Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. I’ll break down their specs, offer some key insights, and guide you on which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table comparing the technical specifications of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Huawei Mate 50 Pro, focusing on real-world implications for users:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | Slightly taller (ZTE) vs. slightly wider (Huawei); both are similar in size and thickness |
| Weight | 204g | 205g | Both feel equally substantial in hand; negligible difference. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional slab smartphones, no foldable tech here. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.74" | Both are large-screen phones; ZTE slightly larger |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 1212x2616 | Huawei’s display will be slightly sharper thanks to the higher pixel density |
| PPI | 400 | 428 | Slightly sharper text and images on the Mate 50 Pro |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | The ZTE will be dramatically more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. The 0 nits on Huawei is likely a data error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G | Huawei has a newer, slightly more efficient chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 1,022,043 | Both offer top-tier performance; negligible difference. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Gaming performance should be very similar on both phones. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | |||
| Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | ZTE boasts a higher resolution for potentially more detailed images |
| Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.4 | Huawei’s wider aperture captures more light, beneficial in low-light scenarios. |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.72" | 1/1.56" | Huawei's larger sensor might capture more light, offering better low-light results |
| Selfie Camera | |||
| Resolution | 16MP | 13MP | ZTE offers slightly more detail in selfies. |
| Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.4 | ZTE's wider aperture may perform better in low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | |||
| Resolution | 64MP | 64MP | Both have similar resolution for telephoto shooting |
| Aperture | f/3.5 | f/3.5 | Both have similar aperture on the telephoto lenses. |
| Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2" | Both have similar sensor size on the telephoto lenses |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 12MP, f/2.2 | Huawei has a dedicated wide-angle camera for those landscape shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 64MP, f/2.3 | No | The ZTE has a combined wide-angle and macro lens for more versatility |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3MP | No | The ZTE supports depth sensing, which may enhance portrait mode. |
| Video | |||
| Max Resolution | 8K@30fps | 4K@60fps | ZTE offers higher resolution video for professional content creators |
| Slow-motion | 480fps | 960fps/3840fps at 720p | Huawei captures higher fps at different resolutions |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | 149 (Mobile), 145 (Selfie) | Huawei has scored impressive marks in camera tests. |
| Camera Features | |||
| Features | 8K Video, Quadruple Camera, Under Display Camera | Triple Camera, Manual Focus, Laser AF, Dual Front Camera | ZTE has a more versatile lens array, while Huawei has more manual controls. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | ZTE has a slightly larger battery for longer usage |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless, 7.5W Reverse Wireless | Huawei offers faster charging speeds and wireless charging features |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | Both phones will feel very similar on the software front |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer fast and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 | Both offer great Bluetooth; ZTE focuses on LE profiles, while Huawei has focus on high-quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, NavIC System | Huawei offers more satellite systems for potentially better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support two SIMs at the same time |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1024GB | 256GB, 512GB | ZTE has up to 1TB storage, while Huawei maxes at 512GB |
| RAM | 8GB, 12GB, 16GB, 18GB | 8GB | ZTE offers significantly more RAM which is better for multi-tasking |
| Expandable | No | No | No expandable storage options on either phone. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Stereo Speakers | ZTE includes enhancements for both listening and recording |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both rely on similar fingerprint technology for security |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Huawei includes a compass and barometer for added utility. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
- Strengths:
- Display Brightness: The 1500 nits peak brightness is a huge plus for outdoor visibility, especially in sunny conditions.
- Storage and RAM: With options up to 1TB of storage and 18GB of RAM, this phone is a powerhouse for power users.
- Video Recording: 8K video recording is a standout feature for professional-grade content creation.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes a triple 64MP lens setup and a separate Wide Angle + Macro lens as well as a ToF 3D sensor.
- Audio Features: DTS/DTS X surround sound and 3 microphones for a richer audio experience.
- Battery: Slightly larger battery capacity.
- Competitive Advantage: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a unique edge for users who value a brighter display and more storage, high-resolution video capabilities, and multi-tasking.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro
- Strengths:
- Camera Quality: The larger sensor size and wider aperture on the main camera is excellent for low-light photography, which is further supported by a very high DXOMark score.
- Charging Capabilities: Includes fast wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, offering more versatility in daily use.
- Wide Angle Camera: Dedicated lens for landscape shots
- Software: Latest Android Version.
- Connectivity: Better support for satellite systems for improved location tracking
- Sensor Suite: Includes a compass and barometer for environmental data.
- Competitive Advantage: The Huawei Mate 50 Pro is more focused on camera performance with the wide angle, wireless charging options, location tracking, and environmental sensors.
Significant Trade-offs and Limitations
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: The lack of a dedicated Wide-Angle lens might disappoint some users.
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Lacks 8k video and higher storage and RAM configurations. Also, display brightness might be insufficient for outdoor use (needs confirmation as the value of 0 nits is likely an error).
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
- Best for:
- Power Users: Those who need a large screen, plenty of storage, and lots of RAM for heavy multitasking.
- Content Creators: Those who will make use of 8K recording and the versatile camera setup.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Those who require a display that's readable in bright sunlight.
- Gamers: The combination of performance, storage and great audio means this phone will be a great platform for gamers.
- Use Cases:
- Editing high-resolution videos and photos on the go.
- Playing demanding games and running multiple apps simultaneously.
- Viewing content in direct sunlight.
- High quality audio recording.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro
- Best for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize excellent low-light performance and versatile camera features.
- Travelers: Who require highly reliable location tracking and environmental data from the sensors.
- Users on the Go: Those who appreciate wireless charging and reverse charging.
- Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Long trips where location tracking is needed.
- Daily usage where wireless charging and reverse charging are useful.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Questions to Ask:
- Do you prioritize camera quality or video recording capabilities? If you're heavily focused on low-light photography, the Huawei might be better, but for video the ZTE is better.
- How important is outdoor display visibility? If you frequently use your phone in direct sunlight, the ZTE will be a better choice.
- How much storage and RAM do you need? If you need a lot of storage and RAM for power-heavy tasks, the ZTE will be better due to its larger storage and RAM options.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Photographer: The Huawei Mate 50 Pro, with its superior low-light camera performance, is the better choice.
- For the Power User: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the better choice due to more RAM, storage and a better display for use in the sun.
- For the Content Creator: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the better choice because of its 8K video and versatile camera lenses.
My Choice
Personally, I'd choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
Here's why:
- Display Brightness: As someone who frequently uses my phone outdoors, the higher brightness of the ZTE is a must-have for me, especially when trying to use a GPS.
- Video Recording: I appreciate that the ZTE offers higher resolution 8k video recording.
- RAM and Storage: As a power user, the additional storage and RAM will give a performance boost for multi-tasking.
- Battery: The larger battery will be useful when using the device in demanding situations.
While the Huawei's camera is impressive, the ZTE's advantages in display and general usage better match my use case. It would be the better all-around tool for my needs.
