ZTE Axon 40 Pro vs. Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition: The Ultimate Showdown

ZTE has been making a quiet resurgence in the smartphone market, and the Axon 40 Pro and Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition are prime examples. Both offer impressive features, but cater to slightly different users. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which one is the better choice.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition wins overall thanks to its newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, faster charging, and potentially improved camera capabilities. However, the Axon 40 Pro remains a compelling option for those seeking excellent value and reliable performance.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE Axon 40 Pro	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 - Europe	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - Europe	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
	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - ROW	CDMA2000 1x

Launch
Announced	2022, May 09	2022, November 29
Status	Available. Released 2022, May 31	Available. Released 2022, December 06

Body
Build	-	Glass front, ceramic 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, MyOS 12

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM	512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 18GB 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	80W wired, PD3.0, QC4
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Dream black, Crystal blue, Gold	Black
Models	A2023G, A2023	A2023P
Price	About 410 EUR	About 800 EUR

ZTE Axon 40 Pro

Excellent Value
Reliable Performance (Snapdragon 870)
65W Fast Charging
Good Camera System

Older Chipset
Slightly Slower Charging
Potentially Less Advanced Camera Features

ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition

Flagship Performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
80W Fast Charging
Potentially Superior Camera System
Premium Design

Higher Price
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 can have thermal throttling issues
May have less RAM/storage options at a given price point

Display Comparison

Both phones feature AMOLED displays with high refresh rates (likely 120Hz). The Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition likely boasts a slightly higher peak brightness and potentially better color accuracy due to its newer panel technology. Expect vibrant colors and smooth scrolling on both, but the Ultra might have a marginal edge.

Camera Comparison

While both phones have impressive camera systems, the Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition likely has a more advanced setup. Expect improved low-light performance, better dynamic range, and potentially more advanced features like 8K video recording. Both should capture excellent photos in good lighting conditions.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition is significantly more powerful than the Snapdragon 870 in the Axon 40 Pro. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. While the 870 is still a capable chip, the 8 Gen 1 offers a noticeable performance boost.

Battery Life

The Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition's 80W charging is faster than the Axon 40 Pro's 65W charging, allowing for quicker top-ups. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 4500-5000mAh), so real-world battery life should be comparable, though the Ultra's more efficient chipset could provide a slight advantage.

Buying Guide

The ZTE Axon 40 Pro is ideal for users who prioritize value and don't need the absolute latest and greatest performance. It's a great choice for everyday use, gaming, and photography. The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition is best suited for power users, mobile gamers, and photography enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance and features, and are willing to pay a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition prone to overheating?

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is known to sometimes experience thermal throttling under sustained heavy load. ZTE's implementation and cooling solution will determine how significant this issue is.

❓ What is the difference between the 'Space Edition' in the Axon 40 Ultra?

The 'Space Edition' typically refers to a special edition with a unique design, often incorporating space-themed aesthetics and potentially some exclusive software features. It's primarily a cosmetic and branding difference.