Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs. ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the two smartphones, focusing on real-world implications:
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.4 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | ZTE is taller and thicker, making it less pocketable and comfortable in smaller hands, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is wider. |
| Weight | 228g | 246g | iPhone is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | ZTE offers better screen scratch and impact resistance. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Both displays are very similar, with a negligible 0.1" size difference. |
| Resolution | 1284x2778 | 1116x2480 | iPhone has a noticeably sharper display with more detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 458 | 400 | iPhone has a visibly sharper display, especially for text and detailed images. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use high-quality display tech, expected to have great colors and contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | ZTE provides smoother scrolling and animations, better for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE screen is much brighter, making it far better for use in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | ZTE has a much newer and more powerful chip, leading to faster performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,121,803 | 2,017,588 | ZTE has significantly higher benchmark scores, indicating much faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 750 | ZTE's GPU is more modern and powerful, offering better gaming performance. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3687mAh | 6000mAh | ZTE has a much larger battery, potentially providing significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 80W fast charging | ZTE offers dramatically faster charging, crucial for busy users. |
| Features | Non-removable, * Unconfirmed capacity, 20W adapter sold separately, MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W, Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W | Non-removable | iPhone has wireless charging options and ecosystem. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1.70 µm, Sony IMX603 | 54MP, f/1.6, 1.00 µm, Sony IMX800, 1/1.49" | ZTE captures much more detailed photos due to higher resolution sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX514 | 12MP, f/2.0, Omnivision OV12D, 1/2.4" | ZTE has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.00 µm, 1/3.4", Sony IMX590 | 64MP, f/3.3, 0.70 µm, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B | ZTE has a significantly higher resolution telephoto sensor for better zoomed images and detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1.40 µm, 1/2.55", Sony IMX372 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.00 µm, 1/1.55", Omnivision OV50E | ZTE has a wider aperture and larger sensor for better low-light wide shots and greater detail. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps HDR, stereo sound | Up to 8K@30fps HDR, EIS | ZTE is capable of recording in much higher resolutions, better for professional videography; Both feature good stabilization. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 131, Photo: 131, Video: 130; Selfie: Main: 132, Photo: 127, Video: 140 | Not Tested | iPhone has established real-world testing for camera quality, ZTE untested. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, OIS, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, OIS, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Laser autofocus (LAF), Under display camera, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | ZTE offers 8K video recording, laser autofocus and under-display camera. iPhone offers "ultra stable video" and PDAF. |
Software
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS 14.1 (Upgradable to iOS 18) | Android 14 | iOS offers a different user experience than Android, with ecosystem lock-in. Android offers greater customization and open-source benefits. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-band, Hotspot, MIMO | Wi-Fi 7, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MIMO | ZTE supports the newest WiFi standards, leading to faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1, A2DP, LE | Bluetooth 5.4, A2DP, LE, LDAC, SBC, AAC | ZTE offers a more advanced version with higher quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5), GPS (L1+L2+L5), QZSS (L1+L2+L5) | ZTE provides greater location accuracy due to support for more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | iPhone provides the added convenience of eSIM, allowing for easy digital carrier switching. |
Storage
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | ZTE has a 1TB storage option, allowing for a huge amount of data to be stored on the phone. |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB/24GB | ZTE has significantly more RAM, better for multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both have good audio quality with stereo speakers, iPhone has Dolby audio technologies, ZTE has DTS audio and more microphones. |
Security
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Basic security features | Basic fingerprint sensor | ZTE provides fingerprint security, iPhone security features are unspecified. |
Sensors
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Gravity, RGB | Both have motion sensors. ZTE has additional biometric and color sensors. iPhone has a barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density provide a clearer, more detailed visual experience.
- Established Camera Performance: With tested DXOMark scores, the camera performance is predictable and reliable, also features ultra stable video and PDAF autofocus.
- MagSafe & Qi Wireless Charging: Offers versatile wireless charging options within Apple's ecosystem.
- eSIM support: Easier digital carrier switching.
