The smartphone market is brimming with options, and choosing the right device can be overwhelming. Today, we're pitting two compelling contenders against each other: the ZTE Axon 30S and the LG V60 ThinQ 5G UW. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one deserves your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Axon 30S edges out the LG V60 ThinQ thanks to its slightly more powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset and faster charging. However, the V60's legacy of excellent audio and potentially better software support (depending on updates) makes it a strong contender for specific users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 20, 28, 46, 48, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 260, 261 mmWave |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat22, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 26 | 2020, February 26. Released 2020, April 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 26 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 170.2 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm (6.70 x 3.06 x 0.31 in) | 169.3 x 77.6 x 8.9 mm (6.67 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (pre-installed) |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 218 g (7.69 oz) |
| | - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810G compliant*
Method 516.6, Procedure IV "Transit Drop"
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.92 inches, 107.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz | P-OLED, 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-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 12, MyOS 12 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM model |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (standard), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/1.9, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm
0.3 MP, TOF 3D, f/1.4, (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone 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 | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR, 10‑bit video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p, HDR10+, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), under display | 10 MP, f/1.9, 30mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.22µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 32-bit/192kHz audio
24-bit/192kHz audio recording |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio (USA model only) |
| 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 55W wired, PD, QC4 | Wired, PD2.0, QC4
Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 4200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Classy Blue, Classy White |
| Models | A2322 | LM-V600VML, LMV600VML |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 870 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.85 W/kg (head) 1.12 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Axon 30S
- Faster Snapdragon 870 Chipset
- 55W Fast Charging
- Potentially Higher Refresh Rate Display
- Competitive Price
- Software Support Uncertain
- Camera Performance Needs Verification
- Design May Not Appeal to Everyone
LG V60 ThinQ 5G UW
- Excellent Audio Quality
- Headphone Jack
- Good Image Stabilization
- Mature Software (potentially)
- Slightly Slower Snapdragon 865 Chipset
- Slower Charging Speed
- Older Model - Limited Availability
- No Wireless Charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Axon 30S likely has a slightly higher refresh rate (potentially 120Hz) for smoother scrolling, while the V60 ThinQ's display is known for its accurate color reproduction. Screen size is similar, around 6.5-6.8 inches.
Camera Comparison
The Axon 30S is expected to have a versatile camera system, potentially including a high-resolution main sensor and an ultrawide lens. The V60 ThinQ is known for its excellent image stabilization and detailed photos, particularly in good lighting. Low-light performance is a key area to compare.
Performance
The Axon 30S boasts the Snapdragon 870, a step up from the V60's Snapdragon 865. This translates to slightly faster processing speeds and better gaming performance. Both phones handle everyday tasks with ease, but the 870 provides a noticeable edge in demanding applications.
Battery Life
The V60 ThinQ has a larger battery capacity (4500mAh) compared to the Axon 30S (likely around 4200mAh). However, the Axon 30S's 55W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, potentially offsetting the battery capacity difference.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Axon 30S is ideal for users prioritizing performance and fast charging on a budget. The LG V60 ThinQ 5G UW is a good choice for those who value audio quality, a headphone jack, and a more mature software experience, assuming they can find one in good condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the ZTE Axon 30S worth buying?
If you're looking for a phone with a powerful processor and fast charging at a competitive price, the Axon 30S is a strong contender. However, consider the potential lack of long-term software support.
❓ Does the LG V60 ThinQ still receive software updates?
LG has discontinued smartphone production, so official software updates are unlikely. However, community-based ROMs might be available for those comfortable with flashing custom firmware.
