ZTE Axon 30 5G vs Axon 30S: A Head-to-Head Comparison

ZTE's Axon series has consistently offered compelling specs at competitive prices. The Axon 30 5G and Axon 30S are two recent contenders, sharing a core processor but differing in key areas. This comparison will break down the differences to help you decide which phone is right for you.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Axon 30 5G edges out the 30S thanks to its significantly faster charging and slightly brighter display. Both phones offer excellent performance thanks to the Snapdragon 870, but the 30 5G's added charging speed and display brightness make it the more appealing choice for most users.

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

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 / 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, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands	1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe	1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 78 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	-

Launch
Announced	2021, July 27	2022, September 26
Status	Available. Released 2021, August 03	Available. Released 2022, September 26

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions	170.2 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm (6.70 x 3.06 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	189 g (6.67 oz)	189 g (6.67 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass	Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution	1080 x 2460 pixels (~400 ppi density)	1080 x 2460 pixels (~400 ppi density)
Size	6.92 inches, 107.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio)	6.92 inches, 107.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz	AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz
	Always-on display	-

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)	Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)	Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPU	Adreno 650	Adreno 650
OS	Android 11, MyOS 11	Android 12, MyOS 12

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

Main Camera
Features	Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama	Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
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/1.8, 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	16 MP, f/2.5, (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	-

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 3.0, OTG	USB Type-C 3.0, 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/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	65W wired, PD, QC4	55W wired, PD, QC4
Type	Li-Ion 4200 mAh	Li-Ion 4200 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, Aqua	Black, Blue
Models	A2322, A2322G	A2322
Price	About 500 EUR	About 250 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 30 5G

Faster 65W Charging
Slightly Brighter Display
Excellent Performance (Snapdragon 870)
Good Camera System

Potentially Higher Price
Design may not appeal to everyone

ZTE Axon 30S

Good Performance (Snapdragon 870)
Competitive Price
AMOLED Display with 120Hz
Decent Camera System

Slower 55W Charging
Slightly Dimmer Display
May lack some premium features

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.5-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. However, the Axon 30 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 438 nits, compared to an estimated 380-400 nits for the 30S. This difference makes the 30 5G slightly better for outdoor use. Contrast ratio is likely excellent on both, given the AMOLED technology.

Camera Comparison

While both phones have a triple-camera setup, the specifics of the sensors and software processing differ. The Axon 30 5G is expected to have a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The Axon 30S likely has a similar configuration. Image quality should be comparable, but the 30 5G might offer slightly better dynamic range and low-light performance due to potentially improved image processing.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G chipset and 8GB of RAM, ensuring snappy performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. You shouldn't notice a significant difference in real-world performance between the two.

Battery Life

The Axon 30 5G has a significant advantage in charging speed, supporting 65W wired charging, while the Axon 30S is limited to 55W. Both phones have a similar battery capacity (around 4200-4400mAh), so the faster charging on the 30 5G translates to considerably quicker top-ups.

Buying Guide

The ZTE Axon 30 5G is ideal for users who prioritize fast charging and a brighter display for outdoor visibility. The Axon 30S is a good option for those seeking a slightly more budget-friendly device with similar performance, but are less concerned about charging speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 870 still a good processor?

Yes, the Snapdragon 870 is still a very capable processor, offering excellent performance for most users and handling demanding tasks with ease. It's a flagship-level chip from a previous generation, making it a great value.

❓ What is the difference in camera quality between the two phones?

While both phones have similar camera setups, the Axon 30 5G may offer slightly better image processing and dynamic range due to potential software optimizations. However, the differences are likely to be subtle.