ZTE nubia Z30 Pro vs. Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro: A Deep Dive Comparison

The ZTE nubia Z30 Pro and Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro represent distinct approaches to the high-end smartphone market. The nubia Z30 Pro prioritizes incredibly fast charging and a sleek design, while the ROG Phone 6 Pro doubles down on gaming features and sustained performance. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing everyday use and rapid replenishment, the ZTE nubia Z30 Pro offers a compelling package with its 120W charging. However, the Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro is the clear winner for dedicated mobile gamers, thanks to its superior chipset and optimized thermal design.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE nubia Z30 Pro	Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66, 71 - Version A
5G bands	1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Version A
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat20 2024/210 Mbps, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	CDMA 800	1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 - Version B

Launch
Announced	2021, May 20	2022, July 05
Status	Available. Released 2021, May 25	Available. Released 2022, July 13

Body
Build	-	Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame
Dimensions	161.8 x 73 x 8.5 mm (6.37 x 2.87 x 0.33 in)	173 x 77 x 10.3 mm (6.81 x 3.03 x 0.41 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	198 g (6.98 oz)	239 g (8.43 oz)
	-	IPX4 water resistant 2" OLED display (on the back) Pressure sensitive zones (Gaming triggers)

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)	1080 x 2448 pixels (~395 ppi density)
Size	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio)	6.78 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+	AMOLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1200 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)	Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPU	Adreno 660	Adreno 730
OS	Android 11, nubia UI 9	Android 12, upgradable to Android 13

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM	512GB 18GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	UFS 3.1 NTFS support for external storage

Main Camera
Features	Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad	64 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/1.9, 35mm (standard), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/3.4, 123mm (periscope telephoto), 1/4.0", PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 64 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm	-
Single	16 MP	-
Triple	-	50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)
Video	8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video	8K@24fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	Panorama, HDR
Single	16 MP	12 MP, 28mm (wide)
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	Yes
35mm jack	No	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers (2 amplifiers)
	24-bit/192kHz audio	32-bit/384kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 3.1	USB Type-C 3.1 (side), USB Type-C 2.0 (bottom), OTG, accessory connector
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/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	120W wired, 100% in 15 min	65W wired, PD3.0, QC5, 100% in 42 min 10W reverse wired
Type	Li-Po 4200 mAh	Li-Po 6000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Silver, Black, Black/Gold	Storm White
Models	NX667J	AI2201_D
Price	About 640 EUR	About 800 EUR

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 119h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-	-24.1 LUFS (Very good)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 973756 (v8), 1103188 (v9) GeekBench: 3980 (v5.1) GFXBench: 79fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

ZTE nubia Z30 Pro

Incredibly fast 120W charging
Potentially more affordable price point
Sleek and conventional smartphone design

Older Snapdragon 888 chipset
Less focus on gaming-specific features
Limited camera details available

Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro

Powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset
Optimized thermal management for sustained performance
Dedicated gaming features (AirTriggers, high refresh rate)

Slower 65W charging compared to nubia Z30 Pro
Higher price point
Gaming-focused design may not appeal to all users

Display Comparison

The Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 829 nits, providing excellent visibility in bright conditions. While the nubia Z30 Pro’s display specs are not provided, its market positioning suggests a high-quality panel, though likely not reaching the ROG Phone’s peak brightness. Both devices offer an 'infinite' contrast ratio, typical of OLED displays. The ROG Phone’s focus on gaming likely includes a higher refresh rate and lower response time, crucial for competitive play, features not specified for the nubia Z30 Pro.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the ROG Phone 6 Pro’s gaming focus suggests image processing may be tuned for vibrant colors and quick capture, while the nubia Z30 Pro might prioritize more natural tones. The absence of details regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device makes it hard to assess low-light performance.

Performance

The Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro’s Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) represents a significant leap over the ZTE nubia Z30 Pro’s Snapdragon 888 (5 nm). The 8+ Gen 1’s 4nm process offers improved power efficiency and thermal performance, allowing for sustained peak performance during demanding tasks. The ROG Phone’s CPU, with its Cortex-X2 core clocked at 3.19 GHz, outperforms the Z30 Pro’s 2.84 GHz Cortex-X1. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a noticeable advantage in graphically intensive games. The ROG Phone’s superior thermal management, a hallmark of the series, further enhances its ability to maintain peak performance for extended periods.

Battery Life

Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 119 hours, suggesting comparable overall battery life despite differing capacities (not specified for the nubia Z30 Pro). However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The nubia Z30 Pro’s 120W wired charging can fully charge the device in just 15 minutes, a significant advantage over the ROG Phone 6 Pro’s 65W charging which takes 42 minutes. The ROG Phone 6 Pro also offers 10W reverse wired charging, a feature absent in the nubia Z30 Pro, allowing it to top up accessories.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE nubia Z30 Pro if you need the fastest possible charging speeds and a more conventional smartphone experience. Its 120W charging is a game-changer for those constantly on the move. Buy the Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro if you prioritize sustained gaming performance, advanced cooling, and dedicated gaming features like AirTriggers – it’s built for marathon sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 888 in the nubia Z30 Pro throttle under sustained load, like during extended gaming sessions?

The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate more heat than newer chipsets. While the nubia Z30 Pro’s cooling solution isn’t detailed, it’s likely less robust than the ROG Phone 6 Pro’s. Expect some performance throttling during prolonged, demanding gaming, potentially leading to frame drops.

❓ How does the 65W charging on the ROG Phone 6 Pro compare to other phones with similar wattage?

While 65W is fast, the ROG Phone 6 Pro’s charging efficiency and power delivery optimization are key. It supports PD3.0 and QC5 standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of chargers. However, it still takes 42 minutes for a full charge, significantly longer than the nubia Z30 Pro’s 15-minute charge time.

❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs on the nubia Z30 Pro a major concern?

It is a concern. Without knowing sensor size, aperture, or OIS capabilities, it’s difficult to assess its camera performance. The nubia Z30 Pro likely offers a competent camera for everyday use, but it may not compete with flagship devices known for their photographic prowess.

❓ Can the Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro be used effectively as a daily driver, or is it too gaming-focused?

Despite its gaming focus, the ROG Phone 6 Pro is a fully functional smartphone. However, its larger size and more aggressive design may not appeal to everyone. The software also includes gaming-centric features that may be unnecessary for casual users.