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

ZTE's nubia series consistently delivers impressive specs at competitive prices. The nubia Z40 Pro made waves, but the Z40S Pro arrives with upgrades. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into both phones to help you decide which one deserves your attention and your money.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The nubia Z40S Pro takes the lead thanks to its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, offering noticeably better performance and efficiency. While the Z40 Pro is still a strong contender, the Z40S Pro's faster processor and potentially improved thermal management make it the superior choice for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia Z40S Pro ZTE nubia Z40 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, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 4, 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, July 202022, February 25
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, July 26Available. Released 2022, March 02
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, glass backGlass front, aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions161.3 x 74 x 8.1 mm (6.35 x 2.91 x 0.32 in)161.9 x 72.9 x 8.4 mm (6.37 x 2.87 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight205 g (7.23 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 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~91.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nitsAMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 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)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 730
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 13, MyOS 13Android 12, MyOS 12
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 18GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, panorama, HDRDual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single-16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Triple64 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), AF64 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)
Video8K, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EISYes
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
Charging80W wired (regular version) 120W wired; 15W magnetic wireless (120W version)66W wired; 15W magnetic wireless (gravity version) 80W wired (regular version)
TypeMarket-dependent versions:· Li-Po 5000 mAh (regular version)· Li-Po 4600 mAh (120W version)Market-dependent versions:· Li-Po 5000 mAh (regular version)· Li-Po 4600 mAh (gravity version)
Misc
ColorsInterstellar Black, Star Black, SilverInterstellar Black, Star Black, Silver
ModelsNX702JNX701J
PriceAbout 490 EURAbout 500 EUR

ZTE nubia Z40S Pro

  • Significantly faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset
  • 120W wired charging (on some versions)
  • Potentially improved thermal management
  • Vibrant AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate

  • Potentially higher price
  • Design may be similar to Z40 Pro, lacking significant visual differentiation

ZTE nubia Z40 Pro

  • More affordable than the Z40S Pro
  • Excellent AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate
  • Capable Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset
  • Good camera system

  • Slower charging speeds
  • Less powerful chipset compared to Z40S Pro
  • May experience more thermal throttling under heavy load

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. Expect similar viewing experiences, though the Z40S Pro might have slightly better brightness due to its newer chipset allowing for more efficient power usage. Resolution is likely to be FHD+ on both.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are expected to feature a 108MP main camera, likely with similar image processing capabilities. The Z40S Pro *may* have slightly improved image processing due to the newer chipset, potentially resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. Both likely include ultrawide and macro lenses.

Performance

This is where the Z40S Pro shines. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the Z40S Pro. The Z40 Pro is still capable, but the difference in raw power is noticeable.

Battery Life

The Z40S Pro boasts significantly faster charging speeds (up to 120W wired) compared to the Z40 Pro's 66W or 80W. This translates to much quicker top-ups. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 4600-4800 mAh) on both devices, so the Z40S Pro's efficiency gains from the chipset could also contribute to slightly better overall battery life.

Buying Guide

The nubia Z40S Pro is ideal for gamers, content creators, and anyone demanding top-tier performance. The nubia Z40 Pro remains a great option for those seeking a flagship experience at a slightly more accessible price point, prioritizing a balance of features and value.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 a big upgrade over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1?
Yes, the 8+ Gen 1 offers improved performance, efficiency, and thermal management compared to the 8 Gen 1. You'll notice a difference in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
❓ Are the cameras on both phones the same?
While both likely feature a 108MP main sensor, the Z40S Pro's newer chipset *could* lead to slightly better image processing and low-light performance. However, the overall camera experience should be quite similar.