ZTE Axon 30 5G vs. Axon 30 Ultra 5G: The Ultimate Showdown

ZTE has been making a push in the smartphone market, and the Axon 30 5G and Axon 30 Ultra 5G are two of their flagship offerings. Both phones boast impressive features, but cater to slightly different users. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which one is the better choice.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Axon 30 Ultra 5G edges out the Axon 30 5G thanks to its brighter display, more powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset, and slightly better battery endurance. However, the Axon 30 5G remains a compelling option, especially if you prioritize value and a slightly more compact design.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE Axon 30 5G	ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 18, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Europe	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands	1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe	1, 3, 28, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	1, 3, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA - China	CDMA 800

Launch
Announced	2021, July 27	2021, April 15
Status	Available. Released 2021, August 03	Available. Released 2021, April 19

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions	170.2 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm (6.70 x 3.06 x 0.31 in)	161.5 x 73 x 8 mm (6.36 x 2.87 x 0.31 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	189 g (6.67 oz)	188 g (6.63 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass	Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution	1080 x 2460 pixels (~400 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size	6.92 inches, 107.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio)	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~91.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz	AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+
	Always-on display	-

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)	Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)	Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPU	Adreno 650	Adreno 660
OS	Android 11, MyOS 11	Android 11, MyOS 11

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	No
Internal	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 1TB 18GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Features	Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama	Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad	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	64 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/1.9, 35mm (standard), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/3.4, 123mm (periscope telephoto), 1/4.0", PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 64 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm
Single	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), under display	16 MP, (wide)
Video	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR, 10‑bit video	8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), under display	16 MP, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	No
35mm jack	No	No
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with stereo speakers
	24-bit/192kHz audio	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE	5.2, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 3.0, OTG	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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	65W wired, PD, QC4	65W wired, PD3.0, QC4
Type	Li-Ion 4200 mAh	Li-Po 4600 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, Aqua	Black, White, Blue, Light Brown, Aerospace Edition
Models	A2322, A2322G	A2022P, A2022PG
Price	About 500 EUR	About 550 EUR

Tests
Battery life	Endurance rating 86h	Endurance rating 91h
Camera	Photo / Video	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-27.7 LUFS (Good)	-24.6 LUFS (Very good)
Performance	AnTuTu: 701991 (v9) GeekBench: 3160 (v5.1) GFXBench: 59fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	AnTuTu: 703270 (v8) GeekBench: 3582 (v5.1) GFXBench: 54fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

ZTE Axon 30 5G

Excellent value
Fast 65W charging
Solid performance with Snapdragon 870
Good battery life

Lower peak brightness display
Potentially less advanced camera system
Older chipset compared to Ultra

ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G

Brighter display
More powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset
Slightly better battery life
Likely superior camera system

Higher price
Potentially larger and heavier design

Display Comparison

The Axon 30 Ultra 5G takes a clear lead in the display department. It boasts a significantly brighter peak brightness of 698 nits compared to the Axon 30 5G's 438 nits. While both offer excellent contrast ratios (nominally infinite), the Ultra's higher brightness makes it more visible in direct sunlight. Both likely use AMOLED panels with smooth refresh rates (likely 120Hz, though not explicitly stated).

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer capable camera systems, the Axon 30 Ultra 5G likely has a more advanced setup. The Ultra is expected to have a higher resolution main sensor and potentially improved image processing algorithms. Both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup, including an ultrawide and macro lens. Specific sensor details are missing, but the Ultra is generally expected to deliver superior image quality, especially in low light.

Performance

Under the hood, the Axon 30 Ultra 5G's Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) offers a noticeable performance boost over the Axon 30 5G's Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm). The 888's Cortex-X1 core provides a significant single-core performance advantage, making the Ultra feel snappier in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. Both phones should handle everyday tasks with ease.

Battery Life

Both phones offer excellent battery life, with endurance ratings of 86h and 91h respectively. The Axon 30 Ultra 5G has a slight edge, but the difference is minimal. Both support 65W fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups.

Buying Guide

The ZTE Axon 30 5G is ideal for users seeking a solid mid-range Android experience with 5G connectivity and fast charging, without breaking the bank. The ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G is for those who demand top-tier performance, a vibrant display, and a more premium camera system, and are willing to pay a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Axon 30 Ultra 5G worth the extra money?

If you prioritize performance, a brighter display, and a potentially better camera, then the Axon 30 Ultra 5G is worth the investment. However, if you're on a budget, the Axon 30 5G offers excellent value for its price.

❓ What is the refresh rate of the displays on these phones?

Both phones likely feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations, although this isn't explicitly stated in the provided specs.