ZTE nubia Z40 Pro vs ZTE Axon 40 Pro: A Head-to-Head Comparison

ZTE has been steadily improving its smartphone lineup, and the nubia Z40 Pro and Axon 40 Pro are two of their most compelling offerings. Both phones pack impressive features, but cater to slightly different users. This comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which one is the better fit.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The nubia Z40 Pro boasts a significantly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and potentially faster charging (depending on the version). However, the Axon 40 Pro offers a more balanced experience with a refined design and potentially better software support. For raw power, the Z40 Pro wins, but the Axon 40 Pro provides a more polished overall package.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia Z40 Pro ZTE Axon 40 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 4, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - Europe
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - ROW
Launch
Announced2022, February 252022, May 09
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, March 02Available. Released 2022, May 31
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, glass back-
Dimensions161.9 x 72.9 x 8.4 mm (6.37 x 2.87 x 0.33 in)162.9 x 72.9 x 8.7 mm (6.41 x 2.87 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight199 g (7.02 oz)199 g (7.02 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~91.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nitsAMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 1000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 650
OSAndroid 12, MyOS 12Android 12, MyOS 12
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, panorama, HDRDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)16 MP, (wide)
Triple64 MP, f/1.7, 35mm (standard), 1/1.7", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), 1/4.0", PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 116˚ (ultrawide)-
VideoYes4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)16 MP, (wide)
VideoYes4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, 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, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging66W wired; 15W magnetic wireless (gravity version) 80W wired (regular version)65W wired, PD, QC4
TypeMarket-dependent versions:· Li-Po 5000 mAh (regular version)· Li-Po 4600 mAh (gravity version)Li-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsInterstellar Black, Star Black, SilverDream black, Crystal blue, Gold
ModelsNX701JA2023G, A2023
PriceAbout 500 EURAbout 410 EUR

ZTE nubia Z40 Pro

  • Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
  • Potentially faster charging (80W version)
  • High refresh rate display
  • Gaming focused

  • Software support may be less consistent
  • Design may be less refined
  • Potential for thermal throttling under heavy load

ZTE Axon 40 Pro

  • Balanced performance (Snapdragon 870)
  • Excellent camera performance and image processing
  • Refined design and build quality
  • Good software support

  • Slightly slower processor than Z40 Pro
  • Slower charging speed
  • May not be ideal for hardcore gamers

Display Comparison

Both phones feature AMOLED displays with high refresh rates (likely 120Hz). The nubia Z40 Pro may have a slightly higher resolution or peak brightness, but the Axon 40 Pro's display is known for its color accuracy and viewing angles. Expect vibrant colors and smooth scrolling on both.

Camera Comparison

The Axon 40 Pro is often praised for its camera system, particularly its image processing. While the nubia Z40 Pro has capable cameras, the Axon 40 Pro's software optimization and potentially larger sensor sizes may result in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Both likely offer versatile camera setups with ultrawide and macro lenses.

Performance

The nubia Z40 Pro's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers a substantial performance advantage over the Axon 40 Pro's Snapdragon 870. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance, especially in demanding titles. The 870 is still a capable chip, but the 8 Gen 1 is in a different league.

Battery Life

Both phones likely have around a 4500-5000 mAh battery. The nubia Z40 Pro's 66W/80W wired charging is faster than the Axon 40 Pro's 65W, allowing for quicker top-ups. Battery life will depend on usage patterns, but both should provide a full day of moderate use.

Buying Guide

The ZTE nubia Z40 Pro is ideal for gamers and power users who prioritize performance above all else. The ZTE Axon 40 Pro is a great choice for users who want a well-rounded smartphone with a good camera, solid performance, and a more mainstream design.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the nubia Z40 Pro good for gaming?
Yes, the nubia Z40 Pro's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset makes it an excellent choice for gaming, offering high frame rates and smooth performance in demanding titles. However, be aware of potential thermal throttling.
❓ Which phone has better camera software?
The ZTE Axon 40 Pro is generally considered to have better camera software and image processing, resulting in more pleasing and consistent photos.