ZTE nubia Z30 Pro vs. vivo X80 Pro: A Deep Dive into Performance, Charging, and Camera Capabilities

The ZTE nubia Z30 Pro and vivo X80 Pro represent distinct approaches to the flagship smartphone experience. The nubia Z30 Pro, leveraging the Snapdragon 888, focuses on rapid charging and a potentially lower price point, while the vivo X80 Pro, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Dimensity 9000 options, aims for top-tier performance and a refined camera system. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing all-around performance and a more polished software experience, the vivo X80 Pro is the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Dimensity 9000 chipset offers a significant performance leap over the nubia Z30 Pro’s Snapdragon 888, and its more versatile charging options (including wireless) add convenience.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia Z30 Pro vivo X80 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 bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 66, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China
Launch
Announced2021, May 202022, April 25
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, May 25Available. Released 2022, April 29
Body
Build-Glass front (Schott Xensation Up), glass back or ceramic back or eco leather back, aluminum frame
Dimensions161.8 x 73 x 8.5 mm (6.37 x 2.87 x 0.33 in)164.6 x 75.3 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight198 g (6.98 oz)215 g / 219 g (7.58 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Schott Xensation Up
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~517 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+LTPO3 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.05 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 730Mali-G710 MC10
OSAndroid 11, nubia UI 9Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch 14 (Global), OriginOS Ocean (China)
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, Pixel Shift, dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Quad64 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", 0.7µm50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/1.3", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/3.4, (periscope telephoto), 1/4.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 12 MP, f/1.9, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, 2x optical zoom, gimbal OIS 48 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", AF
Single16 MP32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio32-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX5.2 (Snapdragon)/ 5.3 (Dimensity), A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1USB Type-C 3.1 (Global)/ 3.2 (China), OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging120W wired, 100% in 15 min80W wired, 100% in 38 min 50W wireless, 100% in 50 min Reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 4200 mAh4700 mAh
Misc
ColorsSilver, Black, Black/GoldCosmic Black, Blue, Orange
ModelsNX667JV2185A, V2145
PriceAbout 640 EURAbout 850 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 79h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.1 LUFS (Very good)

ZTE nubia Z30 Pro

  • Industry-leading 120W wired charging
  • Potentially lower price point
  • Snapdragon 888 still capable for most tasks

  • Older Snapdragon 888 chipset
  • Limited information on display quality
  • Less versatile charging options

vivo X80 Pro

  • More powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Dimensity 9000 chipset
  • Brighter and higher contrast display
  • Wireless and reverse wired charging

  • Slower wired charging than nubia Z30 Pro
  • Potentially higher price
  • Software experience may vary

Display Comparison

The vivo X80 Pro boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 1014 nits, which translates to better visibility in direct sunlight compared to the nubia Z30 Pro (brightness data unavailable). While both likely utilize high refresh rate panels, the X80 Pro’s infinite contrast ratio suggests a superior OLED panel. The lack of detailed display specs for the nubia Z30 Pro makes a precise comparison difficult, but the X80 Pro clearly holds an advantage in raw display quality.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are advertised as having strong camera capabilities, but specifics are limited. The X80 Pro likely benefits from vivo’s established image processing pipeline and potentially larger sensor sizes. Without detailed sensor information for the nubia Z30 Pro, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the X80 Pro’s focus on both photo and video suggests a more well-rounded camera experience. The inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is expected on both, but the X80 Pro’s image processing algorithms are likely more refined.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo X80 Pro offers a choice between the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) and the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 (4nm), both built on a more efficient 4nm process than the nubia Z30 Pro’s 5nm Snapdragon 888. This translates to improved thermal management and sustained performance, particularly during demanding tasks like gaming. The X80 Pro’s CPU, featuring the Cortex-X2 core clocked at 3.00/3.05 GHz, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Z30 Pro’s 2.84 GHz Cortex-X1. The newer architecture of the A710 cores in the X80 Pro further enhances multi-core performance.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 79 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite the nubia Z30 Pro’s unspecified battery capacity. However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The nubia Z30 Pro’s 120W wired charging is incredibly fast, achieving a full charge in just 15 minutes. The vivo X80 Pro’s 80W wired charging takes 38 minutes, while its 50W wireless charging adds another 50 minutes. The X80 Pro also offers reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the nubia Z30 Pro. While the nubia Z30 Pro wins on raw charging speed, the X80 Pro offers more versatility.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE nubia Z30 Pro if you absolutely prioritize the fastest wired charging available – its 120W capability is unmatched here – and are comfortable with a potentially less refined software experience. Buy the vivo X80 Pro if you value sustained performance, a more versatile camera system, and the convenience of wireless charging, even if it means a longer full charge time.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the vivo X80 Pro suffer from overheating issues?
Early reports indicated potential thermal throttling with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, but vivo has implemented advanced cooling solutions in the X80 Pro, including a vapor chamber cooling system. Reviews suggest that while the phone can get warm under sustained load, it generally manages heat effectively and avoids significant performance drops. The Dimensity 9000 variant is known for its superior thermal efficiency.
❓ Is the 120W charging on the nubia Z30 Pro safe for long-term battery health?
While 120W charging is incredibly fast, concerns about long-term battery degradation are valid. ZTE likely employs charging algorithms and safety mechanisms to mitigate these risks, such as reducing charging speed as the battery nears full capacity. However, consistently using ultra-fast charging *may* contribute to faster battery wear over several years compared to slower charging methods.
❓ What kind of gaming performance can I expect from the nubia Z30 Pro?
The Snapdragon 888 in the nubia Z30 Pro is still a capable chipset for gaming, handling most titles at high settings. However, it won't match the sustained performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Dimensity 9000 in the X80 Pro, especially during extended gaming sessions. Expect some potential for thermal throttling.
❓ Does the vivo X80 Pro support 90fps gaming?
The vivo X80 Pro supports high refresh rate gaming, but 90fps support depends on the specific game. Many popular titles offer 60fps options, while some may support higher frame rates with optimized settings. The Dimensity 9000 variant generally offers better gaming performance and potentially wider 90fps support.