Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Honor X8b. I've got my engineering hat on, so let's break down the specs, see what they mean for you, and figure out which phone wins where.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specifications, grouped by relevant categories, with a focus on their practical implications:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Honor X8b | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 161.1 x 74.6 x 6.8 mm | ZTE is taller and thicker, feels bulkier; Honor is slimmer and lighter, better for one-hand use |
| Weight | 204g | 166g | ZTE feels noticeably heavier; Honor is much more pocketable and comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Very similar, practically unnoticeable difference in size |
| Resolution | 1116 x 2480 | 1080 x 2412 | ZTE provides a sharper, more detailed image, although it is subtle |
| PPI | 400 | 394 | Both offer very similar pixel density, with ZTE just slightly sharper |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and great contrast |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | ZTE offers smoother animations and scrolling; Honor slightly less fluid but still decent |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2000 nits | Honor is significantly brighter, making it much more readable outdoors in sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 680 4G | ZTE has a much more powerful processor, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 250,000 | ZTE is a performance powerhouse, Honor is more suitable for light to moderate use |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 610 | ZTE's GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks much better, excellent for gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 108MP | Honor offers higher resolution for more detail |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.75 | ZTE lets in more light, which should lead to slightly better low-light photos |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 50MP | Honor's selfie camera captures far more detail |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.1 | ZTE selfie camera may perform slightly better in low-light |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP | None | ZTE can zoom optically with a dedicated telephoto lens |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 5MP | Honor offers a wide-angle option for expansive shots |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP | Honor offers a macro option for close-up shots |
| ToF 3D sensor | 0.3MP | None | ZTE has a 3D sensor for depth mapping |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K/120fps | 1080p/30fps | ZTE has vastly superior video capabilities, ideal for creators |
| Camera Features | OIS, Laser AF, Under Display Camera | Front Flash | ZTE boasts advanced features, Honor offers a front flash |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | ZTE has a larger battery, likely giving better endurance |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 35W Fast Charging | ZTE charges much faster, less downtime |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | Android 13 | Honor comes with the latest version out of the box |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | ZTE supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | ZTE has a slightly more advanced and efficient Bluetooth version |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | Up to 1TB | Up to 512GB | ZTE offers more storage options |
| RAM | Up to 18GB | 8GB | ZTE has more RAM for multitasking, ensuring smoother performance |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Basic audio features | ZTE provides superior audio quality with advanced audio features |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Honor provides faster and more reliable unlock experience |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
Strengths:
- Performance King: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset paired with up to 18GB of RAM puts this device firmly in flagship territory, handling demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking with ease.
- Camera System: Boasts a versatile array of cameras, including a telephoto lens, ToF 3D Sensor, and a Wide Angle + Macro lens offering a wide range of creative possibilities.
- Video Powerhouse: Capable of shooting up to 8K video and slow-motion at 480 fps. It has multiple video recording modes that will cater to professional users as well as casual ones.
- Premium Audio: With DTS/DTS X support, stereo speakers, and three microphones, the Axon 40 Ultra offers a much richer audio experience for multimedia consumption.
- Faster Charging & Larger Battery: The 65W fast charging and a larger 5000mAh battery mean less time plugged in and more time using your device.
- Faster WiFi: Wi-Fi 6 supports faster speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks.
Trade-offs:
- Bulkier Design: The extra performance and features come at the cost of a thicker, heavier design compared to the Honor X8b.
- Older OS: Launching with Android 12 means it's slightly behind in terms of operating system version compared to the Honor X8b.
Honor X8b:
Strengths:
- Slim and Light: Its slim and lightweight design makes it highly comfortable for everyday carry and single-hand use.
- Brighter Display: The 2000 nits peak brightness makes it significantly better for use in bright, sunny conditions.
- High-Resolution Selfie Camera: The 50MP selfie camera captures excellent detail for selfies and video calls.
- Latest Android OS: It comes with Android 13, the latest operating system, offering all the new features.
- More User Friendly Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is much faster and more reliable.
Trade-offs:
- Lower Performance: The Snapdragon 680 4G is not built for power users or heavy gaming, it will get the job done if you do not push it hard.
- Basic Audio: The audio quality will be sufficient for most users, but it's not on the same level as the Axon 40 Ultra.
- Slower Charging & Smaller Battery: It charges slower, and the smaller battery means it might not last as long as the Axon 40 Ultra during intense use.
- No Optical Zoom: It does not have the capabilities of Optical zoom.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is best for:
- Power Users: Gamers, content creators, and multitaskers who demand top-tier performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a highly versatile camera system and excellent video capabilities.
- Multimedia Consumers: People who value high-fidelity audio, clear video, and a better experience while consuming media.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the absolute latest mobile technology.
Honor X8b is best for:
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize a slim, light, and comfortable phone for daily tasks.
- Social Media Users: Individuals who take lots of selfies and enjoy sharing their photos.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: People looking for a reliable phone at a more affordable price point.
- Casual users: Users that prefer an adequate experience with no compromises, but without needing to fully maximize its capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
Do I need top-tier performance?
- If Yes, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the clear choice.
- If No, the Honor X8b will be sufficient for daily use.
Do I prioritize portability and display brightness?
- If Yes, the Honor X8b's slim design and bright screen are compelling.
- If No, and performance matters more, the Axon 40 Ultra can win you over.
What is more important to me: audio and camera features or the overall performance
- If Audio and camera features, ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the way to go.
- If Overall performance, ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is still better, but it is still important to consider if you would like to use the phone more casually.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Mobile Gamer: Go for the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra for its superior processing power and GPU for smooth gaming.
- On-the-Go Photographer: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's versatile camera system will provide more flexibility.
- Social Media Influencer: The Honor X8b's high-resolution front camera is a big draw, but the ZTE still has superior capabilities.
- Daily Commuter: The Honor X8b's lightness and brightness might be ideal.
- Tech Enthusiast: ZTE Axon 40 Ultra for the latest and greatest mobile experience.
- Casual User: Honor X8b for its simplicity and adequate performance.
Which One Would I Choose?
For me, it's the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra, hands down. As a tech journalist and analyst, I need a phone that can handle anything I throw at it, from heavy multitasking to gaming and video editing. Its more powerful processor, larger battery, superior camera system, and excellent audio features align perfectly with my needs. Yes, it is slightly bulkier than the Honor, but I am willing to trade that for raw performance and advanced features. I also love having a device that showcases the latest mobile technology and allows me to push it to its limits.
While the Honor X8b has its own merits – especially its slimness, bright display and high resolution selfie camera – it is just not enough for what I demand from a smartphone. If I wasn't so demanding, I'd definitely consider it.
