The mobile gaming landscape is fierce, and these two contenders – the Lenovo Legion Y70 and the ZTE Nubia Z50 Ultra – are vying for the top spot. Both pack powerful processors and boast impressive features, but which one truly delivers the best gaming experience? Let's dive in and find out.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nubia Z50 Ultra edges out the Legion Y70 thanks to its newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, offering superior performance and efficiency. While the Y70 is a strong contender, the Z50 Ultra's advancements in processing power and potentially camera capabilities make it the overall winner for demanding 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 / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 18 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 23 | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 77 x 8 mm (6.44 x 3.03 x 0.31 in) | 163.9 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm (6.45 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 228 g (8.04 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak) |
| 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 | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 4.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Laser AF, Ring-LED, dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
13 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.6, 35mm (standard), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
64 MP, f/3.3, 85mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", PDAF, OIS, 3.3x optical zoom (vs. 26mm cam)
50 MP, f/2.X, 14mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), PDAF |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display |
| 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 Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1+L2+L5), GALILEO, BDS |
| 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, PD3.0, QC4 |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Red | Black, Silver, Starry Sky |
| Models | L71091 | NX712J |
| Price | About 440 EUR | About 540 EUR |
Lenovo Legion Y70
- Excellent cooling system
- Responsive display
- Aggressive gaming design
- Good value for performance
- Camera performance could be better
- Slightly older chipset
- Design may not appeal to everyone
ZTE nubia Z50 Ultra
- Latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
- Potentially superior camera system
- Bright and vibrant display
- Fast charging (80W)
- Potentially higher price
- Design might be considered less 'gamer' focused
- Availability may be limited in some regions
Display Comparison
Both phones feature high-refresh-rate AMOLED displays, likely exceeding 120Hz. The Nubia Z50 Ultra is expected to have a slightly brighter display and potentially a higher resolution, offering a more immersive visual experience. The Legion Y70's display is known for its responsiveness, crucial for competitive gaming.
Camera Comparison
The Nubia Z50 Ultra is rumored to feature a significantly improved camera system, potentially with a larger sensor and advanced image processing. The Legion Y70's camera is competent but not a primary selling point. Expect better low-light performance and overall image quality from the Z50 Ultra.
Performance
The Nubia Z50 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Y70's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. Expect smoother gameplay, faster app loading times, and better multitasking on the Z50 Ultra. Both phones will handle demanding games with ease, but the Gen 2 offers headroom for future titles.
Battery Life
Both phones offer substantial battery capacities. The Nubia Z50 Ultra's 80W charging is slightly faster than the Y70's 68W, allowing for quicker top-ups. Battery life will likely be comparable under typical usage, but the Z50 Ultra's more efficient chipset could provide a slight edge.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Legion Y70 is ideal for gamers seeking a robust, well-cooled device with a focus on performance and a slightly more aggressive gaming aesthetic. The ZTE Nubia Z50 Ultra is perfect for those who want a flagship experience with cutting-edge specs, a potentially superior camera system, and a more refined design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Nubia Z50 Ultra worth the extra cost?
If you prioritize top-tier performance and camera capabilities, the Z50 Ultra's premium price is justified. However, the Y70 offers excellent value for gamers on a tighter budget.
❓ Which phone has better cooling?
The Lenovo Legion Y70 is known for its robust cooling system, designed to handle extended gaming sessions. While the Z50 Ultra also has cooling solutions, the Y70's reputation in this area is stronger.
