ZTE Axon 40 Ultra vs nubia Z50 Ultra: The Ultimate Showdown

ZTE has been making waves in the smartphone market, and these two devices – the Axon 40 Ultra and the nubia Z50 Ultra – represent their flagship ambitions. Both pack powerful specs, but cater to slightly different audiences. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to see which one comes out on top.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The nubia Z50 Ultra edges out the Axon 40 Ultra thanks to its newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, offering superior performance and efficiency. While the Axon 40 Ultra boasts impressive battery life, the Z50 Ultra’s improvements make it the overall winner for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE Axon 40 Ultra	ZTE nubia Z50 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, March 07
Status	Available. Released 2022, May 13	Available. Released 2023, March 14

Body
Build	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)	163.9 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm (6.45 x 3.00 x 0.33 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	204 g (7.20 oz)	228 g (8.04 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 (~89.3% 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 (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)	Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPU	Adreno 730	Adreno 740
OS	Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MyOS 13	Android 13, MyOS 13

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM	256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	UFS 4.0

Main Camera
Features	Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR	Laser AF, Ring-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), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/3.3, 85mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", PDAF, OIS, 3.3x optical zoom (vs. 26mm cam) 50 MP, f/2.X, 14mm, 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	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	5.3, A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Infrared port	-	Yes
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1+L2+L5), 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	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, Silver, Starry Sky
Models	A2023P, A2023PG	NX712J
Price	About 380 EUR	About 540 EUR

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

ZTE Axon 40 Ultra

Exceptional battery life
Unique under-display selfie camera
Vibrant display
65W fast charging

Older Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset
Potentially less refined camera compared to Z50 Ultra
May lack some of the latest features

ZTE nubia Z50 Ultra

Latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
Improved performance and efficiency
Likely superior camera system
80W fast charging

Potentially higher price
Battery life might be slightly less than Axon 40 Ultra (though still excellent)
Design may be less distinctive

Display Comparison

Both phones feature stunning AMOLED displays, but the nubia Z50 Ultra likely has slightly better color accuracy and potentially a higher refresh rate (specifications not explicitly provided, but common for flagship devices). The Axon 40 Ultra's 680 nits brightness is respectable, but the Z50 Ultra likely pushes higher, especially in HDR mode. Both offer excellent viewing experiences.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are expected to have excellent camera systems. The Axon 40 Ultra is known for its under-display selfie camera, a unique feature. The nubia Z50 Ultra likely features a more advanced main sensor and image processing capabilities thanks to the newer chipset. Detailed camera comparisons would require extensive testing, but the Z50 Ultra is expected to have an edge.

Performance

The nubia Z50 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a significant upgrade over the Axon 40 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. The Gen 2 offers improved CPU and GPU performance, better power efficiency, and enhanced AI capabilities. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Z50 Ultra.

Battery Life

The Axon 40 Ultra's endurance rating of 104h is incredibly impressive, suggesting exceptional battery life. However, the nubia Z50 Ultra's more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, combined with its 80W charging, could potentially offer comparable or even slightly better real-world battery performance despite a potentially smaller battery capacity.

Buying Guide

The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a great choice for users prioritizing exceptional battery life and a vibrant display at a potentially lower price point. The ZTE nubia Z50 Ultra is ideal for power users, gamers, and those who demand the latest and greatest performance and camera technology, willing to pay a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the ZTE nubia Z50 Ultra worth the extra cost?

If you prioritize performance, the latest technology, and a top-tier camera, the Z50 Ultra is worth the investment. However, if battery life is your absolute top priority and you're on a tighter budget, the Axon 40 Ultra remains a compelling option.

❓ What is the difference between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and 8 Gen 2?

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers significant improvements over the 8 Gen 1, including better CPU and GPU performance, improved power efficiency, and enhanced AI capabilities. It's a more modern and efficient chipset overall.