ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme vs Realme X50 Pro 5G: A Detailed Performance and Value Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the Realme X50 Pro 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 865 chipset provides a significant performance uplift over the Axon 20’s Snapdragon 765G. However, the Axon 20 offers a unique under-display camera experience and may appeal to those seeking a different aesthetic.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme | Realme X50 Pro 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 - Global |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA 800 | 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA - India | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 03. Released 2020, December 22 | 2020, February 24. Released 2020, March 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, eco leather back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 172.1 x 77.9 x 8 mm (6.78 x 3.07 x 0.31 in) | 159 x 74.2 x 8.9 mm (6.26 x 2.92 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~388 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.92 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, 90Hz | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Always-on display | - | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 10, MiFavor 10.5 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.0 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 12 MP, f/2.5, 54mm (telephoto), 2x optical zoom, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 13mm (ultrawide), PDAF Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR, 10‑bit video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm 8 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), under display | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, QC4, 60% in 30 min | 65W wired, PD, 100% in 35 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 4220 mAh | 4200 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Sunrise Yellow | Moss Green, Rust Red |
| Models | A2121 | RMX2075, RMX2071, RMX2076 |
| Price | About 440 EUR | About 360 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 90h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -23.2 LUFS (Very good) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 592447 (v8) GeekBench: 3175 (v5.1) GFXBench: 45fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme
- Unique under-display camera technology
- Competitive price point
- Decent 5G connectivity
- Less powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset
- Potentially lower front camera quality
- Slower charging speed
Realme X50 Pro 5G
- Flagship-level Snapdragon 865 performance
- 65W SuperDart fast charging
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- May be harder to find new
- Potentially higher price (depending on retailer)
- Traditional notch or punch-hole camera
Display Comparison
The Realme X50 Pro 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 635 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Axon 20. While both feature high refresh rates (assumed 90Hz or 120Hz on the X50 Pro based on its market positioning), the X50 Pro’s higher peak brightness translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. The X50 Pro’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio suggests a typical AMOLED panel, offering deep blacks. The Axon 20’s display is overshadowed by its under-display camera, potentially impacting image quality in that area.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking for the Axon 20. The X50 Pro likely features a more sophisticated camera system, leveraging the Snapdragon 865’s superior image signal processor (ISP). The Axon 20’s under-display camera, while innovative, is expected to deliver lower image quality compared to traditional front-facing cameras. Focusing on the main sensors, the X50 Pro likely has a larger sensor and wider aperture, resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. The presence of OIS on the X50 Pro is also probable, further enhancing image stability.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme X50 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 865 (7nm+) is a significant step up from the ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm). The 865 features a more powerful Cortex-A77 prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz versus the 765G’s 2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. While both support 5G, the 865’s more advanced modem offers potentially faster and more reliable connectivity. The 765G is still capable, but will show its limitations in demanding scenarios.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 90 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the X50 Pro’s more powerful chipset. This is likely due to optimizations in software and battery management. However, the X50 Pro’s 65W SuperDart charging is significantly faster than the Axon 20’s 30W Quick Charge 4.0. The X50 Pro can reach 100% charge in just 35 minutes, while the Axon 20 takes 30 minutes to reach 60%, implying a full charge would take considerably longer.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme if you are intrigued by the under-display camera technology and prioritize a unique design over absolute performance. It’s a good choice for casual users and those who value innovation. Buy the Realme X50 Pro 5G if you demand a smoother, more responsive experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications. It’s ideal for power users and those who want a flagship-level experience without the flagship price tag.