ZTE nubia Z40 Pro vs Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition: The Ultimate Flagship Battle
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition edges out the Z40 Pro thanks to its superior camera system, faster charging, and potentially more refined software experience. However, the Z40 Pro remains a compelling option, especially if you prioritize a unique design and potentially a slightly lower price.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | ZTE nubia Z40 Pro | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition |
| 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 4, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA 800 | CDMA2000 1x | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 25 | 2022, November 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 02 | Available. Released 2022, December 06 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, glass back | Glass front, ceramic 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, MyOS 12 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM | 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 18GB 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) | 80W 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 |
| Models | NX701J | A2023P |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 800 EUR |
ZTE nubia Z40 Pro
- Unique and bold design
- Solid performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
- Decent camera system
- Potentially more affordable
- Punch-hole camera design
- Slower charging compared to Axon 40 Ultra
- Camera performance not as strong as Axon 40 Ultra
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition
- Exceptional camera system
- Fast 80W wired charging
- Under-display camera for a truly full-screen experience
- Premium build quality
- Potentially higher price
- Software experience may vary
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 thermal throttling potential
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Axon 40 Ultra might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its under-display camera technology allowing for a truly full-screen experience. The Z40 Pro has a punch-hole camera.
Camera Comparison
The Axon 40 Ultra boasts a significantly more impressive camera system, featuring a 108MP main sensor, a 64MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto lens. The Z40 Pro has a 64MP main, 8MP ultrawide, and 32MP telephoto. The Axon 40 Ultra is expected to deliver superior image quality, especially in low light, and more versatile zoom capabilities.
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 Z40 Pro offers 66W wired charging (or 80W depending on the version) and 15W wireless charging. The Axon 40 Ultra features 80W wired charging with PD3.0 and QC4 support. The Axon 40 Ultra's faster charging speeds provide a noticeable advantage for quickly topping up the battery.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the ZTE nubia Z40 Pro? Gamers and users who appreciate a bold, distinctive design and don't require the absolute best camera performance. Who should buy the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition? Photography enthusiasts, power users needing fast charging, and those seeking a more premium and polished overall experience.