ZTE Axon 50 Ultra vs. Nubia Z40S Pro: A Clash of Flagships
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nubia Z40S Pro edges out the Axon 50 Ultra thanks to its faster charging (especially the 120W version), potentially slightly improved CPU clock speeds, and often a more aggressive pricing strategy. However, the Axon 50 Ultra might offer a more refined software experience and potentially better camera tuning.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | ZTE Axon 50 Ultra | ZTE nubia Z40S Pro |
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1x | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 12 | 2022, July 20 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, July 26 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 161.8 x 73.1 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.88 x 0.35 in) | 161.3 x 74 x 8.1 mm (6.35 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 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 | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 18GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 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 | 64 MP, f/1.6, 35mm (standard), 1/1.7", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), 1/4.0", PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), AF |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video | 8K, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 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, 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/6, 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 | 80W wired, PD3.0, QC4 | 80W wired (regular version) 120W wired; 15W magnetic wireless (120W version) |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Market-dependent versions:· Li-Po 5000 mAh (regular version)· Li-Po 4600 mAh (120W version) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Interstellar Black, Star Black, Silver |
| Models | - | NX702J |
| Price | - | About 490 EUR |
ZTE Axon 50 Ultra
- Clean Android experience
- Excellent 108MP main camera
- Premium design
- Good value for money
- Charging speed not as fast as Nubia Z40S Pro
- Software updates can be inconsistent
ZTE nubia Z40S Pro
- Blazing-fast 80W/120W charging
- Potentially slightly faster CPU
- Aggressive pricing
- Gaming-focused design
- Software can be more heavily customized
- Design may be too flashy for some
- Wireless charging limited to 15W on some models
Display Comparison
Both phones feature high-quality AMOLED displays, likely with 120Hz refresh rates. The Nubia Z40S Pro often boasts a slightly higher resolution and potentially brighter peak brightness, though specific panel details can vary. Expect vibrant colors and smooth scrolling on both.
Camera Comparison
The Axon 50 Ultra is known for its impressive 108MP main camera and generally well-regarded image processing. The Nubia Z40S Pro often features a similar main sensor, but may emphasize different aspects of image processing, such as more saturated colors or enhanced low-light performance. Video capabilities are likely comparable.
Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, both devices offer flagship-level performance. The Nubia Z40S Pro has a marginally faster CPU clock speed (X2 core), which *could* translate to slightly quicker performance in demanding tasks, but real-world differences are likely minimal. Gaming performance should be excellent on both.
Battery Life
The Nubia Z40S Pro's standout feature is its significantly faster charging capabilities, particularly the 120W version. The Axon 50 Ultra's 80W charging is still fast, but not as impressive. Battery capacity is likely similar, so charging speed becomes the key differentiator.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Axon 50 Ultra is ideal for users prioritizing a clean Android experience, a well-rounded camera system, and a slightly more understated design. The ZTE Nubia Z40S Pro is a better fit for those who crave blazing-fast charging, a more gamer-centric aesthetic, and potentially a more competitive price point.