ZTE's nubia series continues to deliver impressive specs at competitive prices. The nubia Z50 and Z50 Ultra both boast the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, but subtle differences set them apart. This comparison dives deep into what makes each phone unique, helping you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The nubia Z50 Ultra emerges as the clear winner, offering faster charging and likely a superior camera system (based on typical Ultra model upgrades). However, the Z50 remains a compelling option for those prioritizing value and a slightly more compact design, especially if the Ultra's camera isn't a top priority.
| 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 | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 07 | 2022, December 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 14 | Available. Released 2022, December 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, glass back or eco leather back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm (6.45 x 3.00 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 | 228 g (8.04 oz) | 197 g or 199 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits |
| 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 (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 740 | Adreno 740 |
| OS | Android 13, MyOS 13 | Android 13, MyOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 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 4.0 | 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 | Laser AF, Ring-LED, dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | Ring-LED flash (4 LEDs), panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display | 16 MP, (wide) |
| 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 | - |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video | 8K, 4K |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1+L2+L5), 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/6e, 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, PD3.0, QC4 | 80W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Starry Sky | Black, Silver, Mint, Rabit red |
| Models | NX712J | NX711J |
| Price | About 540 EUR | About 400 EUR |
ZTE nubia Z50 Ultra
- Faster 80W charging (PD3.0, QC4)
- Likely superior camera system
- Potentially better display (LTPO, higher brightness)
- Premium build quality (likely)
- Flagship performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Higher price
- Potentially larger and heavier
- May have more aggressive software features
ZTE nubia Z50
- More affordable
- Flagship performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Good battery life
- Slightly more compact design (potentially)
- Clean Android experience (likely)
- Slower charging speed
- Less advanced camera system
- Potentially lower display quality (no LTPO)
- May lack some premium features of the Ultra
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Ultra may have a slightly higher peak brightness or improved color accuracy, potentially with LTPO technology for variable refresh rates and better power efficiency. Expect vibrant colors and smooth scrolling on both.
Camera Comparison
This is where the Ultra is expected to shine. While both likely have a primary 50MP sensor, the Ultra will likely feature a more advanced camera system with improved telephoto and ultrawide lenses, potentially including a periscope zoom lens. Expect better low-light performance and more versatile shooting options on the Ultra.
Performance
Identical Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipsets mean both phones offer blazing-fast performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications. Real-world performance differences will likely be minimal unless the Ultra has improved thermal management.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery. The Ultra's 80W wired charging provides significantly faster charging speeds compared to the Z50's standard 80W charging (PD3.0, QC4 support on Ultra implies faster charging protocols).
Buying Guide
The nubia Z50 Ultra is ideal for power users, photography enthusiasts, and those who value fast charging. The nubia Z50 is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want flagship-level performance and a premium feel, without the extra cost of the Ultra's advanced features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the nubia Z50 Ultra worth the extra money?
If you prioritize camera quality and fast charging, the Ultra is likely worth the investment. However, if you're on a budget and don't need those features, the Z50 offers excellent value.
❓ What software experience can I expect on these phones?
Both phones will likely run a customized version of Android. ZTE's software has improved, but it's worth researching recent reviews to get a sense of the current user experience.
