Alright, let's break down the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Motorola Moto G85. As a tech journalist, I aim to cut through the marketing hype and focus on what truly matters to you, the user. We'll look at the raw specs, but more importantly, what they mean for your everyday life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Motorola Moto G85 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm, 204g | 161.9 x 73.1 x 7.6 mm, 171g | ZTE is larger and heavier; Motorola is more compact and lighter for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | ZTE has slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1116 x 2480 | 1080 x 2400 | ZTE has higher resolution for sharper visuals. |
| PPI | 400 | 395 | Very similar pixel density, both sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Similar quality, vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1600 nits | Motorola is brighter outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm) | ZTE has a significantly more powerful chip for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 475,000 | ZTE offers faster app loading and smoother multitasking; Motorola adequate for daily tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 619 | ZTE has a more powerful GPU, better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.6, 1/1.72", 0.7µm) | 50MP (f/1.79, 1/2", 1.0µm) | ZTE has larger sensor and wider aperture for better low-light performance and more detailed photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.0, 1.22µm) | 32MP (f/2.4, 0.7µm) | Motorola has higher resolution for more detailed selfies; ZTE better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP (f/3.5, 1/2", 0.7µm) | Not present | ZTE has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Present | 8MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | Motorola has a dedicated ultra-wide lens for capturing wide shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP (f/2.3, 1/1.72", 0.7µm) | Not present | ZTE can capture wider shots and take macro shots |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3 MP | Not Present | ZTE has a ToF 3D sensor for better depth sensing (used for features like AR applications) |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps, HDR, EIS, slow-motion | Up to 1080p@60fps, EIS, slow-motion not available | ZTE offers superior video recording capabilities, suitable for professional use. |
| DXOMark Score | Not available | Overall: 88, Photo: 83, Video: 109 | Motorola scored decent in camera rating. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity for all-day usage. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | ZTE charges significantly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (max 13) | Android 14 | Motorola is running a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6, MIMO | WiFi 6 | ZTE Axon supports Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 LE | ZTE has a more recent version for more stable connections. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Similar location capabilities, with slight differences in supported satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM / eSIM) | Motorola offers the flexibility of eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | Up to 1TB | Up to 256GB | ZTE offers more storage variants for media enthusiasts. |
| RAM | Up to 18 GB | Up to 12 GB | ZTE can have more RAM for heavy multitasking and intense gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither has expandable storage, plan accordingly. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both offers stereo speakers; ZTE is better for more immersive sound and voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic biometric security for both. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | Motorola has a more protected screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming for both, with minor differences. |
2. Key Insights
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra - The Powerhouse:
- Strengths: The Axon 40 Ultra is a performance beast. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, combined with up to 18GB of RAM, makes it ideal for power users, gamers, and anyone who needs a device that can handle heavy multitasking and demanding apps. Its camera setup is also more versatile, offering telephoto, wide, and ultrawide lens capabilities, high-resolution video recording, and a ToF sensor, providing a superior photographic experience. It charges faster and has greater storage capacity.
- Trade-offs: It's larger and heavier, less pocketable, and slightly older, resulting in an outdated operating system and less screen protection.
- Motorola Moto G85 - The Practical All-Rounder:
- Strengths: The Moto G85 is a more balanced and user-friendly device. It's lighter and more compact and has a brighter display for better outdoor visibility. While its chipset is not as powerful as the Axon 40 Ultra, it's still adequate for daily tasks and casual gaming. The higher pixel size on the main sensor in the Motorola enables slightly better low-light performance. It also offers a more updated Android version, is slightly more affordable, and has a more durable screen with Gorilla Glass 5.
- Trade-offs: It lacks a telephoto lens and higher video recording capabilities, and the charging speed is slower. Performance, though adequate, is not suitable for power users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Best for: Power users, gamers, photographers, and videographers who prioritize performance, camera versatility, and storage capacity.
- Use Cases: Ideal for mobile gaming, content creation, photo and video editing, heavy multitasking, and professional-level photography.
- Value: Provides high-end specifications that justify the cost for specific user profiles.
- Motorola Moto G85:
- Best for: General users who need a reliable device for daily use, media consumption, and casual photography.
- Use Cases: Suitable for web browsing, social media, video streaming, everyday photography, and light gaming.
- Value: Provides a more affordable option with a good balance of features for the average user.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- Performance Needs: How important is top-tier processing power? Are you a heavy gamer or power user (Axon) or will moderate performance suffice (Moto)?
- Camera Preferences: Do you need a versatile camera with a dedicated telephoto lens (Axon), or is a reliable main shooter with a ultrawide more important (Moto)?
- Budget and Priorities: Are you willing to spend more for top performance and higher-end features (Axon), or do you prioritize a more budget-friendly option with good everyday functionality (Moto)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Gamer/Creator: If you are an avid gamer or content creator who needs maximum processing power and high-end camera capabilities, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: The Everyday User: If you are looking for a reliable and affordable smartphone with a good screen, a decent camera, and all-day battery life, then the Motorola Moto G85 will serve you well.
- Scenario 3: The Photography Enthusiast: If you're serious about mobile photography, but need a wide variety of lenses, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra will satisfy you. However if you're more interested in casual photography, then Motorola Moto G85 is a better option.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would personally lean towards the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. As a tech journalist who constantly tests and uses devices, the raw processing power and comprehensive camera system are incredibly important to my work. While the Motorola is an outstanding phone for the average user, the capabilities of the Axon 40 Ultra are unmatched in this comparison and would give me an advantage in terms of performance and capabilities. Though I'd have to carry a heavier phone and miss on better screen protection, the Axon's strengths align better with my needs.
