The ZTE Axon 20 series brought an under-display camera revolution. But with two versions – the 5G Extreme and the 4G – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Axon 20 5G Extreme is the clear winner for performance and future-proofing thanks to its Snapdragon 765G and 5G connectivity. However, the Axon 20 4G offers a more budget-friendly option with decent features, making it suitable for users prioritizing affordability over raw power.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 03. Released 2020, December 22 | 2020, November 17. Released 2020, December 04 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, eco leather back, plastic frame | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 172.1 x 77.9 x 8 mm (6.78 x 3.07 x 0.31 in) | 172.1 x 77.9 x 8 mm (6.78 x 3.07 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 198 g (6.98 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~388 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~388 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.92 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.92 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, 90Hz | OLED |
| | 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Unisoc UMS512T / Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 10, MiFavor 10.5 | Android 10, MiFavor 10.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone 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, 25mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR, 10‑bit video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), under display | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), under display |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 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 | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 4220 mAh | Li-Ion 4220 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunrise Yellow | Black |
| Models | A2121 | - |
| Price | About 440 EUR | About 370 EUR |
ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme
- Superior Performance (Snapdragon 765G)
- 5G Connectivity
- Faster Charging
- Vibrant AMOLED Display
- 90Hz Refresh Rate
- Potentially Shorter Battery Life
- Higher Price
ZTE Axon 20 4G
- More Affordable
- Decent Camera
- Good Battery Life (potentially)
- Vibrant AMOLED Display
- 90Hz Refresh Rate
- Weaker Performance (Unisoc T618)
- No 5G
- Slower Performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.95-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The under-display camera technology is a key feature on both, though image quality around the camera area may vary slightly. The 5G Extreme's display might have slightly better calibration due to the more powerful chipset.
Camera Comparison
While both phones boast a 64MP main camera, the 5G Extreme's superior chipset allows for better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. The 5G Extreme likely has better video recording capabilities as well. The under-display camera quality is similar on both, but may exhibit some distortion around the sensor area.
Performance
This is where the biggest difference lies. The Snapdragon 765G in the 5G Extreme provides significantly better performance than the Unisoc Tiger T618 in the 4G model. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 5G Extreme. The 765G also supports 5G connectivity, a feature absent in the 4G version.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 4000mAh battery. However, the 5G Extreme's more powerful chipset will likely result in slightly shorter battery life under heavy use, while the 4G model should offer slightly better endurance. Both support 30W fast charging, with the 5G Extreme charging to 60% in 30 minutes.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme is ideal for tech enthusiasts, gamers, and anyone who wants a future-proof device with fast performance and 5G capabilities. The ZTE Axon 20 4G is a good choice for budget-conscious users who need a reliable smartphone with a decent camera and don't require 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the under-display camera on the Axon 20 series any good?
The under-display camera is a novelty, and while ZTE has made improvements, it's still not on par with traditional front-facing cameras. Expect some distortion and slightly lower image quality around the sensor area.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset. It will handle demanding games with higher frame rates and smoother performance.
