ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition vs. Axon 40 Pro: A Head-to-Head Comparison

ZTE has been making a quiet resurgence in the smartphone market, and the Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition and Axon 40 Pro are prime examples. Both offer impressive features at competitive prices, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition boasts a significantly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and faster charging, making it the performance champion. However, the Axon 40 Pro offers a more balanced package with a slightly more efficient processor and potentially better value for budget-conscious buyers.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition ZTE Axon 40 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 781, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - Europe
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - ROW
Launch
Announced2022, November 292022, May 09
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, December 06Available. Released 2022, May 31
Body
BuildGlass front, ceramic back, aluminum frame-
Dimensions163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 2.90 x 0.33 in)162.9 x 72.9 x 8.7 mm (6.41 x 2.87 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight204 g (7.20 oz)199 g (7.02 oz)
Display
Resolution1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~92.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 1000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 650
OSAndroid 12, MyOS 12Android 12, MyOS 12
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 18GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDRDual-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
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display16 MP, (wide)
Triple64 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-
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display16 MP, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging80W wired, PD3.0, QC465W wired, PD, QC4
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackDream black, Crystal blue, Gold
ModelsA2023PA2023G, A2023
PriceAbout 800 EURAbout 410 EUR

ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition

  • Significantly faster performance
  • 80W fast charging
  • Potentially better camera quality
  • Premium 'Space Edition' design

  • Potential for thermal throttling
  • Higher price
  • Slightly shorter battery life under heavy load

ZTE Axon 40 Pro

  • Excellent value for money
  • Efficient Snapdragon 870 processor
  • Good camera performance
  • Reliable battery life

  • Slower charging speed
  • Less powerful than the Ultra Space Edition
  • Potentially less premium design

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Ultra Space Edition may have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its 'Space Edition' branding and potential calibration, but the difference is likely minimal for most users. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature a triple-camera system. The Ultra Space Edition likely has a higher resolution main sensor (potentially 108MP) and improved image processing capabilities, resulting in sharper and more detailed photos, especially in low light. The Pro's camera is still very capable, offering good image quality and versatile shooting options. Expect similar ultrawide and macro lenses on both.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Ultra Space Edition is undeniably faster than the Snapdragon 870 in the Pro. Expect noticeably quicker app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. However, the 8 Gen 1 is known to run hotter, potentially impacting sustained performance. The 870 is more efficient and provides excellent performance for everyday tasks and most games.

Battery Life

The Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition's 80W charging is significantly faster than the Pro's 65W. Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 4500-5000mAh), but the 8 Gen 1's higher power consumption might result in slightly shorter battery life under heavy use compared to the more efficient 870.

Buying Guide

The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition is ideal for power users, gamers, and anyone who prioritizes raw performance and fast charging. The ZTE Axon 40 Pro is a great choice for those seeking a well-rounded smartphone experience with a strong camera and good battery life without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 worth the extra cost?
If you're a heavy user or gamer, the 8 Gen 1's performance boost is noticeable and worthwhile. However, for everyday tasks, the 870 is more than capable.
❓ Which phone has better low-light camera performance?
The Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition likely has an edge in low-light photography due to its potentially larger sensor and improved image processing.