Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei P50 Pro and the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra. I'll break down the specs, discuss the real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, comparing the Huawei P50 Pro and ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra:
| Feature | Huawei P50 Pro | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-12 | 2023-12-29 | The ZTE is significantly newer, likely incorporating more recent technological advancements. |
| Dimensions | 158.8 × 72.8 × 8.5 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | The ZTE is larger and might be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 195g | 246g | The Huawei is noticeably lighter, which is a plus for extended holding and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.8" | The ZTE offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience, especially for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1228x2700 | 1116x2480 | The Huawei's higher resolution leads to sharper visuals and finer detail. |
| PPI | 450 | 400 | Huawei provides a significantly sharper display. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. Minor differences in color science are possible. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | The ZTE will be much easier to view in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The ZTE's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a significantly more powerful and efficient chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 697,566 | 2,017,588 | The ZTE offers drastically superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP24 (Adreno 660) | Adreno 750 | The ZTE will offer better graphics performance, especially in modern games. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4360mAh | 6000mAh | The ZTE's much larger battery should translate to significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Both offer fast charging, but the ZTE's is slightly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W Wireless | No | The Huawei offers convenient wireless charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 54MP, f/1.6, 1/1.49" | Both have capable main sensors. The ZTE's wider aperture could result in better low-light performance. |
| Ultrawide | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | The ZTE offers a dedicated ultrawide lens, which the Huawei lacks. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/3.4, 1/2" | 64MP, f/3.3, 1/2" | Similar telephoto capabilities, potentially offering similar zoom performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 12MP, f/2.0 | ZTE has wider aperture. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 8K 30fps | The ZTE offers significantly higher resolution video recording capabilities. |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 143 | N/A | Huawei has a proven track record of excellent camera performance, but this score is from 2021. |
| Software | |||
| OS | - | Android 14 | ZTE runs the latest Android version, offering the newest features and security updates. Huawei does not have OS info. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | The ZTE supports the latest WiFi standard for faster speeds and better efficiency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | The ZTE has a newer Bluetooth version for improved connectivity and power efficiency. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | Up to 512GB | Up to 1TB | The ZTE offers a larger maximum storage capacity for users with extensive media libraries. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so choose the storage size carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | DTS / DTS X, 3 Microphones | The ZTE has more immersive and separated audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both offer standard fingerprint sensor security. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra - Strengths:
- Cutting-Edge Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers phenomenal speed and responsiveness.
- Exceptional Battery Life: The 6000mAh battery provides significantly longer usage between charges.
- Superior Display Brightness: The 1500 nits display ensures excellent visibility in bright sunlight.
- Advanced Connectivity: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 offer the latest wireless capabilities.
- Latest Software: Ships with Android 14, offering the most current features and security.
- Versatile Camera System: Including ultra wide lens, which Huawei lacks.
Huawei P50 Pro - Strengths:
- Compact Design: Lighter and easier to handle.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Proven Camera Performance: Demonstrated by high DXOMark scores (though from 2021).
- Sharper Display: The higher PPI provides a sharper and more detailed viewing experience.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The ZTE is larger and heavier, which might not be ideal for all users.
- The Huawei's older chipset and software mean it won't perform as well in demanding tasks and may not receive updates as long.
- Both lack expandable storage, so selecting the right storage capacity at purchase is crucial.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra:
- Power Users: Gamers, content creators, and anyone who needs top-tier performance.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: The bright display and long battery life make it ideal for outdoor use.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest technologies, like WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
Huawei P50 Pro:
- Users Prioritizing Portability: The lighter weight and more compact size make it easier to carry and use one-handed.
- Wireless Charging Advocates: Those who rely on wireless charging for convenience.
- Huawei Ecosystem Users: If you're already invested in the Huawei ecosystem, the P50 Pro might offer better integration.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is top-tier performance to you? If you need the absolute best, the ZTE is the clear winner.
- Do you prioritize a compact design and wireless charging? The Huawei might be a better fit if these features are essential.
- How much do you value having the latest software and connectivity standards? The ZTE offers Android 14, WiFi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4, which could be significant for future-proofing.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Mobile Gamer: The ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra wins hands down. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, high refresh rate screen, and large battery make it a gaming beast.
- For the Frequent Traveler: If long battery life and bright display are key, the ZTE's larger battery and brighter screen are ideal for all-day use and outdoor visibility.
- For the Everyday User: The Huawei P50 Pro's more manageable size and wireless charging could make it a more convenient choice.
Final Thoughts
Alright, if I had to choose between these two phones, I would go with the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra. While the Huawei P50 Pro has its strengths, the ZTE's superior performance, battery life, and modern features make it a more compelling option.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is a game-changer, offering a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience across all tasks. Plus, the larger battery means I wouldn't have to worry about running out of juice during a long day. And as a tech journalist, having the latest WiFi and Bluetooth standards is a must.
Yes, it's a bit larger and heavier, but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for my usage.
