ZTE nubia Z40 Pro vs. Z40S Pro: The Ultimate Showdown

ZTE's nubia series consistently delivers impressive specs at competitive prices. The nubia Z40 Pro and Z40S Pro are prime examples, but which one truly stands out? This in-depth comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which flagship is right for you.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The nubia Z40S Pro is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, faster charging (especially in the 120W version), and likely improved thermal management. While the Z40 Pro remains a solid option, the Z40S Pro offers a noticeable performance upgrade for a relatively small price increase.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia Z40 Pro ZTE nubia Z40S Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 4, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 -
Launch
Announced2022, February 252022, July 20
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, March 02Available. Released 2022, July 26
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, glass backGlass front, aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions161.9 x 72.9 x 8.4 mm (6.37 x 2.87 x 0.33 in)161.3 x 74 x 8.1 mm (6.35 x 2.91 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight199 g (7.02 oz)205 g (7.23 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 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nitsAMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 730
OSAndroid 12, MyOS 12Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MyOS 13
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, 1TB 18GB RAM
 UFS 3.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, panorama, HDRDual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (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)64 MP, f/1.6, 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), AF
VideoYes8K, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
VideoYesYes
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
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)80W wired (regular version) 120W wired; 15W magnetic wireless (120W version)
TypeMarket-dependent versions:· Li-Po 5000 mAh (regular version)· Li-Po 4600 mAh (gravity version)Market-dependent versions:· Li-Po 5000 mAh (regular version)· Li-Po 4600 mAh (120W version)
Misc
ColorsInterstellar Black, Star Black, SilverInterstellar Black, Star Black, Silver
ModelsNX701JNX702J
PriceAbout 500 EURAbout 490 EUR

ZTE nubia Z40 Pro

  • Excellent value for money
  • Flagship processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
  • High-quality AMOLED display
  • Good camera system

  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 can throttle under sustained load
  • Slower charging speeds compared to Z40S Pro
  • May lack some of the latest software features

ZTE nubia Z40S Pro

  • Superior performance (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1)
  • Faster charging (especially 120W version)
  • Improved thermal management
  • Likely slightly better camera processing

  • Slightly higher price
  • May not offer a dramatically different design compared to Z40 Pro

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a similar resolution (likely FHD+). The Z40S Pro *might* have slightly improved color accuracy or brightness due to panel refinements, but this is difficult to confirm without detailed testing. Expect vibrant colors and smooth scrolling on both.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are expected to feature a triple-camera system with a 108MP main sensor. The Z40S Pro *may* have slightly improved image processing algorithms and potentially a slightly better ultrawide or telephoto lens, leading to marginally better photo and video quality, particularly in low-light conditions. Expect excellent detail and vibrant colors from both.

Performance

This is where the Z40S Pro shines. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance, especially in demanding titles. The Z40S Pro's improved thermal management should also prevent throttling during extended gaming sessions.

Battery Life

The Z40 Pro offers 66W wired charging (or 80W in the regular version) and 15W wireless charging. The Z40S Pro offers 80W wired charging (regular version) and a 120W wired charging option with 15W wireless charging. The 120W version of the Z40S Pro provides significantly faster charging speeds, a major advantage for users who prioritize quick top-ups.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the ZTE nubia Z40 Pro? Gamers and users on a tighter budget who still want a flagship experience. Who should buy the ZTE nubia Z40S Pro? Power users, mobile gamers, and anyone prioritizing top-tier performance and faster charging speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 a big upgrade over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1?
Yes, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers a noticeable performance boost, improved efficiency, and better thermal management compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The ZTE nubia Z40S Pro is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor and improved thermal performance.