches with a 120Hz refresh rate, and the phone weighs 13g less than the OnePlus 12, which weighs 220g. The 12R phone uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon Gen 2 processor, which is a step down from Gen 3 yet still powerful.
OnePlus 11 5G
Pros
- 5G connectivity.
- Impressive camera quality.
- Decent battery capacity with 100W fast charging support.
- Decent RAM & storage options.
Cons
- Pricier than the OnePlus 12R. It's not ideal for budget users.
- No wireless charging support.
- IP64 resistance rating.
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Display: 6.7-inches LTPO3 AMOLED | RAM: 8GB, 12GB, 16GB | Storage size: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | Cameras: 16MP wide (selfie), 50MP wide, 32MP telephoto, 48MP ultrawide | Battery: 5,000mAh | Earphone jack: USB Type-C | Price: $700
The OnePlus 11 5G offers flagship-contending qualities with the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset on the 12R model. It comes with standard 8GB RAM and 128GB storage space at $699, with a 16GB RAM and 256GB space option at $925.
The battery capacity is relatively lower compared to the previous models on this list. But it supports 100W fast charging, which means you'll juice up quickly and be back to gaming or running other tasks in no time.
Also, It has an IP64 rating, which means your phone can survive a few minutes of being sprayed with water. However, it's not submersible in pools or any form of deep water.
OnePlus Open
Pros
- Impressive display.
- Decent battery capacity.
- Powerful processor.
- Expandable RAM.
Cons
- Heavy design.
- Expensive.
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Display: 7.8-inches LTPO3 AMOLED | RAM: 16GB (expandable with additional 12GB) | Storage size: 512GB | Cameras: 20MP ultrawide (selfie), 48MP wide, 64MP telephoto, 48MP ultrawide | Battery: 4,805mAh| Earphone jack: USB Type-C | Price:
The OnePlus Open is as you'd expect any foldable phone to be. The main display towers up to 7.8 inches, with the cover screen measuring 6.3 inches. Both screens use AMOLED technology with LTPO 3.
In terms of performance, the phone runs on OxygenOS 13, which is based on Android 13 and packs a sizable 4,805mAh dual-cell battery. It uses the Snapdragon Gen 2 chipset and has 16GB RAM with OnePlus's in-house RAM-Vita technology.
When multiple apps are open simultaneously, RAM-Vita compresses their data and allows your device to run smoothly. Expansion up to 12GB is possible with a portion of your phone's internal storage going into making additional RAM available.
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
Pros
- Decent battery capacity.
- Affordable.
- Decent display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Includes 3.5mm headphone jack & microSD slot.
Cons
- Underwhelming camera quality.
- Limited RAM & storage option.
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G | Display: 6.7-inches LCD | RAM: 8GB | Storage size: 128GB | Cameras: 16MP wide (selfie), 108MP wide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth | Battery: 5,000mAh | Earphone jack: 3.5mm | Price: $250
OnePlus has been generous with the Nord N30 5G's features. They're more than you'd find on a cheap model. Yes, there are significant cutbacks, like the LCD display instead of AMOLED, Snapdragon 695 5G processor rather than the latest Generations, and 8GB RAM standard.
But really, it's not a product you'd regret buying if you're on the hunt for a budget OnePlus phone. Impressively, the main camera uses Samsung's S5KHM6SX03 sensor. It packs 108MP, although the pixel size is small at 0.64 µm/108M. You will struggle with clear shots in low-light conditions.
Explore the top OnePlus smartphones
The OnePlus 12 offers top-tier performance with a large screen, powerful processor, and excellent camera quality. For a more budget-friendly option with impressive features, consider the OnePlus 12R with a lighter design, better display, and higher battery capacity. You may find the OnePlus Open appealing for its foldable design and the OnePlus Nord N30 5G for its budget-friendly pricing. But don't limit your choices.
If you're not impressed with these models, there are other brands to choose from. Google Pixel phones are a great fit for you if you need stock Android OS. Samsung phones are pricey, but they're the next best thing with incredible AI qualities.
