Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Huawei Pura 70. These are two intriguing devices that, on paper, present some fascinating contrasts. As always, we’re going to cut through the marketing jargon and focus on what really matters: how these phones perform in your hands and what it means for your daily use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Huawei Pura 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-13 | 2024-05-06 | Pura 70 is significantly newer, likely with more up-to-date features and software |
| Size | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 157.6 × 74.3 × 8 mm | Axon 40 Ultra is taller and slightly thicker; Pura 70 is a bit wider. Both are large phones |
| Weight | 204g | 207g | Virtually identical weight, both feel substantial in hand |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | Axon 40 Ultra offers a slightly larger display area |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 1256x2760 | Pura 70 has noticeably sharper images and text |
| PPI | 400 | 460 | Pura 70 has a significantly crisper and more detailed display |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use high-quality display technology; minimal practical difference |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth and fluid visual experience |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2500 nits | Pura 70 is vastly superior in outdoor visibility and handling bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Kirin 9000S1 | Different architectures; Snapdragon typically excels in raw power for intensive tasks |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 768,000 | Axon 40 Ultra shows significantly better benchmark performance; might feel snappier overall |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Maleoon 910 | Different graphics chips, impacting gaming performance to some degree. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4900mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity; should provide comparable day-long usage |
| Charging | 65W wired | 65W wired, 50W wireless | Both have fast wired charging; Pura 70 has the edge with wireless charging options |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse/Wireless Charging, Non-removable | Pura 70 adds versatility, can charge other devices wirelessly |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.3" | Pura 70 has a larger sensor and wider aperture; potentially better low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.4 | Axon 40 Ultra has higher resolution and wider aperture; potentially better selfie quality |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | 12MP, f/3.4 | Axon 40 Ultra has significantly higher resolution; Pura 70 has slightly wider aperture |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | Pura 70 has an ultrawide lens, missing in the Axon 40 Ultra |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3MP | None | Axon 40 Ultra has a Time of Flight 3D sensor |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72" | None | Axon 40 Ultra has a dedicated ultrawide macro lens |
| Video | Up to 8K 30fps | 4K | ZTE has more advanced video resolution |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradeable to 13 | Axon 40 Ultra is Android, the Huawei OS is unknown | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 | Huawei has a wider audio codec support |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, QZSS | Pura 70 has broader satellite support for potentially better location precision |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM usage |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512/1024GB | 256/512/1024GB | Similar options, both have large storage capacities |
| RAM | 8/12/16/18GB | 12GB | Axon 40 Ultra can be spec’d with significantly more RAM for heavy multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers storage expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS/DTSX, 3 mics | Dolby Atmos | Axon 40 Ultra enhances surround and voice capture, Huawei improves sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Huawei has a compass for mapping and navigation. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and higher AnTuTu score suggest a more powerful phone overall, handling demanding tasks and games with greater ease.
- Versatile Camera Setup: Boasting high-resolution sensors, the Axon 40 Ultra provides an excellent triple 64MP experience for different shooting scenarios with a dedicated Macro lens. It also supports higher video resolution, making it a good choice for people who need 8k video recording.
- Ample RAM Options: Up to 18GB of RAM is available, ensuring smooth multitasking even with many apps open simultaneously.
- Audio Quality: Featuring DTS:X provides a wider and more immersive audio experience.
- Under-display camera: A novel feature that avoids the common notch of front-facing cameras.
Huawei Pura 70 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The higher resolution and brightness make for a crisper and more visible display, especially in sunlight.
- Camera Excellence: A wider aperture and larger sensor on the main camera, likely resulting in better low-light performance. Includes a handy ultrawide for creative shots and better image stability when recording.
- Modern Features: The newer model has better wireless charging capabilities and reverse charging, adding great value in terms of versatility.
- Satellite GPS: More precise navigation due to additional satellite systems.
- Enhanced audio: Dolby Atmos improves the audio experience significantly.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Axon 40 Ultra: Its older chipset and potentially outdated software (Android 12) make it less future-proof than the Pura 70. It also lacks an ultrawide lens and wireless charging.
- Pura 70: The Kirin chipset may not match the raw power of the Snapdragon. It also has less RAM and its camera system while versatile, has less zoom and telephoto prowess compared to the Axon.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Ideal Users for ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Camera Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-resolution photos from multiple perspectives, with advanced video capabilities including 8k.
- Budget Conscious: Given its age, the Axon 40 Ultra may offer a better price-to-performance ratio.
Ideal Users for Huawei Pura 70:
- Photography Lovers: Those who value excellent image quality, especially in low light, and enjoy a wide range of perspectives.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who prioritize display clarity, battery convenience, and enjoy modern features.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: The brighter screen and enhanced GPS are ideal for people spending time outdoors.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- Do you need maximum performance for intensive tasks?
- If yes, consider the Axon 40 Ultra.
- Do you value better low-light photography and overall display quality, and wireless charging?
- If yes, the Pura 70 is a better fit.
- What is your budget?
- The older Axon 40 Ultra might be more affordable, making it a great price-to-performance option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Performance
- Choose the Axon 40 Ultra. It offers more power, more RAM, and potentially a lower price point.
- Scenario 2: Photography and Daily Use
- Choose the Pura 70. The enhanced low-light camera performance, brighter display, and wireless charging offer a better overall experience.
- Scenario 3: Value for Money
- If value is the primary factor, Axon 40 Ultra may be a better choice due to its discounted price point
My Choice
If I were to pick one, I would lean towards the Huawei Pura 70. Despite not having as high a benchmark score, its combination of a superior display, a newer camera, better outdoor visibility, and the convenience of wireless charging make it a more well-rounded device. The improved GPS capabilities and audio capabilities are additional perks that elevate its value. While the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra excels in raw performance and video capture, the Pura 70 provides a more refined user experience for daily use and photography. The slight edge in performance isn't as significant as the huge improvement in display and camera quality. As always, choosing a phone is about aligning its strengths with your needs, but for me, the Pura 70 offers a better overall package.
