ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition vs. Axon 30 Ultra 5G: A Clash of Titans

ZTE has consistently delivered compelling smartphones, and the Axon series is a testament to that. We're pitting the newer Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition against its predecessor, the Axon 30 Ultra 5G, to see which offers the best blend of features and value. This comparison will help you decide which ZTE phone deserves your attention.

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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition boasts a significant performance upgrade with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, a brighter display, and potentially improved camera capabilities. However, the Axon 30 Ultra 5G still holds its own with exceptional battery life and a competitive price. The 40 Ultra is the clear winner for performance enthusiasts.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition	ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78	1, 3, 28, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	CDMA2000 1x	CDMA 800

Launch
Announced	2022, November 29	2021, April 15
Status	Available. Released 2022, December 06	Available. Released 2021, April 19

Body
Build	Glass front, ceramic back, aluminum frame	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions	163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 2.90 x 0.33 in)	161.5 x 73 x 8 mm (6.36 x 2.87 x 0.31 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	204 g (7.20 oz)	188 g (6.63 oz)

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution	1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size	6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~92.9% screen-to-body ratio)	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~91.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak)	AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)	Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)	Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPU	Adreno 730	Adreno 660
OS	Android 12, MyOS 12	Android 11, MyOS 11

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 18GB RAM	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 1TB 18GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Features	Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR	Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad	-	64 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/1.9, 35mm (standard), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/3.4, 123mm (periscope telephoto), 1/4.0", PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 64 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm
Single	16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display	16 MP, (wide)
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	8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video	8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display	16 MP, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@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, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive	5.2, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO	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/6e, 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	80W wired, PD3.0, QC4	65W wired, PD3.0, QC4
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 4600 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black	Black, White, Blue, Light Brown, Aerospace Edition
Models	A2023P	A2022P, A2022PG
Price	About 800 EUR	About 550 EUR

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 91h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-	-24.6 LUFS (Very good)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 703270 (v8) GeekBench: 3582 (v5.1) GFXBench: 54fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition

Superior Performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
Brighter Display
Potentially Improved Camera
Modern Design

Likely Higher Price
Battery life may not match Axon 30 Ultra

ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G

Exceptional Battery Life
Competitive Price
Reliable Performance
Good Camera

Older Chipset (Snapdragon 888)
Less Bright Display
May lack some newer features

Display Comparison

The Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition features a brighter display, likely offering better outdoor visibility and a more immersive viewing experience. While the Axon 30 Ultra 5G boasts an 'infinite' contrast ratio (likely a marketing term), the 40 Ultra's measured 698 nits brightness gives it a tangible advantage. Expect more vibrant colors and deeper blacks on the 40 Ultra.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature impressive camera systems, but the Axon 40 Ultra likely has improvements in image processing and low-light performance due to the newer chipset. While specific camera specs are not detailed, the 40 Ultra's hardware and software optimizations should result in superior image quality. The Axon 30 Ultra's camera is still capable, but the 40 Ultra is expected to be a step up.

Performance

This is where the Axon 40 Ultra truly shines. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 888 5G, offering significantly faster processing speeds and improved graphics performance. Expect smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and a better gaming experience on the 40 Ultra. The 40 Ultra's 4nm process also contributes to improved efficiency.

Battery Life

The Axon 30 Ultra 5G's endurance rating of 91h is remarkable, suggesting exceptional battery life. While the Axon 40 Ultra's battery capacity is likely similar, the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 could offset any potential power draw. However, the 30 Ultra's proven track record gives it a slight edge in this category.

Buying Guide

The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition is ideal for users who prioritize performance, a vibrant display, and the latest technology. It's a great choice for gamers and power users. The ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G is a better fit for those seeking exceptional battery life, a more budget-friendly option, and a reliable all-around smartphone experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition worth the upgrade from the Axon 30 Ultra 5G?

If performance and a brighter display are your priorities, then yes. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers a significant boost. However, if battery life is paramount and you're on a budget, the Axon 30 Ultra remains a compelling option.

❓ What is the Space Edition designation on the Axon 40 Ultra?

The 'Space Edition' likely refers to a special design or finish, potentially incorporating aerospace-inspired aesthetics or materials. Specific details may vary.