Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). These phones, while both aiming for the Android market, offer distinct experiences and target different user needs. I'll break down their specs, focusing on what really matters for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specifications, presented with a focus on their real-world implications:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 162.6 × 74.8 × 8.3 mm | Very similar in size, the Moto G is slightly wider. May not be noticeable in most day-to-day use. |
| Weight | 204g | 190g | Motorola is 14g lighter, which could feel better for prolonged one-handed use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. No foldable design. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Both offer immersive displays, with a minor 0.1-inch difference hardly noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 1080x2400 | ZTE's higher resolution means sharper text and images, though both are sharp for typical use. |
| Pixel Density | 400 PPI | 395 PPI | Essentially identical sharpness. Differences are practically invisible to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. Minor differences in color accuracy but largely comparable. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, which enhances the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1200 nits | ZTE’s significantly higher brightness makes the screen more readable outdoors under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | ZTE's flagship-level chipset is significantly faster, better for demanding tasks, gaming. Moto G for moderate use. |
| Antutu Score | 1,061,300 | 514,000 | ZTE is more than twice as fast in benchmarks, reflecting noticeable difference in speed and performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 710 | ZTE offers better graphics performance, smoother experience in graphically-intensive games. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Same battery size; expect similar battery life under similar usage scenarios. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 30W fast charging | ZTE charges much faster, going from 0 to 100% much quicker. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Wireless 15W | Motorola has more versatility with its charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72", 0.7µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | ZTE captures more detail but Motorola has larger pixels for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 16MP, f/2.0, 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.45, 0.70µm | Motorola has higher resolution for more detailed selfies, but ZTE’s wider aperture helps in low light. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2", 0.7µm | None | ZTE provides dedicated optical zoom capabilities, not available on the Motorola. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3MP | None | ZTE has better depth sensing for portrait mode, with more focus effect possibilities |
| Wide + Macro Res | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72", 0.7µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | ZTE captures more detailed, wider shots, Motorola has larger pixels for better low light macro shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | ZTE offers higher video resolution, suitable for professional-grade videography. |
| Camera Features | OIS, LAF, RAW, Under Display Camera | OIS, Time-Lapse, Manual Focus | ZTE's richer feature set caters to photographers, while Motorola has more video recording versatility |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 15) | Motorola has a newer version of Android, offers more updates and latest features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | Motorola has a newer standard for better speeds, lower latency and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | ZTE has a slightly newer standard. Motorola offers higher resolution codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, NavIC | Motorola offers more satellite navigation systems for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Motorola supports eSIM, for easier switching of carrier plans, ZTE two nano SIM for using two sim cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | Up to 1TB | 256 GB | ZTE can store more data and files. |
| RAM | Up to 18GB | 8GB | ZTE offers higher memory capacity for better multitasking and app loading times. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | DTS / DTS X, 3 mics | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | ZTE has an advantage for recording audio, while Motorola has good immersive playback. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both have similar unknown screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Gravity, Hall | Compass | ZTE has advanced gravity sensors, Motorola has a built in compass |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Strengths: This phone is a powerhouse when it comes to performance thanks to its flagship-level Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. It also features a superior display with higher brightness, ensuring great visibility even in bright sunlight. The camera system is versatile, with multiple 64MP lenses including a telephoto lens for optical zoom.
- Advantages: It excels at demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking. Its fast charging capabilities mean you spend less time tethered to the wall. The under-display camera gives it a unique aesthetic.
- Trade-offs: It's running on an older version of Android (12) and lacks expandable storage. The newer phone has newer Wi-Fi and GPS technologies.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024):
- Strengths: This phone is much newer, which means it comes with the latest version of Android (14), and its design includes a stylus, which is great for note-taking and creative tasks. Its lighter build makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods. Motorola provides more versatile charging options, such as reverse and wireless charging capabilities.
- Advantages: It has a better GPS and WiFi experience. Its stylus, with enhanced note-taking capabilities and a higher-resolution front-facing camera.
- Trade-offs: The performance is considerably lower compared to the ZTE, and the display is less bright. Also, its video recording capabilities are limited to 4K.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: Best for power users, gamers, and photography enthusiasts who need top-tier performance and a versatile camera system, even if that means using older technologies.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024): Best for budget-conscious users, note-takers, and individuals who value a smooth experience and the convenience of a built-in stylus. Ideal for everyday use with a focus on practical functionality and modern features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is peak performance and gaming to you? If you need top-tier performance for demanding tasks, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the way to go. If you need it for everyday tasks, the Moto G is more than enough.
- Do you need advanced camera features or a stylus? The ZTE offers an advanced camera system for photo and video, whereas the Moto G provides a stylus for productivity, sketching, and handwriting.
- How important are the latest Android version and charging options? The Motorola comes with a newer version of Android and the added functionality of wireless and reverse charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Gamer/Power User: Choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. Its superior processor and GPU make it ideal for intensive gaming and demanding tasks.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) offers excellent value with its stylus, latest Android version, and versatile charging options.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra wins here with its versatile camera setup and 8K video capabilities.
- For the Note-Taker: The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) offers a built-in stylus for convenient note-taking and creative tasks.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. As a tech journalist and analyst, I often find myself needing a phone that can handle demanding tasks, from editing photos and videos to testing out the latest mobile games. The Axon 40 Ultra's superior processing power, display, and camera system are big draws for me. I would prefer better performance for daily use even if that means missing out on some extra features on the Moto G such as a built-in stylus or the newest OS version.
That being said, the Motorola is a fantastic device for those that want a good everyday phone that does a little more with a stylus without breaking the bank. Both are great but serve different needs.
