ZTE Nubia Z40S Pro vs. Z50 Ultra: A Detailed Showdown

ZTE's nubia series consistently delivers impressive specs at competitive prices. The nubia Z40S Pro and Z50 Ultra are two of their flagship contenders, each boasting powerful hardware and unique features. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.

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🏆 Quick Verdict

The nubia Z50 Ultra edges out the Z40S Pro thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, improved camera system (particularly the under-display camera), and slightly more modern design. However, the Z40S Pro remains a compelling option, especially if you prioritize faster charging and a potentially lower price.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE nubia Z40S Pro	ZTE nubia Z50 Ultra

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 / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
	-	CDMA2000 1x

Launch
Announced	2022, July 20	2023, March 07
Status	Available. Released 2022, July 26	Available. Released 2023, March 14

Body
Build	Glass front, aluminum frame, glass back	-
Dimensions	161.3 x 74 x 8.1 mm (6.35 x 2.91 x 0.32 in)	163.9 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm (6.45 x 3.00 x 0.33 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	205 g (7.23 oz)	228 g (8.04 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 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio)	6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits	AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x3.19 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	256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
	-	UFS 4.0

Main Camera
Features	Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR	Laser AF, Ring-LED, dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR
Single	-	16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display
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	64 MP, f/1.6, 35mm (standard), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/3.3, 85mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", PDAF, OIS, 3.3x optical zoom (vs. 26mm cam) 50 MP, f/2.X, 14mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), PDAF
Video	8K, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS	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

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive	5.3, A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Infrared port	-	Yes
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1+L2+L5), GALILEO, BDS
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, PD3.0, QC4
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, Starry Sky
Models	NX702J	NX712J
Price	About 490 EUR	About 540 EUR

ZTE nubia Z40S Pro

Faster wired charging (80W/120W)
Potentially lower price
Excellent display
Powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1

Older chipset compared to Z50 Ultra
Less advanced camera system
Under-display camera not as refined

ZTE nubia Z50 Ultra

Latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
Improved camera system, especially under-display camera
Potentially brighter display
Modern design

Likely higher price
Charging speed slightly slower than Z40S Pro (120W version)

Display Comparison

Both phones feature stunning AMOLED displays with high refresh rates (likely 120Hz or higher). The Z50 Ultra is expected to have a slightly brighter display and potentially a more refined color calibration. The Z40S Pro's display is still excellent, offering vibrant colors and smooth visuals. The Z50 Ultra's under-display camera is a key differentiator, aiming for a truly bezel-less experience.

Camera Comparison

The Z50 Ultra is expected to have a more advanced camera system, likely featuring a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. The under-display camera on the Z50 Ultra is a significant upgrade, aiming to minimize the visual impact of the front-facing camera. The Z40S Pro's camera is still capable of producing excellent photos, but the Z50 Ultra should offer a more consistent and refined experience.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Z50 Ultra provides a noticeable performance boost over the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the Z40S Pro. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the Z50 Ultra. Both phones offer ample RAM and storage for demanding users.

Battery Life

The Z40S Pro has a potential advantage with its 80W (or 120W) wired charging, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. The Z50 Ultra's 80W charging is still respectable, but not as rapid. Battery capacity is likely similar between the two devices, ensuring all-day battery life for most users.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the ZTE nubia Z40S Pro? Users seeking a high-performance phone with blazing-fast 80W (or 120W) charging and a vibrant display, without breaking the bank. Who should buy the ZTE nubia Z50 Ultra? Those prioritizing the absolute best performance, a cutting-edge under-display camera, and the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the difference between the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2?

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers improved CPU and GPU performance, enhanced efficiency, and better AI capabilities compared to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.

❓ Is the under-display camera on the Z50 Ultra any good?

ZTE has made significant improvements to under-display camera technology. While it may not match the quality of a traditional front-facing camera, it offers a more seamless and immersive viewing experience.