Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Honor 70. Both phones launched within a few weeks of each other in 2022, so they represent a snapshot of mid-to-high-end smartphone tech at the time. Here’s a detailed look at their specs, real-world implications, and which type of user each phone caters to.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Honor 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 161.4 × 73.3 × 7.9 mm | The Axon 40 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, which can affect pocketability and single-hand comfort. |
| Weight | 204g | 178g | The Honor 70 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for long periods of use. |
Display
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Honor 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | The Axon 40 Ultra offers a slightly larger screen, which is beneficial for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 1080x2400 | The Axon 40 Ultra has a slightly sharper display with more pixels. |
| PPI | 400 | 395 | Both phones have very similar pixel density; the difference is virtually negligible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use high-quality display technology, so color accuracy and vibrancy should be similar. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | The Axon 40 Ultra's significantly higher brightness makes it far more readable in bright sunlight. The Honor 70's value here is incomplete, as most OLEDs reach up to 1000 nits |
Performance
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Honor 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | The Axon 40 Ultra’s chipset is significantly more powerful, providing smoother performance for demanding apps, games, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 600,525 | The Axon 40 Ultra demonstrates vastly superior performance in benchmarks, indicating better overall speed and responsiveness in daily tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 642L | The Axon 40 Ultra's Adreno 730 is better for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Honor 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" Sony IMX787, 0.70µm pixels | 54MP, f/1.9, 1/1.49" Sony IMX800, 1.00µm pixels | The Axon has higher resolution but the Honor has larger pixel sizes and a larger sensor, which should help in low light, though a lower aperture on the Axon means more light is captured with that lens |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0, Omnivision, 1.22µm pixels | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" Omnivision OV32C, 0.70µm pixels | The Honor 70 has a higher-resolution selfie camera, but the Axon has a wider aperture and bigger pixels. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" Omnivision OV64B, 0.70µm pixels | N/A | The Axon 40 Ultra features a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 50MP, f/2.2, | The Honor 70 has a dedicated wide-angle lens, beneficial for group shots and landscapes. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3MP, | N/A | The Axon has a ToF 3D sensor, used for depth mapping in portraits and potentially AR. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Honor 70 has a dedicated macro lens, useful for close-up photography of small objects. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72" Sony IMX787, 0.70µm pixels | N/A | The Axon has a wide angle lens for macro shot, covering the needs that the Honor 70 serves with two separate lenses. |
| Video Recording | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps with HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS | The Axon 40 Ultra supports significantly higher video resolutions, allowing for more detailed recording. The Honor 70 also doesn't have OIS, which is present on the Axon 40. |
| DxOMark | N/A | Mobile: 115 (Photo: 115, Video: 129) | Only the Honor 70 has been tested by DxOMark; the scores suggest strong video performance for the Honor. |
Battery Life
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Honor 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | The Axon 40 Ultra has a slightly larger battery, which might translate to a bit more usage time between charges. |
| Charging | 65W | 66W | Both phones offer very fast charging times; the difference is negligible. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | The Honor 70 allows users to share their battery with other devices, which can be very useful. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Strengths: The Axon 40 Ultra is a performance powerhouse, thanks to its top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. It also has a superior display in terms of brightness and a more versatile camera setup with a dedicated telephoto lens and impressive video recording capabilities, and OIS.
- Competitive Advantages: Its under-display camera is unique, and its 8K video recording is a standout feature for videographers. The combination of high processing power, superior display brightness, and advanced camera capabilities give it a significant edge for demanding users.
- Trade-offs and Limitations: The phone is heavier, thicker, and lacks features like a wide-angle lens. The lack of DxOMark scores for the camera make it hard to get a good understanding of the quality of the pictures. The additional lenses are covered by the triple lens system, so it's a matter of versatility over convenience.
Honor 70:
- Strengths: The Honor 70 is lighter, making it more comfortable for everyday use. It has a good quality camera, particularly excelling in the video department according to DxOMark. It also has a dedicated macro and wide-angle lens.
- Competitive Advantages: The inclusion of reverse charging and great scores on video quality according to DxOMark, give the Honor 70 a good reason to be considered as a video device.
- Trade-offs and Limitations: It has a less powerful chipset and screen with lower brightness, especially in direct sunlight.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Best Suited For: Power users, mobile gamers, content creators, and videographers who prioritize top-tier performance, display quality, and a versatile camera setup.
- Use Cases: Playing graphically intensive games, editing 4K/8K videos, working with demanding apps, capturing detailed photos and videos in various conditions, or enjoying a high-quality movie experience.
Honor 70:
- Best Suited For: Everyday users, social media enthusiasts, content creators with less heavy workloads, and those who value a lightweight design and good video quality at a more accessible price point.
- Use Cases: General browsing, social media, casual photography and video capture, watching movies, and sharing battery with other devices.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Consider these questions to guide your decision:
- What is your primary use for a smartphone?
- If gaming, heavy apps, and content creation are your primary needs, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra will be a better fit. If your use is casual, the Honor 70 will suffice.
- How important is the display in bright conditions?
- If you regularly use your phone outdoors, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the clear choice. If not, the Honor 70's display is adequate.
- How important is portability and comfort?
- If you prioritize a lighter device, the Honor 70 is ideal. If performance is prioritized, then the weight of the Axon 40 Ultra should be something you take into consideration.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Budget Conscious User: If price is your main concern, and your needs aren't intense, the Honor 70 will provide a very good video and overall experience with less drain on your pocket.
- Professional Videographer: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the better option due to its 8K video capabilities, and a better camera module overall.
- Mobile Gamer: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra will provide a significantly smoother gaming experience with the higher processing power and more powerful GPU.
- Everyday Casual User: The Honor 70 is more suitable due to its comfortable weight and lighter performance for everyday tasks.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra, and here’s why. As a tech journalist and someone who also dabbles in content creation, the Axon 40 Ultra is the more complete package for my needs. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 ensures that I have no lag while switching between my many open apps or while rendering videos. The significantly brighter screen is essential for working outside, especially when capturing photos or videos for my content. The multiple lenses and 8K recording are also incredibly valuable tools for my workflow, as is the OIS. While it's heavier and more expensive, the Axon 40 Ultra's power and versatility make it the better fit for my needs. The under-display camera also gives the phone a distinct and cool look.
While the Honor 70 is a great phone in its own right, its performance and screen quality are behind the ZTE, which is something that would bother me. I am also fine sacrificing the dedicated macro lens for a better all-around camera experience.
