ZTE Axon 40 Ultra vs. Axon 50 Ultra: The Ultimate Showdown

ZTE has been steadily improving its smartphone game, and the Axon 40 Ultra and 50 Ultra are prime examples. Both offer impressive specs and features, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect, helping you decide which device best suits your needs.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The ZTE Axon 50 Ultra edges out the 40 Ultra thanks to its upgraded Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, faster 80W charging, and generally improved performance. While the 40 Ultra boasts exceptional battery life, the 50 Ultra's enhancements make it the more compelling choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE Axon 40 Ultra	ZTE Axon 50 Ultra

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

Launch
Announced	2022, May 09	2023, April 12
Status	Available. Released 2022, May 13	Cancelled

Body
Build	Glass front, glass 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)	161.8 x 73.1 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.88 x 0.35 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	204 g (7.20 oz)	199 g (7.02 oz)

Display
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 (~90.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak)	AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)	Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)	Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPU	Adreno 730	Adreno 730
OS	Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MyOS 13	Android 12, MyOS 12

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM	256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB 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	-
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/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.0, (telephoto), PDAF, 3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 116˚ (ultrawide), 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	32 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
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
Infrared port	-	Yes
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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
	-	BDS Satellite Message (Emergency SOS service)

Battery
Charging	65W wired, PD3.0, QC4	80W wired, PD3.0, QC4
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

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

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

ZTE Axon 40 Ultra

Exceptional battery life (104h endurance)
Competitive price
Good display brightness (680 nits)
Capable camera system

Older Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset
Slower charging (65W)
Potential for throttling under heavy load

ZTE Axon 50 Ultra

Improved Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset
Faster 80W charging
Potentially better camera processing
More modern design (likely)

Higher price
Likely shorter battery life than Axon 40 Ultra

Display Comparison

Both phones feature vibrant AMOLED displays, likely with similar resolutions (likely FHD+). The Axon 50 Ultra *may* have slightly improved color accuracy or brightness due to newer panel technology, but the 40 Ultra's 680 nits is already quite respectable. Expect smooth scrolling thanks to high refresh rates (likely 120Hz) on both.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are expected to have capable camera systems, likely featuring a primary 108MP sensor. The Axon 50 Ultra *may* have improved image processing algorithms and potentially slightly better low-light performance due to the newer chipset. Video recording capabilities should be comparable, supporting 8K recording on both.

Performance

This is where the Axon 50 Ultra shines. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a significant upgrade over the 8 Gen 1 in the 40 Ultra, offering improved CPU and GPU performance, better efficiency, and reduced throttling under sustained load. Expect noticeably faster app loading, smoother gaming, and overall snappier responsiveness on the 50 Ultra.

Battery Life

The Axon 40 Ultra holds a clear advantage here. Its endurance rating of 104h is exceptional, suggesting significantly longer battery life than the Axon 50 Ultra. However, the Axon 50 Ultra compensates with 80W wired charging, allowing for much faster top-ups.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra? Users prioritizing exceptional battery life and a slightly more affordable price point. Who should buy the ZTE Axon 50 Ultra? Those seeking the best possible performance, faster charging, and a more modern chipset, even at a slightly higher cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 a big upgrade over the 8 Gen 1?

Yes, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers significant improvements in performance, efficiency, and thermals compared to the 8 Gen 1. You'll notice faster speeds and less throttling.

❓ How much faster is the 80W charging on the Axon 50 Ultra?

While exact charging times vary, 80W charging is significantly faster than the 65W charging on the Axon 40 Ultra. Expect a full charge in around 30-40 minutes for the 50 Ultra, compared to potentially 45-60 minutes for the 40 Ultra.