Alright, let's dive into this comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Google Pixel 8 Pro. These two phones, while both aiming for the premium market, approach it from distinctly different angles. I’ll break it down using my usual blend of technical insight and real-world practicality.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the specifications, laid out in a way that highlights what each number means for you:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-13 | 2023-10-12 | Pixel 8 Pro is newer, likely with updated features and software support |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no foldables here |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm | Pixel 8 Pro is wider and slightly thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand |
| Weight | 204g | 213g | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is slightly lighter, might feel more comfortable for long use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Negligible size difference; both offer large, immersive screens. |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 1344x2992 | Pixel 8 Pro has significantly sharper visuals due to higher pixel count |
| PPI | 400 | 489 | Pixel 8 Pro display will appear much crisper and detailed |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; subtle differences in panel tech. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling, and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2400 nits | Pixel 8 Pro display is drastically brighter, much better in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | Different approaches to processing; Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 focuses on raw power while G3 on AI |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 1,142,984 | Pixel 8 Pro will have marginally better overall performance in benchmarks |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Different architectures, Pixel 8 Pro offers better performance in games |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5050 mAh | Similar capacities; should provide comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra charges much faster than the Pixel |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse & Wireless Charging | Pixel 8 Pro provides extra versatility; ZTE charges faster. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.31" | Pixel 8 Pro has larger sensor and pixel size, generally better image quality |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has higher resolution and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | 48MP, f/2.8, 1/2.55" | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has higher resolution while Google Pixel 8 Pro has a wider aperture |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | No | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra can potentially capture depth information |
| Wide + Macro | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72" | 48MP, f/1.95 | Google Pixel 8 Pro wide angle lens has a wider aperture |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra can record 8k video while Google Pixel 8 Pro records excellent 4k video |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | Mobile 153, Selfie 145 | Google Pixel 8 Pro is confirmed to have excellent camera performance |
| Camera Features | Under display camera | Pro video, Noise Reduction | ZTE focuses on unique design, Pixel on video recording features |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 21) | Pixel 8 Pro has the latest software and long-term updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Pixel 8 Pro offers faster Wi-Fi with greater network efficiency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Pixel 8 Pro supports aptX, LDAC, etc |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) | QZSS, etc | Pixel 8 Pro provides better location tracking with added satellite systems |
| SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Pixel 8 Pro supports digital SIM switching |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | Both phones offer large storage capacities; no microSD slot. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB/16GB/18GB | 12GB | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers more RAM in some configurations. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS/DTS:X, Stereo Speakers | Noise Canceling, Stereo Speakers | Similar audio experience; ZTE offers DTS:X, Pixel has noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Standard fingerprint authentication for both phones. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Pixel 8 Pro has significantly better screen scratch/drop protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Thermometer, Magnetometer | Pixel 8 Pro has a more comprehensive array of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Strengths: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra shines with its incredibly fast 65W charging, high resolution 8K video recording capabilities, and impressive under display front facing camera. Its higher resolution main and telephoto lens can potentially capture more details. It also offers more RAM options up to 18GB, excellent for heavy multitasking and demanding games.
- Competitive Advantages: It offers a unique under-display camera for a seamless viewing experience and has significantly faster charging than its rival.
- Trade-offs: The Axon 40 Ultra does come with its own trade offs: The main and wide angle lens have smaller sensors which usually mean less light capture and poorer image quality. The slightly older Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, might not be as powerful as the latest Google Tensor chip, and its screen might not be as visible in direct sunlight.
Google Pixel 8 Pro:
- Strengths: The Google Pixel 8 Pro boasts a vastly superior display with higher pixel density and brightness, the Google Tensor G3 chip optimizes AI driven tasks and a wider aperture telephoto lens with a larger main sensor. Google offers better long-term software support. It also has a significantly better build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
- Competitive Advantages: The Pixel’s AI-focused chipset and camera with its AI features, combined with a brighter display and a better glass protection offer compelling advantages for daily use. Its software is guaranteed long term support.
- Trade-offs: The Pixel 8 Pro lacks the incredibly fast charging speed of the ZTE, and it has lower resolution cameras.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize charging speeds, high resolution video recording, seamless screen experience, large RAM and enjoy having the latest tech that pushes boundaries.
- Use Cases: Gamers, content creators, anyone needing a quick charge, those wanting a unique phone.
- Google Pixel 8 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users who value camera performance, display quality, long-term software support, and advanced AI features.
- Use Cases: Photography enthusiasts, everyday users who want a reliable device with great photo quality, anyone who wants software and security updates for a longer time.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do you need blazing-fast charging above all else? If yes, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is your choice.
- Is camera quality and display visibility more important than charging speed? If yes, the Pixel 8 Pro is likely better suited to your needs.
- Do you need latest software and a longer lasting device? If yes, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For the Multimedia Junkie: If you’re a power user who consumes a lot of media, creates video content and plays graphic-intensive games, and who needs a phone that won’t need charging often, then the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a very good choice because of its large ram, amazing screen and super-fast charging.
- For the Everyday Photographer: If your phone is your main camera, the Pixel 8 Pro offers the best image quality, reliable point and shoot experience, better video recording with added features, superior display in direct sunlight and long software support.
- For the Tech Enthusiast: If you need a reliable daily driver phone that you know will be up to date with software and also has an amazing camera with AI features, then the Pixel 8 Pro is the obvious choice.
My Choice
If I were to pick one, I would choose the Google Pixel 8 Pro. While the ZTE's fast charging and under display camera are enticing, the Pixel 8 Pro's superior display, overall better camera performance with a larger sensor, confirmed DXOMark scores, long term software support, and better build quality with added sensors for future features, offer a more complete and satisfying daily user experience for my needs. The Google Pixel 8 Pro offers a more refined daily user experience with longer software support, which matters to me as a tech journalist. The ZTE is innovative but has trade-offs that the Pixel 8 Pro mitigates, making it the more sensible choice for my needs.
