Alright, let's dive deep into the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Huawei nova Y90, two phones with very different ambitions. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and break down the specs, translating them into what really matters for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side comparison with an emphasis on real-world implications:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | Similar size, Nova Y90 slightly wider. May affect one-handed feel. |
| Weight | 204g | 195g | Nova Y90 is noticeably lighter; more comfortable for longer usage. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are typical smartphones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Virtually identical screen sizes. |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 1080x2388 | Axon 40 Ultra: slightly sharper display; more detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 400 | 391 | Both have very crisp displays. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Axon 40 Ultra: vibrant colors, deep blacks, superior contrast, better battery efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Axon 40 Ultra: smoother animations, more responsive in games. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Axon 40 Ultra: superior visibility outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Axon 40 Ultra: Flagship-level performance; handles heavy apps and games effortlessly. Nova Y90: Good for daily tasks, less powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 249,000 | Axon 40 Ultra: significantly faster; snappier app loading, better multitasking, better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 610 | Axon 40 Ultra: much better graphics performance, superior gaming experience. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones: expected to have similar battery life; depends on usage. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | Axon 40 Ultra: Charges up much faster, less downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP f/1.6 | 50MP f/1.8 | Axon 40 Ultra: Higher resolution, better in low light due to wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 8MP f/2.0 | Axon 40 Ultra: Sharper and more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP f/3.5 | N/A | Axon 40 Ultra: Optical zoom capability, better for distance shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP f/2.3 | N/A | Axon 40 Ultra: versatile wide-angle and macro capabilities. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3MP | N/A | Axon 40 Ultra: enhanced depth sensing for better bokeh effects. |
| Secondary Camera | N/A | 2MP f/2.4 | Nova Y90: depth sensor for portrait photos. |
| Tertiary Camera | N/A | 2MP f/2.4 | Nova Y90: macro for close-up photos. |
| Video | 8K, 4K@120fps | 1080p@30fps | Axon 40 Ultra: far more versatile with high-resolution, higher framerate recording. |
| Stabilization | HDR, EIS, OIS | None | Axon 40 Ultra: smoother videos and better image stability. |
| DxOMark | N/A | N/A | No official score for either model. |
| Features | Extensive, RAW, Night Mode | Basic | Axon 40 Ultra: More professional level options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | Axon 40 Ultra: more up to date OS, likely longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Axon 40 Ultra: faster, more stable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 LE | Axon 40 Ultra: slightly newer, more efficient Bluetooth. |
| GPS | L1+L5 | L1 | Axon 40 Ultra: more accurate GPS. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB | Axon 40 Ultra: many options for different user needs; Nova Y90 is less generous. |
| RAM | 8GB, 12GB, 16GB, 18GB | 4GB, 6GB, 8GB | Axon 40 Ultra: Multitasking monster with more RAM for heavy usage. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both: no expandable storage; choose wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS/DTS X, Stereo speakers | Basic audio features | Axon 40 Ultra: Enhanced surround sound, better immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Huawei nova Y90: More advanced biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones: similar screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Extensive | Basic | Axon 40 Ultra: more advanced sensor package. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Strengths: This phone is a powerhouse, plain and simple. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, combined with the AMOLED display and 120Hz refresh rate, deliver a smooth and immersive experience. The camera setup is seriously impressive, offering incredible versatility with its array of 64MP lenses, high quality video, and advanced features. The under-display front facing camera is a show piece. The faster charging ensures less time tethered to a wall.
- Competitive Advantages: It's a top-tier flagship device with cutting-edge performance, display quality, and a high quality camera system. It aims at users who want the absolute best in mobile technology.
- Trade-offs: It is heavier than the Huawei and it doesn't have a side mounted fingerprint scanner. The lack of expandable storage means choosing the right configuration at purchase is important.
Huawei nova Y90:
- Strengths: The nova Y90 provides an adequate smartphone experience with a decent battery life, and a basic camera setup. It's very light and comfortable to hold.
- Competitive Advantages: It's positioned as an affordable option that can handle day-to-day tasks, but is a budget offering.
- Trade-offs: The nova Y90's chipset struggles with heavy multitasking, gaming, and video recording. Its IPS LCD screen and 90Hz refresh rate feel less fluid than the Axon 40 Ultra. The lower brightness may make it hard to see in sunny conditions. The cameras are not in the same class, and there are no high quality video capabilities.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: Ideal for power users, gamers, content creators, and anyone who demands the best performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. It's perfect for those who don’t want to compromise and are willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge tech. Use cases: high-end gaming, professional photography and video, heavy multitasking, demanding applications.
Huawei nova Y90: Best suited for casual users with a tighter budget who mainly use their phones for basic social media, browsing, and communication. It's a decent phone for basic use cases with no heavy requirements. Use cases: everyday browsing, basic social media, casual photography, and calling.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself:
- Performance Needs: How important is top-tier performance for you? If you plan on gaming, using complex apps, or want a fast, fluid experience, the Axon 40 Ultra is the clear winner. If you just do simple tasks, the Nova Y90 will be fine.
- Camera Capabilities: Do you want professional-quality photos and videos? The Axon 40 Ultra's camera system is vastly superior with multiple high quality lenses, higher quality video and advanced features. If you are looking to take a few basic pictures, the Nova Y90 is adequate.
- Budget Constraints: How much are you willing to invest in a smartphone? The Axon 40 Ultra is a high-end device that costs more. If cost is the main concern, the nova Y90 is an economical choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers: Go for the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra, its performance will be more than capable.
- For Casual Users: The Huawei nova Y90 is the more affordable option, but be aware of its limitations.
- For Content Creators: The Axon 40 Ultra’s advanced camera system, with its video capabilities, is an obvious choice.
- For Power Users: The Axon 40 Ultra's blazing fast performance and multi-tasking capabilities is the better option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra, no question. As a tech journalist and someone who uses my phone for everything from research and writing to photography and gaming, the Axon 40 Ultra simply offers the superior experience in nearly every aspect. The higher refresh rate display, the amazing camera system, the power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and overall future-proofing capabilities make it an easy choice. I value the speed, the responsiveness and the versatility it provides, which outweighs the higher price tag. The Huawei nova Y90 is a respectable device, but it is not in the same class.
