Smartphone Comparison: Motorola One 5G Ace vs. ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-14 | 2022-05-13 | The Axon 40 Ultra is a significantly newer device (more than a year) with updated technology. |
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | The One 5G Ace is larger and thicker. The Axon 40 Ultra is more compact and potentially easier to handle. |
| Weight | 212g | 204g | The Axon 40 Ultra is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Very similar screen size, negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1116x2480 | The Axon 40 Ultra has a slightly sharper screen, though the difference may not be noticeable to the average user. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 393 | 400 | The difference in pixel density is negligible; both displays are reasonably sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Axon 40 Ultra has superior display technology offering deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, also better for dark mode power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Axon 40 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the user experience feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | The Axon 40 Ultra has significantly higher brightness for better visibility outdoors, especially in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | The Axon 40 Ultra offers much faster processing and better overall performance, and is more future-proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 1,061,300 | The Axon 40 Ultra has significantly higher performance for smoother gaming, multitasking, and faster app loading. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | The Axon 40 Ultra provides superior graphics capabilities, improving gaming performance and graphics-intensive app usage. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same capacity, meaning similar theoretical battery life, though actual usage will depend on software optimization and usage patterns. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 65W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | The Axon 40 Ultra charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. Li-Polymer batteries are also generally safer. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm pixel | 64MP, f/1.6, 0.70µm, 1/1.72", IMX787 | The Axon 40 Ultra has a higher-resolution sensor and a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel | 16MP, f/2.0, 1.22µm, Omnivision | The Axon 40 Ultra has a wider aperture and larger pixel size on the selfie camera, for better low light and subject isolation. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2", OV64B | The Axon 40 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel | None | The Motorola One 5G Ace has a wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | 0.3MP | The Axon 40 Ultra has a ToF sensor to improve portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel | None | The Motorola One 5G Ace has a dedicated macro lens for extreme close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72", IMX787 | The Axon 40 Ultra has a wide-angle macro camera that will be better than both Motorola's dedicated Wide Angle and Macro camera. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | The Axon 40 Ultra offers higher video resolution and frame rates, making it better for video creation. |
| Stabilization | EIS on all modes | EIS on all modes, OIS | The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's OIS is a superior solution that reduces shakiness when recording or taking pictures. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | The Axon 40 Ultra has a newer Android version with more features, security patches, and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | The Axon 40 Ultra supports the newer Wi-Fi standard for faster and more reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | The Axon 40 Ultra has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, but practical differences will be minimal. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | The Axon 40 Ultra can hold two SIM cards for better flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1024GB | The Axon 40 Ultra offers significantly more internal storage options for users with large media libraries or lots of apps. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 8GB, 12GB, 16GB or 18GB | The Axon 40 Ultra has significantly more RAM, ensuring smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | 2 microphones | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | The Axon 40 Ultra provides higher quality audio with more immersive and rich sound experience, and better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer fingerprint sensors for biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Gravity, Hall | Both phones offer a wide range of sensors, the Axon 40 Ultra has Gravity and Hall sensor whilst the Motorola has Compass Sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers close-up photography capabilities, useful for detail-oriented shots.
- Compass Sensor: For advanced mapping and navigation applications.
- Lower Price Point: Likely available at a much lower price point, making it accessible for budget-conscious buyers
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness for vivid visuals and smooth performance, including excellent visibility in sunlight.
- Much Higher Performance: Top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor provides exceptional performance in all areas from gaming to multitasking.
- Better Camera System: Versatile setup with a dedicated telephoto lens and wide-angle + macro and 8K video recording capability for a great photography experience.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging allows users to quickly replenish their battery, saving time.
- More storage and RAM options: More internal storage and RAM for a smoother multitasking experience.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 12 (upgradable to 13), providing newer features and better security.
- Dual SIM Support: Allows users to use two SIM cards simultaneously, useful for travel and work-life balance.
- Enhanced Audio System: Offers a more immersive audio experience with stereo speakers and DTS audio.
- Better connectivity: Faster WiFi and newer Bluetooth versions.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola One 5G Ace has a dedicated macro lens, but in all other areas, the Axon 40 Ultra's cameras are superior.
- The Motorola One 5G Ace has a lower price, but this is reflected in the performance.
- The Axon 40 Ultra lacks a dedicated wide angle lens instead opting for a wide angle + macro lens, while the Motorola One 5G Ace has a standard wide angle lens.
- The Axon 40 Ultra is larger than the Motorola One 5G Ace, which may affect the user's ability to hold it comfortably.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who want a decent 5G phone for basic tasks, browsing, social media, and occasional photography.
- Use Cases: Everyday phone use, casual gaming, simple photo and video capture, users that prioritize having an included charger in the box.
- Strengths: Lower price point for users who do not require high-end features, includes an included charger in the box.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Ideal User: Power users who need top-tier performance, gamers, photographers, videographers, and users who consume and create a lot of multimedia content.
- Use Cases: Demanding gaming, video editing, professional photography, content creation, seamless multitasking.
- Strengths: High-end performance, superior display quality, versatile camera setup, fast charging and ample storage and RAM options.
- Price-to-Value: While more expensive, it offers flagship-level features and cutting-edge performance for its target audience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a new smartphone?
- Primary Use: What do you use your phone for most often (e.g., social media, gaming, photography)?
- Performance Needs: Do you need high-end performance for demanding tasks, or are basic functions sufficient?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Needs - If you're on a strict budget and primarily need a phone for calling, texting, social media, and browsing, the Motorola One 5G Ace is the better option.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Camera Prioritized - If you require top-tier performance, excellent display quality, and a versatile camera system, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the superior choice, even with a higher price tag.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Use, Moderate Budget - If you need a balance of features and performance without the highest price the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra would still be a better option but depending on your budget the Motorola One 5G Ace will also be a good option.
My Choice
I would choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. While it is the more expensive option, the difference in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities is so significant that it justifies the higher price. As someone who uses their phone extensively for various tasks, including media consumption, gaming, and content creation, the Axon 40 Ultra's superior processing power, gorgeous AMOLED screen, and versatile camera system are essential. The faster charging is also a crucial advantage for my daily use. The Motorola One 5G Ace would be a good choice for those on a budget, but the Axon 40 Ultra's performance makes it well worth the extra money for the enhanced experience.
