Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Google Pixel 7 Pro. These are two intriguing devices, each with its own set of strengths and potential drawbacks. Let's break it down to see which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-13 | 2022-10-13 | Pixel 7 Pro is newer by 5 months, potentially featuring more refined software. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional slab-style smartphones, no foldables here. |
| Dimensions | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm, 204g | 162.9 × 76.6 × 8.9 mm, 212g | The Axon 40 Ultra is slightly lighter and thinner, while the Pixel 7 Pro is a tad wider, potentially impacting one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Marginal size difference, both offer immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 1440x3120 | Pixel 7 Pro has a significantly sharper display (higher pixel density), great for detailed visuals and crisp text. |
| Pixel Density | 400 PPI | 512 PPI | The Pixel 7 Pro screen will look sharper to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1500 nits | Both are bright enough for comfortable outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | Axon 40 Ultra’s Snapdragon generally offers raw power, while Pixel's Tensor focuses on AI tasks and photo processing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 831,716 | The Axon 40 Ultra scores higher in synthetic benchmarks, implying potentially faster overall performance in games and demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G710 MP7 | Different GPUs, performance will vary by task. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" Sony IMX787 | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31" Samsung GN1 | Axon 40 Ultra has higher MP, while Pixel 7 Pro has a larger sensor, with bigger individual pixels that should result in better light sensitivity and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0, Omnivision | 10.8MP, f/2.2, Samsung S5K3J1 | Axon 40 Ultra has higher MP and wider aperture, potentially better detail and light gathering in selfies. Both feature large 1.22µm pixel size. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" OV64B | 48MP, f/3.5, 1/2" Samsung S5KGM1 | Axon 40 Ultra offers higher resolution in its telephoto, but pixel size and sensor size are similar. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.3" Sony IMX381 | Pixel 7 Pro has a dedicated ultrawide lens, while Axon 40 Ultra is missing it. |
| TOF 3D Sensor | 0.3MP | No | Axon 40 Ultra has a dedicated TOF sensor, useful for 3D depth mapping and better focus. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72" Sony IMX787 | No | Axon 40 Ultra offers a dedicated wide-angle macro camera, potentially better macro photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Axon 40 Ultra records higher-resolution 8K video, better for professional use, but the Pixel 7 Pro has Optical Image Stabilization for smooth results. |
| DxOMark | N/A | 147 (Main), 142 (Selfie) | Pixel 7 Pro scores better in DxOMark benchmark. |
| Features | Quadruple Camera, Under display camera | Triple Camera, Manual Focus | The Axon 40 Ultra has a quadruple camera and a under-display selfie camera. Pixel 7 Pro offers manual focus. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer all-day battery life under normal usage. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 23W Fast Charging, 23W Wireless Charging | Axon 40 Ultra charges significantly faster, while Pixel 7 Pro offers convenient wireless charging. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, No charger in box, Wireless charge 23W, Reverse wireless charge | Pixel 7 Pro offers wireless and reverse charging features, which is more versatile. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 13 (up to 14) | Pixel 7 Pro has a newer OS and longer guaranteed software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer modern Wi-Fi standards; Axon 40 Ultra additionally supports Wi-Fi MiMO for better throughput. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE, A2DP | 5.2 LE, A2DP, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Pixel 7 Pro has more comprehensive audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1) | GPS, QZSS, GLONASS (L1) | Pixel 7 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy and positioning. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Pixel 7 Pro adds eSIM support for additional flexibility with carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512/1024GB | 128/256/512GB | Axon 40 Ultra has more storage options, reaching up to 1TB. |
| RAM | 8/12/16/18GB | 12GB | Axon 40 Ultra offers more RAM, potentially better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither has expandable storage, meaning you are stuck with the storage you buy. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Axon 40 Ultra has DTS audio support, Pixel 7 Pro has better noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Pixel 7 Pro has superior screen protection, the Axon 40 Ultra is not known. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Pixel 7 Pro has more sensors, including the barometer, which enhances the functionality in certain apps and scenarios. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Strengths
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and higher AnTuTu score suggest that the Axon 40 Ultra should be faster when it comes to tasks like gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Charging Speed: 65W charging is significantly faster than the Pixel 7 Pro, meaning less time plugged into the wall.
- Camera Versatility: The Axon 40 Ultra's quad-camera setup, including an under-display selfie camera and dedicated wide-angle macro, offers more creative options, plus the 8K recording capability.
- Storage and RAM: With options for up to 1TB of storage and 18GB of RAM, the Axon 40 Ultra wins hands down in terms of hardware.
Google Pixel 7 Pro Strengths
- Display Quality: The Pixel 7 Pro has a higher resolution and pixel density, making it notably sharper.
- Software and Updates: The Pixel 7 Pro runs the latest Android with a longer update commitment, making it a reliable pick.
- Camera Quality: While it lacks the raw resolution of the Axon 40 Ultra, its larger main sensor, DxOMark score, and Google’s renowned image processing, along with the ultrawide lens, produce stunning and consistent photos.
- Features: Features like Wireless and reverse wireless charging, eSIM support, and more audio codec support adds value and flexibility.
- Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus is a great addition.
Trade-offs
- Axon 40 Ultra: Lacks an ultrawide lens, and the software update path is not as clear, making it less future-proof.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Slower charging speed and lower peak performance are notable downsides for those who value sheer speed and hardware power.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is best for:
- Power Users: Gamers, multitaskers, and anyone who values raw performance and hardware specs.
- Photography Enthusiasts (Specific Needs): Those wanting to experiment with 8K video, under-display cameras and dedicated macro.
- Those who want: More storage, more RAM, and fastest possible charging.
Google Pixel 7 Pro is best for:
- Photography Enthusiasts (Everyday Users): Users who want consistent, high-quality photos and videos without a lot of fuss.
- Android Purists: Those who appreciate the latest Android version and a smooth, intuitive software experience.
- General Users: Anyone who values reliability, screen quality, and extra features like wireless charging.
- Those who want: The best photo results and software.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you need the highest raw performance and fastest charging speed? If yes, the Axon 40 Ultra may be your best bet.
- Do you value camera quality and consistent software updates? The Pixel 7 Pro is the winner if so.
- Do you prioritize the latest features and additional functionality? The Pixel 7 Pro's wireless charging, eSIM support, and overall experience might be more compelling.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming Focus: Axon 40 Ultra due to its higher AnTuTu score, better GPU, and potentially better thermal management.
- Photography Focus: Pixel 7 Pro because of Google's camera prowess and overall image quality.
- Everyday Reliability: Pixel 7 Pro because of better software, more features and display.
- Cutting-edge tech focus: Axon 40 Ultra has an under-display selfie camera and a higher resolution for video.
- Future-Proofing Focus: Pixel 7 Pro has longer software updates and future-proof features.
Final Thoughts and Decision:
If it were up to me, and I had to pick just one, I’d lean towards the Google Pixel 7 Pro. While the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a powerhouse with impressive numbers, the Pixel 7 Pro’s combination of a superb camera, a sharp display, and Google's smooth software experience, combined with its overall build quality, wireless charging, and better future-proofing, make it the more versatile choice for everyday use. The focus on providing a reliable, high-quality experience is more appealing than raw hardware prowess, especially when the real-world difference may not be all that significant.
The Pixel 7 Pro provides a consistent, user-friendly experience that just clicks. The Axon 40 Ultra might be impressive on paper, but in the real world, the Pixel 7 Pro is a more balanced phone that should hold its own.
