Nubia Z60 Ultra vs. Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: A Deep Dive Comparison

The ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra and Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro represent two distinct approaches to the high-end Android smartphone market. The nubia Z60 Ultra prioritizes a stunning, bright display and sleek design, while the ROG Phone 8 Pro doubles down on gaming features and sustained performance. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a vibrant display and all-day battery life, the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra emerges as the winner. Its 14:57 active use score and 1018 nits brightness offer a compelling experience. However, gamers will find the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s gaming-centric features and potentially more robust thermal management a better fit.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66 - International
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE (Up to 7CA), 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, December 192024, January 08
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, December 29Available. Released 2024, January 18
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame
Dimensions164 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight246 g (8.68 oz)225 g (7.94 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~88.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10, 1500 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR10, 1600 nits (HBM), 2500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 750Adreno 750
OSAndroid 14, MyOS 14Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Ring-LED, dual-tone flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.6, 35mm (standard), 1/1.49", 1.0µm, 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/1.8, 18mm, 100˚ (ultrawide), 1/1.55", PDAF, OIS50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS 32 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), 1/3.2", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS, HDR10+
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama, HDR
Single12 MP, under display - International model 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display - China model32 MP, f/2.5, 22mm (wide), 1/3.2", 0.7µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), GLONASS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C (side), DisplayPort 1.4; USB Type-C (bottom), OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging80W wired, PD3.0, QC465W wired, PD3.0, PPS, QC5, 100% in 39 min - International 30W wired, PD3.0, PPS - India 15W wireless (Qi) 10W reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 6000 mAh5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Silver, Photographer EditionPhantom Black
ModelsNX721JAI2401, AI2401_A, AI2401_D
Price$ 459.00$ 1,157.98 / £ 1,693.75 / € 632.66

ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra

  • Slightly longer battery life in active use.
  • 80W wired charging is still very fast.
  • Potentially more streamlined software experience.

  • Lower peak display brightness.
  • Lacks gaming-specific features.
  • Limited charging options (no wireless).

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro

  • Significantly brighter display for outdoor visibility.
  • Faster charging speeds (especially international version).
  • Dedicated gaming features and potentially better thermal management.

  • Slightly shorter battery life in active use.
  • Gaming-focused design may not appeal to all.
  • Regional charging differences (30W in India).

Display Comparison

The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1765 nits compared to the nubia Z60 Ultra’s 1018 nits. This translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. While both utilize the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the ROG Phone’s higher peak brightness is a clear advantage for outdoor users. The nubia Z60 Ultra’s display specifications are not detailed enough to assess panel technology (LTPO or not), but the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s display is likely to offer more dynamic refresh rate control for power efficiency. Bezels appear similar in marketing materials, but real-world testing would be needed to confirm.

Camera Comparison

The provided data lacks detailed camera specifications for both devices. The ROG Phone 8 Pro is listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, suggesting a focus on multimedia. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS details, a direct comparison is impossible. It’s reasonable to assume the ROG Phone 8 Pro will offer more software features geared towards content creation, while the nubia Z60 Ultra may prioritize image quality in standard shooting scenarios. Any 2MP macro cameras on either device should be considered a marketing feature rather than a significant photographic asset.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) chipset, featuring the same CPU configuration: 1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720, 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720, and 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520. This means raw processing power will be nearly identical. However, the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s dedicated gaming features – like the advanced cooling system (not detailed in the provided data, but a ROG staple) – suggest it may sustain peak performance for longer periods during intensive gaming sessions. RAM specifications are missing, but both are expected to utilize LPDDR5x for fast memory access.

Battery Life

The nubia Z60 Ultra achieves an active use battery score of 14:57h, slightly exceeding the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s 14:43h. This suggests the nubia Z60 Ultra offers marginally better battery endurance in typical usage. However, the ROG Phone 8 Pro offers significantly faster charging at 65W (international) or 30W (India) compared to the nubia Z60 Ultra’s 80W. The ROG Phone 8 Pro also includes 15W wireless charging and 10W reverse wired charging, features absent on the nubia Z60 Ultra. The ROG Phone 8 Pro’s 39-minute 0-100% charge time (international) is a substantial advantage for users who prioritize quick top-ups.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra if you need a phone with a brilliant, color-accurate display for media consumption and everyday use, coupled with excellent battery endurance. Buy the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro if you prioritize a dedicated gaming experience, with features like customizable triggers and potentially superior sustained performance under heavy load, and don't mind a slightly more aggressive design.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the ROG Phone 8 Pro's gaming mode significantly impact battery drain?
Yes, activating the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s gaming mode, with its increased CPU/GPU clocks and fan control (if equipped), will demonstrably increase battery consumption. However, this is a trade-off for sustained high performance during gaming sessions. The nubia Z60 Ultra, lacking such a dedicated mode, will likely exhibit more consistent battery drain regardless of the task.
❓ How does the charging speed difference between the international and Indian ROG Phone 8 Pro models affect daily use?
The 30W charging speed in the Indian ROG Phone 8 Pro model will result in significantly longer charging times compared to the 65W international version. While still usable, it negates one of the ROG Phone’s key advantages – quick top-ups. Users in India should factor this into their charging routine.
❓ Is the lack of wireless charging on the nubia Z60 Ultra a major drawback?
For users heavily invested in wireless charging ecosystems, the absence of this feature on the nubia Z60 Ultra is a notable omission. However, the 80W wired charging is still very fast, and many users may find it a sufficient alternative. It depends on individual charging habits.