ZTE Axon 40 Ultra vs. Space Edition: A Clash of Flagships

ZTE's Axon series has consistently offered compelling value, and the Axon 40 Ultra is no exception. But the Space Edition arrives with a premium twist. This comparison dives deep into the differences between these two phones, helping you decide which one deserves your money.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Space Edition offers a slight edge with its faster 80W charging and potentially enhanced aesthetics (likely a unique finish). However, both phones share the same powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and impressive battery life. The standard Axon 40 Ultra remains a strong contender, especially if budget is a primary concern.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition	ZTE Axon 40 Ultra

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 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe
5G bands	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78	1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - Europe
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
	CDMA2000 1x	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International

Launch
Announced	2022, November 29	2022, May 09
Status	Available. Released 2022, December 06	Available. Released 2022, May 13

Body
Build	Glass front, ceramic back, aluminum frame	Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 2.90 x 0.33 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	204 g (7.20 oz)	204 g (7.20 oz)

Display
Resolution	1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)	1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size	6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~92.9% screen-to-body ratio)	6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~92.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak)	AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)	Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)	Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPU	Adreno 730	Adreno 730
OS	Android 12, MyOS 12	Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MyOS 13

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 18GB 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	Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR	Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR
Single	16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display	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	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@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 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, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display
Video	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, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO	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/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 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black	Black, Gold, Silver
Models	A2023P	A2023P, A2023PG
Price	About 800 EUR	About 380 EUR

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 104h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Loudspeaker	-	-25.8 LUFS (Very good)

ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition

Faster 80W Charging
Potentially Premium Design/Finish
Same Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Excellent Battery Life

Higher Price
Minor Performance Differences from Standard Model

ZTE Axon 40 Ultra

Excellent Value for Money
Flagship Performance
Excellent Battery Life
Good Camera System

Slower 65W Charging
Potentially Less Premium Design

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While the Axon 40 Ultra is measured at 680 nits max brightness, the Space Edition likely has a similar or slightly improved brightness due to potential display panel refinements. Color accuracy and viewing angles should be comparable on both.

Camera Comparison

Both phones boast a triple-camera system, likely featuring a 108MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens. Image quality should be very similar, with potential differences in software processing and low-light performance. The Space Edition might have slightly improved image processing algorithms.

Performance

Under the hood, both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. Expect blazing-fast performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications. Thermal management will be a key factor, and both phones may experience some throttling under sustained heavy load.

Battery Life

Both phones share an impressive endurance rating of 104 hours. This suggests excellent battery life for everyday use. The Space Edition's 80W charging offers a faster top-up compared to the Axon 40 Ultra's 65W charging.

Buying Guide

The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition is ideal for users who prioritize faster charging and appreciate a potentially more premium design. The standard ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a great choice for those seeking flagship performance and excellent battery life without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Space Edition worth the extra cost?

It depends on your priorities. If faster charging and a potentially more premium design are important, the Space Edition is worth considering. Otherwise, the standard Axon 40 Ultra offers excellent value.

❓ How does the thermal performance compare?

Both phones utilize the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which can be prone to throttling under sustained load. Expect similar thermal performance, with potential for some slowdown during extended gaming sessions.