Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Honor 90. I'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the core specs of each phone, along with a "Real-World Implications" column to show what it all means for you:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Honor 90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 161.9 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm | ZTE is slightly taller and thicker; Honor is lighter, potentially more pocketable and comfortable to hold for longer periods |
| Weight | 204g | 183g | Honor 90 feels more comfortable due to its lighter build for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Both are large, immersive displays. The difference is negligible; personal preference on size is the main deciding factor. |
| Resolution | 1116 x 2480 | 1200 x 2664 | Honor 90 is a bit sharper, images and text will look cleaner and crisper. |
| Pixel Density | 400 ppi | 435 ppi | Sharper images and text on the Honor 90. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vivid colors and deep blacks on both, great for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1600 nits | Honor 90's higher brightness makes it easier to see in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 AE | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a more powerful chip, translates to smoother performance in heavy apps and gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 1,061,300 | 701,227 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra shows significantly faster app loading, smoother multi-tasking and better performance in demanding games. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 644 | Axon 40 Ultra offers better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.6 | 200MP, f/1.9 | Honor 90 captures highly detailed shots; Axon has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light shots, but the higher resolution of the Honor gives it an advantage |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/2.4 | Honor 90 has high-res selfies; ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5 | None | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra provides optical zoom capabilities for better zooming and portrait shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP, f/2.3 | 12MP, f/2.2 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra produces high-resolution wide-angle shots, but the Honor 90 has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light wide-angle captures |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has better video recording, especially for professional-grade content creation. |
| DXOMark | - | Overall: 122, Photo: 128, Video: 126 | Honor 90's camera performance is rated by DXOMark. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life on both; both should last a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 65W | 66W | Similar charging speed. Expect fast charging and less time tethered to a power outlet. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Strengths: Dominant Performance, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, a more versatile camera system with optical zoom, superior video recording capabilities (8K), and the inclusion of more satellite systems for better location accuracy. The Axon also offers the option of more RAM (up to 18GB) and more storage up to 1TB.
- User Experience: The higher processing power allows for gaming and heavy tasks to be handled more smoothly; the telephoto lens provides extra flexibility in photography, and the wider aperture in the main camera might deliver slightly better low-light images than the Honor 90.
- Trade-offs: The device is slightly bulkier and heavier than the Honor 90.
Honor 90:
- Strengths: Lighter and more compact design, a higher resolution and brighter display, a higher-resolution main camera, and better benchmark scores from a DXOMark rating.
- User Experience: Its lighter design and comfortable fit in the hand will appeal to many users; the brighter display is ideal for outdoor use.
- Trade-offs: Less powerful chipset which may affect gaming and heavy app usage, its camera is not as versatile as the Axon 40 Ultra lacking a telephoto lens and advanced video recording capabilities (8k).
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, and photography/videography enthusiasts who need top-tier performance and versatile camera options.
- Use Cases: Heavy mobile gaming, professional content creation, demanding applications, or users who value optical zoom and high-resolution video.
- Value Proposition: Offers a more complete package for users who demand the best performance.
- Honor 90:
- Ideal User: Casual users who value a sleek design, solid camera capabilities, and a brighter display.
- Use Cases: Everyday social media, browsing, photography, media consumption, and users who value a lightweight comfortable phone.
- Value Proposition: A more convenient choice for users with general use cases, focusing on a brighter display and sleek design.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How much do I prioritize performance and demanding tasks? If you game heavily or use resource-intensive apps, the Axon 40 Ultra is the clear choice. If your use cases are casual, the Honor 90 is adequate.
- Is having advanced camera capabilities a must? The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has more features to offer: optical zoom and 8K video recording with its versatile camera system. The Honor 90 is more casual focused.
- How much does form factor matter to me? The Honor 90 is lighter and easier to handle for longer periods of time, making it the better choice for those who prefer a lighter and more portable phone.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For the Heavy User: If you're into mobile gaming, video editing, or other demanding tasks, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the better fit for you.
- For the Casual User: If you primarily use your phone for browsing, social media, and everyday photos, the Honor 90 offers a lighter and sleeker design.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: If you want a versatile camera system that offers optical zoom, then the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra should be your first pick.
- For the On-the-Go User: If you value a lightweight phone and an amazing screen, then the Honor 90 is the best choice for you.
My Choice:
If I were to pick between the two, I would lean towards the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. While the Honor 90 is a solid offering with a great screen and sleek design, the Axon 40 Ultra simply offers more versatility and overall performance that I value. As a tech journalist, I also appreciate the more advanced camera system and the performance gains offered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. The added flexibility in the camera system and 8K video capabilities is also something I wouldn't want to miss. However, if you are a casual user or value a lighter phone for everyday usage, then the Honor 90 might be a better pick.