Practical Implications: A more premium visual experience, reliable camera performance and versatile wireless charging.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Advantages:
- Significantly Newer & More Powerful Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers dramatically better performance for demanding tasks.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz display provides noticeably smoother animations and responsiveness.
- Brighter Display: 1500 nits makes it significantly better for outdoor use.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Provides longer battery life and much faster charging.
- Superior Camera Sensors: Higher resolution sensors provide more detail in photos and videos, features 8k video and laser autofocus.
- Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 offer faster and more reliable connectivity.
- Larger Storage & RAM: 1TB storage option, and more RAM options for greater multitasking capabilities.
- Fingerprint Sensor: More practical biometric security.
- More advanced GPS: Better location accuracy due to more satellite system support.
- DTS/DTS X Audio, and 3 microphones: Better quality audio recording and playback.
Practical Implications: Faster performance, better gaming, longer battery life, superior camera quality, future proof connectivity and much faster charging speeds.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Older technology, lower refresh rate, lower battery capacity, slower charging and less powerful chip but more reliable performance in terms of the camera, and a premium experience and ecosystem.
- ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra: Larger, heavier, less sharp display compared to the iPhone, lacks wireless charging and the reliability of DXOMark tested cameras.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max:
Ideal User:
- Users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
- Those who prioritize a premium, refined experience.
- Individuals who value predictable camera performance and results.
- Users who prefer a slightly lighter and more compact phone.
- Users who need wireless charging options.
Use Cases:
- Everyday use within the Apple ecosystem.
- Reliable photography and videography for social media and personal use.
- General productivity with Apple's apps and services.
- Users who prioritize predictable performance and stability.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra:
Ideal User:
- Tech enthusiasts who want cutting-edge performance and specifications.
- Mobile gamers and power users who require the most processing power and speed.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts who want maximum flexibility and creative options.
- Users who require long battery life and fast charging.
- Those who want Android OS with more customizability.
Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming and heavy multitasking.
- High-resolution photography and professional-quality videography with 8k video recording.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight with a high brightness screen.
- Long battery life and fast charging for users on the go.
- Users who want future-proofed connectivity with Wi-Fi 7.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Ecosystem Preference: Are you deeply integrated into Apple's ecosystem or prefer the flexibility of Android?
- Performance Needs: Do you require the highest possible performance for gaming and demanding applications, or are basic tasks more important?
- Camera Priorities: Do you prioritize tested and reliable camera quality, or are advanced features, high-resolution sensors, and 8k recording more appealing?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
If you prioritize a refined user experience, reliable camera performance, and are invested in the Apple ecosystem: The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a solid choice.
If you demand top-tier performance, battery life, advanced photography, fast charging, and cutting-edge tech: The ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is the superior choice.
If budget is a major concern: Neither phone is budget friendly, but the ZTE provides significantly better specs for what is likely a similar price.
What I Would Choose
Given the choice between these two, I would personally choose the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra.
Here's why:
- Future-Proof Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is a huge leap forward, ensuring that the phone will remain fast and capable for years to come. The higher refresh rate, coupled with the more powerful processor, provides a better gaming and overall user experience.
- Photography & Videography: The ZTE’s higher-resolution sensors, wider apertures, and 8K video recording capabilities offer greater versatility and flexibility for creative use. The inclusion of Laser autofocus and under-display camera are also quite intriguing.
- Battery Life: The 6000mAh battery is a major advantage for someone like me who doesn’t want to be tethered to a charger all day, and the much faster 80W charging means that even if I do have to charge, it will be much faster than with the iPhone.
- Advanced Connectivity: As someone who works remotely and frequently transfers data, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 are both desirable.
- Customization: As a tinkerer, the openness of the Android OS is a significant advantage.
While the iPhone offers its own advantages, particularly in ecosystem integration and DXOMark tested cameras, the ZTE's sheer power, better battery life, and advanced technology make it a more compelling choice for me, as it ticks more boxes when it comes to my priorities. I also believe that the ZTE provides a more comprehensive spec sheet for its price range.
