The smartphone landscape is brimming with powerful devices, and today we're pitting two contenders against each other: the ZTE nubia Z50 and the Lenovo Legion Y70. Both boast impressive Snapdragon processors, but which one delivers the better overall experience? Let's dive in and find out.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The nubia Z50 takes the crown thanks to its newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, offering superior performance and efficiency. While the Legion Y70 is a strong gaming phone with fast charging, the Z50's overall package, including potentially better camera capabilities, makes it the more compelling 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 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 19 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 26 | Available. Released 2022, August 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, glass back or eco leather back | Glass front, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 72.9 x 8.5 mm or 8.7 mm | 163.6 x 77 x 8 mm (6.44 x 3.03 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 197 g or 199 g (6.95 oz) | 209 g (7.37 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 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits | OLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1000 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 (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 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 12, ZUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM |
| | UFS 4.0
UFS 3.1 (128GB only) | UFS 3.1 |
| 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 | Ring-LED flash (4 LEDs), panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
13 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 8K, 4K | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 16 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 80W wired | 68W wired, 80% in 34 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Mint, Rabit red | Black, Silver, Red |
| Models | NX711J | L71091 |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 440 EUR |
ZTE nubia Z50
- Newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
- Potentially superior camera system
- Sleek design
- 80W fast charging
- Availability may be limited
- Software support could be a concern (ZTE's track record)
- Price may be higher
Lenovo Legion Y70
- Excellent gaming performance
- Fast 68W charging
- High refresh rate display optimized for gaming
- Aggressive cooling system
- Older Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset
- Camera performance may be average
- Design may be less appealing to some
Display Comparison
Both phones feature high refresh rate AMOLED displays, likely around 120Hz or higher. The nubia Z50 is expected to have a slightly better color accuracy and potentially higher peak brightness due to its newer panel technology. The Legion Y70's display is optimized for gaming with features like a high touch sampling rate.
Camera Comparison
While official camera specs are still emerging for the nubia Z50, early indications suggest a strong camera setup. The Legion Y70 typically features a capable but not exceptional camera system. The Z50 is likely to offer better image quality, especially in low light conditions.
Performance
The nubia Z50's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 holds a significant advantage over the Legion Y70's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. The Gen 2 offers improved CPU and GPU performance, as well as enhanced power efficiency. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Z50.
Battery Life
The Legion Y70 boasts 68W wired charging, which is quite fast, achieving 80% in 34 minutes. The nubia Z50 offers 80W wired charging, potentially allowing for even faster charging speeds. Battery capacity is likely similar between the two devices, around 4500-5000 mAh.
Buying Guide
The ZTE nubia Z50 is ideal for users prioritizing raw performance, a potentially excellent camera system (based on initial reports), and a sleek design. The Lenovo Legion Y70 is best suited for hardcore mobile gamers who value aggressive cooling, a high refresh rate display, and rapid charging, even if it means some compromises elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 significantly faster than the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1?
Yes, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers noticeable improvements in both CPU and GPU performance compared to the 8+ Gen 1, resulting in smoother overall performance and better gaming capabilities.
❓ Which phone is better for mobile gaming?
The Lenovo Legion Y70 is specifically designed for gaming with its advanced cooling system and high refresh rate display. However, the nubia Z50's more powerful chipset will also provide excellent gaming performance.
