We tend to obsess about a smartphone’s processor and how it fares in gaming or benchmark tests. But speed is more than just a benchmark score. It’s how a device deals with everyday tasks that are thrown at it. Usually the first indication of this is when you are setting up your phone and adding a layer of protection with your fingerprint unlock. This is where the new OnePlus 11R hit it out of the park. Speed is more about everyday tasks – how quick does the camera fire, how fast does the phone charge. The OnePlus 11R sailed through these daily speed tests and yet it doesn’t cost as much as OnePlus’ premier flagship – the OnePlus 11. Is this all the OnePlus flagship we need?

Edgy design

The OnePlus 11R looks almost identical to the OnePlus 11. We checked out the Sonic Black version that’s quite similar to the Titan Black on the OnePlus 11. You get the same edgy rear camera lens design that we totally dig. The only thing missing is the Hasselblad branding on the OnePlus 11R. OnePlus’ camera partnership with the iconic Swedish brand doesn’t extend to the more affordable OnePlus 11R. Brands have worked hard on the ‘weight distribution’ aspect of smartphone design. That’s one reason why the OnePlus 11R doesn’t feel heavy despite its 204 gm heft, that’s almost the same as the OnePlus 11. Unlike the OnePlus 11 that is IP64-certified, this one doesn’t offer any dust or water protection.

Just OnePlus things

The OnePlus 11R is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. This was one the premier processors of 2022 and has now been eclipsed by the Gen 2 version that powers the OnePlus 11. It’s still a formidable chipset, we checked out the 16GB/256GB variant that was super quick. There’s also a 8GB/128GB option. The OnePlus 11R aced our Geekbench test with an impressive score of 3659. Like we said before, test results are only one part of the story. The OnePlus 11R addresses your need for speed. Whether I was gaming or multi-tasking, this device never slowed down. It packs enough firepower for most users. It’s the same with the 100W SUPERVOOC in-box charger that can take your device from 1 to 100% in just 25 minutes flat.

Ticks those flagship boxes

One of our favourite features of the new OnePlus 11R is the 6.74-inch Super Fluid AMOLED display (2772 x 1240 pixels / 450 PPI). OnePlus has pushed the peak brightness to 1450 nits while the 120Hz refresh rate keeps things ultra-smooth whether you’re scrolling or gaming. You get HDR10+ support; this is clearly binge proof. OnePlus makes some interesting choices with the camera set up. The 50MP primary lens on the triple rear cam and the 16MP selfie cam are both similar. Results are quite good even in lowlight. The triple cam misses out on a zoom lens, you get a 2MP macro lens instead. The 8MP ultra-wide lens on the 11R is not as formidable as the 48MP lens on the OnePlus 11. In our tests, the 11R didn’t measure up to the results on the OnePlus 11 but it’s still one of the best mobile shooters in the sub Rs 40,000 price band. That’s the thing with the OnePlus 11R, it does most flagship things at an affordable price tag. OnePlus’ R devices are meant to recreate the magic of the OnePlus of old; the OnePlus 11R does. It ticks the key boxes that matter to all of us and yet you don’t have to break the bank for this.

The OnePlus 11R comes in Galactic Silver and Sonic Black. The 8GB/128 version costs Rs 39,999 while the 16GB/256GB is priced at Rs 44,999. OnePlus is offering an instant cashback of Rs 1,000 on Citibank and ICICI cards.