Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Motorola Moto G73. These two phones occupy different tiers in the smartphone market, and the spec sheet reflects this, but it's the real-world experience that matters most. I'll break down the specifications, draw out key insights, and help you figure out which phone might be right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key specifications of both devices, with a focus on how these specs translate to real-world use:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Motorola Moto G73 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-13 | 2023-01-24 | The Moto G73 is about 8 months newer, potentially benefiting from updated software and hardware. |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 161.4 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm | The Axon 40 Ultra is slightly taller, while the Moto G73 is a hair thinner. Both are very similar in size and handling. |
| Weight | 204g | 181g | The Moto G73 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.5" | The Axon 40 Ultra provides a larger display area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1116 x 2480 | 1080 x 2400 | Axon's higher resolution results in a sharper, more detailed image, especially for text and fine details. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 400 | 405 | Both displays are very sharp. Difference is practically imperceptible to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Axon's AMOLED display has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, with the potential for a more responsive gaming experience on the ZTE's AMOLED screen. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | The Axon 40 Ultra will be significantly easier to view in bright, outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6nm) | The Axon's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a high-performance chipset, faster for gaming, heavy apps, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 497,466 | The Axon 40 Ultra will provide a much smoother experience across the board. It’s suited for demanding users and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | IMG BXM-8-256 | The Axon’s Adreno 730 is more powerful, providing better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Standard) | 64MP (f/1.6, 1/1.72", 0.7µm) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1.0µm) | The Axon's higher resolution and wider aperture should result in more detailed and brighter shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.0, 1.22µm) | 16MP (f/2.4, 1.0µm) | The Axon has a wider aperture, likely capturing brighter selfies in lower light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP (f/3.5, 1/2", 0.7µm) | None | The Axon's telephoto lens allows for optical zoom, which preserves image quality compared to digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | The Moto G73's wide-angle lens allows for capturing more in a single shot, useful for group photos and landscapes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP (f/2.3, 1/1.72", 0.7µm) | None | The Axon's additional wide angle + macro lens captures more detailed and better macro shots in comparison. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3MP | None | The Axon's sensor aids in depth mapping, resulting in better portrait mode photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | The Axon can record much higher quality videos, suitable for video enthusiasts. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity and should offer comparable battery life for similar workloads. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | The Axon charges significantly faster, minimizing charging times. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | Android 13 | The Moto G73 has a slightly newer base Android version out of the box. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | 128GB/256GB | The Axon offers much higher storage options, essential for media hoarders. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB/16GB/18GB | 8GB | The Axon provides more RAM, improving the ability to handle multiple apps running simultaneously. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | The Axon offers better audio with more microphones and enhanced surround sound, ideal for audio capture and playback. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Moto G73 is more convenient and secure in everyday use. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | Moto G73 offers a newer Bluetooth version along with enhanced audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1) | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), NavIC System | Moto G73 offers more robust location tracking, especially in urban environments. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, combined with up to 18GB of RAM, provides significantly superior performance for demanding tasks and gaming compared to the Moto G73.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with high brightness and superior colour reproduction offers an excellent visual experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: The inclusion of a telephoto lens, a wider standard aperture, additional camera sensors, and support for 8K video recording positions it as a better option for photography and video enthusiasts.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging significantly reduces charging time compared to Moto G73.
Motorola Moto G73 Strengths:
- Lighter and More Ergonomic: The Moto G73 is lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods, and also a bit thinner.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 13 out of the box.
- Better Bluetooth and GPS: It features newer Bluetooth and better GPS for more enhanced wireless connectivity and location tracking.
- Good All-Around Performer: Suitable for typical everyday tasks.
- Price: It's likely to be considerably more affordable than the Axon 40 Ultra.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is heavier and larger, which may not appeal to those looking for a compact phone.
- The Moto G73 has an LCD display, which is not as vibrant or power-efficient as the AMOLED on the Axon.
- The Moto G73's camera setup is simpler and will not match the Axon's for versatile photography.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is best for:
- Power Users: Gamers, multimedia professionals, and anyone who needs a top-tier performance.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: People who want high-quality photos and videos with versatile zoom capabilities.
- Media Consumers: Users who value a high-quality visual experience for streaming and browsing content.
Motorola Moto G73 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those seeking a reliable and capable device without a premium price tag.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who prioritize a lighter, more ergonomic phone for daily tasks.
- Practical Users: Those who need a reliable phone with good battery life, and do not demand a high performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Questions to Ask Yourself:
- How important is peak performance and gaming to you? If you need top-tier speed, the Axon 40 Ultra is the better choice.
- What is your main use case for the camera? If you take a lot of photos and videos, or you value versatility, the Axon is better.
- What is your budget? The Moto G73 will likely be the more affordable option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Gaming and Multimedia): If gaming or watching high-resolution videos is your priority, go for the Axon 40 Ultra due to its superior processing power and high-quality display.
- Scenario 2 (Everyday Use and Budget): If you need a reliable phone for typical day-to-day tasks, prioritize a good value for your money, then the Moto G73 provides good value.
- Scenario 3 (Photography and Creative Work): The Axon is definitely better for this, with its advanced camera system, support for 8k video and wide range of features to help you get more creative with your phone.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I'd pick the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who appreciates the nuances of performance and innovation, the Axon 40 Ultra hits the right notes. I love the speed of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and the AMOLED display, which makes it a joy to use. The advanced camera features and 8K video recording would be incredibly helpful for both my work and personal use. Yes, it's a larger phone, but for the experience it provides, I'm willing to make that trade-off. Additionally, the 65W charging speed is something I'd heavily rely on, because it would minimise my down time.
While I recognize that the Motorola Moto G73 is a great budget-friendly device and the better option for many, my personal use case requires the capabilities of a flagship device. I’d find the extra performance and advanced camera features of the Axon 40 Ultra to be much more useful in my daily routine, and that outweighs the compromises in terms of the size and weight of the device.
