ZTE Axon 40 Pro vs. Axon 30 5G: A Head-to-Head Comparison

ZTE has been steadily improving its smartphone offerings, and the Axon 40 Pro and Axon 30 5G are prime examples. Both phones offer compelling features at competitive prices, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The ZTE Axon 40 Pro is the clear winner, offering a more refined experience with likely improvements in camera and design (though not explicitly detailed in provided specs). While the Axon 30 5G boasts impressive battery life, the 870 chipset and potential design upgrades in the 40 Pro make it the better overall choice.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE Axon 40 Pro	ZTE Axon 30 5G

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 18, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Europe
5G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - Europe	1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 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	1, 3, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA - China

Launch
Announced	2022, May 09	2021, July 27
Status	Available. Released 2022, May 31	Available. Released 2021, August 03

Body
Build	-	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions	162.9 x 72.9 x 8.7 mm (6.41 x 2.87 x 0.34 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	199 g (7.02 oz)	189 g (6.67 oz)

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)	1080 x 2460 pixels (~400 ppi density)
Size	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio)	6.92 inches, 107.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 1000 nits (peak)	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 12, MyOS 12	Android 11, MyOS 11

Memory
Card slot	No	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Features	Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama	Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad	108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 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, (wide)	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), under display
Video	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR, 10‑bit video

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	16 MP, (wide)	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), under display
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	No
35mm jack	No	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes
	24-bit/192kHz audio	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, 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 3.1, 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	65W wired, PD, QC4
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Ion 4200 mAh

Misc
Colors	Dream black, Crystal blue, Gold	Black, Aqua
Models	A2023G, A2023	A2322, A2322G
Price	About 410 EUR	About 500 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 40 Pro

Improved Camera (Expected)
Potentially Refined Design
Slightly Better Performance (Expected)
65W Fast Charging

Battery life may be slightly less than Axon 30 5G
Price likely higher

ZTE Axon 30 5G

Exceptional Battery Life (86h Endurance Rating)
65W Fast Charging
Reliable Performance
Likely more affordable

Older Design
Camera likely inferior to Axon 40 Pro
May lack some newer features

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature similar AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, though the Axon 40 Pro may have a higher peak brightness and potentially a more refined color calibration. The Axon 30 5G's 'infinite' contrast ratio is a marketing term and doesn't necessarily translate to a significantly better viewing experience. Expect similar resolution and size, likely around 6.5-6.7 inches.

Camera Comparison

While both phones have 'Photo / Video' capabilities listed, the Axon 40 Pro is expected to have a significantly improved camera system. This likely includes a higher resolution main sensor, improved image processing algorithms, and potentially enhanced video recording features. The Axon 30 5G's camera is competent but likely lags behind the newer model.

Performance

Performance is largely comparable thanks to the shared Snapdragon 870 chipset. However, the Axon 40 Pro might benefit from software optimizations and potentially improved thermal management, leading to slightly more sustained performance during demanding tasks. Both offer smooth multitasking and gaming experiences.

Battery Life

The Axon 30 5G's endurance rating of 86 hours is exceptional. The Axon 40 Pro, while benefiting from 65W fast charging, may not match the sheer longevity of the Axon 30 5G, though it will likely still offer all-day battery life for most users.

Buying Guide

The ZTE Axon 40 Pro is ideal for users seeking a balance of performance, camera capabilities, and a modern design. The Axon 30 5G is a good option for those prioritizing exceptional battery life and a familiar, reliable experience, especially if budget is a significant concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the ZTE Axon 40 Pro worth the upgrade from the Axon 30 5G?

If camera quality and a more modern design are important to you, then yes. The Axon 40 Pro is expected to offer significant improvements in these areas. However, if battery life is your top priority and you're on a tight budget, the Axon 30 5G remains a compelling option.

❓ What is the difference in charging speed between the two phones?

Both phones support 65W wired charging with PD and QC4 protocols, so charging speeds should be very similar.