ZTE Axon 30S vs Axon 40 Pro: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Axon 40 Pro edges out the 30S primarily due to its faster 65W charging, offering quicker top-ups. Both phones deliver excellent performance thanks to the Snapdragon 870, but the 40 Pro's potential camera improvements and slightly newer design make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | ZTE Axon 30S | ZTE Axon 40 Pro |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - ROW | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 26 | 2022, May 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 26 | Available. Released 2022, May 31 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | 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) | 162.9 x 72.9 x 8.7 mm (6.41 x 2.87 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| 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 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 1000 nits (peak) |
| 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 12, MyOS 12 | Android 12, MyOS 12 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 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 | 108 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) |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR, 10‑bit video | 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 | |
| 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/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 | 55W wired, PD, QC4 | 65W wired, PD, QC4 |
| Type | Li-Ion 4200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Dream black, Crystal blue, Gold |
| Models | A2322 | A2023G, A2023 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 410 EUR |
ZTE Axon 30S
- Excellent performance with Snapdragon 870
- Good value for money
- Smooth 120Hz display (likely)
- 5G connectivity
- Slower 55W charging
- Potentially less impressive camera compared to 40 Pro
- Design may be less refined
ZTE Axon 40 Pro
- Faster 65W charging
- Potentially improved camera system
- Slightly more modern design
- Excellent performance with Snapdragon 870
- Likely higher price than Axon 30S
- May not offer a drastically different experience compared to 30S for all users
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar AMOLED displays with a high refresh rate (likely 120Hz). The Axon 40 Pro might have a slightly brighter panel or improved color accuracy, but this would require further testing. Expect vibrant colors and smooth scrolling on both.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely have a triple-camera setup, the Axon 40 Pro is expected to have improved camera sensors and image processing algorithms. Expect better low-light performance and potentially more detailed photos from the 40 Pro. The 30S is still capable, but the 40 Pro aims for a higher tier.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. Both devices utilize the Snapdragon 870, ensuring smooth multitasking, demanding gaming, and overall snappy responsiveness. Differences in real-world performance will likely be negligible.
Battery Life
The Axon 40 Pro's 65W charging is a significant advantage over the 30S's 55W. This translates to noticeably faster charging times, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 4500-5000mAh), so overall battery life should be comparable between the two.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the ZTE Axon 30S? Those seeking a powerful phone at a potentially lower price point and aren't overly concerned with blazing-fast charging. Who should buy the ZTE Axon 40 Pro? Users prioritizing faster charging, potentially better camera performance, and a slightly more refined design experience.