Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra. This isn't just a spec sheet showdown; we're going to explore how these differences translate to your real-world experience.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, comparing the two devices:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | ZTE is larger and bulkier; Sony more pocketable and comfortable for single-handed use. |
| Weight | 172g | 246g | Sony is significantly lighter, making it better for prolonged use and on-the-go scenarios. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus, Aluminum | Gorilla Glass 5, Aluminum | Sony's Victus offers better drop and scratch protection compared to ZTE's Gorilla Glass 5. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.8" | ZTE provides more screen real estate for media consumption, gaming and multi-tasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1116x2480 | Similar sharpness on both, although the Sony's smaller screen means a higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 449 | 400 | Sony screen is a bit sharper due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks; virtually identical quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer buttery smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE offers significantly better visibility in direct sunlight, making it suitable for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | ZTE has a more powerful processor, which translates to faster performance across all tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 2,017,588 | ZTE is vastly more powerful, resulting in a snappier experience, especially for gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 | ZTE has a more powerful GPU, enabling better graphics processing for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" | 54MP, f/1.6, 1/1.49" | ZTE captures significantly more detail with better low-light capabilities on its sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.4" | Both offer similar selfie camera performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" | 64MP, f/3.3, 1/2" | ZTE has a higher resolution with larger sensor, but with a less wide aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | ZTE's wide angle offers higher resolution, larger sensor, and wider aperture for wider shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps | Up to 8K@30fps | ZTE supports higher resolution, while Sony provides similar frame rate but with enhanced stabilization. |
| DXOMARK | 119 (Mobile) | N/A | Sony is tested, shows a good result, but the ZTE does not have a DXOMARK rating. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | ZTE has a larger battery that could easily last longer through heavy use. |
| Charging | 30W | 80W | ZTE charges much faster, reducing downtime waiting for battery recharge. |
| Software & Other | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | ZTE offers the latest Android OS out of the box. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | ZTE offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.4 | ZTE offers a newer version of Bluetooth connectivity. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | ZTE has significantly more storage, ideal for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12/16/24 GB | ZTE provides superior multitasking due to the higher RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | DTS / DTS X | Both phones offer great audio experience, catering different needs. |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Sony side mounted provides better security. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall | Gravity, RGB | Sony offers additional environmental sensors, ZTE provides RGB and gravity sensors. |
2. Key Insights
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths: Compact design, lightweight, excellent camera and video stabilization, premium build quality with Victus Glass. It excels in content creation with excellent video capabilities.
- Advantages: More pocketable, comfortable for single-handed use, great audio features.
- Limitations: Older chipset, lower brightness, and slower charging.
- ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra:
- Strengths: Powerful chipset, large bright display, impressive camera with high-resolution sensors, huge battery with fast charging. It is a beast for performance.
- Advantages: Better performance, much better outdoor visibility, significantly longer battery life, and more storage.
- Limitations: Bulky design, heavier, no DXOMARK rating, less screen protection than the Sony.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Best For: Users who prioritize portability, content creation, and a premium compact experience.
- Use Cases: Ideal for vloggers, photographers, and users who want a phone that can easily slip into a pocket.
- ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra:
- Best For: Power users, gamers, and those who need a phone with a massive display and excellent battery life.
- Use Cases: Gamers, users who consume a lot of media, and those who need their phone to last all day on a single charge.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Portability vs. Performance: Do you value a compact, easy-to-handle phone (Sony) or a powerful device with a massive screen (ZTE)?
- Content Creation vs. Consumption: Are you more focused on creating high-quality video and photos (Sony) or consuming media and playing games (ZTE)?
- Battery Life and Charging: Do you need a phone that can last all day with super-fast charging (ZTE) or is a good battery with average charging sufficient for your needs (Sony)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you are often shooting video and want a phone that's easy to carry, the Sony is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: If you're a gamer or watch a lot of videos on your phone, and battery is very important, the ZTE is the ideal choice.
- Scenario 3: If you are looking for cutting edge features and performance, the ZTE wins by far with the new gen processor and overall feature set.
My Choice:
If I had to choose, I'd go with the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I often need a phone that can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, perform complex calculations (editing photos, videos), and have more than enough juice to get through a day of heavy usage. I like to push my devices and need them to keep up. The raw power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, coupled with the massive 6000mAh battery, and the bright screen is just what I need. While I appreciate the compact design of the Xperia, the raw performance and large display of the nubia are much more appealing for my work. The significantly faster charging also means I can spend less time tethered to an outlet. The latest wifi connectivity and Bluetooth version are the icing on the cake.
