ZTE nubia Z60S Pro vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: A Head-to-Head Flagship Battle

The ZTE nubia Z60S Pro and Google Pixel 8 Pro represent distinct philosophies in the Android flagship space. The nubia prioritizes raw performance and fast charging, while the Pixel 8 Pro focuses on computational photography and a tightly integrated software experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing sustained performance and rapid charging, the ZTE nubia Z60S Pro emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and 80W charging offer a tangible advantage. However, the Pixel 8 Pro’s superior camera system and software support make it the better choice for photography enthusiasts and those deeply invested in the Google ecosystem.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia Z60S Pro Google Pixel 8 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 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, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - G1MNW
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - G1MNW
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, July 232023, October 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, August 12Available. Released 2023, October 12
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame
Dimensions163.6 x 76 x 8.7 mm (6.44 x 2.99 x 0.34 in)162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight220 g (7.76 oz)213 g (7.51 oz)
Display
ProtectionLongxi glassCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~452 ppi density)1344 x 2992 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~489 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.5 cm2 (~89.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak)LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 2400 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 740Immortalis-G715s MC10
OSAndroid 14, MyOS 14 (International), MyOS 14.5 (China)Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.6, 35mm (standard), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), 1/4.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 13mm, 125˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.88", 0.61µm, AF-
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaMulti-zone Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, panorama, Best Take, Zoom Enhance
Triple-50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/2.8, 113mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 48 MP, f/2.0, 126˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p, gyro-EIS, 10-bit4K@30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm, PDAF
Video1080p@30fps4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS (L1+L2+L5), GLONASS (G1+G5), BDS (B1I+B1C+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, 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, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature)
Battery
Charging80W wired30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min 23W wireless Reverse wireless Bypass charging
TypeLi-Po 5100 mAhLi-Ion 5050 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Aqua, WhiteObsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Mint
Models-GC3VE, G1MNW
PriceAbout 670 EUR€ 362.00 / $ 289.97 / £ 329.95 / ₹ 54,999

ZTE nubia Z60S Pro

  • Faster 80W wired charging
  • Superior sustained performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • Potentially more customizable Android experience

  • Camera system likely lags behind Pixel 8 Pro
  • Software update support may be less consistent

Google Pixel 8 Pro

  • Best-in-class camera system with advanced AI features
  • Long-term software support and updates
  • Brighter display with LTPO technology

  • Slower 30W wired charging
  • Tensor G3 may exhibit more thermal throttling under heavy load

Display Comparison

The Google Pixel 8 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1600 nits peak brightness, crucial for outdoor visibility. While the nubia Z60S Pro’s display specs aren’t provided, the Pixel 8 Pro’s LTPO panel allows for dynamic refresh rate scaling (1-120Hz), optimizing battery life. The Pixel 8 Pro’s display is also known for its excellent color accuracy, a key advantage for content creators. The nubia Z60S Pro likely offers a high refresh rate, but without specific details, it’s difficult to assess its overall display quality relative to the Pixel.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 8 Pro’s camera system is its defining feature, leveraging Google’s computational photography expertise. While specific sensor details aren’t provided for the nubia Z60S Pro, the Pixel 8 Pro excels in dynamic range, low-light performance, and video stabilization. Google’s image processing algorithms, powered by the Tensor G3, deliver consistently excellent results. The Pixel 8 Pro’s camera features like Magic Editor and Best Take further enhance its photographic capabilities. The nubia Z60S Pro may offer high megapixel counts, but without advanced software processing, it’s unlikely to match the Pixel 8 Pro’s overall image quality.

Performance

The nubia Z60S Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) chipset is a powerhouse, featuring an octa-core configuration with a prime Cortex-X3 core clocked at 3.2 GHz. This contrasts with the Google Pixel 8 Pro’s Tensor G3 (4nm) nona-core processor, which prioritizes AI and machine learning tasks. While the Tensor G3’s Cortex-X3 core is clocked slightly lower at 3.0 GHz, the core count difference isn’t a decisive advantage. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is generally known for superior sustained performance and thermal management, meaning the nubia Z60S Pro is likely to exhibit less throttling during extended gaming sessions. Both devices utilize a 4nm process, but Qualcomm’s architecture is optimized for raw processing power.

Battery Life

The nubia Z60S Pro achieves an impressive 12:12h active use score, slightly exceeding the Pixel 8 Pro’s 11:14h. However, the charging speeds are dramatically different. The nubia Z60S Pro supports 80W wired charging, significantly faster than the Pixel 8 Pro’s 30W wired charging (with 50% charge in 30 minutes). The Pixel 8 Pro compensates with 23W wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and bypass charging, offering greater versatility. While the Pixel 8 Pro’s older endurance rating of 90h suggests good overall battery life, the nubia Z60S Pro’s faster charging is a significant advantage for users who frequently need to top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE nubia Z60S Pro if you need uncompromising gaming performance, consistently fast charging speeds, and a more customizable Android experience. Buy the Google Pixel 8 Pro if you prefer a best-in-class camera system, seamless software updates, and advanced AI-powered features like Magic Eraser and Best Take. The Pixel 8 Pro is also the better choice for users who value long-term software support.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8 Pro get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Tensor G3 is known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, particularly during demanding tasks like gaming. While Google has implemented thermal management solutions, users may experience some throttling and reduced performance during prolonged gaming sessions. The nubia Z60S Pro, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, is expected to maintain higher sustained performance.
❓ How does the 80W charging on the nubia Z60S Pro compare to the 30W charging on the Pixel 8 Pro in real-world use?
The 80W charging on the nubia Z60S Pro is significantly faster. While the Pixel 8 Pro claims 50% charge in 30 minutes, the nubia Z60S Pro will likely achieve a full charge in a similar timeframe. This makes the nubia Z60S Pro ideal for users who need to quickly top up their battery before leaving the house.
❓ What kind of software support can I expect from ZTE compared to Google?
Google provides industry-leading software support for its Pixel devices, guaranteeing at least 7 years of OS, security, and feature drops. ZTE’s software support is typically shorter, with fewer guaranteed updates. This is a key consideration for users who prioritize long-term software stability and access to the latest features.
❓ Is the Pixel 8 Pro's camera advantage noticeable for casual users, or is it primarily for photography enthusiasts?
The Pixel 8 Pro's camera advantage is noticeable even for casual users. Its point-and-shoot simplicity, combined with Google's excellent image processing, consistently delivers high-quality photos in various conditions. Features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur are also incredibly useful for everyday photo editing.