Apple iPhone 12 vs ZTE Axon 40 Ultra - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 May 13, 2022
Release Year 2020 2022

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 100.96 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.72 "/g 3.33 "/g
Weight 164 g 204 g
Height 146.7 mm 163.3 mm
Width 71.5 mm 73.6 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Black

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.8 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1116 x 2480
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 92.9 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 400 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 625 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits 1500 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 75.65 mAh/in² 108.13 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.27 mAh/cm³ 49.53 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Adreno 730

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.1
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 3.1, OTG

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 14.1 12
Maximum OS Version 18 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 12ZTE Axon 40 UltraPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mmAxon 40 Ultra is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. iPhone 12 is more pocketable.
Weight164g204giPhone 12 is noticeably lighter, better for extended holding.
FoldableStandardStandardBoth are regular smartphones.
Display
Size6.1"6.8"Axon 40 Ultra offers a more immersive viewing experience, better for media consumption and gaming.
Resolution1170x25321116x2480iPhone 12 has slightly sharper text and images.
PPI460400iPhone 12 has a noticeably sharper display.
TechnologyOLEDAMOLEDBoth offer excellent color and contrast. Differences are subtle.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzAxon 40 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness1200 nits1500 nitsAxon 40 Ultra is more visible in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Both are high-performance chips. Real-world performance is similar for most tasks.
AnTuTu Score1,083,9471,061,300Similar performance in synthetic benchmarks.
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Adreno 730Both are capable GPUs, suitable for gaming and graphically intensive tasks.
Camera
Main Camera12MP f/1.664MP f/1.6Axon 40 Ultra potentially captures more detail and offers better low-light performance.
Selfie Camera12MP f/2.216MP f/2.0Axon 40 Ultra captures brighter selfies with more detail.
Telephoto LensN/A64MP f/3.5Axon 40 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities.
Wide Angle Lens12MP f/2.4N/AiPhone 12 offers a wider field of view for group shots and landscapes.
ToF 3D sensorN/A0.3MPAxon 40 Ultra has additional 3D sensing capabilities.
Wide Angle + MacroN/A64MP f/2.3Axon 40 Ultra enables wide-angle and macro photography.
VideoUp to 4K@60fpsUp to 8K@30fpsAxon 40 Ultra allows recording in 8K resolution. Both offer excellent video quality.
DXOMark (Mobile)117N/AiPhone 12 camera performance is objectively rated by DXOMark.
DXOMark (Selfie)132N/AiPhone 12 front camera performance is objectively rated by DXOMark.
Battery
Capacity2815mAh5000mAhAxon 40 Ultra likely offers significantly longer battery life.
Charging20W Fast Charging65W Fast ChargingAxon 40 Ultra charges much faster.
Wireless Charging15W MagSafe, 7.5W QiN/AiPhone 12 offers convenient wireless charging options.
Software
OSiOS 14.1 (Upgradable)Android 12 (Upgradable)Different user interfaces and ecosystems. iOS is known for its simplicity and security, while Android offers greater customization.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6Similar Wi-Fi performance.
Bluetooth5.15.2Axon 40 Ultra has a slightly newer Bluetooth version.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1)Both offer comprehensive GPS support for accurate location tracking.
SIMNano SIM + eSIMDual Nano SIMAxon 40 Ultra supports two physical SIM cards, while iPhone 12 has one physical SIM and one eSIM.
Storage
Internal64/128/256GB128/256/512/1024GBAxon 40 Ultra offers more storage options, including a massive 1TB option.
RAM4GB8/12/16/18GBAxon 40 Ultra has significantly more RAM, improving multitasking and app performance.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage.
Audio
Audio QualityDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo SpeakersDTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphonesBoth offer good audio quality with stereo speakers. iPhone 12 offers Dolby technologies, while Axon 40 Ultra has DTS/DTS X and 3 microphones for better audio recording.
Security
FeaturesBasic SecurityFingerprint SensorAxon 40 Ultra has a fingerprint sensor for secure biometric authentication.
Build Quality
ProtectionUnknownUnknownScreen protection details are not available.
Sensors
SensorsAccelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Compass, BarometerAccelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Gravity, HalliPhone 12 has a barometer, while Axon 40 Ultra has a fingerprint sensor.
## 2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:

  • More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and carry.
  • Sharper Display: Higher PPI provides a crisper viewing experience.
  • Wireless Charging: Offers convenient MagSafe and Qi wireless charging.
  • eSIM Support: Allows for easy switching between carriers.
  • Dolby Atmos audio: better sound experience
  • Ultra stable video Smoother videos.
  • Great Front camera quality: high DXOMark score

Practical Implications:

  • The iPhone 12 is better for users who prioritize portability and one-handed use.
  • Wireless charging adds convenience for users who prefer cable-free charging.
  • eSIM support makes it easier to switch carriers or use international plans.

ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Advantages:

  • Larger Display: More immersive for media consumption and gaming.
  • Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling and animations.
  • Brighter Display: Better visibility in direct sunlight.
  • Larger Battery Capacity: Significantly longer battery life.
  • Faster Charging: Charges much faster.
  • More Versatile Camera System: Includes telephoto and wide-angle+macro lenses.
  • 8K Video Recording: Allows for capturing high-resolution videos.
  • More RAM and Storage Options: Better multitasking and more space for files.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: More secure biometric authentication.
  • 3 Microphones: better audio recording

Practical Implications:

  • The Axon 40 Ultra is better for users who prioritize media consumption, gaming, and photography.
  • The larger battery and faster charging are ideal for users who need long battery life and quick top-ups.
  • The telephoto lens and 8K video recording provide more creative options for photography and videography enthusiasts.
  • The fingerprint sensor offers a more secure and convenient way to unlock the phone.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • iPhone 12 trades battery life and camera versatility for portability and a more refined software experience.
  • Axon 40 Ultra trades portability and DXOMark certified camera quality for longer battery life, camera versatility and larger display.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Apple iPhone 12 Ideal Users:

  • Users who prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone.
  • Users who value the simplicity and security of iOS.
  • Users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.
  • Users who prioritize wireless charging and eSIM functionality.
  • Users who need great front camera quality.

Use Cases:

  • Everyday use and communication.
  • Social media browsing.
  • Casual gaming.
  • Photography in well-lit conditions.

ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Ideal Users:

  • Users who want a large display for media consumption and gaming.
  • Users who need long battery life and fast charging.
  • Photography and videography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system.
  • Users who prioritize biometric security with a fingerprint sensor.
  • Power users who need ample RAM and storage.

Use Cases:

  • Watching movies and TV shows.
  • Playing graphically intensive games.
  • Capturing photos and videos in various scenarios.
  • Working on the go.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. What is your priority: portability or screen size? The iPhone 12 is more compact, while the Axon 40 Ultra has a larger display.
  2. How important is battery life and charging speed to you? The Axon 40 Ultra offers significantly longer battery life and faster charging.
  3. Which operating system do you prefer: iOS or Android? This is a matter of personal preference, as both offer different user experiences and ecosystems.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: On-the-go professional needing reliable performance and long battery life: ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. The larger battery, faster charging, and ample storage make it ideal for productivity tasks.
  • Scenario 2: Casual user who values portability and simplicity: Apple iPhone 12. The smaller size, wireless charging, and easy-to-use iOS interface make it a great choice.
  • Scenario 3: Photography enthusiast who wants a versatile camera system: ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. The telephoto lens, 8K video recording, and large sensor make it a more capable camera phone.

Which one would I choose?

I would choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.

Here's why:

  • Display: I prioritize a large, high refresh rate display for media consumption and gaming. The Axon 40 Ultra's 120Hz screen would offer a much smoother experience than the iPhone 12's 60Hz display.
  • Battery: I need a phone that can last through a full day of heavy use. The Axon 40 Ultra's 5000mAh battery is much more likely to meet my needs than the iPhone 12's smaller battery.
  • Camera Versatility: While the iPhone 12 has DXOMark score and great front camera, the Axon 40 Ultra offers a more versatile camera system with a telephoto lens and wide-angle + macro. As someone who enjoys taking photos in various situations, this versatility is important to me.
  • Storage: The Axon 40 Ultra offers more RAM and storage options, which is important for my workflow.

While I appreciate the portability and simplicity of iOS, the Axon 40 Ultra's advantages in display, battery, camera versatility, and storage outweigh the benefits of the iPhone 12 for my specific needs.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.