The smartphone market is brimming with options, making it tough to choose. Today, we're pitting two compelling contenders against each other: the ZTE nubia Z50 Ultra and the Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro. Both offer impressive specs and features, but which one truly delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The nubia Z50 Ultra boasts the superior Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, offering a noticeable performance edge. However, the Poco F5 Pro shines with its vibrant display, faster wireless charging, and potentially better value. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities: raw power or a more well-rounded package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 07 | 2023, May 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 14 | Available. Released 2023, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm (6.45 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 162.8 x 75.4 x 8.6 mm (6.41 x 2.97 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 228 g (8.04 oz) | 204 g (7.20 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~526 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 1000 nits (HBM), 1400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 740 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 13, MyOS 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 4.0 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Laser AF, Ring-LED, dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.6, 35mm (standard), 1/1.73", 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 | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1+L2+L5), GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 80W wired, PD3.0, QC4 | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3+, 50% in 15 min
30W wireless, 50% in 32 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5160 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Starry Sky | Black, White |
| Models | NX712J | 23013PC75G |
| Price | About 540 EUR | $ 449.99 / € 241.85 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.08 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 99h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.2 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 1057977 (v9)
GeekBench: 4001 (v5.1), 4009 (v6)
GFXBench: 50fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
ZTE nubia Z50 Ultra
- Superior Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
- Potentially better main camera sensor
- Premium build quality (assumed)
- No wireless charging
- Potentially higher price
- Software support may be a concern
Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Excellent battery life and endurance rating
- Fast 30W wireless charging
- Competitive price
- Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is slightly less powerful than Gen 2
- Build quality may not be as premium
- Camera performance may not match flagship standards
Display Comparison
The Poco F5 Pro takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 1059 nits, offering exceptional visibility even in direct sunlight. While the nubia Z50 Ultra's display is undoubtedly good, it lacks the same level of brightness. The Poco F5 Pro's infinite contrast ratio (nominal) also suggests excellent image quality. Both phones likely feature AMOLED panels with smooth refresh rates.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is subjective and requires more in-depth testing. However, based on initial impressions, the Poco F5 Pro's camera setup is likely to be versatile, offering good photo and video capabilities. The nubia Z50 Ultra is expected to have a high-resolution main sensor, potentially leading to detailed images. Both phones likely offer various shooting modes and features.
Performance
The nubia Z50 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset gives it a clear advantage in performance. The Gen 2 is generally faster and more efficient than the Gen 1 found in the Poco F5 Pro. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the nubia Z50 Ultra.
Battery Life
The Poco F5 Pro boasts an impressive endurance rating of 99 hours, suggesting excellent battery life. While the nubia Z50 Ultra's battery capacity is likely comparable, the Poco F5 Pro's efficiency might give it the edge. The Poco F5 Pro also offers 30W wireless charging, a feature absent on the nubia Z50 Ultra.
Buying Guide
The ZTE nubia Z50 Ultra is ideal for gamers and power users who demand the absolute best performance. The Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro is a great choice for those seeking a balance of features, a stunning display, and fast charging at a competitive price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The nubia Z50 Ultra, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, is the better choice for demanding mobile games.
❓ Does the nubia Z50 Ultra have wireless charging?
No, the nubia Z50 Ultra does not offer wireless charging.
❓ Which phone offers better value for money?
The Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro generally offers better value, providing a strong set of features at a more competitive price.