Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Motorola Moto G35. I’ll break down the specs, explore the real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the best fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing key technical specs, designed to show what these differences mean for everyday use:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-13 | 2024-09-25 | Moto G35 is newer, potentially with more up-to-date software. |
| Size | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | Moto G35 is taller and wider, but thinner. Axon 40 Ultra might feel more compact. |
| Weight | 204g | 188g | Moto G35 is lighter, making it potentially more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.72" | Virtually the same size; both offer a large canvas for content. |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 1080x2400 | Axon 40 Ultra offers slightly sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 400 | 392 | Minimal real-world difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Axon 40 Ultra has superior color, contrast, and deep blacks; better for media consumption and dark mode usage. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1000 nits | Axon 40 Ultra significantly better outdoor visibility, especially in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Unisoc T760 (6nm) | Axon 40 Ultra has a much more powerful chip for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 423,297 | Axon 40 Ultra provides substantially faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 | Axon 40 Ultra has a stronger graphics processor, ideal for graphic-intensive applications. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery endurance. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Axon 40 Ultra charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72” | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76” | Axon 40 Ultra's main camera is superior with a wider aperture and bigger sensor, offering potentially better low-light shots and finer details. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Axon 40 Ultra's selfie camera has a wider aperture, allowing more light in for better selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2” | None | Axon 40 Ultra has a dedicated zoom lens for enhanced optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Moto G35 has an ultrawide lens for capturing wider scenes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72” | None | Axon 40 Ultra has a high-resolution wide-angle lens capable of macro photography for versatile shooting. |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@60/120fps | 4K@30fps | Axon 40 Ultra offers significantly higher video recording resolution and capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Quad, OIS, PDAF, LAF, RAW, Night Mode | Dual, Digital Image Stabilization | Axon 40 Ultra has more professional-grade features for photography. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Moto G35 has a newer operating system out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi MiMO | Wi-Fi ac | Axon 40 Ultra offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Axon 40 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version for better performance with wireless devices. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Moto G35 offers the flexibility of an eSIM, while Axon 40 Ultra allows two physical SIM cards |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB/1TB | 128/256 GB | Axon 40 Ultra offers more storage options, including a large 1TB variant. |
| RAM | 8/12/16/18GB | 4/8 GB | Axon 40 Ultra has significantly more RAM for better performance when multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | DTS/DTS X, 3 mics | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Axon 40 Ultra focuses on surround sound and voice clarity, while Moto G35 emphasizes sound quality with Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Moto G35 has a more convenient and modern fingerprint sensor location. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | Moto G35 offers slightly better screen protection against minor scratches and impacts. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Strengths:
- Superior Display: Its AMOLED panel with high brightness offers vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility.
- Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 provides flagship-level performance, making it excellent for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Advanced Camera System: With a versatile camera setup including 8k video, a telephoto lens, and a high-resolution wide-angle lens with macro, this phone offers unparalleled photography capabilities.
- Fast Charging: The 65W fast charging dramatically reduces charging time.
- Greater Storage and RAM: Multiple storage and RAM options, including high-end configurations, ensure smooth performance and ample space.
- Enhanced Audio: DTS/DTS X delivers immersive audio, paired with three microphones for superior voice clarity.
- Modern Connectivity: Offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Motorola Moto G35 Strengths:
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14 out of the box.
- Lighter Design: Lighter and thinner profile is ideal for comfortable handling.
- Ultrawide Camera: Provides an ultrawide lens for expansive shots.
- eSIM Support: Offers the flexibility of eSIM for digital carrier switching.
- Practical Security: Features a convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Screen Protection: Offers screen protection with Gorilla Glass 3.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Older operating system out of the box.
- Heavier and thicker design
- No ultrawide lens
- Basic fingerprint sensor
- No screen protection
- Motorola Moto G35:
- Significantly less powerful processor for demanding tasks.
- Lower quality display
- Slower charging speed
- Basic camera system.
- Less RAM
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is best for:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest technology and performance.
- Mobile Gamers: Those who need a powerful device for high-end gaming.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want a versatile camera system with professional-grade features, video recording capabilities, and advanced options.
- Power Users: People who need extensive storage, fast multitasking and a superior display.
Motorola Moto G35 is best for:
- Casual Users: Those who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Users who want a modern experience and a new operating system without breaking the bank.
- Travelers: People who need an eSIM and a lightweight phone for their travel needs.
- Users who prioritize screen protection: Gorilla Glass offers a safer screen for less careful users.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
How important is high-end performance? If you need a phone for demanding games, multitasking, or professional creative work, the Axon 40 Ultra is the clear choice. If basic performance is enough, then the Moto G35 suffices.
How important are the camera features and quality? The Axon 40 Ultra provides an advanced set of cameras, but if a basic camera is enough, the Moto G35 has you covered.
How important is the display quality and clarity? If you need a high resolution, high brightness, and superior display, the Axon 40 Ultra is the clear choice. If you would like a good enough display, then the Moto G35 suffices.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Gamer/Power User: You want the best performance for high-end mobile gaming and demanding apps. Recommendation: ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
- Scenario 2: The Casual User: You need a reliable device for everyday tasks with a focus on the latest OS. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G35.
- Scenario 3: The Photography Enthusiast: You want a versatile camera with many different lenses and features. Recommendation: ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
- Scenario 4: The Budget-Conscious User: You want a good enough phone that will do the basic requirements without breaking the bank. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G35
Final Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. While the Moto G35 has its charms, the Axon 40 Ultra's superior display, vastly more powerful processor, incredibly versatile camera system, and faster charging make it a clear winner for me. As a tech journalist, I need a phone that performs exceptionally across all tasks, and the Axon 40 Ultra ticks all the boxes. The benefits in display quality, photography, and overall performance outweigh the compromises.
