The mobile gaming landscape is fierce, and these two contenders – the Lenovo Legion Y70 and the ZTE Nubia Z50 – are vying for the top spot. Both pack powerful processors and gaming-centric features, but which one truly delivers the best experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to find out.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nubia Z50 takes the crown thanks to its newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, offering superior performance and efficiency. While the Y70 is a strong contender with fast charging, the Z50's overall package, including potentially better display and camera, makes it the better choice for serious gamers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA/Sub6 | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 18 | 2022, December 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 23 | Available. Released 2022, December 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum frame, glass back or eco leather back |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 77 x 8 mm (6.44 x 3.03 x 0.31 in) | 162.9 x 72.9 x 8.5 mm or 8.7 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 197 g or 199 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 740 |
| OS | Android 12, ZUI 14 | Android 13, MyOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 4.0
UFS 3.1 (128GB only) |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.6, 35mm (standard), 1/1.7", PDAF, OIS
50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), AF |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Ring-LED flash (4 LEDs), panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
13 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS | 8K, 4K |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 68W wired, 80% in 34 min | 80W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Red | Black, Silver, Mint, Rabit red |
| Models | L71091 | NX711J |
| Price | About 440 EUR | About 400 EUR |
Lenovo Legion Y70
- Fast 68W Charging
- Robust Cooling System
- Competitive Price
- Good Performance
- Older Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Chipset
- Potentially Inferior Camera
- Design may be less premium
ZTE nubia Z50
- Newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Chipset
- Potentially Superior Display
- Faster 80W Charging
- Likely Better Camera
- Higher Price
- Availability may be limited
- Design may be polarizing
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature high refresh rate AMOLED displays, but the Nubia Z50 potentially boasts a slightly brighter panel and more accurate color reproduction due to its newer technology. Expect vibrant visuals and smooth gameplay on both, but the Z50 might have a slight edge in visual fidelity. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are not fully available, the Nubia Z50 likely has a more advanced camera system, potentially with a larger sensor and improved image processing. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the Z50. The Y70 will still offer a capable camera, but it likely won't match the Z50's capabilities.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Nubia Z50 is undeniably faster and more efficient than the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the Legion Y70. Expect smoother frame rates in demanding games, better multitasking, and improved thermal management on the Z50. Both phones will handle most games with ease, but the Z50 has more headroom for future titles.
Battery Life
The Lenovo Legion Y70's 68W charging is impressive, allowing for quick top-ups. The Nubia Z50's 80W charging is even faster. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh), so the Z50 will likely charge faster, but overall battery life will be comparable given the 8 Gen 2's efficiency.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Legion Y70 is ideal for gamers on a tighter budget who prioritize fast charging and a robust cooling system. The ZTE Nubia Z50 is for those willing to invest in top-tier performance, a potentially superior display, and a more refined overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lenovo Legion Y70 good for gaming?
Yes, the Legion Y70 is a capable gaming phone with a powerful processor and a dedicated cooling system. However, the Nubia Z50 offers a performance edge.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones likely have similar battery life, but the Nubia Z50 charges significantly faster.
❓ Is the Nubia Z50 worth the extra money?
If you prioritize top-tier performance, a potentially better display, and a more advanced camera, then the Nubia Z50 is worth the investment.
