Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra. I've taken a deep look at the specs and will lay out the practical implications for you, so you can decide which phone better suits your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Motorola Edge 50 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-13 | 2024-05-15 | Edge 50 Ultra is significantly newer, benefiting from newer tech. |
| Dimensions | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 161.1 × 72.4 × 8.6 mm | Axon 40 Ultra is slightly larger, may feel less comfortable for single-hand use. |
| Weight | 204g | 197g | Edge 50 Ultra is a touch lighter, making it slightly more portable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Very similar screen sizes, negligible difference in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 1220x2712 | Edge 50 Ultra offers a sharper image with more pixels. |
| PPI | 400 | 446 | Edge 50 Ultra will have slightly clearer text and graphics. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but P-OLED on the Edge 50 Ultra could offer slightly improved energy efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 50 Ultra offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2500 nits | Edge 50 Ultra will be much easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Edge 50 Ultra offers significantly better performance with a newer generation chip. |
| Antutu Score | 1,061,300 | 1,523,879 | Edge 50 Ultra is considerably faster in day-to-day tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 735 | Edge 50 Ultra has better graphics capabilities, ideal for gaming and graphic intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/1.3" | Edge 50 Ultra's larger sensor size often captures more light and detail, despite lower resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.9 | Edge 50 Ultra will likely take much higher quality selfie photos with a higher resolution, wider aperture, and higher resolution. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | 64MP, f/2.4, 1/2" | Edge 50 Ultra is superior due to its wider aperture, capturing more light for sharper zoomed images. |
| Wide Angle | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72" (as Wide Angle + Macro) | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" | Edge 50 Ultra has a dedicated wide angle lens, whereas the Axon 40 Ultra combines this with Macro. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3MP | Not available | Axon 40 Ultra includes a depth sensor which is rarely useful. |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | 4K@60fps | Axon 40 Ultra offers 8k recording for higher resolution video but both phones offer video stabilization. |
| DxoMark | Not Available | 146 (Mobile) | Edge 50 Ultra has a verified camera quality, something the Axon 40 Ultra does not have. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Axon 40 Ultra has a larger battery which could offer slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W | 125W | Edge 50 Ultra charges significantly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 50W | Edge 50 Ultra offers wireless charging for greater convenience. |
| Reverse Charging | No | 10W | Edge 50 Ultra can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, max version 13 | Android 14, max version 17 | Edge 50 Ultra offers the newest features with longer OS support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Edge 50 Ultra is more future-proof with the latest standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Edge 50 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version, supporting better audio codecs. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Edge 50 Ultra supports an eSIM for easier switching between networks. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512/1024GB | 512/1024GB | Both offer similar storage tiers; Axon has a 128GB base option. |
| RAM | 8/12/16/18GB | 12/16GB | Axon 40 Ultra can have higher RAM configuration which may assist with heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage, meaning you are locked to your configuration. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | DTS / DTS X | Dolby Atmos | Both phones provide premium audio enhancements, with each having its own ecosystem. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both phones offer basic fingerprint sensors for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Edge 50 Ultra has superior screen protection for increased durability. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Strengths:
- Slightly larger battery capacity.
- Offers 8K video recording.
- Has a higher RAM option (18GB).
- Unique under-display front-facing camera.
- Competitive Advantages:
- The under-display camera is a novel feature that may appeal to users who dislike notches or punch holes.
- Higher resolution video is useful for professional content creation.
- Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Older chipset and lower performance.
- Lower display brightness.
- Slightly less advanced camera setup.
- Older software with limited support.
- No wireless charging
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra:
- Strengths:
- Significantly faster chipset and performance.
- Much brighter display, superior outdoor visibility.
- More advanced camera setup with larger sensors and better optics.
- Faster 125W charging and wireless charging capabilities.
- Newer operating system with longer support.
- More advanced Wi-Fi standard with future proofing.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Superior user experience due to the high performance.
- Much better display for outdoor use.
- More versatile camera capabilities.
- Faster charging and wireless capabilities make daily use more convenient.
- Newer software means it will be supported longer.
- Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Slightly smaller battery capacity.
- No 8K Video
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Best For: Users who prioritize unique features like under-display camera and 8K video recording and don't need top-tier performance.
- Use Cases:
- Casual users who prioritize aesthetics and unique features.
- Users who want to record high resolution video.
- Users who want to experience different technology.
- Motorola Edge 50 Ultra:
- Best For: Power users who need top-tier performance, a vibrant display, and a more versatile camera system.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers and heavy multitaskers.
- Users who need a high-quality camera for photos and videos.
- Those who frequently use their phone outdoors.
- Users who want future-proof technology and the newest software.
- Users who would benefit from wireless charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance and long-term support?
- If top-tier performance and longer software support is your priority, the Edge 50 Ultra is the clear choice.
- If you can compromise performance for other unique features and don't mind a shorter update cycle, the Axon 40 Ultra may suit you.
- How often do you take photos and videos?
- If you are a casual photographer, the Axon 40 Ultra's unique camera features might be interesting, however the Edge 50 Ultra is the more versatile option.
- If mobile photography is critical, the Edge 50 Ultra's larger sensors, better optics, and newer features will be more beneficial.
- How important is screen brightness and outdoor visibility?
- If you primarily use your phone indoors or in low light, the Axon 40 Ultra might be sufficient.
- If you often use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight, the Edge 50 Ultra is significantly better due to its brighter display.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Tech Enthusiast: The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, with its faster processor, better display, and advanced features, is the better pick for those who want the latest and greatest.
- For the Casual User: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers some unique features, however it is an older device which has some limitations that may not make it the best choice. The Edge 50 Ultra offers a much better experience all around, making it the best pick for the average user.
- For the Photographer/Videographer: The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra's more versatile camera system and brighter display make it a better option. If the main priority is recording 8k Video, the Axon 40 Ultra is the only option, but will be held back by its older chipset.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra. While the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has some interesting features like its under-display camera and 8K video recording, the Edge 50 Ultra is a far more well-rounded package. The improved performance, significantly brighter screen for outdoor usability, superior camera capabilities, faster charging, wireless charging and newer software make it a better daily driver. The added future proofing with its newer technology gives it an edge over the Axon 40 Ultra, which has a dated chipset. The trade-offs are minimal and the advantages are significant, making the Edge 50 Ultra the more sensible and compelling choice for a top-tier smartphone experience.
