Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the OnePlus 10T. Both are formidable contenders, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | OnePlus 10T | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-13 | 2022-08-06 | OnePlus 10T is a bit newer; might have slightly longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 163 x 75.4 x 8.8 mm | OnePlus 10T is slightly wider and thicker, potentially less comfortable for single-handed use. |
| Weight | 204g | 204g | Both feel similarly hefty, but not excessively so. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Similar sizes; ZTE offers a negligibly larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1116 x 2480 | 1080 x 2412 | ZTE has slightly sharper visuals due to higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 400 | 394 | Both have similar pixel density; you won't notice a huge difference in clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | ZTE screen is significantly brighter, better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | OnePlus 10T offers better performance, particularly in sustained workloads and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 1,165,433 | OnePlus 10T will feel faster and smoother in everyday tasks and graphically intensive apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Both use the same GPU architecture; minor differences in clock speeds due to the different Chipsets. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | ZTE captures more detail, while OnePlus has a larger sensor for potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.46, 1/3.1" | ZTE's wider aperture may result in better selfies in low light, but a smaller sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5 | None | ZTE offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | OnePlus offers an ultrawide camera lens. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | None | ZTE might have depth sensing capabilities which help with photos or AR applications. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | OnePlus can capture close-up detail through macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP, f/2.3 | None | ZTE offers macro shots with an ultrawide lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | ZTE allows for professional-grade videos. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, 8k, OIS, LAF, Under Display Camera | Triple Camera, OIS, Ultra Stable Video, Manual Focus, Flicker Sensor | ZTE offers more camera features like under display camera, while Oneplus focuses on video quality and manual controls. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | ZTE has slightly more battery capacity, which can translate to slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W | 150W | OnePlus 10T charges significantly faster. |
| Battery features | Non-Removable | Non-Removable, 2*2350mAh dual-cell | OnePlus offers dual cell design for more efficient charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, max 13 | Android 12 | Software experience will be different; ZTE likely offers 1 generation update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Both phones feature similar Wi-Fi support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE | 5.2, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | OnePlus offers more high-quality audio codecs for wireless earphones. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | OnePlus has a better satellite system for more accurate location. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones offer dual SIM support. |
| Storage and Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512/1024 GB | 128/256 GB | ZTE offers significantly more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12/16/18 GB | 8/12/16 GB | ZTE has a higher RAM variant, potentially better for extreme multi-tasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has expandable storage; keep that in mind if you need massive storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | ZTE offers surround sound with multiple microphones; OnePlus focuses on noise cancellation features. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | Basic | Basic | Both provide basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | OnePlus provides better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
- Strengths:
- Display: Slightly larger, higher resolution, and a significantly brighter display that's excellent for outdoor visibility, particularly in sunlight.
- Camera Versatility: Boasts a unique telephoto lens, along with a wide angle + macro lens. Also has an under-display selfie camera for an uninterrupted screen experience.
- Storage/RAM: Offers more storage options and a higher maximum RAM (18GB) option.
- Audio: Enhanced sound quality with DTS/DTS X and 3 microphones.
- Competitive Advantages: A screen that's easier to view in sunlight and more camera features than it's competitor.
- Limitations: Older chipset, slower charging, bulkier design and no protection screen information.
OnePlus 10T
- Strengths:
- Performance: Newer Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset for noticeably better performance.
- Charging Speed: Blazing fast 150W charging, a significant advantage.
- Camera: Features a wide-angle lens and a macro lens.
- Connectivity: Improved location capabilities and better audio codecs.
- Build Quality: Gorilla Glass 5 protection
- Competitive Advantages: Faster performance and much faster charging.
- Limitations: Lack of a dedicated telephoto lens, smaller display, and slightly lower battery capacity.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Best for: Users who value screen quality, photography versatility, and the most amount of RAM and storage available.
- Use Case: Ideal for photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system, users who enjoy media consumption outdoors in bright sunlight, and professionals who need a large amount of storage and processing power for video editing or other data-intensive tasks.
- Price-to-Value: More focused on camera and media performance than raw power.
OnePlus 10T:
- Best for: Users who want top-tier performance, fast charging, and a well-rounded camera experience.
- Use Case: Great for mobile gamers, heavy users who multitask frequently, and anyone who prioritizes fast charging and smooth operation.
- Price-to-Value: Focuses on core smartphone performance and rapid charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these three questions:
How important is screen visibility to you?
- If you spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's brighter display could be a game-changer.
Do you need maximum performance and rapid charging?
- If you need the absolute best performance and the convenience of ultra-fast charging, the OnePlus 10T is the better choice.
How do you prioritize storage and camera versatility?
- If you need maximum storage and prefer a versatile camera system with more lenses, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the more suitable option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The Mobile Gamer: Go with the OnePlus 10T for its superior chipset and smoother gameplay, plus the convenience of super-fast charging.
- The Photography Enthusiast: Go with the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra due to the telephoto, wide angle + macro, and a lot of camera features.
- The Outdoor Media Consumer: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is better here because it is much more visible in direct sunlight.
- The Power User: The OnePlus 10T's faster chipset, faster charging speed, and better efficiency should appeal more.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd personally lean towards the OnePlus 10T. While the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a fantastic display, the lack of any screen protection, paired with the slightly older chipset would hold it back. While the camera system is impressive on the Axon 40 Ultra, I think the focus on core smartphone functionality, coupled with that super-fast charging, would be more beneficial to me. The fact that the OnePlus 10T provides a much more accurate GPS functionality is a big plus for me. I'd prefer the smoother performance for my daily workflow and gaming sessions, and that fast 150W charging is just too tempting to pass up for someone who's always on the go.
