ZTE's nubia series consistently delivers impressive specs at competitive prices. The nubia Z40S Pro and Z50 are two of their latest contenders, both packing powerful Snapdragon processors. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The nubia Z50 edges out the Z40S Pro thanks to its newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, offering a performance boost and improved efficiency. While the Z40S Pro boasts faster charging options, the Z50's overall package makes it the slightly better choice 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, 4, 5, 7, 8, 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 20 | 2022, December 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 26 | Available. Released 2022, December 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, glass back | Glass front, aluminum frame, glass back or eco leather back |
| Dimensions | 161.3 x 74 x 8.1 mm (6.35 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) | 162.9 x 72.9 x 8.5 mm or 8.7 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 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 (~90.0% 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 (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 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 SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 740 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MyOS 13 | Android 13, MyOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 18GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| | - | 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, (wide) |
| Triple | 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 | - |
| Video | 8K, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 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 |
| 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 | 80W wired (regular version)
120W wired; 15W magnetic wireless (120W version) | 80W wired |
| Type | Market-dependent versions:· Li-Po 5000 mAh (regular version)· Li-Po 4600 mAh (120W version) | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Interstellar Black, Star Black, Silver | Black, Silver, Mint, Rabit red |
| Models | NX702J | NX711J |
| Price | About 490 EUR | About 400 EUR |
ZTE nubia Z40S Pro
- Faster wired charging (120W version)
- Potentially lower price
- Solid performance with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- Older chipset compared to Z50
- May have slightly less refined camera system
- Design might feel slightly dated
ZTE nubia Z50
- Newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset for superior performance
- Improved camera system with better image processing
- Potentially better battery life due to efficiency
- More modern design
- Slower wired charging (80W)
- Likely higher price
Display Comparison
Both phones feature AMOLED displays with high refresh rates, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Z50 likely has slightly improved color accuracy and brightness due to advancements in display technology, but both provide an excellent viewing experience. Expect similar resolutions and sizes, around 6.6-6.7 inches.
Camera Comparison
While both phones feature capable camera systems, the Z50 likely benefits from newer image processing algorithms and potentially improved sensor technology. Expect better low-light performance, more accurate colors, and enhanced dynamic range on the Z50. Both likely have a primary 50MP sensor, but the Z50's software enhancements will likely make a difference.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Z50 is a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the Z40S Pro. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. The Z50's chip also offers improved power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life despite similar battery capacities.
Battery Life
The Z40S Pro has a slight advantage with its 120W wired charging option (on some versions), allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. The Z50 offers 80W wired charging, which is still very fast. Battery capacity is likely similar, around 4800-5000mAh, but the Z50's more efficient chipset could result in slightly better overall battery life.
Buying Guide
The nubia Z40S Pro is a great option for users prioritizing fast charging and a slightly lower price point. The nubia Z50 is ideal for those seeking the latest and greatest performance, a refined design, and a more modern camera system, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 a big upgrade over the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1?
Yes, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers a noticeable performance boost, improved power efficiency, and enhanced AI capabilities compared to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.
❓ Which phone has better low-light camera performance?
The ZTE nubia Z50 is expected to have better low-light camera performance due to its newer image processing and potentially improved sensor technology.
