Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. I'll break down their specs, discuss their real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-13 | 2024-04-29 | The Pura 70 Ultra is a much newer device, benefitting from newer tech advancements. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional smartphones, not foldable. |
| Dimensions | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | The Pura 70 Ultra is slightly wider and shorter; both are the same thickness. |
| Weight | 204g | 226g | The Axon 40 Ultra is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.8" | Both offer the same large screen size, great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1116 x 2480 | 1260 x 2844 | Pura 70 Ultra’s higher resolution means a sharper, more detailed picture. |
| Pixel Density | 400 PPI | 460 PPI | The Pura 70 Ultra will look significantly sharper, especially for text and detailed images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks; minor differences in panel tech are likely minimal. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2500 nits | The Pura 70 Ultra's much higher brightness is a game-changer for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | Axon 40 Ultra's chip is based on more modern architecture, potentially more energy-efficient and slightly faster. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 869,707 | The Axon 40 Ultra is expected to be noticeably faster in day-to-day performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Maleoon 910 | Different GPUs; Adreno 730 is generally considered a higher-end option in this comparison. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72", 0.7µm pixel | 50MP, f/1.6, 1", 1.6µm pixel | Pura 70 Ultra has a larger sensor and pixel size, likely capturing more light and detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0, 1.22µm pixel | 13MP, f/2.4 | Axon 40 Ultra has a higher resolution, wider aperture, and larger pixels, better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2", 0.7µm pixel | 50MP, f/2.1 | Pura 70 Ultra's telephoto lens has a wider aperture, and is better for low-light zooming. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72", 0.7µm pixel | 40MP, f/2.2, 1/1.7", 1.0µm pixel | The Pura 70 has dedicated wide-angle lens, while the Axon 40 has the functionality integrated into its macro lens. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3MP | Not Available | Axon 40 Ultra has a depth sensor, which enhances portrait mode, while the Pura 70 Ultra doesn't. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72", 0.7µm pixel | Not Available | Axon 40 Ultra offers a dedicated macro lens, while the Pura 70 Ultra does not. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K | The Axon 40 Ultra supports higher resolution video recording than the Pura 70. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | 163 (Mobile) | The Pura 70 Ultra’s score indicates a strong camera performance overall. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5200mAh | Pura 70 Ultra has a slightly larger battery, but real world is probably negligible. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Pura 70 Ultra will charge significantly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | Not Available | 80W Wireless, 20W Reverse Wireless | Pura 70 Ultra offers the convenience of fast wireless charging. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (Up to Android 13) | Not Specified | Axon 40 is older; Pura 70 will get more modern OS version. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Similar WiFi Capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Similar Bluetooth Capabilities. |
| GPS | Full suite of global satellite systems | Full suite of global satellite systems | Similar GPS Capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM Capabilities. |
| Storage | Up to 1 TB | Up to 1 TB | Both phones have the same storage capacity. |
| RAM | Up to 18GB | 16GB | Axon 40 can have slightly more RAM than the Pura 70. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio Features | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both have great audio, with the Axon 40 having a slightly better feature suite. |
| Security | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both phones share same fingerprint security technology. |
| Screen Protection | Not Specified | Not Specified | Unknown screen protection for both phones. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | Pura 70 Ultra includes compass and RGB sensors. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Strengths:
- Performance: Boasts a more powerful chipset, leading to snappier performance and smoother multitasking, reflected in the higher AnTuTu score.
- Video: Offers 8K video recording, ideal for those needing high-resolution footage.
- Lighter build: Easier to hold and use for longer periods due to its lighter weight.
- Audio: Has a slightly more sophisticated sound experience.
- Macro: Dedicated macro lens for close up photos.
- Trade-offs:
- Older Technology: Launched in 2022, it uses an older chip and may receive fewer software updates.
- Camera: Main camera has a smaller sensor and pixel size, although not always indicative of performance.
- Display: Less bright display could be a drawback in very bright conditions.
- No wireless charging: Lacks convenient wireless charging capabilities.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra:
- Strengths:
- Display: Significantly brighter screen makes it highly usable outdoors. Sharper display means better detail.
- Camera: Larger sensor and pixel size in the main camera promise better low-light performance. Wider telephoto aperture.
- Charging: Faster 100W wired and 80W wireless charging.
- Wireless Power: 20W reverse wireless charging is convenient.
- Newer Tech: Benefits from Huawei's latest camera and battery technologies.
- Camera Score: Great DXOmark score indicates solid camera performance.
- Sensors: Includes a compass and RGB sensor.
- Trade-offs:
- Performance: Chipset might lag behind the Axon 40 Ultra in raw benchmarks.
- Weight: The heavier build may feel less comfortable for extended use.
- Video: Maximum 4K video capture versus the 8K of the Axon 40 Ultra.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Ideal for: Gamers, video creators who need 8K recording, users who prefer lighter phones and like a more enhanced sound suite.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, shooting high-resolution videos, general multitasking, and anyone who values lighter weight.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra:
- Ideal for: Photography enthusiasts, anyone who needs a bright screen, people who value fast charging, and tech enthusiasts wanting the latest innovations.
- Use Cases: Capturing photos in challenging lighting, outdoor use in sunny conditions, rapid battery top-ups, and using a secondary phone to charge your other devices.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Consider these questions to help you choose:
Do you need the best display for outdoor visibility and the latest camera technology, or is raw performance more important?
- If you need a top-tier display and the latest camera tech, choose the Pura 70 Ultra.
- If raw performance for gaming and 8K recording are key, the Axon 40 Ultra is a better pick.
How important is fast charging and wireless charging?
- The Pura 70 Ultra's faster charging is a big plus.
- If wireless charging is a must-have, then the Pura 70 Ultra is your only choice between the two.
How much do you care about size and weight?
- If you prefer a lighter phone, the Axon 40 Ultra is much more comfortable to use for long periods.
- If a slightly heavier phone with the best screen and camera, the Pura 70 is the better option.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd lean towards the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. While the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has some tempting specs and features, particularly the higher benchmark performance and 8K recording, the Pura 70 Ultra's display brightness, superior main camera sensor, faster charging capabilities (both wired and wireless), and overall newer technology would align more with my personal and professional needs. I often find myself taking photos in challenging light conditions, and the brighter screen would be a major asset in my line of work. The added convenience of wireless charging and better GPS systems would also be a massive plus.
While I'd miss the Axon's 8K recording, the Pura's camera still offers great video and the DXOMark rating is a good indicator of the camera's capabilities. In short, the Pura 70 Ultra's advantages align with my usage habits and the type of content I create.
