ZTE nubia X 5G vs OnePlus 7 Pro 5G: A Detailed Comparison of Snapdragon 855 Flagships

Both the ZTE nubia X 5G and the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G represent a peak in Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 performance, arriving as 5G enabled flagships. However, they diverge in charging capabilities and overall user experience. This comparison dissects their similarities and differences to determine which device offers the best value in today's market.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing rapid charging and a refined software experience, the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G emerges as the better choice. While both phones share the same Snapdragon 855 chipset, the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G’s 30W charging significantly reduces downtime, making it more practical for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia X 5G OnePlus 7 Pro 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bandsNSA/Sub641 NSA/Sub6/mmWave
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
AnnouncedNot announced yet2019, May 14. Released 2019, September 06
StatusCancelledDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions-162.6 x 75.9 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight-206 g (7.27 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~515 ppi density)
Size6.26 inches, 97.8 cm26.67 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~88.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDFluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
 Secondary display (on the back): OLED, 5.1 inches, 720 x 1520 pixels, Corning Gorilla Glass 3-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 640Adreno 640
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie)Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, OxygenOS 10.0.4
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.0
Main Camera
Dual16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF 24 MP, f/1.7, PDAF-
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR
Triple-48 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 78mm (telephoto), 3x zoom, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@480fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS, no video rec. with ultrawide camera
Selfie camera
DualUses main cameras-
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaHDR
Single-Motorized pop-up 16 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/384kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsDual fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired, QC430W wired
TypeLi-Po 3800 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlue Gold, Sea Blue, Black Gold, Deep Gray, Starry Night (512 GB only)Mirror Grey, Almond, Nebula Blue
Models-GM1925
Price-About 800 EUR

ZTE nubia X 5G

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Unique dual-display design
  • Qualcomm Quick Charge 4 support

  • Slower 18W charging
  • Less refined software experience
  • Potentially compromised camera hardware

OnePlus 7 Pro 5G

  • Faster 30W charging
  • Smoother, more optimized software
  • Likely superior camera performance

  • Potentially higher price
  • Curved display prone to accidental touches
  • No dual-screen functionality

Display Comparison

Both devices utilize OLED panels, but detailed specifications regarding peak brightness, color accuracy (DCI-P3 coverage), and refresh rates are absent in the provided data. However, given OnePlus’s history, the 7 Pro likely boasts a higher peak brightness and potentially wider color gamut. The nubia X’s unique dual-display design, while innovative, may introduce additional power consumption compared to the OnePlus 7 Pro’s single, curved display. Bezels are likely comparable, given both phones aimed for a premium aesthetic.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed sensor specifications, a direct camera comparison is challenging. However, the market positioning of both devices suggests the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G likely features a more sophisticated camera system with better image processing algorithms. While both likely include multiple lenses, the nubia X’s focus on a unique form factor may have resulted in compromises in camera hardware. The absence of information regarding Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) makes it difficult to assess low-light performance differences.

Performance

Both the ZTE nubia X 5G and the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G are powered by the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) chipset, featuring an identical octa-core CPU configuration. This means raw processing power will be virtually indistinguishable between the two. However, thermal management could differ. OnePlus is known for its optimization, potentially leading to less throttling under sustained loads. The absence of LPDDR5x RAM specifications suggests both likely utilize LPDDR4X, limiting potential memory bandwidth gains. The real-world performance difference will likely be minimal, primarily influenced by software optimization.

Battery Life

The nubia X 5G features 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 4 (QC4) support, while the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G boasts a significantly faster 30W charging capability. This is a crucial difference. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the 30W charging on the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G will dramatically reduce charging times, offering a more convenient experience for users who frequently need to top up their battery. The nubia X’s slower charging speed will require longer periods plugged into a power source.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE nubia X 5G if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are comfortable with a less polished software experience. Buy the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G if you value faster charging speeds, a smoother user interface, and a more established brand reputation for software updates and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 855 in either phone struggle with demanding 5G applications?
While the Snapdragon 855 is a capable chipset, it's not the latest generation. Expect some heat generation and potential throttling during prolonged, intensive 5G usage, such as extended gaming sessions or large file downloads. Both phones will likely manage typical 5G tasks without issue, but aren't optimized for the most extreme scenarios.
❓ Does the dual-screen on the nubia X 5G significantly impact battery life?
Yes, the dual-screen design on the ZTE nubia X 5G will undoubtedly consume more power than a single-screen device like the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G. Using both screens simultaneously, or frequently switching between them, will noticeably reduce battery life. The benefit of the second screen needs to be weighed against the battery life trade-off.
❓ Is the 30W charging on the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G compatible with all USB-C chargers?
While the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G uses the USB-C standard, to achieve the full 30W charging speed, you'll need a compatible Power Delivery (PD) charger. Standard USB-C chargers will still charge the phone, but at a slower rate. OnePlus typically includes a compatible charger in the box.