Smartphone Comparison: Oppo Find X3 Pro vs. ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Oppo Find X3 Pro | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-19 | 2022-05-13 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a newer phone, potentially offering more updated software and features. |
| Dimensions | 163.6 × 74 × 8.3 mm, 193g | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm, 204g | Very similar sizes, Oppo is slightly lighter (11g) which may be noticeable during long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Virtually identical display sizes, a negligible difference in practical use. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1116x2480 | Oppo has much sharper display (67.3% more pixels), leading to clearer text and images, especially beneficial for reading and media consumption. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 400 | Oppo's higher PPI results in a significantly sharper and more detailed display, making text and images appear clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant and high-contrast displays, known for deep blacks and rich colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, beneficial for gaming and general navigation. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE offers slightly better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | ZTE's newer chip is more efficient and faster for demanding tasks, offering better gaming performance and snappier app launches. |
| AnTuTu Score | 876,500 | 1,061,300 | ZTE offers noticeably better performance in benchmark tests, suggesting a more fluid overall experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | ZTE's newer GPU will provide better graphics performance, ideal for gamers and users who engage in graphic-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | ZTE's larger battery is likely to provide longer battery life, extending usage between charges for heavy users. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Both phones offer rapid charging times, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless(30W), Reverse Wireless | Non-removable | Oppo has versatile charging options for charging other devices, a practical advantage for sharing power on the go. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766, 1.0µm | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72", Sony IMX787, 0.7µm | ZTE main camera has higher resolution and a wider aperture, Oppo has larger pixels and a bigger sensor which means better light gathering. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74", Sony IMX615, 0.8µm | 16MP, f/2.0, Omnivision, 1.22µm | Oppo's higher resolution means more detailed selfies. ZTE's larger pixels will mean better low light capture. |
| Telephoto | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3M5, 1.0µm | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B, 0.7µm | ZTE offers significant telephoto zoom resolution, Oppo has wider aperture that means it will let in more light. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766, 1.0µm | N/A | Oppo has a dedicated high-resolution wide-angle camera for capturing expansive scenes. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | N/A | 0.3MP, Unknown, Unknown | ZTE includes a ToF 3D sensor for depth information, useful for some AR applications. |
| Wide + Macro | N/A | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72", Sony IMX787, 0.7µm | ZTE includes a Macro lens for up close and personal detail, a feature Oppo does not have. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps w/ HDR, EIS | Up to 8K@30fps w/ HDR, EIS | ZTE allows for high 8K Video for professional use, while Oppo provides smooth 4K recording. |
| DxOMark | 128 (Overall), 134 (Photo), 125 (Video) | Not Available | Oppo's camera has been rated by DxOMark, which gives a benchmark of its camera quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Oppo has newer operating system version. ZTE has a much earlier end of life for software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have similar Wi-Fi capabilities |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2 | Oppo offers broader Bluetooth codec support for higher quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), QZSS (L1 + L5) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1) | Oppo offers a slightly more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256/512 GB | 128/256/512/1024 GB | ZTE offers more internal storage options, including a massive 1TB variant, ideal for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 8/12/16/18 GB | ZTE offers slightly more RAM, which enhances multitasking and heavy usage. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | ZTE has better audio features with 3 mics and DTS, and Oppo features Dolby Atmos for enhanced sound. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have a standard fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Oppo has Gorilla Glass 5 protection. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Oppo includes more sensors for increased functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Oppo Find X3 Pro Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density offering better text and image clarity.
- Wireless Charging: Includes 30W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, which can charge other devices.
- Better Bluetooth Audio: Supports more advanced codecs (APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC) for higher-fidelity audio.
- Wider selection of sensors Includes compass and Pedometer for a wider range of functionality.
- More Software Updates: Is upgradable to a newer Android version.
- Better main camera: Has larger sensor and pixel size, which means it will perform better in low-light scenarios.
- Known Camera performance: Has been tested by DxOMark.
- Wide Angle Lens: Has a dedicated ultra-wide camera for capturing large sceneries.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Advantages:
- Newer and More Powerful Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers a clear performance advantage over the Snapdragon 888 for gaming and intensive tasks.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery ensures better battery life for prolonged usage.
- Higher video resolution: Records in 8K instead of 4K.
- Larger storage options: Comes in a 1TB option
- Advanced Camera Features: Has a dedicated macro camera and a time-of-flight sensor for enhanced image capture, along with a more versatile telephoto lens.
- Better Telephoto: Has higher resolution telephoto camera which means better zoom quality.
- Better Selfie Camera in Low Light: Larger pixel size will allow the capture of more light.
- Better Audio: Has DTS / DTS X and better voice capture.
Trade-offs:
- Display: While ZTE offers better brightness, Oppo provides a sharper display.
- Charging: Oppo provides wireless charging and reverse wireless charging but ZTE offers better battery life.
- Software Support: Oppo has much better software support with a newer max Android version.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Oppo Find X3 Pro Ideal Users:
- Media Consumption Enthusiasts: Benefit from the higher resolution and sharper display for watching videos and browsing images.
- Audiophiles: Will appreciate better Bluetooth codec support.
- Users valuing a known camera experience: Will benefit from knowing DxOMark ratings of the camera.
- Users who value wireless charging: With fast wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, it will be more versatile for on the go charging of other devices.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching high-resolution movies and TV shows
- Editing photos and videos on the go
- Listening to music with high-quality headphones
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Ideal Users:
- Mobile Gamers and Power Users: Will benefit from the faster processor and better GPU.
- Photography and Videography: The higher resolution sensors, macro lens and 8K video recording will be useful.
- Users with Large Media Libraries: Will benefit from storage options up to 1TB
- Users that need a longer lasting battery: With a larger battery capacity, the device can last much longer.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphic-intensive mobile games.
- Recording 8K video for high-quality content creation
- Capturing macro photos and videos.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The price of these devices will vary greatly based on region, time, and availability.
- Oppo Find X3 Pro: May offer better value for users primarily focused on display quality, audio fidelity, and wireless charging versatility.
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: Provides a compelling choice for those wanting the latest high-end processing power and enhanced camera versatility.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you value absolute sharpness over brightness?
- Performance Needs: Do you need the best gaming performance or is a smooth all-around experience enough?
- Camera Versatility: Do you need a macro lens, higher telephoto resolution, or a high quality wide angle lens?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (Media Lover): If you frequently watch high-resolution content and prioritize excellent display sharpness and known camera performance, the Oppo Find X3 Pro is the better choice.
Scenario 2 (Gamer/Power User): If your priority is raw performance, better battery life, more versatile camera setup, and 8K video, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the recommended device.
Scenario 3 (Balanced Usage): If you want a balanced experience and can compromise on wireless charging, and prefer better audio, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra may be the better value with better performance and a large battery.
My Choice
I would choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. While the Oppo Find X3 Pro offers a sharper display, the ZTE's advantages in overall performance, better battery life, more versatile camera setup, and modern chipset are more appealing to me. Also, I value a longer-lasting battery and prefer to have a more versatile camera system. The added benefit of larger storage options also makes it a better long-term investment. While the display isn't as sharp, the 120 Hz refresh rate will still provide a smooth experience. Also, the fact that the Axon 40 Ultra is a newer phone means it will have better longevity.
