OnePlus vs Xiaomi – Which Gives You More for Your Money? (My Real Experience)
Best OnePlus vs Xiaomi When it comes to choosing a new smartphone, two of the most talked-about brands are OnePlus and Xiaomi. Both companies have made a name for themselves in the global smartphone market by offering premium features at competitive prices. However, they have different approaches when it comes to design, performance, software, and pricing.
Best OnePlus vs Xiaomi Design and Build Quality :
OnePlus smartphones are known for their premium build quality. The company often uses glass and metal designs, which feel very high-end. The OnePlus 11, for example, comes with a sleek glass back and a polished metal frame. OnePlus tends to prioritize simplicity and elegance in its design, with a focus on clean lines and minimalist aesthetics.
- Best OnePlus vs Xiaomi Display Quality:
- Xiaomi also offers solid build quality, with many of their phones featuring a glass or metal finish. The Xiaomi 13 Pro, for instance, boasts a high-quality glass body and a sleek design. However, Xiaomi tends to experiment more with bold and colorful designs, particularly with their Mi and Redmi series. The design is modern, but the approach may be a little more flashy compared to OnePlus’s more reserved style.
4. Software Experience
OnePlus:
OnePlus has long been known for its OxygenOS, which is a clean, near-stock version of Android. The UI is smooth, fast, and free of unnecessary bloatware, offering an almost pixel-like experience. OnePlus provides regular software updates and security patches, ensuring your device stays up-to-date.
Xiaomi:
Xiaomi runs MIUI on its phones, which is heavily customized. While MIUI offers plenty of features and customizability, some users find it to be a bit too bloated with extra apps and unnecessary tweaks. Xiaomi has worked to make MIUI more refined over time, but it may not be as clean as OxygenOS.
Winner: OnePlus is the winner here if you prefer a clean, straightforward software experience. Xiaomi may be better for those who like lots of customization options, but the interface can feel a bit cluttered for some users.
5. Camera Quality
OnePlus:
OnePlus phones have steadily improved their camera systems over the years, and the OnePlus 11 continues this trend with a solid triple-camera setup. With a 50MP main sensor, the camera performs well in both daylight and low-light conditions, producing sharp and detailed photos. The camera software is refined for accurate color reproduction, and the ultra-wide and macro lenses are quite good as well.
Xiaomi:
Xiaomi has been known for offering some of the best camera systems in the market, especially in their Mi and Redmi series. The Xiaomi 13 Pro comes with a 50MP main camera, and it offers excellent image quality with rich colors and high detail. Xiaomi’s partnership with Leica has also helped improve the camera’s overall performance, especially in low light. If photography is your top priority, Xiaomi often has a slight edge in camera technology.
Winner: Xiaomi takes this one, particularly for users who prioritize photography. Their camera systems offer amazing detail, especially in low-light conditions.
Winner: It depends on personal preference, but OnePlus may be the better choice if you prefer a more refined, premium look. Xiaomi offers more variety, and you might prefer its bold designs if you’re into something a bit different.
Best OnePlus vs Xiaomi performance
OnePlus:
OnePlus has a reputation for offering flagship-level performance at competitive prices. The OnePlus 11 is equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which ensures fast and smooth performance. OnePlus’s OxygenOS is optimized to provide a clean, responsive user interface. Gaming, multitasking, and everyday tasks are handled effortlessly on OnePlus devices.
Xiaomi:
Xiaomi also provides strong performance, with the Xiaomi 13 Pro powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. Like OnePlus, Xiaomi’s MIUI software is also optimized for performance. Xiaomi devices are known for handling heavy tasks, such as gaming and multi-app multitasking, without a hitch. Xiaomi often includes high RAM configurations, which further improves the overall performance.
Winner: This category is a tie. Both brands use the same top-tier processors and offer fast performance. It boils down to personal preferences regarding software. If you prefer OxygenOS (OnePlus), go with OnePlus; if you like MIUI (Xiaomi), go with Xiaomi.

Quick Answer: Who Wins?
Pick OnePlus if:
✔ You want clean software (no ads!)
✔ Need fast performance for gaming
✔ Don’t mind paying a little extra
Pick Xiaomi if:
✔ You want cheaper phones
✔ Like customization (themes, mods)
✔ Don’t mind some bloatware
Phone Comparison (2024 Models)
OnePlus vs Xiaomi
Feature | OnePlus 12 | Xiaomi 14 |
---|---|---|
Price | RM 3,699 | RM 3,299 |
Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
Display | 6.8″ 120Hz | 6.36″ 120Hz |
Battery | 5,400mAh (100W) | 4,610mAh (90W) |
Software | Clean OxygenOS | MIUI (more features) |
My Verdict:
- OnePlus 12 → Better battery, smoother software
- Xiaomi 14 → More compact, cheaper
2. Mid-Range Battle: OnePlus Nord 3 vs Redmi Note 13 Pro+
Feature | Nord 3 | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ |
---|---|---|
Price | RM 1,899 | RM 1,599 |
Processor | Dimensity 9000 | Dimensity 7200-Ultra |
Cameras | 50MP (better low-light) | 200MP (more detail) |
Charging | 80W | 120W (faster!) |
My Verdict:
- Nord 3 → Faster chip, better build
- Redmi Note 13 Pro+ → Cheaper, insane charging
Which Brand is Cheaper in Malaysia?
- Xiaomi wins in budget phones (Redmi series)
- OnePlus wins in premium feel (better materials)
Performance & Gaming
OnePlus is smoother – Less lag, better cooling
Xiaomi is good too – But MIUI slows down over time
Gaming Test (Genshin Impact):
- OnePlus 12 → 60FPS (no heating)
- Xiaomi 14 → 55-60FPS (gets warm)
Camera Comparison
Daylight Photos:
- Xiaomi → More vibrant colors
- OnePlus → More natural look
Night Mode:
- OnePlus → Less noise, better details
- Xiaomi → Sometimes oversharpens
Selfies:
- Xiaomi → Better skin tones
- OnePlus → More realistic
Battery Life & Charging
- OnePlus → Bigger batteries (5,000mAh+)
- Xiaomi → Faster charging (120W!)
- OnePlus 12 → 7-8 hours screen time
- Xiaomi 14 → 6-7 hours
Software & Updates
- OnePlus (OxygenOS) → Clean, no ads, 4 years updates
- Xiaomi (MIUI) → More features, but has ads in apps
Which lasts longer?
- OnePlus feels faster after 2 years
- Xiaomi gets more updates but slows down
Final Decision – Which Should YOU Buy?
Get OnePlus If You Want:
✔ No-nonsense fast performance
✔ Clean software (no bloatware)
✔ Better long-term speed
Get Xiaomi If You Want:
✔ More affordable options
✔ Faster charging
✔ Extra camera features
Where to Buy in Malaysia?
- OnePlus: Lazada Official
- Xiaomi: Shopee Official
#OnePlus #Xiaomi #MalaysiaTech #BudgetPhone