Alright, let's break down the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and Google Pixel 8. These two are interesting contenders, each with a distinct approach to smartphone design and functionality. I'll focus on what these specs mean for your day-to-day use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, along with the real-world implications for each:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Google Pixel 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm | ZTE is larger, might be less comfortable for small hands; Pixel 8 is more compact and pocketable |
| Weight | 204g | 187g | Pixel 8 is lighter, better for extended use; Axon feels more substantial |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.2" | ZTE offers a more immersive viewing experience; Pixel 8 is more manageable with one hand |
| Resolution | 1116 x 2480 | 1080 x 2400 | ZTE has a slightly sharper image due to more pixels |
| PPI | 400 | 428 | Pixel 8 has a marginally crisper image due to higher pixel density |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar quality; both offer rich colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer buttery smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2000 nits | Pixel 8 offers superior outdoor visibility, especially under direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Tensor G3 | Axon 40 Ultra is faster in raw performance; Pixel 8 has optimized AI capabilities, faster machine learning and special features |
| Antutu Score | 1,061,300 | 876,512 | Axon 40 Ultra scores higher in benchmark tests; potentially better for demanding tasks |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Different GPU configurations; Axon may perform slightly better for intense gaming, Pixel 8 excels in AI workloads |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.31" | Axon has higher resolution but a smaller sensor, while Pixel has a larger sensor which gathers more light. Both are great for regular photos |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 10.8MP, f/2.2 | Axon has higher resolution and slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | None | Axon offers optical zoom and a telephoto option; Pixel 8 doesn't have telephoto but has amazing digital zoom |
| Wide Angle Camera | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72" | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9" | Axon has much higher resolution and a wider sensor for ultra wide shots; Pixel 8 provides a solid sensor quality |
| Video | 8K@30fps HDR, EIS up to 4K@120fps HDR, EIS | 4K@60fps HDR, OIS, EIS, 1080p@240fps HDR, OIS, EIS | Axon offers higher resolutions and frame rates; Pixel 8 provides great stabilization, OIS in all modes. |
| DxoMark | - | 148 (Mobile) 152(Photo) 148(Video) | Pixel 8 has a great score in the DxoMark camera test. Axon 40 Ultra was not tested by DxOMark |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4575mAh | Axon has a slightly larger battery capacity, expect similar life times given the rest of the specs. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 27W Fast Charging | Axon charges much faster; Pixel has decent fast charging. |
| Reverse Charging | No | Yes | Pixel 8 can charge other devices, handy in emergencies |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, up to 13 | Android 14, up to 21 | Pixel 8 offers a newer and longer-supported software experience, Axon is lagging behind, if updates matter to you that's important |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Pixel 8 supports the latest WiFi, faster speeds and lower latency |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Pixel 8 has the newest Bluetooth version and supports high-quality codecs |
| GPS | L1+L5, GLONASS L1 | GLONASS L1, QZSS | Pixel 8 has more precise location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Pixel 8 provides support for eSIM for digital carrier switching while both offer Dual SIM |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | 128GB/256GB | Axon offers up to 1TB of storage for power users, while Pixel 8 maxes out at 256GB. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB/16GB/18GB | 8GB | Axon has significantly more RAM, better for intense multi-tasking and gaming |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phones allow expandable storage options |
| Audio | |||
| Features | DTS/DTS X, stereo speakers, 3 mics | Noise cancellation mic, stereo speakers, 3 mics | Axon has DTS for great speaker output, while pixel has a noise-canceling mic for clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both offer standard fingerprint unlock. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Pixel 8 has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer, Thermometer | Pixel 8 has a wider range of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Strengths: This phone is a powerhouse, especially for media consumption and gaming, with a large display, high performance, and high resolution cameras. It also boasts incredibly fast charging and a large variety of storage and RAM options. The 8K video recording is quite rare for smartphones, placing this device as an option for prosumers. The multiple cameras and under-display selfie camera make for an interesting mix of technology.
- Competitive Advantage: The Axon 40 Ultra stands out with its larger display, larger and more capable storage options, and faster charging. It’s a media consumption beast, a multitasking juggernaut, and a gaming warrior. It also has a better telephoto and ultra-wide camera compared to the Pixel 8. The camera specs are very high, with great sensor sizes and resolution.
- Trade-offs: It’s bulkier and heavier than the Pixel 8, and its software lags behind, especially in long-term support. While it has great cameras, it is lacking in software post-processing. Also, the lack of official screen protection details is concerning and might indicate a more fragile display.
Google Pixel 8:
- Strengths: The Pixel 8 shines with its compact form factor, fantastic display, superior AI capabilities, and the latest Android version. The camera is also highly acclaimed due to its great image processing. It is a refined all-rounder that prioritizes user experience over raw specifications, with better optimization overall.
- Competitive Advantage: Its compact size makes it more convenient to handle, especially for those with smaller hands or a preference for pocketable devices. The camera post-processing is some of the best in the market, and it has great video quality. It also offers a longer software support period and a more refined user experience, along with handy features like reverse charging.
- Trade-offs: The Pixel 8 has lower raw performance and a smaller battery with much slower charging. It also lacks a dedicated telephoto lens and its ultra-wide is behind the Axon's. The storage is limited compared to the Axon, and it doesn’t have the raw power of its competitor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: Ideal for power users, gamers, media enthusiasts, and anyone who prioritizes raw performance, large display, and high-resolution cameras. If you're looking for a phone that can handle everything you throw at it without breaking a sweat, this is your machine. Also, great for people that like great camera sensors and want a high resolution on every picture taken. It's a good fit for someone who wants to get more out of their video capabilities.
- Google Pixel 8: Perfect for users who want a seamless, optimized user experience, a great camera, good AI features, and long-term software support, all in a compact package. It’s an excellent choice for casual users and people who don’t need the absolute best gaming or video power. It's a good fit for someone that likes great photos and videos without much need for manual settings.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize raw power and a large display, or do you prefer a refined user experience and a compact size?
- If raw power, choose ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
- If user experience and compact size, choose Google Pixel 8.
- Do you need the absolute latest software updates, or is raw hardware more important to you?
- If software is important, choose Google Pixel 8.
- If hardware is important, choose ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
- Are you mostly a casual or pro user?
- If you are a prosumer or power user, Axon is for you.
- If you are a casual user, Pixel is your best choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Mobile Gamer/Power User: Go for the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. Its raw performance and large display are perfectly suited for gaming and intense multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiast: This depends. If you prefer raw photos with the highest resolution and good sensor size, ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a good contender. If you want beautiful, refined photos with easy-to-use software, the Google Pixel 8 is a great choice.
- Everyday User: The Google Pixel 8 is a fantastic daily driver, offering a great user experience and a pocketable design.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I'd lean towards the Google Pixel 8. While the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's specs are impressive, the Pixel 8’s combination of user experience, consistent camera quality, software longevity, and more modern features is more compelling for my personal needs. I prefer the ease of use and the more compact size for everyday handling. Also, I take a lot of photos, and the Pixel’s post-processing is extremely appealing. Even though the ZTE excels in raw performance, the Pixel 8’s balanced experience fits me better. And as a tech journalist, long-term software support is important, so having a device that's guaranteed to be updated for years is crucial.
Hopefully, this gives you a clear idea of which phone fits your requirements best!
