ZTE Axon 40 Pro vs. Nubia Z40 Pro: A Clash of Flagship Titans
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nubia Z40 Pro generally edges out the Axon 40 Pro thanks to its newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and potentially better camera system. However, the Axon 40 Pro offers excellent value with its 65W charging and proven Snapdragon 870 performance, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | ZTE Axon 40 Pro | ZTE nubia Z40 Pro |
| 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 4, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - Europe | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| 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 | CDMA 800 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 09 | 2022, February 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 31 | Available. Released 2022, March 02 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 72.9 x 8.7 mm (6.41 x 2.87 x 0.34 in) | 161.9 x 72.9 x 8.4 mm (6.37 x 2.87 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~91.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits |
| 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 | 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 | Dual-LED 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/2.5, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.7, 35mm (standard), 1/1.7", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), 1/4.0", PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 116˚ (ultrawide) |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video | Yes |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| 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, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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/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 | 66W wired; 15W magnetic wireless (gravity version) 80W wired (regular version) |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Market-dependent versions:· Li-Po 5000 mAh (regular version)· Li-Po 4600 mAh (gravity version) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Dream black, Crystal blue, Gold | Interstellar Black, Star Black, Silver |
| Models | A2023G, A2023 | NX701J |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 500 EUR |
ZTE Axon 40 Pro
- Excellent value for money
- Proven Snapdragon 870 performance
- Fast 65W charging
- Good display quality
- Sleek design
- Older chipset compared to Z40 Pro
- Camera may not be as advanced
- Potentially less software support
ZTE nubia Z40 Pro
- Newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset
- Potentially superior camera system
- Faster 80W wired charging (regular version)
- Magnetic wireless charging (gravity version)
- Premium design
- Higher price
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 can have thermal throttling issues
- Software support concerns (ZTE's track record)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature AMOLED displays with high refresh rates (144Hz). The Nubia Z40 Pro likely has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its newer panel, but the Axon 40 Pro's display is still excellent. Expect vibrant colors and smooth scrolling on both.
Camera Comparison
The Nubia Z40 Pro is expected to have a more advanced camera system, potentially including a larger primary sensor and improved image processing. While the Axon 40 Pro's camera is good, the Z40 Pro aims for a higher level of photographic quality, especially in low light. Both offer multiple lenses for versatility.
Performance
The Nubia Z40 Pro's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers a performance boost over the Axon 40 Pro's Snapdragon 870, particularly in demanding tasks and graphics-intensive games. However, the 870 is still a very capable chip and provides a smooth experience for most users. Thermal management will be a key factor to observe in the Z40 Pro.
Battery Life
Both phones offer solid battery life, but the Nubia Z40 Pro's 80W wired charging (regular version) provides faster charging speeds than the Axon 40 Pro's 65W. The magnetic wireless charging on the gravity version of the Z40 Pro is a unique feature.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Axon 40 Pro is ideal for users seeking a reliable flagship experience without breaking the bank. It's a great choice for gamers and everyday users who prioritize smooth performance and fast charging. The ZTE Nubia Z40 Pro is best suited for photography enthusiasts and those who want the absolute latest technology, including a potentially superior camera and the newest Snapdragon processor, even if it means a slightly higher price.