The ZTE S30 Pro and Honor V40 Lite represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. Both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and solid performance without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches – Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 768G versus MediaTek’s Dimensity 800U. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing faster charging and a slightly more refined software experience, the Honor V40 Lite emerges as the winner. Its 66W charging significantly reduces downtime, and while the chipset trade-offs exist, the real-world impact is minimal for everyday tasks. However, the ZTE S30 Pro remains a strong contender for those seeking a slightly more powerful processor.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 4, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 31 | 2021, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 03 | Available. Released 2021, March 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.5 x 75.2 x 7.8 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.31 in) | 160.1 x 74.1 x 7.6 mm (6.30 x 2.92 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 183 g (6.46 oz) | 169 g (5.96 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.57 inches, 106.0 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (HBM) | OLED, 1B colors, HDR10, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM768 Snapdragon 768G 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 11, MyOS 11 | Android 10, Magic UI 4.0, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 120˚, 17mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 44 MP | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 44 MP | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 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 | 55W wired | 66W wired, 60% in 15 min, 100% in 35 min
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4200 mAh | Li-Po 3800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Pink/Blue | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | A2122H | ALA-AN70 |
| Price | About 390 EUR | About 390 EUR |
ZTE S30 Pro
- Potentially higher single-core performance with Snapdragon 768G
- Qualcomm’s mature ISP may offer better image processing
- Strong 5G connectivity
- Slower charging speed (55W vs 66W)
- No reverse charging capability
- Potentially less refined software experience
Honor V40 Lite
- Significantly faster 66W charging with quick top-up times
- 5W reverse wired charging for accessories
- Potentially more polished user interface
- Slightly lower peak CPU performance compared to Snapdragon 768G
- MediaTek ISP may not match Qualcomm’s in all scenarios
- Potential for more software bloat
Display Comparison
Neither ZTE nor Honor provided display specs beyond the basic existence of a display. Assuming typical mid-range panels for both, the key differentiator will likely be color calibration and peak brightness. Without specific data, it's difficult to declare a winner, but Honor's brand history suggests a focus on display quality, potentially offering slightly more vibrant colors. Bezels are likely comparable, given the similar market positioning.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the chipset plays a role in image signal processing (ISP) capabilities. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon typically offers a more mature ISP, potentially leading to better image quality in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of information regarding sensor size and lens apertures makes it impossible to definitively declare a winner. We can assume both phones will feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will depend heavily on the specific sensors used, not just the chipset.
Performance
The ZTE S30 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 768G (7nm) boasts a Kryo 475 Prime core clocked at 2.8 GHz, offering a theoretical advantage in single-core performance compared to the Honor V40 Lite’s MediaTek Dimensity 800U (7nm) with its 2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores. The Snapdragon’s architecture, with its distinct Prime, Gold, and Silver cores, is designed for more efficient task allocation. However, the Dimensity 800U’s octa-core configuration provides ample multi-core power for multitasking. While the Snapdragon 768G generally edges out the Dimensity 800U in benchmarks, the real-world difference will be subtle for most users. Both phones will handle everyday tasks and moderate gaming without issue, but the S30 Pro may exhibit slightly smoother performance in graphically intensive games.
Battery Life
The Honor V40 Lite’s 66W wired charging is a significant advantage. The advertised 60% charge in 15 minutes and 100% in 35 minutes drastically reduces charging time compared to the ZTE S30 Pro’s 55W charging. While the S30 Pro’s charging is still respectable, the V40 Lite’s speed is a game-changer for users who prioritize convenience. The inclusion of 5W reverse wired charging on the V40 Lite adds further utility, allowing it to top up accessories. Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but the faster charging of the V40 Lite effectively mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE S30 Pro if you prioritize raw processing power for demanding applications or light gaming, and are comfortable with slightly slower charging speeds. Buy the Honor V40 Lite if you value rapid charging, a potentially more polished user interface, and don't require the absolute peak performance offered by the Snapdragon 768G. The V40 Lite is ideal for users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their battery quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Dimensity 800U in the Honor V40 Lite struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 768G in the ZTE S30 Pro offers a slight performance edge, the Dimensity 800U is still capable of running PUBG and Genshin Impact at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some frame drops during intense scenes, but the experience should be playable. Optimizing game settings is crucial for a smooth experience.
❓ How much faster is the 66W charging on the Honor V40 Lite compared to the 55W charging on the ZTE S30 Pro in real-world use?
The Honor V40 Lite’s 66W charging can realistically add around 60% battery in just 15 minutes, and fully charge in approximately 35 minutes. The ZTE S30 Pro’s 55W charging will take noticeably longer – likely closer to 45-60 minutes for a full charge. This difference is significant for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Honor V40 Lite useful for everyday accessories?
The 5W reverse charging on the Honor V40 Lite is primarily useful for charging smaller accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. It won't rapidly charge a phone, but it's a convenient feature for topping up low-battery accessories when you're away from a power outlet.
