ZTE nubia Z40 Pro vs ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: A Clash of Flagships

ZTE has been making a comeback in the smartphone market, and the nubia Z40 Pro and Axon 40 Ultra are key contenders. Both pack the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, but offer distinct features and design choices. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one deserves your money.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Axon 40 Ultra edges out the Z40 Pro thanks to its superior camera system and potentially more refined software experience. While both offer flagship performance, the Axon 40 Ultra’s overall package presents a more compelling value proposition for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE nubia Z40 Pro	ZTE Axon 40 Ultra

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 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 4, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe
5G bands	1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA	1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - Europe
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
	CDMA 800	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International

Launch
Announced	2022, February 25	2022, May 09
Status	Available. Released 2022, March 02	Available. Released 2022, May 13

Body
Build	Glass front, aluminum frame, glass back	Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	161.9 x 72.9 x 8.4 mm (6.37 x 2.87 x 0.33 in)	163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 2.90 x 0.33 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	199 g (7.02 oz)	204 g (7.20 oz)

Display
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)	1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~91.0% screen-to-body ratio)	6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~92.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits	AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)	Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)	Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPU	Adreno 730	Adreno 730
OS	Android 12, MyOS 12	Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MyOS 13

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

Main Camera
Features	Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR	Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR
Single	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)	16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display
Triple	64 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)	64 MP, f/1.6, 35mm (standard), 1/1.7", PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/3.5, 91mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", PDAF, OIS, 3.5x optical zoom (vs. 26mm cam) 64 MP, f/2.4, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/1.7", PDAF
Video	Yes	8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)	16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display
Video	Yes	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	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 3.1, OTG	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	66W wired; 15W magnetic wireless (gravity version) 80W wired (regular version)	65W wired, PD3.0, QC4
Type	Market-dependent versions:· Li-Po 5000 mAh (regular version)· Li-Po 4600 mAh (gravity version)	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Interstellar Black, Star Black, Silver	Black, Gold, Silver
Models	NX701J	A2023P, A2023PG
Price	About 500 EUR	About 380 EUR

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 104h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Loudspeaker	-	-25.8 LUFS (Very good)

ZTE nubia Z40 Pro

Potentially more aggressive pricing
Clean Android experience
Fast charging (80W version)
Good gaming performance

Camera likely trails the Axon 40 Ultra
Less refined software features
Design may be less premium

ZTE Axon 40 Ultra

Superior camera system
Brighter display
Excellent battery life (104h endurance)
Premium design

Potentially higher price
Software bloat possible (depending on region)
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 thermal throttling

Display Comparison

Both phones feature AMOLED displays, but the Axon 40 Ultra boasts a measured peak brightness of 680 nits, offering better outdoor visibility. The Z40 Pro's display is likely excellent, but lacks the same brightness data. Expect vibrant colors and smooth scrolling on both.

Camera Comparison

The Axon 40 Ultra is expected to have a significant advantage in the camera department, likely featuring a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. The Z40 Pro's camera is still capable, but likely doesn't match the Axon's potential. Expect better low-light performance and more detail from the Axon.

Performance

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, both devices deliver flagship-level performance. Expect snappy multitasking, smooth gaming, and effortless handling of demanding applications. Thermal management will be a key factor to observe in real-world usage, as the 8 Gen 1 can run hot.

Battery Life

The Axon 40 Ultra claims an impressive endurance rating of 104 hours, suggesting excellent battery life. The Z40 Pro's charging speeds vary (66W or 80W wired, 15W wireless), but the Axon's battery optimization appears superior based on the endurance rating.

Buying Guide

The nubia Z40 Pro is ideal for gamers and users prioritizing a clean Android experience and potentially a slightly more aggressive price point. The Axon 40 Ultra is a better choice for photography enthusiasts and those seeking a more premium design and feature-rich software.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?

Both phones share the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, so gaming performance should be comparable. However, thermal management will be crucial; the phone that can maintain higher clock speeds for longer will have a slight edge.

❓ Is the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra worth the extra cost?

If photography is a priority, the Axon 40 Ultra's superior camera system makes it a worthwhile investment. The improved display and battery life are also significant advantages.