Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs. ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.4 mm | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | Axon 40 Ultra is taller and thicker, while the iPhone is wider, impacting in-hand feel and pocketability. The Axon 40 Ultra is slightly more bulky overall. |
| Weight | 228g | 204g | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Negligible size difference; both offer large screens for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1284x2778 | 1116x2480 | iPhone 12 Pro Max has a significantly sharper display, noticeable in text clarity and image detail. |
| PPI | 458 | 400 | iPhone 12 Pro Max has a higher pixel density resulting in a sharper display. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar display technologies, both offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is significantly brighter, offering better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Different architectures; A14 Bionic is known for optimized performance, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers top-tier Android performance. |
| Antutu Score | 1,121,803 | 1,061,300 | iPhone 12 Pro Max has a slightly higher benchmark score, suggesting marginally better overall performance but in real world use the difference won't be noticed. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 730 | Different GPU architectures; both offer excellent graphics performance for gaming and demanding tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1.70 µm pixel size | 64MP, f/1.6, 0.70 µm pixel size, 1/1.72" sensor | ZTE has much higher resolution, allowing for more detail, while the iPhone has larger pixels, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0, 1.22 µm pixel size | Axon 40 Ultra has higher resolution and wider aperture, potentially better selfie photos with more detail and in low-light conditions |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 1.00 µm pixel size | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2", 0.70 µm pixel size | Axon 40 Ultra offers higher resolution and a larger sensor, while the iPhone has wider aperture potentially better low-light and depth of field. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55", 1.40 µm pixel size | None | iPhone 12 Pro Max has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | 0.3MP | Axon 40 Ultra has depth sensor for depth of field in photos and other AR applications. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72", 0.70 µm pixel size | Axon 40 Ultra has dedicated macro lens for close-up photography and a wide angle lens |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps HDR | Up to 8K@30fps HDR | Axon 40 Ultra supports higher resolution video recording for professional-quality content creation. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 131 | Not Tested | iPhone 12 Pro Max has a tested DxOMark score, offering benchmark performance for mobile photography. |
| DXOMark Selfie | 132 | Not Tested | iPhone 12 Pro Max also has an excellent score on the front camera quality. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 3687mAh | 5000mAh | Axon 40 Ultra has a much larger battery capacity, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Axon 40 Ultra charges much faster, reducing downtime and enhancing convenience. |
| Features | MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W, Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W | None | iPhone offers MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, enhancing versatility in charging options. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Advantages
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density provide superior visual clarity, especially for text and detailed images.
- Proven Camera System: Has a tested DxOMark score showcasing high-quality results and more versatile options with wide angle lens.
- Wireless Charging: MagSafe and Qi wireless charging add convenience to charging capabilities.
- Established Ecosystem: iOS offers a streamlined, user-friendly experience with a robust app ecosystem.
- Better Low-Light Performance: Larger pixels on main camera sensor, coupled with Apple's image processing algorithms tend to produce better low light performance.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Advantages
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid visual experience.
- Brighter Screen: 1500 nits brightness offers superior visibility in bright sunlight conditions.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging drastically reduces charging times.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Higher Resolution Video: Supports 8K recording, enabling professional-grade video capture.
- More Versatile Cameras: Macro, 8K Recording and ToF camera expand options.
- More RAM options: Up to 18GB RAM means more demanding apps and tasks can run smoothly.
Trade-offs
- iPhone: Slightly smaller screen, lower refresh rate, slower charging speeds, and smaller battery.
- ZTE: Lower display resolution, no wireless charging, and potentially a less polished software experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
- Ideal User: Users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, valuing a seamless user experience, a sharper display, reliable camera performance and good low-light photos, who don't need cutting edge specs or features.
- Use Cases: Professional content creation (photos and videos), video consumption, and users who appreciate ease of use and high build quality.
- Strengths: Sharp, color-accurate display, consistent camera performance, and optimized software.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts who prioritize high refresh rate, fastest charging speeds, large battery and the most demanding photo and video shooting options on a phone.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, content creation (especially 8K videos), and users who require long battery life and fast charging.
- Strengths: Smooth, high-brightness display, fast charging, large battery, higher resolution video recording, and multiple camera options.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Ecosystem Preference: Are you more comfortable in the Apple ecosystem (iOS) or Android?
- Priorities: Do you prioritize display sharpness (iPhone) or a smoother display with longer battery life (ZTE)?
- Camera Use: Do you need a versatile camera setup with wide angle lens for various scenarios or professional-grade video recording?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Casual Use with good camera: If you prioritize a reliable daily driver with a great camera for photos and videos, and a sharp display, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is suitable.
- For Heavy Usage: If you prioritize smoother visuals, long battery life, fast charging, and the best cameras for video, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is better.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. While the iPhone 12 Pro Max is an excellent phone, the Axon 40 Ultra's significantly better battery life, much faster charging, smoother display, and more versatile camera system align better with my priorities. Although it has lower resolution display, I feel the 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness provide a more enjoyable experience day to day. Additionally, the 8K video capabilities of the Axon 40 Ultra make it a better content creation device for more specific usage cases. The slightly lower benchmark score of the Axon 40 Ultra is not a real-world concern, as both phones offer more than enough performance for everyday use. While I value the integration of the Apple ecosystem, the raw technological advantages of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra make it a more compelling choice for my needs.
