ZTE nubia Z30 Pro vs. Axon 30 Ultra 5G: A Clash of Flagship Titans

ZTE has been making waves with its innovative smartphones, and the nubia Z30 Pro and Axon 30 Ultra 5G are prime examples. Both pack powerful Snapdragon 888 processors, but cater to slightly different audiences. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one is right for you.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The nubia Z30 Pro boasts incredibly fast 120W charging, a significant advantage for those prioritizing speed. However, the Axon 30 Ultra 5G shines with its exceptional battery life and potentially superior camera system. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you value charging speed or endurance.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE nubia Z30 Pro	ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G

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	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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands	1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA	1, 3, 28, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	CDMA 800	CDMA 800

Launch
Announced	2021, May 20	2021, April 15
Status	Available. Released 2021, May 25	Available. Released 2021, April 19

Body
Build	-	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions	161.8 x 73 x 8.5 mm (6.37 x 2.87 x 0.33 in)	161.5 x 73 x 8 mm (6.36 x 2.87 x 0.31 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	198 g (6.98 oz)	188 g (6.63 oz)

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass 5
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 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio)	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~91.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+	AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)	Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPU	Adreno 660	Adreno 660
OS	Android 11, nubia UI 9	Android 11, MyOS 11

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 1TB 18GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Features	Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR	Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
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	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	16 MP, (wide)
Video	8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video	8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video

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

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	No
35mm jack	No	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers
	24-bit/192kHz audio	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX	5.2, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 3.1	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/6e, dual-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, QC4
Type	Li-Po 4200 mAh	Li-Po 4600 mAh

Misc
Colors	Silver, Black, Black/Gold	Black, White, Blue, Light Brown, Aerospace Edition
Models	NX667J	A2022P, A2022PG
Price	About 640 EUR	About 550 EUR

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 91h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-	-24.6 LUFS (Very good)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 703270 (v8) GeekBench: 3582 (v5.1) GFXBench: 54fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

ZTE nubia Z30 Pro

Incredibly fast 120W charging
Flagship Snapdragon 888 performance
Sleek design
High refresh rate display

Potentially shorter battery life
Camera may not be as advanced as Axon 30 Ultra
Availability may be limited

ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G

Exceptional battery life (91h endurance)
Bright and vibrant display
Potentially superior camera system
Good value for money

Slower charging speed (65W)
Design may be less striking than Z30 Pro
Infinite contrast ratio claim is vague

Display Comparison

Both phones feature AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Axon 30 Ultra 5G's 698 nits max brightness gives it an edge in outdoor visibility, while its 'infinite' contrast ratio (likely a marketing term, but suggests excellent contrast) enhances image quality. The nubia Z30 Pro's display is also excellent, but lacks specific brightness figures. Expect smooth scrolling on both thanks to high refresh rates (likely 120Hz).

Camera Comparison

The Axon 30 Ultra 5G is expected to have a more advanced camera system, potentially featuring a larger primary sensor and improved image processing. While specific camera specs are missing, ZTE has emphasized the Axon series' camera capabilities. The nubia Z30 Pro's camera is still capable, but likely not as versatile or high-performing as the Axon 30 Ultra 5G. Video recording capabilities should be comparable.

Performance

Powered by the Snapdragon 888, both phones deliver flagship-level performance. Expect snappy multitasking, smooth gaming, and effortless handling of demanding apps. There's little to differentiate them here in terms of raw processing power. Real-world performance will depend on software optimization.

Battery Life

This is where the Axon 30 Ultra 5G truly shines. Its endurance rating of 91 hours is exceptional, suggesting significantly longer battery life than the nubia Z30 Pro. The nubia Z30 Pro's 120W charging compensates for this, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups, but it won't match the Axon's overall endurance.

Buying Guide

The ZTE nubia Z30 Pro is ideal for power users and gamers who demand rapid charging and don't mind potentially shorter battery life. The ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G is perfect for users who prioritize all-day battery life, a versatile camera system, and a vibrant display.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the nubia Z30 Pro worth buying if I need fast charging?

Absolutely! The 120W charging is a game-changer, allowing you to top up your battery in just 15 minutes. However, be prepared for potentially shorter battery life compared to the Axon 30 Ultra.

❓ Which phone has the better camera?

Based on available information, the ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G is likely to have the better camera system, offering more versatility and potentially superior image quality. However, detailed camera comparisons are needed for a definitive answer.