ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme vs. Axon 40 Pro: A Head-to-Head Comparison

ZTE has been steadily carving out a niche in the smartphone market, offering compelling features at competitive prices. The Axon 20 5G Extreme and the Axon 40 Pro represent different points in their evolution. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone reigns supreme.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The ZTE Axon 40 Pro is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster Snapdragon 870 chipset, faster charging, and likely improved camera capabilities. While the Axon 20 5G Extreme offers value, the 40 Pro's performance and features justify its likely higher price point.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme ZTE Axon 40 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe
5G bands1, 3, 28, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - Europe
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - ROW
Launch
Announced2020, December 03. Released 2020, December 222022, May 09
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, May 31
Body
BuildGlass front, eco leather back, plastic frame-
Dimensions172.1 x 77.9 x 8 mm (6.78 x 3.07 x 0.31 in)162.9 x 72.9 x 8.7 mm (6.41 x 2.87 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight198 g (6.98 oz)199 g (7.02 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2460 pixels (~388 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.92 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 90HzAMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 1000 nits (peak)
 Always-on display-
Platform
CPUOcta-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)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 620Adreno 650
OSAndroid 10, MiFavor 10.5Android 12, MyOS 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad64 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single-16 MP, (wide)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR, 10‑bit video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), under display16 MP, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging30W wired, QC4, 60% in 30 min65W wired, PD, QC4
TypeLi-Ion 4220 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSunrise YellowDream black, Crystal blue, Gold
ModelsA2121A2023G, A2023
PriceAbout 440 EURAbout 410 EUR

ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme

  • Affordable
  • 5G Connectivity
  • Decent Camera
  • Good Value

  • Older Chipset
  • Slower Charging
  • Less Premium Build
  • Potentially Lower Screen Quality

ZTE Axon 40 Pro

  • Flagship Performance (Snapdragon 870)
  • Fast Charging (65W)
  • Premium Design
  • Likely Superior Camera
  • High Refresh Rate Display

  • Higher Price
  • Potentially Larger Size
  • May lack some niche features

Display Comparison

The Axon 20 5G Extreme likely features an AMOLED display, potentially around 6.47 inches with a 90Hz refresh rate. The Axon 40 Pro is expected to have a larger, higher resolution AMOLED display (likely 6.67 inches or larger) with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smoother visuals and a more immersive experience. Expect better color accuracy and brightness on the 40 Pro.

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer capable camera systems, the Axon 40 Pro is expected to have a more advanced setup. The Axon 20 5G Extreme features a 64MP main sensor, but the 40 Pro likely boasts a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing capabilities, potentially including better low-light performance and video recording quality. The 40 Pro may also include additional lenses for enhanced versatility.

Performance

This is where the Axon 40 Pro shines. The Snapdragon 870 is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 765G. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 40 Pro. The 40 Pro's CPU configuration also suggests improved efficiency.

Battery Life

The Axon 20 5G Extreme has a 4200mAh battery with 30W charging. The Axon 40 Pro is expected to have a larger battery (likely 4500mAh or greater) and significantly faster 65W charging, allowing for a full charge in under 40 minutes.

Buying Guide

The ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme is a good choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize 5G connectivity and a decent camera. The ZTE Axon 40 Pro is ideal for users who demand flagship-level performance, faster charging, and a more premium experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the ZTE Axon 40 Pro worth the extra cost compared to the Axon 20 5G Extreme?
If performance and fast charging are priorities, then yes. The Snapdragon 870 and 65W charging offer a significant upgrade. If you're on a tight budget and primarily need 5G, the Axon 20 5G Extreme remains a viable option.
❓ What are the key differences in camera performance between the two phones?
The Axon 40 Pro is expected to have a more advanced camera system with a higher resolution sensor, improved image processing, and potentially better low-light performance and video recording capabilities. The Axon 20 5G Extreme is still capable, but not on the same level.