Alright, let's dive into this comparison between the Motorola Edge 20 and the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra. We've got a classic matchup here: a sleek, lightweight contender versus a powerhouse packed with the latest tech. Buckle up!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison of the key specs, with a focus on what they actually mean for you, the user:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 7 mm, 163g | 164 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm, 246g | Edge 20 is noticeably thinner and lighter, better for one-handed use and pocketability. Z60 Ultra feels more substantial. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Z60 Ultra offers better screen protection against drops and scratches. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (385 PPI) | 1116x2480 (400 PPI) | Z60 Ultra is a bit sharper but the difference isn't drastic. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar tech, expect vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 20 might feel slightly smoother in some situations, but both are very fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (spec missing) | 1500 nits | Huge difference: Z60 Ultra will be much more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Z60 Ultra is vastly more powerful: faster apps, smoother gaming, better multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 589,200 | 2,017,588 | Reflects the huge performance gap. Z60 Ultra is in another league. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 750 | Z60 Ultra's GPU is significantly better, especially for demanding games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.52") | 54MP (f/1.6, 1/1.49") | Edge 20 has higher resolution, but Z60 Ultra's larger aperture and sensor can mean better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.4) | 64MP (f/3.3) | Z60 Ultra has a much more capable telephoto lens for zoomed shots. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP (Wide Angle + Macro) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.55") | Z60 Ultra has dedicated Ultrawide, Edge 20 has Wide angle + macro camera, each has advantages in their own way. |
| Selfie | 32MP (f/2.3) | 12MP (f/2.0) | Edge 20 has higher resolution. |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | Z60 Ultra can shoot higher resolution and higher frame rate video, great for content creators. |
| Camera Features | Digital image stabilization | Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Continuous autofocus, Laser autofocus (LAF), Under display camera, RAW, Night Mode | Z60 Ultra's camera has many more features for different use cases. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 6000mAh | Z60 Ultra will likely last much longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 30W | 80W | Z60 Ultra charges much faster. |
| Features | Reverse charging | None | Edge 20 can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 14 | Z60 Ultra has a much more modern OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Z60 Ultra supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi if you have a compatible router. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Z60 Ultra has a slightly newer version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, 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) | Z60 Ultra is expected to have higher accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024GB | Z60 Ultra offers significantly more storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/12/16/24GB | Z60 Ultra can handle much more multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Z60 Ultra offers a significantly better audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Motorola Edge 20 side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more advanced. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | Z60 Ultra has more sensors which allows for more advanced features like light sensing. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Strengths:
- Sleek and Lightweight Design: It's much more comfortable to hold and carry, especially for extended periods.
- High Refresh Rate Display: 144Hz provides an incredibly smooth visual experience, although the difference from 120Hz isn't always noticeable.
- Reverse Charging: A useful feature for topping up accessories or another phone in a pinch.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Strengths:
- Incredible Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 demolishes the 778G. This translates to blazing-fast app loading, smooth gaming at high settings, and effortless multitasking.
- Superior Display Brightness: Outdoor visibility is a major win for the Z60 Ultra.
- Massive Battery Life: The 6000mAh battery should easily get you through a full day, even with heavy usage.
- Advanced Camera System: The Z60 Ultra's camera array is more versatile, offering better zoom capabilities, potentially superior low-light performance, and 8K video recording. The additional features make the experience much better.
- Latest Software: Ships with Android 14.
- Better Audio: Includes DTS/ DTS X and stereo speakers.
- RGB sensor: More advanced features and customization.
- Wider aperture: Better low light performance.
- Optical Stabilization (OIS): Clearer and more stabilized images and videos.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Edge 20: Its older chipset is showing its age, especially compared to the latest Snapdragon silicon. The display, while good, isn't as bright as the Z60 Ultra.
- Z60 Ultra: It's significantly heavier and thicker, which might not appeal to everyone.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 20: Best for users who prioritize a slim and light phone and don't need cutting-edge performance. Good for everyday tasks, social media, and casual gaming.
- ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra: Ideal for power users, gamers, photographers, and anyone who values performance, battery life, and a vibrant, outdoor-readable display. It's a workhorse that can handle anything you throw at it.
Specific Use Cases:
- Edge 20: A student who needs a reliable phone for classes, social media, and light entertainment.
- Z60 Ultra: A mobile gamer, photographer, or content creator who needs a device that can keep up with their demanding workflows.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is pocketability and one-handed use to you? If these are top priorities, the Edge 20 wins.
- How demanding are your typical phone tasks? If you're primarily browsing social media and sending emails, the Edge 20 is sufficient. If you game, edit videos, or multitask heavily, the Z60 Ultra is the clear choice.
- How important is outdoor visibility? If you live in a sunny area or frequently use your phone outdoors, the Z60 Ultra's brighter display is a huge advantage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-conscious user who needs a basic phone: The Edge 20 might be a decent option if the price is significantly lower and you're willing to compromise on performance.
- Demanding user who wants the best possible experience: The Z60 Ultra is the obvious choice.
The Verdict:
The ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra emerges as the clear winner. It’s a powerhouse that excels in almost every category: performance, display, camera, and battery life.
My Choice:
If I were making this choice for myself, I'd go with the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra. Here's why:
As someone who uses their phone for everything from productivity to gaming to photography, I need a device that can handle it all without breaking a sweat. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a game-changer, ensuring that the phone stays responsive even under heavy load. Plus, the superior display brightness is a must-have for outdoor use, and the larger battery means I wouldn't have to worry about constantly searching for a charger.
Yes, it's bulkier than the Edge 20, but the trade-off in terms of performance and features is well worth it. The Z60 Ultra isn't just a phone; it's a mobile workstation and entertainment hub packed into a (relatively) pocketable device.
