ZTE's nubia series consistently delivers impressive specs at competitive prices. The nubia Z40 Pro and Z50 are two standout models, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The nubia Z50 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, offering significantly improved performance and efficiency. While the Z40 Pro remains a capable device, the Z50's upgrades make it the better long-term investment for most users.
| 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 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 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 | 2022, February 25 | 2022, December 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 02 | Available. Released 2022, December 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, glass back | Glass front, aluminum frame, glass back or eco leather back |
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 72.9 x 8.4 mm (6.37 x 2.87 x 0.33 in) | 162.9 x 72.9 x 8.5 mm or 8.7 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 197 g or 199 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~91.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 740 |
| OS | Android 12, MyOS 12 | 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 4.0
UFS 3.1 (128GB only) |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.6, 35mm (standard), 1/1.7", PDAF, OIS
50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), AF |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Ring-LED flash (4 LEDs), panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 16 MP, (wide) |
| 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) | - |
| Video | Yes | 8K, 4K |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 16 MP, (wide) |
| 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| 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 |
| 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, Silver, Mint, Rabit red |
| Models | NX701J | NX711J |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 400 EUR |
ZTE nubia Z40 Pro
- Excellent performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
- Competitive pricing
- Fast charging (66W/80W)
- Good camera system
- Older chipset compared to Z50
- Wireless charging is gravity version only
- May experience some thermal throttling under heavy load
ZTE nubia Z50
- Top-tier performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Improved efficiency and battery life
- Faster charging (80W)
- Likely improved camera processing
- Higher price point
- Design may be similar to Z40 Pro
Display Comparison
Both phones feature AMOLED displays, likely with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Z50 likely has a slightly improved panel with better color accuracy and brightness due to advancements in display technology. The Z40 Pro's display is still excellent, but the Z50 offers a marginal upgrade.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature high-resolution main sensors (likely 50MP or higher), the Z50's image processing capabilities are expected to be superior thanks to the newer Snapdragon chipset. Expect better low-light performance, improved dynamic range, and more accurate colors on the Z50. The Z40 Pro's camera is still very good, but the Z50 has an edge.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Z50 provides a substantial performance boost over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Z40 Pro. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the Z50. The Z50's CPU architecture is also more efficient, leading to better battery life under load.
Battery Life
The Z50's more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset should translate to better battery life despite potentially having a similar battery capacity to the Z40 Pro. The Z40 Pro's 66W/80W wired charging is competitive, but the Z50's 80W wired charging offers slightly faster top-ups.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the ZTE nubia Z40 Pro? Users seeking a high-performance phone at a slightly lower price point, and who don't require the absolute latest chipset. Who should buy the ZTE nubia Z50? Those prioritizing top-tier performance, improved efficiency, and a more modern processor, even at a slightly higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 a significant upgrade over the 8 Gen 1?
Yes, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers substantial improvements in performance, efficiency, and AI capabilities compared to the 8 Gen 1. You'll notice a difference in everyday use and especially in demanding tasks like gaming.
❓ Does the nubia Z50 have wireless charging?
The nubia Z50 has 15W magnetic wireless charging. The Z40 Pro has a gravity version of magnetic wireless charging.
