ZTE Axon 40 Pro vs. Axon 40 Ultra: A Clash of Flagships
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Axon 40 Ultra boasts the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and potentially a superior camera system, making it the performance champion. However, the Axon 40 Pro offers excellent value with its Snapdragon 870, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious users seeking flagship-level performance.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | ZTE Axon 40 Pro | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - Europe | 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 / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - ROW | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 09 | 2022, May 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 31 | Available. Released 2022, May 13 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 72.9 x 8.7 mm (6.41 x 2.87 x 0.34 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 | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 204 g (7.20 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~92.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 1000 nits (peak) | 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, upgradable to Android 13, MyOS 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 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) | 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, HDR10, 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, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, 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, with stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, 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 3.1, 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 | 65W wired, PD, QC4 | 65W wired, PD3.0, QC4 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Dream black, Crystal blue, Gold | Black, Gold, Silver |
| Models | A2023G, A2023 | A2023P, A2023PG |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 380 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 104h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - | -25.8 LUFS (Very good) |
ZTE Axon 40 Pro
- Excellent value for money
- Powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset
- Fast 65W charging
- Reliable performance
- Potentially less advanced camera than Ultra
- Slightly older chipset
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
- Newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset
- Potentially superior camera system
- Brighter display
- Flagship features
- Higher price
- Potential for thermal throttling
- Battery life may not match endurance rating
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature AMOLED displays with high refresh rates (likely 120Hz). The Axon 40 Ultra's 680 nits max brightness gives it a slight edge in outdoor visibility, though the Axon 40 Pro's display is still expected to be vibrant and sharp. Resolution is likely to be similar, around FHD+.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are missing, the Axon 40 Ultra is expected to have a more advanced camera system, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. Both phones likely offer versatile camera setups with ultrawide and telephoto lenses. Expect the Ultra to excel in low-light conditions.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Axon 40 Ultra is the newer and more powerful chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost in demanding tasks and games. However, the Snapdragon 870 in the Axon 40 Pro remains a very capable processor, providing smooth performance for most users. Thermal management will be a key factor to observe in the Ultra.
Battery Life
Both phones share a 65W fast charging capability. The listed endurance rating of 104h for both is exceptionally high and likely a best-case scenario. Real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns, but both should offer all-day battery life.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Axon 40 Pro is ideal for users who prioritize value and reliable performance without breaking the bank. It's a great choice for everyday use, gaming, and photography. The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is best suited for power users, mobile gamers, and photography enthusiasts who demand the absolute best performance and camera capabilities, and are willing to pay a premium.