Alright, let's break down the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Realme 12+! I've got my engineering hat on, and I'm ready to dive deep to see how these two stack up in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison of the key specs, with a focus on what they mean for you:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Realme 12+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-13 | 2024-03-02 | Realme 12+ is a newer device, likely with updated software. |
| Size | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm | Axon 40 Ultra is slightly taller, less wide, and thicker. 12+ is wider and thinner. |
| Weight | 204g | 190g | Realme 12+ is a bit lighter, which can be noticeable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | Axon 40 Ultra has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 1080x2400 | Axon 40 Ultra offers slightly sharper details due to higher pixel count. |
| PPI | 400 | 395 | Both have very similar pixel densities, meaning images will be similarly sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth visual experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ is significantly brighter, making it better in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Axon 40 Ultra has a flagship-level chip, 12+ is a mid-range chip; significant performance difference. |
| Antutu Score | 1,061,300 | 601,000 | Axon 40 Ultra is significantly more powerful, leading to snappier performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Axon 40 Ultra’s GPU offers superior graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" IMX787 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/2" LYT-600 | Axon 40 Ultra’s main sensor has better light gathering ability due to larger sensor and wider aperture, should perform better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Axon 40 Ultra has a slightly brighter aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" OV64B | N/A | Axon 40 Ultra offers optical zoom capability. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2 | Realme 12+ has a dedicated wide angle lens for expansive shots. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12+ has a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72" IMX787 | N/A | Axon 40 Ultra includes a dedicated high-resolution wide-angle/macro camera |
| ToF 3D sensor | 0.3MP | N/A | Axon 40 Ultra has a dedicated ToF sensor which should improve portrait mode. |
| Video Recording | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | 4K@30fps | Axon 40 Ultra offers higher video resolution and frame rates. |
| Camera Features | 8K, optical zoom, under display camera | Triple camera | Axon 40 Ultra offers advanced camera features such as 8K recording, optical zoom and an under-display camera. 12+ offers a more standard camera system. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should have similar battery life. |
| Charging | 65W | 67W | Realme 12+ has a slightly faster charging capability. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Max 13 | Android 14, Max 16 | Realme 12+ offers the latest Android version and more future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6, MiMO | WiFi 6 | Axon 40 Ultra includes Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE, EDR, HID | 12+ has additional bluetooth features |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo, | Standard | Axon 40 Ultra provides more accurate GPS positioning. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512/1024 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Axon 40 Ultra offers more storage configurations. |
| RAM | 8/12/16/18 GB | 8/12 GB | Axon 40 Ultra offers more ram options for power users. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12+ has a slight edge with enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio playback, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion and improved voice capture. Axon 40 has an additional microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both phones have the standard fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Gravity, Hall | Compass | ZTE includes gravity and hall sensors. 12+ includes a compass. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Strengths:
- Raw Power: Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Adreno 730 GPU provides significantly higher performance, ideal for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Camera System: Versatile camera setup with high resolution sensors, a telephoto lens and 8K video recording, ToF 3D sensor, and a wide-angle macro lens.
- Display: A larger and higher resolution screen, although the brightness is slightly lower.
- GPS: Includes more accurate GPS.
- Storage: Larger options for storage and ram
- Competitive Advantages: The raw processing power, video quality, additional sensors and the telephoto zoom lens position the Axon 40 Ultra as a clear winner for those who need a high performance phone and advanced camera.
- Trade-offs: It’s an older device, meaning that it will likely not get software updates as long as a newer phone, and it has a less bright display, making it worse in bright sunlight. The under-display camera will perform worse than a regular selfie camera.
Realme 12+:
- Strengths:
- Brighter Display: Its 2000 nits of brightness provides significantly better outdoor visibility.
- Software Updates: Running the latest Android 14, which guarantees more updates and longer software support.
- Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and noise cancellation offer improved audio quality.
- Charging: Slightly faster charging.
- Newer Device: It's a newer device.
- Competitive Advantages: The superior display brightness, longer software support, and enhanced audio quality make the Realme 12+ a great all-around smartphone.
- Trade-offs: Significantly less processing power, lower video recording quality, and less advanced camera setup compared to the Axon 40 Ultra.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Ideal User: Gamers, content creators, mobile photography enthusiasts, and power users needing the best possible performance in a smartphone.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-quality video recording, advanced photography, and heavy multitasking.
- Value: Just because the Axon 40 Ultra is older, does not mean that the value is bad. The Axon 40 Ultra may be available at a discount, which makes the higher spec phone an even better value.
- Realme 12+:
- Ideal User: Everyday users, media consumers, those who want a good balance of performance and features, and value good battery life and display quality.
- Use Cases: Social media, streaming video, web browsing, and general daily tasks with a focus on ease of use and reliability.
- Value: The 12+ provides good value in terms of price and performance with modern features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize performance or long-term software support? If raw power and advanced features are key, go for the Axon 40 Ultra. If longevity with software updates is key, then the Realme 12+ is a better fit.
- What is your main use for the camera? If you're looking for professional quality video and camera, Axon 40 Ultra is the best option. If you mainly use your phone to take casual photos then the 12+ will be just fine.
- How important is screen brightness for outdoor visibility? If your phone is regularly used in sunlight or bright conditions, the 12+ is the better option. If you use your phone primarily indoors then the lower brightness of the Axon will not be an issue.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- High-Performance User: If you need the best gaming or multitasking performance without compromise, the Axon 40 Ultra is the clear choice.
- Everyday User: If you need a device with a good display, reliable performance, and long-term software support, the Realme 12+ will be more suitable.
- Camera Enthusiast: If camera capabilities are important and you want 8K video with an optical zoom lens, then the Axon 40 Ultra is your best option.
What would I choose?
Personally, I'd lean towards the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. While it's an older device and the lack of software updates is concerning, the shear performance advantage from its superior chip, coupled with the more versatile camera system, would be too hard to pass up. I love playing the latest mobile games, and I am also passionate about shooting high quality content, so the Axon is the better option here. The lower brightness is not a concern for me since I tend to use my phone indoors. If I were looking for a smartphone for general use, I would lean towards the Realme 12+ for the long-term software support, and the improved display. However, for my needs, the Axon 40 Ultra wins out.
