Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Huawei nova 11. Both are intriguing devices, but they cater to different needs and priorities. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and guide you to the best choice for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Huawei nova 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 161.3 × 75 × 6.9 mm | Axon 40 Ultra is taller, slightly less wide and thicker; nova 11 is slimmer, and easier to handle for some, Axon 40 Ultra has larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 204g | 168g | nova 11 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Virtually identical screen sizes; not much difference here. |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 1084x2412 | Axon 40 Ultra has a slightly sharper display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 400 | 391 | Both offer very sharp displays, indiscernible to the naked eye in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both are capable of vibrant colors and deep blacks; negligible real world difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 950 nits | Axon 40 Ultra is dramatically brighter, superior outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 778G 4G (6nm) | Axon 40 Ultra has a much more powerful chip, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and high-end gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 587,561 | Axon 40 Ultra offers vastly superior performance, over 81% higher scores. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 642L | Axon 40 Ultra's GPU provides noticeably better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" Sony IMX787 | 50MP, f/1.9, sensor_model unknown | Axon 40 Ultra has a higher resolution and wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0, Omnivision | 60MP, f/2.4, 1/2.8" Omnivision OV60A | Huawei nova 11 has much higher resolution, but the lower aperture might affect low light performance, Axon 40 Ultra slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" Omnivision OV64B | Not Present | Axon 40 Ultra offers a dedicated telephoto lens, better zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72" Sony IMX787 | 8MP, f/2.2, sensor_model unknown | Axon 40 Ultra has a much higher resolution for wide-angle shots; Huawei nova 11 wider aperture. |
| TOF 3D sensor | 0.3MP, sensor_model unknown | Not Present | Axon 40 Ultra offers depth sensing |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 720p@960fps | Axon 40 Ultra can record high-resolution video, and offers far more options for resolution and frame rates. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, 8K Video, Optical zoom, OIS, LAF, Under Display Camera | 4K Video, Dual Camera, Continuous autofocus | Axon 40 Ultra provides more advanced options, including optical zoom, OIS and under display camera |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Axon 40 Ultra has a larger battery, likely offers longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Both offer similar fast charging speed, the difference is minimal. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Huawei nova 11 offers reverse charging, but both batteries are non-removable |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Unknown | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra runs Android 12 and can upgrade to Android 13. Huawei nova 11 os version is not provided. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Both phones share similar wifi features |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE, A2DP | 5.2 LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Huawei nova 11 supports more audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Huawei nova 11 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support Dual SIM and Dual Standby mode |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512/1024 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Axon 40 Ultra offers a larger 1TB option. |
| RAM | 8/12/16/18 GB | 6/8/12 GB | Axon 40 Ultra offers more RAM, better for heavy use. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Stereo Speakers | Axon 40 Ultra has better audio with DTS, and additional microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both use basic fingerprint sensors. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Strengths:
- Raw Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset delivers flagship-level speed, making it ideal for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Display Excellence: The brighter display is a significant advantage for outdoor visibility.
- Camera Versatility: A full suite of high-resolution sensors, telephoto lens and 8K video capabilities offer professional-grade photography and videography.
- Battery Life: Larger battery will allow for more intensive usage.
- Audio: Superior audio quality, which is advantageous for multimedia.
Huawei nova 11 Strengths:
- Lightweight Design: The slim and light form factor is great for one-handed use and portability.
- Selfie Camera: A 60MP selfie camera offers impressive detail and sharpness.
- Slightly faster charging: 66W charging could be fractionally quicker in real world scenarios.
- Location accuracy: Better accuracy due to additional satellite navigation systems.
Trade-offs:
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: It is heavier and bulkier compared to the Huawei nova 11, which may affect user comfort.
- Huawei nova 11: Its processor is less powerful, and the camera system is not as versatile as the Axon 40 Ultra, especially in video.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is best for:
- Power Users: Gamers, content creators, and multitaskers who demand top-tier performance and advanced features.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with excellent zoom and video capabilities.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright display for easy viewing in sunlight.
Huawei nova 11 is best for:
- Casual Users: Users who prioritize portability and comfort over cutting-edge performance.
- Selfie Lovers: Those who want a high-resolution front camera for detailed selfies and video calls.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want a capable phone at a more accessible price point.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your choice:
- Performance Priority: Is high-end performance for gaming and heavy tasks a must-have for you, or will a mid-range chipset suffice?
- Camera Needs: Do you need advanced zoom capabilities and high-resolution video or is a good main camera sufficient?
- Portability vs. Power: Do you prioritize a light, compact design, or a device with maximum battery life and processing power?
Scenario-based recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (The Tech Enthusiast): If you want the best specs and features, including top-tier performance and camera versatility, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the clear choice, despite the higher price and weight.
- Scenario 2 (The Everyday User): If you prioritize a lightweight design and a good selfie camera, the Huawei nova 11 will be more comfortable and meet your needs.
- Scenario 3 (The Budget-Conscious Photographer): If a great camera is your priority but budget is a concern, compare price points between the two; the Axon 40 Ultra will provide more, but may cost more too.
- Scenario 4 (The Traveler): If location accuracy and a lightweight design are critical, the Huawei Nova 11 has a slight edge.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would go with the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
Here's why:
- Performance is King: As someone who values raw processing power, especially for gaming and intensive app use, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Axon 40 Ultra is a significant draw.
- Versatile Camera: The camera system's versatility and higher resolution with additional features such as OIS, optical zoom, and the under-display camera is compelling for me.
- Future-Proofing: I would like to invest in a device that offers future-proof features, which in my opinion, is the Axon 40 Ultra.
While the Huawei nova 11 is a decent device, I prefer the additional performance and premium features of the Axon 40 Ultra, and I am willing to sacrifice some weight and portability for it.
I hope this detailed analysis helps you make the right choice. Let me know if you have any other questions!
