Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Huawei P60 Pro. This isn't just about specs on paper; it's about how these devices perform in the real world and which one might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specifications, with a focus on what these numbers mean for your daily usage:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Huawei P60 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 161 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | ZTE is slightly taller and slimmer. Both are similar in size and thickness |
| Weight | 204g | 200g | Both are relatively hefty, typical for phones with large batteries and robust build. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | ZTE's larger screen offers a more immersive experience, great for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 1220x2700 | Huawei's higher res results in sharper images and text, good for detail-oriented tasks. |
| Pixel Density | 400 ppi | 444 ppi | Huawei has better clarity for fine details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | ZTE's display can get significantly brighter, ensuring great visibility even under direct sunlight. Huawei data missing |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G | Huawei’s newer chipset offers better performance and energy efficiency. Note the Huawei is 4G only |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 1,228,811 | Huawei has a noticeable performance edge for heavy apps, gaming, or multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Similar graphics performance but Huawei's benefits from its faster CPU. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4815mAh | Both have a decent battery capacity for a full day’s use, but the efficiency matters more. |
| Charging | 65W | 88W | Huawei charges much faster, allowing for quicker top-ups. |
| Features | Non-removable | 50W Wireless charging, 7.5W Wireless reverse charging | Huawei offers Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP (f/1.6) | 48MP (f/1.4) | ZTE has higher resolution, but Huawei’s wider aperture means better low-light photos and video. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.72" | 1/1.4" | Huawei’s larger sensor captures more light, improving low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP (f/2.0) | 31MP (f/2.4) | Huawei's front camera is superior for high-res selfies. |
| Telephoto Camera Resolution | 64MP (f/3.5) | 48MP (f/2.1) | ZTE is higher resolution, but Huawei offers better low light and zoom |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | N/A | 13MP (f/2.2) | Huawei has a dedicated wide-angle lens, a significant benefit for landscapes and group shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP (f/2.3) | N/A | ZTE has a dedicated wide angle and macro lens |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3MP | N/A | ZTE offers depth sensing |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | 4K@60fps | ZTE is capable of high resolution video. Huawei is great for 4K recording |
| DXOMark Scores | N/A | 156 (Overall) | Huawei’s camera capabilities are well-validated. ZTE does not have official data |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | Android 13 | Huawei's Android version is not clearly stated, but is likely 13 |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both feature similar wifi capabilities |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 | Both provide similar connectivity options. ZTE offers more advanced audio options. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Huawei offers a wider variety of GPS options |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal | 256 GB or 512 GB or 1024 GB or 128 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | ZTE has more storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB or 16 GB or 18 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | ZTE has a higher RAM option. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Stereo Speakers | ZTE has a more advanced audio experience |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both devices offer similar screen protection. Specifics are not available |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Huawei provides a more complete range of sensor options |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Strengths: The Axon 40 Ultra really shines with its large, bright screen, making it excellent for media consumption, especially in sunlight. It also offers a really interesting mix of cameras that have a lot of potential, particularly with its wide-angle macro and depth sensing. The ability to shoot 8K video at 30fps is great for creators. Plus, it offers lots of storage and RAM options. It has a very impressive audio experience with DTS / DTS X
- Competitive Advantages: The under-display camera is a very cool feature, and the brighter display is a huge plus. The multitude of sensors allows for very advanced photography applications.
- Trade-offs: While the Axon 40 Ultra is impressive, the older chipset lags slightly behind in overall performance.
Huawei P60 Pro:
- Strengths: The P60 Pro boasts a superior camera system, especially in low-light, and a much more advanced chipset. Its fast charging is a great convenience, and it has wireless charging which is really useful for everyday charging.
- Competitive Advantages: The P60 Pro stands out with its refined camera quality and overall performance. It has a much better DxOmark score, proving its impressive camera capabilities.
- Trade-offs: The Huawei's major trade-off is the lack of 5G. The lack of brightness data for the screen is also concerning.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is for:
- Media Lovers: The large, bright screen is ideal for watching videos, browsing social media, and playing games.
- Creative Photographers: Those who enjoy experimenting with different camera setups, such as macro shots and depth-sensing effects, will find this phone compelling.
- Power Users: The large RAM and storage options ensure smooth multitasking and plenty of space for all your files.
Huawei P60 Pro is for:
- Camera Enthusiasts: If you prioritize the highest image quality, especially in low light, and a highly capable zoom then the P60 Pro is the clear choice.
- Performance Seekers: People who need top-tier performance for demanding apps and gaming will appreciate the enhanced processing power.
- Busy Professionals: The fast charging and efficient battery life ensure the phone is always ready.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What do I prioritize most in a smartphone? Is it a bright screen for media consumption (ZTE), or top-tier low-light photography and powerful performance (Huawei)?
- Am I okay with the potential limitations of each device? The ZTE is less powerful, while the Huawei does not have 5G.
- What is my budget? The better phone overall is the Huawei, but at what price?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Photographer: Choose the Huawei P60 Pro for its superior low-light performance, wider aperture, and refined camera system.
- For the Media Consumer: Opt for the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra for its larger, brighter display and immersive experience.
- For the Power User: Go with the Huawei P60 Pro for its better performance and faster charging.
- For the Budget Conscious The ZTE is likely a more affordable option, and may be the best compromise.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two, I'd lean towards the Huawei P60 Pro. While I'm a big fan of ZTE's innovations, especially that large and bright display, the Huawei's overall package is just more compelling for my needs.
Here's why:
- Camera: I take a lot of photos, often in challenging lighting conditions. Huawei's camera superiority, as shown by the DxOmark score and the wider aperture, would make a huge difference in my everyday shots. The dedicated wide angle camera is also something I appreciate for landscape photography.
- Performance: As someone who uses resource-intensive apps and games, the increased performance of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a major advantage.
- Fast Charging: I am often on the go, and fast charging is really important to keep my workflow smooth.
The lack of 5G is a bummer, and the missing data on the screen brightness is disappointing, but the rest of the package tips the scale for me.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities. If the brightest display and lots of memory and storage are your top concerns, then the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra could be a solid choice. But, for well-rounded performance with an emphasis on photography, the Huawei P60 Pro would be my pick.
