Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Nokia G100 and the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra. We're going to get past the spec sheet jargon and talk about what these differences mean for your everyday experience.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Nokia G100 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.6 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm | 164 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm | The G100 is slightly taller, but they are very similar in hand feel; weight is a significant difference. |
| Weight | 195.1g | 246g | The G100 feels noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for long periods; the ZTE feels more substantial, but may be tiring for some. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-foldable designs. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.52" | 6.8" | The ZTE offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1116 x 2480 | The ZTE's higher resolution means significantly sharper text and images, and an overall more pleasing experience. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 400 | The ZTE's higher pixel density translates to clearer, more detailed visuals; the G100's display will appear less sharp in direct comparison. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The ZTE’s AMOLED panel provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. The G100’s LCD is less impressive visually. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The ZTE’s 120Hz refresh rate delivers smoother scrolling and animations, making it feel much more fluid, which is crucial for games and general browsing. The G100's 60Hz feels less responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | The ZTE is significantly brighter, making it much more usable in direct sunlight, and is an advantage for outdoor photography. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | The ZTE's high-end chipset provides vastly superior performance. Expect snappy apps, effortless multitasking, and high-fidelity gaming. The G100 will show lag in demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,615 | 2,017,588 | The AnTuTu scores confirm that the ZTE is significantly faster and more powerful. The G100 will struggle with intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 750 | The ZTE's GPU ensures smooth performance in even the most graphic-intensive applications, while the G100's GPU will limit gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/2.0 | 54MP, f/1.6 | The ZTE's main camera has a huge advantage in resolution and low-light performance thanks to its larger sensor and wider aperture. The G100's camera is adequate for basic needs. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 | 12MP, f/2.0 | The ZTE captures better-quality selfies due to higher resolution and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.3 | The ZTE offers a dedicated telephoto lens that is missing on the G100, giving the user optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The ZTE’s ultrawide camera offers much higher resolution and better low-light performance compared to the G100. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The G100 includes a depth sensor which can improve the quality of portrait photos. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | The ZTE is capable of capturing professional-grade 8K video with stabilization. The G100 is limited to basic 1080p. |
| Camera Features | Basic | Advanced | The ZTE has Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), Laser Auto-Focus, and RAW image capture, offering much greater control over your photography. The G100 is missing these. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | The ZTE should offer notably longer battery life due to its larger battery, but actual battery life depends on usage. |
| Charging | 15W | 80W | The ZTE charges much faster, reducing wait times for a full charge. The Nokia G100 is slow in comparison. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The ZTE has the latest OS, which will offer new features and better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax), WiFi 7 (802.11be) | The ZTE can connect to the newest WiFi technologies offering significantly faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.4 LE | The ZTE offers a newer Bluetooth version, which provides better stability, range, and efficiency. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | The ZTE offers significantly more storage for apps, media, and files, especially if you opt for the 1TB model. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB/24GB | The ZTE's massive RAM ensures smoother multitasking and app switching, and is perfect for heavy users and gamers. The G100 can feel sluggish with even moderate usage. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, highlighting the need to choose the right variant at purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | 2 microphones | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | The ZTE has much better audio quality, and includes stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | The Nokia has a more advanced side mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The ZTE uses a newer version of Gorilla Glass, and therefore offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Nokia has a more advanced suite of sensors, including a barometer. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G100 Strengths
- Lightweight Design: It is significantly lighter than the ZTE, making it comfortable for long use.
- Decent Battery: 5000mAh battery provides adequate battery life for basic tasks.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: The physical location of the scanner makes it convenient to use.
- Affordability: Likely to be more budget-friendly compared to the ZTE.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Strengths
- Flagship Performance: Top-tier Snapdragon processor for incredible speed and responsiveness.
- Superior Display: High-resolution AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness.
- Advanced Camera System: Versatile camera setup with high-resolution sensors, wide aperture, optical zoom, and stabilization.
- Fast Charging: 80W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Larger Storage and RAM: Offers significantly more RAM and internal storage for heavy users.
- Better audio: Includes stereo speakers for immersive audio.
- Latest OS: Ships with the latest Android version.
- Advanced connectivity: Supports the latest WiFi and Bluetooth technologies
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Nokia G100: The trade off with the Nokia G100 is with performance and screen quality. It can struggle with demanding tasks, especially in gaming.
- ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra: The ZTE is bulkier and heavier, and the price can be higher compared to the Nokia G100.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G100 is Best For
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals seeking an affordable phone for basic tasks.
- Light Users: People who prioritize basic web browsing, social media, and calls.
- Users Who Value Portability: Users who value a lightweight and compact design.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is Best For
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for multitasking and demanding apps.
- Mobile Photographers: Users who need a versatile camera system for high-quality photos and videos.
- Gamers: Enthusiasts who require smooth, lag-free gaming.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who enjoy high-fidelity media experiences.
4. Buying Decision Framework
- Performance Needs:
- Do you need top-tier performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking?
- If yes, the ZTE is for you.
- Or do you just need basic performance for emails, calls and social media?
- If yes, the Nokia G100 is sufficient.
- Do you need top-tier performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking?
- Display Preferences:
- Is a vibrant, sharp display with smooth scrolling essential for your daily experience?
- If yes, the ZTE's AMOLED is a much better choice.
- Or are you ok with an average screen for basic usage?
- If yes, the Nokia is ok.
- Is a vibrant, sharp display with smooth scrolling essential for your daily experience?
- Camera Requirements:
- Do you want a versatile camera with optical zoom, advanced features, and high-quality video?
- If yes, the ZTE is the only choice.
- Or is a basic camera ok for your occasional snaps?
- If yes, the Nokia G100's camera will be sufficient.
- Do you want a versatile camera with optical zoom, advanced features, and high-quality video?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Student on a Budget: Nokia G100 for essential daily use and affordability.
- Mobile Photographer: ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra for its versatile and high-quality camera capabilities.
- Hardcore Gamer: ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra for its top-tier processing power and display.
- Casual User: Nokia G100 if budget is the primary concern; ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra if they want an elevated experience.
My Choice and Why
If I were making a personal choice, I would pick the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra.
Here’s why:
As a tech journalist, I value performance, and I want to see the very best out of smartphones. The difference in the chipset is staggering and that will be noticed every time I touch the phone. The display is simply much better with the AMOLED screen providing vibrant and crisp visuals. The camera system is clearly more versatile and powerful, allowing me to capture high-quality photos and videos which is something I value. Add in fast charging and a large amount of RAM and Storage for multitasking and I have a winner.
While the G100 is more affordable and lightweight, the compromises in performance and experience are too significant for my use case. The ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra simply offers a more refined experience.
