ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme vs. Axon 30 5G: A Head-to-Head Showdown

ZTE has consistently offered compelling mid-range smartphones, and the Axon 20 and Axon 30 are prime examples. Both boast 5G connectivity and unique features, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which one deserves your attention.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The ZTE Axon 30 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset provides significantly better performance, faster charging, and a brighter display. While the Axon 20 offers a decent experience, the Axon 30's upgrades make it a more compelling choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme	ZTE Axon 30 5G

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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International
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, 20, 26, 28, 18, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Europe
5G bands	1, 3, 28, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA	1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	CDMA 800	1, 3, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA - China

Launch
Announced	2020, December 03. Released 2020, December 22	2021, July 27
Status	Discontinued	Available. Released 2021, August 03

Body
Build	Glass front, eco leather back, plastic frame	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions	172.1 x 77.9 x 8 mm (6.78 x 3.07 x 0.31 in)	170.2 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm (6.70 x 3.06 x 0.31 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	198 g (6.98 oz)	189 g (6.67 oz)

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution	1080 x 2460 pixels (~388 ppi density)	1080 x 2460 pixels (~400 ppi density)
Size	6.92 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)	6.92 inches, 107.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	OLED, 1B colors, 90Hz	AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz
	Always-on display	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 (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)	Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPU	Adreno 620	Adreno 650
OS	Android 10, MiFavor 10.5	Android 11, MyOS 11

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	256GB 12GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
	-	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Features	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama	Dual-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, 25mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single	-	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), under display
Video	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR, 10‑bit video	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR, 10‑bit video

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), under display	16 MP, f/2.5, (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	No
USB	USB Type-C 3.1, OTG	USB Type-C 3.0, 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/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, QC4
Type	Li-Ion 4220 mAh	Li-Ion 4200 mAh

Misc
Colors	Sunrise Yellow	Black, Aqua
Models	A2121	A2322, A2322G
Price	About 440 EUR	About 500 EUR

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 86h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-	-27.7 LUFS (Good)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 701991 (v9) GeekBench: 3160 (v5.1) GFXBench: 59fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme

Affordable
Decent 5G connectivity
Capable camera (for the price)
30W fast charging

Older chipset
Lower display brightness
Slower charging compared to Axon 30
Less powerful than Axon 30

ZTE Axon 30 5G

Powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset
Faster 65W charging
Brighter and likely AMOLED display
Excellent battery life
Improved camera performance (likely)

Potentially higher price
No standout unique features beyond performance

Display Comparison

The Axon 30 5G features a noticeable upgrade in display technology. While the Axon 20's display is adequate, the Axon 30's higher brightness (438 nits vs. likely around 380-400 nits for the Axon 20) and 'infinite' contrast ratio (likely AMOLED) provide a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience. The Axon 30 likely has better color accuracy and deeper blacks.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable cameras, but the Axon 30 5G likely has an edge. While specific camera specs are missing, the Snapdragon 870 generally supports more advanced image processing capabilities. The Axon 30's camera likely benefits from improved image stabilization and low-light performance. Both likely offer similar video recording capabilities.

Performance

The Snapdragon 870 in the Axon 30 5G is a significant leap over the Snapdragon 765G in the Axon 20 5G Extreme. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. The Axon 30's CPU configuration also offers a performance advantage.

Battery Life

Both phones boast impressive endurance ratings (86h), suggesting excellent battery life. However, the Axon 30 5G's 65W charging is a game-changer, allowing for significantly faster top-ups compared to the Axon 20's 30W charging.

Buying Guide

The ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme is a good option for budget-conscious users who prioritize a decent camera and 5G connectivity without breaking the bank. The ZTE Axon 30 5G is ideal for those seeking a smoother, faster experience, better camera capabilities, and quicker charging, and are willing to spend a bit more.