Honor Magic6 Pro vs. ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra: A Deep Dive into Flagship Features

Both the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra and the Honor Magic6 Pro represent the pinnacle of Android smartphone technology, powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. However, they diverge in key areas like display technology, charging capabilities, and overall user experience, making a direct comparison crucial for discerning buyers. This analysis will break down the strengths and weaknesses of each device to help you choose the right flagship.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Honor Magic6 Pro emerges as the slightly stronger choice. Its significantly brighter display (1578 nits vs 1018 nits) offers superior visibility outdoors, and the addition of 66W wireless charging provides convenient power-up options. While the nubia Z60 Ultra boasts excellent battery life, the Magic6 Pro’s overall package is more compelling.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Honor Magic6 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - InternationalLTE
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - InternationalSA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, December 192024, January 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, December 29Available. Released 2024, January 18
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, glass backGlass front (NanoCrystal Shield), glass back or silicone polymer back (eco leather)
Dimensions164 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)162.5 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.40 x 2.98 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight246 g (8.68 oz)225 g or 229 g (7.94 oz)
Display
Protection-NanoCrystal Shield
Resolution1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)1280 x 2800 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~453 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 112.8 cm2 (~91.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10, 1500 nits (peak)LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR, 1600 nits (HBM), 5000 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 4 major Android upgrades, MagicOS 8
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Ring-LED, dual-tone flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED 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/1.4-2.0, 23mm (wide), 1/1.3", 1.2µm, PDAF, OIS 180 MP, f/2.6, (periscope telephoto), 1/1.49", 0.56µm, PDAF, OIS, 2.5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 13mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.88", 0.61µm, AF
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS, HDR, 10-bit video
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single12 MP, under display - International model 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display - China model50 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/2.93", 0.6µm, AF TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort 1.2, 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/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging80W wired, PD3.0, QC480W wired 66W wireless Reverse wireless 5W reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 6000 mAhSi/C Li-Ion 5600 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Silver, Photographer EditionBlack, Green, Blue, Purple, White
ModelsNX721JBVL-AN16, BVL-N49
Price$ 459.00€ 455.54 / $ 899.00 / £ 598.99

ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra

  • Longer battery life in active use tests.
  • Clean, near-stock Android experience.
  • Competitive price point (likely).

  • Significantly dimmer display compared to the Magic6 Pro.
  • Lacks wireless charging capabilities.

Honor Magic6 Pro

  • Much brighter display for superior outdoor visibility.
  • 66W wireless charging for added convenience.
  • Reverse wireless charging for accessories.

  • Slightly shorter battery life in active use tests.
  • MagicOS may not appeal to all users.

Display Comparison

The Honor Magic6 Pro’s display is the clear standout, achieving a measured peak brightness of 1578 nits compared to the nubia Z60 Ultra’s 1018 nits. This substantial difference translates to significantly better visibility under direct sunlight. While both utilize high-refresh-rate panels, the Magic6 Pro’s higher brightness is a tangible benefit for outdoor photographers and users who frequently consume content on the go. Details regarding panel technology (LTPO or not) are missing, but the brightness difference is a key differentiator. Bezels appear comparable based on available imagery, and color accuracy is likely similar given both target the flagship segment.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the market positioning suggests both will feature multi-camera systems with a primary focus on image quality. The absence of sensor size information prevents a definitive assessment. The nubia Z60 Ultra’s brand history leans towards photography, while Honor often emphasizes computational photography. Lens apertures and OIS implementation will be crucial factors, but are currently unknown. It’s safe to assume both will offer capable camera systems, but the Magic6 Pro’s software processing may lean towards more vibrant, social-media-ready images.

Performance

Both devices are equipped with the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) chipset, featuring an identical 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 indistinguishable between the two. Performance will largely depend on thermal management and RAM optimization, data for which is currently unavailable. Both likely utilize LPDDR5x RAM, further minimizing performance gaps. The real-world impact of any thermal differences will be most noticeable during extended gaming sessions.

Battery Life

The nubia Z60 Ultra delivers a commendable 14:57h active use score, slightly exceeding the Honor Magic6 Pro’s 14:06h. This suggests the nubia offers superior battery endurance under similar usage conditions. However, the Magic6 Pro compensates with significantly faster charging options: 80W wired, 66W wireless, and even 5W reverse wired charging. The nubia Z60 Ultra is limited to 80W wired charging. While the difference in active use time isn’t massive, the Magic6 Pro’s wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities add considerable convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra if you prioritize maximizing battery life and value a clean, near-stock Android experience. Its 14:57 active use score is impressive. Buy the Honor Magic6 Pro if you demand the brightest possible display for outdoor use, appreciate the convenience of wireless charging, and prefer a more feature-rich software experience with Honor’s MagicOS.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Honor Magic6 Pro’s MagicOS significantly alter the Android experience compared to the nubia Z60 Ultra’s stock-like interface?
Yes, Honor’s MagicOS is a heavily customized Android skin. It introduces unique features, a different aesthetic, and a more aggressive approach to power management. Users accustomed to a pure Android experience may find MagicOS overwhelming, while others will appreciate its added functionality and customization options.
❓ How does the 66W wireless charging on the Honor Magic6 Pro compare to the 80W wired charging on both phones in terms of real-world charging speed?
While 80W wired charging is faster than 66W wireless charging, the convenience of wireless charging is a significant advantage. A full charge via 80W wired will take approximately 30-40 minutes, while 66W wireless will take closer to 60-70 minutes. However, the ability to simply place the Magic6 Pro on a charging pad without needing a cable is a compelling benefit for many users.
❓ Given both phones have the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, will I notice a performance difference in demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The performance difference in games will likely be minimal. Both phones utilize the same chipset and likely similar RAM configurations. Sustained performance will depend on thermal management, and without testing data, it’s difficult to predict which phone will maintain higher frame rates for longer periods during extended gaming sessions. Expect both to deliver a flagship-level gaming experience.