1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-24 | 2023-12-29 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is significantly newer, implying more up-to-date features and technologies. |
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is slightly smaller, thinner which may be more pocketable and comfortable. |
| Weight | 215g | 246g | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.8" | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1116x2480 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra has a sharper display, leading to slightly clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 395 | 400 | Both phones have similar pixel density, resulting in nearly identical sharpness to the naked eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra boasts superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, making it better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones have the same smooth scrolling and responsiveness, with 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra has dramatically better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra uses a significantly faster, more efficient processor resulting in smoother and faster performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 2,017,588 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra exhibits much higher performance suitable for intensive tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 750 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra has a newer, more powerful GPU for improved gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 6000mAh | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra offers longer battery life, more time between charges. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 80W fast charging | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", IMX582, 0.8µm | 54MP, f/1.6, 1/1.49", IMX800, 1.0µm | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra captures more detailed images, with better low-light performance due to larger sensor size and aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", S5K3T2, 0.8µm | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.4", OV12D, pixel size missing | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a higher resolution selfie camera; ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra has a larger sensor. Missing pixel size for ZTE. |
| Telephoto lens | None | 64MP, f/3.3, 1/2", OV64B, 0.7µm | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra provides optical zoom, enhancing photo composition and detail at a distance. |
| Wide Angle lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", OV8856, 1.12µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", OV50E, 1.0µm | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra has superior image quality with wide-angle shots, capturing greater detail with better low-light capabilities. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", OV02B1B, 1.75µm | None | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", HI-259, 1.75µm | None | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro allows for close-up macro photography. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 8K@30fps, EIS, OIS | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra captures higher resolution video, with better stabilization and higher quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra offers a newer OS with latest features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 7 (802.11be) | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra supports faster, more reliable Wi-Fi with the latest standard. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.4 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra offers slightly improved Bluetooth performance with the newer standard. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, NavIC and more | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra offers more precise location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra offers much larger storage options, accommodating more media, apps, and games. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB/24GB | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and performance in demanding applications. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 Mics | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra offers a more immersive audio experience with enhanced surround sound and better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers a more convenient fingerprint sensor position. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro uses a slightly better screen protection standard. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra uses a more comprehensive sensor suite; Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has an additional ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor for more advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use and easier to handle.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Some users may prefer this more ergonomic placement.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Cameras: Offers more versatility for creative photography.
Practical Implications: The Poco X3 Pro prioritizes user comfort with its light design and a convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The dedicated macro and depth sensors provide additional versatility for casual photographers, however, these are less useful than a telephoto lense.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Advantages:
- Newer and More Powerful Processor: Significantly faster and more responsive performance in all tasks, including gaming and multitasking.
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology provides better visuals with higher brightness, especially outdoors.
- Significantly Better Camera System: Better image quality with higher resolution, larger sensors, better apertures and a telephoto lens, providing more flexibility and better low-light performance.
- Much Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Longer battery life and faster charging reduces down time.
- Latest Software: Android 14 provides the newest features and security.
- Advanced Connectivity: Support for WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 results in faster and more stable wireless connections.
- Better Audio Quality: DTS/DTS X provides a more immersive audio experience.
- Larger Storage and RAM options: Up to 1024GB of storage and 24GB of RAM for the most demanding users.
Practical Implications: The ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is geared towards power users who demand top-tier performance, a high-quality camera experience, and superior multimedia capabilities.
Trade-offs:
- The ZTE Nubia is heavier and can be less convenient to carry for long periods
- The ZTE Nubia lacks the dedicated depth and macro cameras found on the Poco X3 Pro.
- The Xiaomi has a better screen protection standard.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a balance of performance and features at a lower price point.
- Casual Photographers: Users who enjoy occasional macro and portrait photography without needing high-end camera quality.
- Users Prioritizing Comfort: Those who prefer a lighter phone for everyday use.
Use Cases:
- Daily social media use, light gaming, and browsing.
- Occasional photography in good lighting conditions, simple macros and portraits.
- Users who need a secondary phone for travel or light work.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Ideal User:
- Power Users: Users who require the highest performance for demanding games, video editing, and intensive multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want excellent image quality with a versatile camera system with optical zoom.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who prioritize display quality for watching videos and playing games, alongside high quality audio
- Users who prioritize future proofing: Newest processor, software and connectivity options.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with demanding titles.
- Professional-grade photography and videography.
- Extended use for productivity, media consumption, and travel.
- Users that require a future proofed device for extended use
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro will likely be more affordable.
- How important is camera quality and versatility to you? The ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra excels in photo and video quality, but lacks macro and depth.
- What do you prioritize more: performance or comfort? The ZTE Nubia has far better performance but the Xiaomi is lighter.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Shopper: If you need a capable phone on a tight budget, and do not require superior performance or camera features, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is a solid option.
- Gaming/Performance Focus: If you prioritize top-tier performance for intensive tasks, and don't mind a heavier device, the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is the clear winner.
- Camera Centric User: If high quality and versatility in photography and videography are crucial, the ZTE Nubia is the much better choice.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: If you enjoy watching content and want the best display and audio quality, then the ZTE Nubia is far superior.
- Future Proofing: If you plan to use the device for a long time, the ZTE Nubia offers the latest software, connectivity and performance.
My Choice
I would choose the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra.
While the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is a decent option for budget-conscious buyers, the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra provides a significantly better user experience in almost every category that I value personally. I prioritise a high quality display for consuming media and a good camera for capturing photos and videos. The significant performance gains from the newer chipset make it a much better option for gaming and heavy multitasking. The addition of optical zoom and greatly improved low light camera performance on the ZTE nubia would make a massive difference for me. The larger battery and faster charging are also a major benefit. While the ZTE nubia is heavier, I value performance and multimedia capabilities higher than weight. While the lack of a dedicated macro lens is a slight drawback, I feel the other advantages far outweigh this limitation. Also, I like having the latest software and connectivity features and having a future proofed device. Finally, for an all-round and better experience, the ZTE nubia is the clear winner for my use case.
