Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. Both are aiming for the high-end market, but they approach it from slightly different angles. I'll break down the specs, offer my insights, and guide you on which device might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key specifications, with a focus on what they mean for real-world usage:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | Zenfone is a bit wider and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use, ZTE is a bit more slender. |
| Weight | 204g | 224g | ZTE is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.78" | Minimal difference in screen size; both offer an immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1116 x 2480 | 1080 x 2400 | ZTE has a slightly sharper display with more pixels, which can be noticeable in detail-rich content. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 400 | 388 | Both offer very similar pixel density resulting in sharp, crisp imagery. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use high-quality AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the visual experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2500 nits | Zenfone excels with significantly brighter screen making it much more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Zenfone boasts a newer, more powerful processor; better performance in demanding apps and games, longer support from ASUS. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone delivers significantly higher benchmark scores translating to faster app loading and smoother UI. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 | Zenfone has superior graphics performance, more suitable for high-end gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5500 mAh | Zenfone offers a larger battery providing more usage time and extended battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Both phones support 65W fast charging; you can quickly top up your battery. |
| Wireless Charging | None | 15W | Zenfone offers the convenience of wireless charging and reverse wired charging, while ZTE does not. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72", 0.70µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | ZTE has higher resolution and a wider aperture, while Zenfone's sensor gathers more light due to larger pixels, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0, 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.5, 0.70µm, 1/3.2" | Zenfone offers higher resolution selfie camera but a smaller pixel size. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2", 0.70µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.70µm | ZTE offers a higher resolution telephoto, while Zenfone has a wider aperture for better low-light. |
| Wide Angle | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72", 0.70µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm, | Zenfone includes a dedicated ultrawide angle camera, ZTE's is the same as the main but can be used for macro. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3MP | None | ZTE has a ToF sensor, which can improve depth sensing for portrait mode, but its low resolution is somewhat limited. |
| DxoMark Score | None | 125 (Photo 131, Video 115) | Only Zenfone has a DxoMark score indicating solid overall camera performance. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@120fps | Up to 8K@24fps | ZTE allows for 4k@120fps, which is great for capturing high framerate footage, Zenfone has more slow motion capability. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | Zenfone has a more recent version of Android offering the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Zenfone supports the latest WiFi standard, offering faster speeds and better range. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Zenfone has a newer Bluetooth, likely providing a more stable and power-efficient connection. |
| GPS | GPS, L1+L5 | GPS, L1+L5, QZSS, BeiDou, Galileo, NavIC | Zenfone has more comprehensive GPS support, offering more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512/1024 GB | 256/512 GB | ZTE offers a higher maximum storage option. |
| RAM | 8/12/16/18 GB | 12/16 GB | ZTE has a potential RAM advantage of up to 18GB, great for intensive multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, a slight downside if you plan to store lots of media. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS/DTS X, Stereo speakers, 3 mics | Hi-Res audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo speakers, 2 mics | Zenfone offers Hi-Res audio for better music playback and noise cancellation mics for clear communication, while ZTE has an extra mic. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both phones offer basic fingerprint sensor technology for unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Zenfone offers much better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Compass, Fingerprint | Zenfone has a compass, useful for navigation and augmented reality. |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Strengths:
- Unique Camera Setup: The combination of the 64MP main, telephoto, and wide-angle lenses are quite impressive. While the wide angle doubles as a macro lens, its implementation is better than some, but still has some limitations.
- Higher Max RAM and Storage: Up to 18GB of RAM and 1TB of storage are impressive for power users and for future proofing.
- More Slender Design: Lighter and slimmer than the Zenfone making it more pocketable and comfortable to hold.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Trade-offs:
- Older Chipset: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is still good, but it is significantly behind the Gen 3 found in the Asus.
- Lower Display Brightness: The 1500 nits brightness is good, but will suffer compared to the Zenfone in direct sunlight.
- Less Advanced Software and Support: Runs on an older Android and will likely get fewer updates than the Asus.
- Lacks Wireless Charging: A feature that most flagships offer these days is missing on the Axon.
- Average Fingerprint Sensor: Basic security option, when more advanced and reliable fingerprint readers are becoming common on phones.
- Unknown Screen Protection: Leaves users without the knowledge of the strength of their display glass, compared to the well known Corning Gorilla Glass of the Zenfone.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Strengths:
- Cutting-Edge Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers significant performance gains over the Axon.
- Superior Display Brightness: The 2500 nits brightness is a game-changer for outdoor visibility.
- Better Battery Life: Larger battery capacity of 5500mAh offers longer usage, a much more useful feature for daily use.
- Latest Software: Runs on Android 14 and future updates, ensuring the latest features and security patches.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Added convenience with 15W wireless and 10W reverse charging options.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 ensures durability and peace of mind.
- Superior GPS: More satellite systems for accurate navigation.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Trade-offs:
- Slightly Heavier and Thicker: Less comfortable for one-handed use.
- Lower Main Camera Resolution: Lower resolution compared to the ZTE, but its larger pixel size makes it better in low light.
- Lower Max RAM and Storage Options: Does not offer as much RAM or storage as the Axon.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize camera versatility and storage and RAM, with less regard for software updates or bleeding-edge performance.
- Use Cases: Excellent for photography enthusiasts, users who need ample storage for media, and users who prefer a more slender device.
- Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize top-tier performance, display quality, and overall user experience with the latest Android software.
- Use Cases: Great for mobile gamers, users who consume a lot of video, and individuals who need a phone that performs smoothly under heavy workloads.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- What's more important to you: the absolute latest in processing power and battery or unique camera capabilities and a lot of RAM/Storage? If you prioritize raw power and battery life and bright screens, go for the Zenfone. For a more unique camera, more RAM, and more storage, the ZTE might be the better fit.
- How important is outdoor visibility? If you often use your phone in bright sunlight, the Zenfone’s significantly brighter display is a clear advantage.
- How important is a compact device and the latest software? The Axon has a slightly more compact and slender design making it more pocketable, but if having the latest software is key, you will have to get the Zenfone.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: If you're a hardcore gamer or constantly multitasking, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra’s superior processor, display, and larger battery are the way to go.
- The Photography Buff: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's versatile camera setup and high res main shooter provide more creative options.
- The Everyday User: If you need a reliable, smooth device that can handle daily tasks, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra with its balanced specs and better software is the ideal choice.
My Choice and Why
Personally, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. While the ZTE has a unique camera setup and higher RAM and storage options, the Zenfone’s combination of the latest Snapdragon chipset, superior display, larger battery, wireless charging, and more recent software makes it the better all-rounder. The improvements in daily performance, outdoor visibility, and the convenience of wireless charging outweigh the unique camera features and storage offered by the ZTE for my usage. Also, as someone who spends time in direct sunlight and prefers gaming on mobile devices, the bright screen and more powerful chipset on the Zenfone is key.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both phones offer compelling features, but the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra's focus on power, display, and software edges it out for me.
