1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2023-12-29 | ZTE is significantly newer, likely with more up-to-date software and potentially better long-term support. |
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | ZTE is slightly larger and bulkier, may be less comfortable for small hands, but provides larger screen area. |
| Weight | 192g | 246g | OnePlus is much lighter, making it easier to hold and carry for extended periods. ZTE is noticeably heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.8" | ZTE offers more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1116x2480 | ZTE offers marginally sharper visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 400 PPI | Both have very similar sharpness levels. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE offers superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | ZTE provides substantially faster processing, better for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 2,017,588 | ZTE offers a dramatically better performance in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | ZTE is better equipped for demanding graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4", Sony IMX689 | 54MP, f/1.6, 1/1.49", Sony IMX800 | ZTE offers slightly better light gathering and slightly higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.4", Omnivision OV12D | ZTE may capture better low light selfies despite lower resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.3, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B | ZTE offers optical zoom capabilities, while OnePlus lacks a telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", Omnivision OV50E | ZTE has slightly wider aperture. |
| Black & White Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus has an extra B&W lens for artistic effect. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps and 4K@120fps | ZTE captures smoother slow-motion and 4K video recording. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | EIS, OIS | ZTE offers better video stabilization capabilities with OIS. |
| Features | RAW 12 bits, PDAF, CDAF | Optical zoom, Under display camera, RAW, LAF | ZTE offers a richer feature set, including optical zoom and under-display camera tech. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 6000mAh | ZTE has a significantly larger battery, offering potentially much longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W | 80W | ZTE charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | None | OnePlus has wireless charging support, lacking on the ZTE. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | ZTE ships with a newer Android version, potentially offering more features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | ZTE supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster, more reliable connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | ZTE has a newer Bluetooth version with better efficiency and stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | ZTE supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | ZTE offers much more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB/24GB | ZTE offers significantly higher RAM options for demanding users. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | DTS/DTS X | OnePlus offers Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation, ZTE offers DTS/DTS X. Audio quality will be subjective. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both use standard fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Both offer similar screen scratch protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Gravity, RGB | ZTE features more sensors than the OnePlus. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Lighter Design: Significantly lighter (192g vs 246g), making it more comfortable for long periods.
- Wireless Charging: Offers 15W wireless charging, a convenient feature for some users.
- Black and white Camera: Additional camera for B&W photography.
- Audio features: Offers Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and Adreno 750 GPU for gaming and demanding apps.
- Larger Battery: Significantly larger 6000mAh battery for potentially longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 80W fast charging for quicker power-ups.
- Better Display Brightness: 1500 nits brightness for improved outdoor visibility.
- More Advanced Camera System: Telephoto lens for optical zoom and wider aperture on standard lens and ultrawide.
- Under Display Camera: Offers an under-display front camera.
- More Storage Options: Offers configurations of 256GB, 512GB and 1024GB.
- More RAM Options: Offers configurations of 8GB, 12GB, 16GB and 24GB.
- Newer Android OS: Ships with Android 14, offering latest features and security.
- Newer Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for better speeds and stability.
- Additional Sensors: Features Gravity, RGB sensors.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Lacks a telephoto lens, has an older chipset and is not as bright outdoors.
- ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra: Is heavier, lacks wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Users who value a lightweight and compact design.
- Users who prioritize the convenience of wireless charging.
- Users who do not require the most cutting-edge performance.
- Users who enjoy casual photography, valuing B&W artistic capabilities
- Users who are satisfied with a standard software experience and don't require the latest updates.
- Specific Use Cases: Daily communication, social media, browsing, casual gaming, B&W photography
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize top-tier performance and gaming.
- Users who need long battery life for extended use.
- Users who want superior outdoor display visibility.
- Users who are enthusiastic about mobile photography, including optical zoom capabilities.
- Users who want access to the latest Android features and updates.
- Users who need the most RAM and internal storage available.
- Specific Use Cases: Demanding mobile gaming, video editing, professional photography, heavy multitasking, extended usage without charging, professional work, content creation
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you require the highest level of processing power for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, or is a mid-range chipset sufficient for your typical use?
- Battery Life: Do you need a phone that can easily last a full day with heavy usage, or is a shorter battery life acceptable if paired with fast charging?
- Form Factor: Is a lightweight, compact phone more important, or are you okay with a heavier, bulkier device for the sake of more features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User: If you primarily use your phone for social media, communication, and casual browsing, and want something lightweight, the OnePlus 9 is suitable.
- Scenario 2: Gaming Enthusiast: If you're a serious mobile gamer or need high performance for demanding tasks, the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you need an versatile camera system, the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is a great option, but the OnePlus 9 has a B&W camera for artistic shots.
- Scenario 4: Battery Life Maximizer: If long battery life is crucial, the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra will provide the most endurance.
My Choice
I would choose the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra.
Here's why:
While I appreciate the lightweight design and wireless charging of the OnePlus 9, the performance difference is just too significant to overlook. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the ZTE offers a substantial leap in speed and efficiency. This not only translates to better gaming but also makes everyday tasks smoother and more responsive. The bigger battery and faster charging mean that I'm less likely to be caught with a dead phone, and the brighter display is a big plus for outdoor use. While the lack of wireless charging is a slight drawback, the benefits of the ZTE significantly outweigh this for me. The superior camera system with the telephoto and wider lenses offer a lot of flexibility, and the newest Android OS and connectivity standards provide the latest tech. Considering I would use my phone for professional work and play, the ZTE would be the best option.
