ZTE Axon 30S vs Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition: The Ultimate Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition is the clear winner, boasting a newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, faster 80W charging, and likely a superior camera system. However, the Axon 30S remains a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable performance and a proven Snapdragon 870.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | ZTE Axon 30S | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition |
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| - | CDMA2000 1x | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 26 | 2022, November 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 26 | Available. Released 2022, December 06 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, ceramic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 170.2 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm (6.70 x 3.06 x 0.31 in) | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 2.90 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 204 g (7.20 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~400 ppi density) | 1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.92 inches, 107.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~92.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 |
| 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 | 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 18GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone 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 | - |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.6, 35mm (standard), 1/1.7", PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/3.5, 91mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", PDAF, OIS, 3.5x optical zoom (vs. 26mm cam) 64 MP, f/2.4, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/1.7", PDAF |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR, 10‑bit video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), under display | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display |
| Video | 1080p@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, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| 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 | 55W wired, PD, QC4 | 80W wired, PD3.0, QC4 |
| Type | Li-Ion 4200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black |
| Models | A2322 | A2023P |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 800 EUR |
ZTE Axon 30S
- Excellent value for money
- Reliable Snapdragon 870 performance
- Decent camera system
- 55W fast charging
- LCD display
- Older chipset compared to the 40 Ultra
- Charging speed slower than the 40 Ultra
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 performance
- Faster 80W charging
- Likely superior AMOLED display
- Potentially better camera system
- Higher price
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 can suffer from thermal throttling
- Space Edition branding may not appeal to everyone
Display Comparison
The Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition likely features a superior AMOLED display with a higher refresh rate (potentially 120Hz) and improved color accuracy compared to the Axon 30S's LCD panel. Expect brighter visuals and smoother scrolling on the 40 Ultra.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer capable camera systems, the Axon 40 Ultra is expected to have a more advanced setup, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the 40 Ultra.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Axon 40 Ultra offers a significant performance boost over the Snapdragon 870 in the Axon 30S. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 40 Ultra, although thermal management could be a concern.
Battery Life
The Axon 40 Ultra's 80W charging is a major advantage, allowing for significantly faster charging times compared to the Axon 30S's 55W charging. Battery capacity is likely similar, but the faster charging makes a noticeable difference in convenience.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Axon 30S is ideal for users who prioritize value and don't need the absolute latest technology. It's a great option for everyday tasks, gaming, and photography. The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition is for those who demand top-tier performance, fast charging, and a premium camera experience, and are willing to pay a premium.