ZTE Axon 60 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: Which Flagship Reigns Supreme?

The ZTE Axon 60 Ultra arrives as a compelling alternative to established flagships, boasting a top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and aggressive pricing. We pit it against Google’s Pixel 8 Pro, a device renowned for its computational photography and integrated AI features powered by the Tensor G3. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which phone delivers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing camera versatility and software experience, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is the stronger choice. However, the ZTE Axon 60 Ultra offers comparable performance at a potentially lower price, making it ideal for power users and gamers who value raw speed and don't mind a less refined software experience.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE Axon 60 Ultra Google Pixel 8 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - G1MNW
5G bandsSA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - G1MNW
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, April 112023, October 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, July 25Available. Released 2023, October 12
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame
Dimensions163.6 x 76 x 9.1 mm (6.44 x 2.99 x 0.36 in)162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight-213 g (7.51 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~453 ppi density)1344 x 2992 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~489 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120HzLTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 2400 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 740Immortalis-G715s MC10
OSAndroid 14Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaMulti-zone Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, panorama, Best Take, Zoom Enhance
Triple50 MP, (wide), PDAF, OIS 50 MP, (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/2.8, 113mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 48 MP, f/2.0, 126˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF
VideoYes4K@30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, (wide)10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm, PDAF
Video1080p@30fps4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature)
Battery
Charging80W wired, PD3.0, QC430W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min 23W wireless Reverse wireless Bypass charging
Type6000 mAhLi-Ion 5050 mAh
Misc
ColorsObsidian BlackObsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Mint
Models-GC3VE, G1MNW
PriceAbout 780 EUR€ 362.00 / $ 289.97 / £ 329.95 / ₹ 54,999

ZTE Axon 60 Ultra

  • Faster 80W wired charging
  • Potentially lower price point
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers raw performance

  • Software experience may be less refined
  • Camera performance likely trails the Pixel 8 Pro

Google Pixel 8 Pro

  • Exceptional camera with Google’s computational photography
  • Long-term software support and updates
  • Seamless software experience with AI integration

  • Slower 30W wired charging
  • Tensor G3 may throttle under sustained load
  • Generally higher price

Display Comparison

The Pixel 8 Pro boasts a peak brightness of 1600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the Axon 60 Ultra’s display specs aren’t provided, ZTE typically employs high-quality AMOLED panels. The Pixel 8 Pro’s LTPO technology allows for a variable refresh rate, optimizing battery life. The Pixel 8 Pro’s display is likely to have superior color accuracy and calibration due to Google’s focus on display quality, though the Axon 60 Ultra may offer a higher refresh rate depending on its panel.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 8 Pro is renowned for its computational photography prowess, leveraging Google’s AI algorithms to produce stunning images. While the Axon 60 Ultra’s camera specs are not detailed, its market positioning suggests a focus on high megapixel counts. The Pixel 8 Pro’s image processing excels in dynamic range and low-light performance. The Tensor G3’s dedicated image signal processor (ISP) enables features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur. The Pixel 8 Pro’s video capabilities are also likely superior, with advanced stabilization and cinematic modes. Without specific details on the Axon 60 Ultra’s sensor sizes and apertures, it’s difficult to directly compare image quality, but the Pixel 8 Pro’s software advantage is substantial.

Performance

Both phones utilize a 4nm process, but the architectures differ significantly. The Axon 60 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 features an octa-core configuration with a prime Cortex-X3 core clocked at 3.2 GHz, promising strong single-core performance. The Pixel 8 Pro’s Tensor G3 employs a nona-core setup with a 3.0 GHz Cortex-X3. While the Tensor G3 prioritizes AI and machine learning tasks, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 generally excels in sustained CPU and GPU performance. The Axon 60 Ultra is likely to maintain higher frame rates in graphically intensive games due to the Snapdragon’s Adreno GPU. The Pixel 8 Pro’s Tensor G3 benefits from tight software integration, but may exhibit thermal throttling under prolonged load.

Battery Life

The Pixel 8 Pro achieves an impressive 11:14h active use score, indicating excellent battery life. Its 30W wired charging, while slower than the Axon 60 Ultra’s 80W, still offers a 50% charge in 30 minutes. The Pixel 8 Pro also supports 23W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. The Axon 60 Ultra’s 80W wired charging will significantly reduce charging times, potentially achieving a full charge in under 40 minutes. However, without knowing the Axon 60 Ultra’s battery capacity, it’s difficult to assess its overall endurance. The Pixel 8 Pro’s endurance rating of 90h suggests a larger battery capacity and optimized power management.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE Axon 60 Ultra if you need uncompromising performance for gaming and demanding tasks, and prioritize value for money. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides a raw power advantage. Buy the Google Pixel 8 Pro if you prefer a seamless software experience, exceptional camera capabilities with Google’s computational photography, and long-term software support with guaranteed updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8 Pro overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Tensor G3 is a capable chip, it's known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Expect some thermal throttling during prolonged gaming, potentially leading to reduced frame rates. The Pixel 8 Pro’s software attempts to mitigate this, but the Axon 60 Ultra is likely to maintain higher sustained performance.
❓ How does the 80W charging on the Axon 60 Ultra compare to the Pixel 8 Pro's 30W charging in real-world use?
The Axon 60 Ultra’s 80W charging will significantly reduce charging times. Expect a full charge in under 40 minutes, compared to approximately 60-70 minutes for the Pixel 8 Pro. This is a major advantage for users who prioritize quick top-ups.
❓ What kind of software updates can I expect on the ZTE Axon 60 Ultra compared to the Pixel 8 Pro?
Google guarantees at least 7 years of software updates for the Pixel 8 Pro, including security patches and OS upgrades. ZTE’s update commitment is typically shorter, usually around 2-3 years of major Android updates. This is a significant consideration for users who value long-term software support.
❓ Is the Pixel 8 Pro’s Magic Eraser feature truly effective for removing unwanted objects from photos?
Yes, Magic Eraser is a standout feature of the Pixel 8 Pro. Powered by the Tensor G3’s AI capabilities, it can convincingly remove distracting elements from photos, often with impressive results. While not perfect, it’s a powerful tool for improving image composition.