ZTE Axon 30 Pro 5G vs. Axon 30 Ultra 5G: A Head-to-Head Showdown

ZTE has been making waves with its Axon series, and the 30 Pro and 30 Ultra are two compelling contenders. Both offer flagship-level specs at competitive prices, but which one truly delivers the best experience? This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect, helping you decide which Axon is the right choice.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Axon 30 Ultra edges out the Pro thanks to its slightly faster charging, potentially improved camera capabilities (though details are sparse), and a brighter display. However, the Pro remains a strong value proposition with similar performance and a competitive price point.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE Axon 30 Pro 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	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 4, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands	1, 3, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA	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
	CDMA 800	CDMA 800

Launch
Announced	2021, April 15	2021, April 15
Status	Available. Released 2021, April 26	Available. Released 2021, April 19

Body
Build	-	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions	163.6 x 75.3 x 7.9 mm (6.44 x 2.96 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	186 g (6.56 oz)	188 g (6.63 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 5	Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio)	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~91.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+	AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+

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

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB 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, panorama, HDR	Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad	64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 64 MP, f/2.4, 13mm, 120˚ (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, (wide)	16 MP, (wide)
Video	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video	8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	16 MP, (wide)	16 MP, (wide)
Video	4K@30fps, 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	5.2, 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 3.1, 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	55W wired, QC4	65W wired, PD3.0, QC4
Type	Li-Po 4200 mAh	Li-Po 4600 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, Pink	Black, White, Blue, Light Brown, Aerospace Edition
Models	A2022	A2022P, A2022PG
Price	About 400 EUR	About 550 EUR

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

ZTE Axon 30 Pro 5G

Excellent value for money
Flagship Snapdragon 888 performance
Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
55W fast charging

Camera potentially less advanced than Ultra
Lower peak brightness display
Design might be less premium

ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G

Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
Potentially improved camera system
Faster 65W charging
Excellent battery life (91h endurance rating)

Higher price point
Limited camera details available
Design may not be significantly different from Pro

Display Comparison

Both phones feature AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. The Axon 30 Ultra boasts a measured peak brightness of 698 nits, significantly higher than the Pro (estimated around 500-600 nits based on typical AMOLED performance). The Ultra's 'Infinite' contrast ratio is a marketing term, but suggests excellent black levels. The Ultra's brighter screen provides better outdoor visibility.

Camera Comparison

Camera details for the Axon 30 Ultra are limited, but it's generally expected to have a more advanced camera system than the Pro. The Pro typically features a triple-camera setup with a primary sensor, ultrawide, and macro lens. The Ultra likely includes improvements to the primary sensor and potentially enhanced image processing algorithms. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the Ultra.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, ensuring flagship-level performance. Expect snappy multitasking, smooth gaming, and effortless handling of demanding apps. Real-world performance differences will be minimal, though the Ultra might benefit from slightly better thermal management due to potential design differences.

Battery Life

The Axon 30 Ultra boasts an impressive endurance rating of 91 hours, suggesting excellent battery life. The Axon 30 Pro also offers good battery life, though likely not quite as exceptional as the Ultra. The Ultra's 65W charging is slightly faster than the Pro's 55W, allowing for quicker top-ups.

Buying Guide

The ZTE Axon 30 Pro 5G is ideal for users seeking flagship performance without breaking the bank. It's a great choice for gamers and power users on a budget. The ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G is better suited for those prioritizing camera quality, a brighter display, and slightly faster charging, and are willing to pay a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the ZTE Axon 30 Ultra worth the extra cost?

If camera quality and a brighter display are your priorities, the Ultra is likely worth the investment. However, the Pro offers excellent value for those on a tighter budget.

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

While specific camera specs are limited for the Ultra, it's generally expected to offer improved image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, thanks to a potentially more advanced sensor and image processing.