Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Nothing Phone (1). We'll go beyond the spec sheets to understand what these differences mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, along with what those specs mean in the real world:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Nothing Phone (1) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm | ZTE is taller, Nothing is wider; both feel relatively similar in hand, although the ZTE is slightly bigger overall. |
| Weight | 204g | 193.5g | The Nothing Phone (1) is noticeably lighter, which could make a difference during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.55" | ZTE’s larger screen is better for media consumption and multitasking, while the Nothing's is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1116 x 2480 | 1080 x 2400 | ZTE’s higher resolution makes text and images slightly sharper. |
| PPI | 400 | 402 | Practically identical sharpness, very hard to see a difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent contrast and colors, the slight difference between AMOLED and OLED is negligible for typical use cases. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both will deliver fluid scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1200 nits | ZTE’s much brighter display is noticeably better in direct sunlight, making outdoor viewing easier. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G | ZTE's chip is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loads, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 1,061,300 | 624,253 | The ZTE crushes the Nothing in raw power, making it the obvious pick for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 642L | ZTE’s graphics are much more powerful, which is critical for smooth gameplay. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" IMX787 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" IMX766 | ZTE with slightly higher resolution, wider aperture, Nothing with larger sensor. Both capture great images, each with their own slightly different strengths. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0, OmniVision | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.13" IMX471 | ZTE has slightly wider aperture, which is helpful in lower light situations. Nothing's is still good. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" OV64B | None | ZTE offers a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom quality. Nothing doesn't offer dedicated Telephoto. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3MP | None | ZTE has additional depth information for enhancing portrait mode. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72" IMX787 | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" S5KJN1 | ZTE boasts a better sensor on the Wide Angle/Macro, giving it an edge in this department. |
| Video Recording | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | 4K@30fps | ZTE offers much more flexibility, which is beneficial for content creators, especially with higher resolution and framerate options. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | ZTE’s bigger battery will likely last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | ZTE charges much faster, a great convenience for users that don't like waiting. |
| Features | Non-removable | Wireless charging, Reverse Charging, No Charger in Box, Non-removable | Nothing Phone has the flexibility of Wireless Charging, where ZTE doesn't. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 15) | Nothing Phone has two more years of OS upgrades and support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have Wi-Fi 6. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE with aptX | The Nothing Phone has higher quality audio Bluetooth options, but both are great. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS | Dual-band GPS with Galileo and NavIC | Both have very accurate GPS, but Nothing has more bands and should work a bit better in certain environments. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
Strengths:
- Raw Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset delivers blazing-fast speed for gaming and demanding apps, leaving the Nothing in the dust in raw performance.
- Superior Display: A bigger and brighter AMOLED screen with a higher resolution. This makes it a great pick for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a versatile quad-camera setup with a dedicated telephoto lens, plus advanced video recording capabilities.
- Faster Charging: The 65W charging means you're back in action quickly.
- Larger Battery: With a 5000 mAh battery it is expected to last longer than the Nothing Phone (1).
- Extra Storage and RAM: Comes with variants including more storage (1024GB) and RAM (18GB), for more storage and multitasking capabilities.
Trade-offs:
- Larger and Heavier: Might not be as comfortable for smaller hands or extended use.
- Missing Wireless Charging: Doesn't offer the flexibility of wireless charging.
- Less OS Support The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is guaranteed to have one OS upgrade, while the Nothing Phone (1) has two more years of upgrades.
Nothing Phone (1):
Strengths:
- Unique Design: Its transparent back and Glyph interface set it apart aesthetically.
- Lighter and More Compact: The smaller dimensions make it easier to handle.
- Wireless Charging: Offers the convenience of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Higher Software Support: The Nothing Phone (1) has more support with 2 more OS upgrades guaranteed.
- Premium Audio Codecs: With the AptX and LDAC codecs, the Nothing Phone (1) offers a higher quality audio experience.
Trade-offs:
- Lower Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ is noticeably slower than the 8 Gen 1.
- Less Capable Camera System: Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens and advanced video capabilities.
- Smaller Battery: May not last as long as the ZTE.
- Slower Charging: The 33W charging isn't as fast as some competing devices.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Power User: If you prioritize raw performance, smooth multitasking, and a powerful camera, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the clear winner. Gamers, content creators, and anyone needing a flagship experience will find it a compelling option.
- For the Style-Conscious: If you value unique design, a lighter device, and wireless charging, the Nothing Phone (1) is the better choice. It's great for those who want a stylish phone that performs well enough for everyday tasks.
- For the Pragmatist: Both phones offer solid performance, but the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra provides more raw power and better camera capabilities, while the Nothing Phone (1) offers more software support and convenience features like wireless charging. The best choice for a pragmatist depends on which of those benefits they value more.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is raw performance for your typical use cases? If you need the best possible speed, the ZTE is the pick. If you mostly browse social media and watch videos, the Nothing Phone (1) is adequate.
- How much do you value a larger, brighter screen? The ZTE's display is superior for content consumption and outdoor visibility. If you prefer a more compact phone, the Nothing Phone (1) is better.
- How important is software support and software upgrades? The Nothing Phone (1) is guaranteed to have 2 more OS upgrades and more software support and upgrades compared to the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Heavy Gaming: ZTE Axon 40 Ultra – its raw performance, GPU, and large, vibrant screen make it a clear choice for gaming.
- Photography Enthusiast: ZTE Axon 40 Ultra - The advanced camera system with its extra lens and higher resolution video recording features.
- Everyday User with a Focus on Style: Nothing Phone (1) – The design, wireless charging, and solid performance make it a stylish everyday companion.
- Frequent Traveler: ZTE Axon 40 Ultra - The faster charging and bigger battery of the Axon 40 Ultra would come in handy during travels.
- Long Term Software Support: Nothing Phone (1) - The Nothing Phone (1) is guaranteed to have 2 more years of software updates compared to the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
My Choice
If it was my money, I would choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. While I appreciate the design and novelty of the Nothing Phone (1), the raw performance of the Axon 40 Ultra is what would make my daily experience better. I love the speed and I'm not going to complain about a better screen or better cameras! Also the faster charging is a must-have for me, but with the trade off of no wireless charging. Although the Nothing Phone (1) offers more software support, I'm willing to risk that for the better overall phone in my eyes. Ultimately, the ZTE offers a better experience for my needs.
