Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite vs. ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra: The Ultimate Showdown
1. Specifications Breakdown
Let's cut through the marketing fluff and examine what really matters—how these devices perform where it counts.
Design & Build
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 212.5 × 124.7 × 8 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | Tab A7 Lite is a true tablet—great for media consumption but cumbersome as a phone |
| Weight | 366g | 246g | Z60 Ultra is 33% lighter—far more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | Z60 Ultra better resists scratches and drops—critical for a daily driver |
Key Takeaway: The Tab A7 Lite is fundamentally a compact tablet, while the Z60 Ultra is a premium phablet. Choose based on whether you prioritize screen size or portability.
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 8.7" | 6.8" | Tab's larger screen better for reading/streaming, Z60 Ultra more practical for calls |
| Resolution | 800x1340 (179 PPI) | 1116x2480 (400 PPI) | Z60 Ultra's screen is retina-sharp—text appears crisp even at small sizes |
| Technology | TFT LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED means perfect blacks and HDR capability on Z60 Ultra |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Z60 Ultra feels buttery smooth—noticeable when scrolling or gaming |
| Peak Brightness | Unknown (likely ~400 nits) | 1500 nits | Z60 Ultra remains visible even in direct sunlight |
Key Takeaway: The Z60 Ultra's display wins in every measurable way except size—this is a flagship screen versus an entry-level panel.
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Helio P22T (12nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Z60 Ultra's chip is 2 generations ahead with superior efficiency |
| Antutu Score | 103,000 | 2,017,588 | Z60 Ultra is 20x more powerful—handles AAA games effortlessly |
| RAM Options | 3GB/4GB | 8GB-24GB | Tab struggles with multitasking; Z60 Ultra future-proof |
| Storage | 32GB/64GB | 256GB-1TB | Z60 Ultra offers professional-grade capacity |
Key Takeaway: This isn't a competition—the Z60 Ultra obliterates the Tab in raw power. The Tab's chipset is adequate only for basic tasks.
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 54MP f/1.6 (Sony IMX800) | Z60 Ultra captures dramatically more detail, especially in low light |
| Ultrawide | None | 50MP f/1.8 | Essential for landscape/architecture shots |
| Telephoto | None | 64MP f/3.3 (3x optical) | Z60 Ultra enables professional-grade zoom |
| Video | 1080p/30fps | 8K/30fps, 4K/120fps | Z60 Ultra suitable for content creation |
| Front Camera | 2MP | 12MP under-display | Z60 Ultra's selfies are actually usable |
Key Takeaway: The Tab's cameras are afterthoughts—the Z60 Ultra offers a complete imaging system rivaling dedicated cameras.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5100mAh | 6000mAh | Z60 Ultra lasts longer despite more powerful hardware |
| Charging Speed | 15W | 80W | Z60 Ultra charges 0-100% in ~35 mins vs 2+ hours for Tab |
| Battery Life | ~12 hours video playback | ~8 hours heavy use | Tab wins endurance but sacrifices performance |
Key Takeaway: The Z60 Ultra offers superior fast charging—critical when you need power quickly. The Tab lasts longer but can't match the Z60 Ultra's efficiency.
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite Strengths:
- Screen Real Estate: That 8.7" display shines for eBooks and YouTube
- Battery Endurance: Lasts all day with moderate use
- Price: Typically half the cost of the Z60 Ultra
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Dominates In:
- Raw Power: Handles anything from gaming to 4K video editing
- Camera Versatility: Triple-camera system covers all scenarios
- Display Quality: 120Hz AMOLED is best-in-class
- Future-Proofing: Will remain performant for years
Critical Trade-Offs:
- The Tab's MediaTek chip shows age—expect lag with multiple apps
- Z60 Ultra's under-display camera still has image quality compromises
- No expandable storage on either device
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Choose the Tab A7 Lite If:
- You primarily want a compact Netflix/reading device
- Budget is under $200
- Camera quality doesn't matter
- You'll use it mostly at home (it's not pocket-friendly)
The Z60 Ultra Makes Sense For:
- Mobile gamers and power users
- Photography enthusiasts
- Those who value flagship performance
- Users who want a device that won't feel outdated in 2 years
Price Consideration: The Z60 Ultra costs significantly more but delivers premium features justifying its price for serious users.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
"Will I use this more as a tablet or phone?"
- Tablet → Tab A7 Lite
- Phone → Z60 Ultra
"Do I care about camera quality?"
- Yes → Z60 Ultra
- No → Consider Tab
"Will I regret not having flagship performance?"
- If yes, the Tab's processor will frustrate you
Scenario Recommendations:
- College Student: Z60 Ultra—handles note-taking, research, and leisure
- Grandparent: Tab A7 Lite—simple interface, large text
- Photographer: Z60 Ultra—shoots pro-quality images
- Casual User: Depends on whether phone or tablet usage dominates
The Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
After thoroughly analyzing both devices, I'd choose the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra without hesitation. Here's why:
It's not even close performance-wise—the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 makes everything instantaneous, while the Tab struggles with basic multitasking.
The camera system is transformative—I frequently shoot photos on my phone, and having 3x optical zoom plus ultrawide capabilities would significantly enhance my mobile photography.
120Hz AMOLED display—once you experience this, 60Hz LCDs feel archaic. The difference is especially noticeable when reading or scrolling.
Future-proofing—with 24GB RAM and 1TB storage options, this device will remain capable for years, whereas the Tab already feels underpowered.
The only scenario where I'd consider the Tab A7 Lite is as a secondary device purely for media consumption—and even then, I'd probably opt for a better tablet. For anyone seeking a do-it-all mobile device, the Z60 Ultra is in an entirely different league.
