Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. We'll break down the specs, see how they translate into real-world performance, and help you decide which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 163.4 × 78.1 × 8.9 mm | S23 Ultra is slightly wider and thicker, impacting one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 204g | 234g | Axon 40 Ultra is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build Material | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S23 Ultra’s use of Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior scratch and drop resistance. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.8" | Both offer a large immersive display experience. |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 1440x3088 | S23 Ultra’s higher resolution provides sharper images and text, noticeable in detail-rich content. |
| Pixel Density | 400 ppi | 500 ppi | S23 Ultra has a noticeably crisper display with finer detail. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1750 nits | S23 Ultra is noticeably brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23 Ultra has a newer, more powerful chip, resulting in faster app loading, smoother operation, and better gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 1,061,300 | 1,521,862 | S23 Ultra delivers significantly higher performance, crucial for demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 740 | S23 Ultra's newer GPU provides better graphics rendering, enhancing gaming and visual experiences. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" | 200MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3" | S23 Ultra has a much higher resolution sensor for more detailed shots; Axon 40 Ultra has wider aperture and slightly larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | N/A | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.52" | S23 Ultra offers dedicated telephoto and portrait capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Axon 40 Ultra has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | 12MP, f/4.9, 1/3.52" | Axon 40 Ultra offers a higher-resolution telephoto sensor; S23 Ultra's lens has smaller aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72" | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Axon 40 Ultra offers dedicated macro and wide-angle capabilities. |
| ToF 3D sensor | 0.3MP | N/A | Axon 40 Ultra uses a TOF 3D sensor. |
| Additional Lenses | Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | S23 Ultra's versatility is a major asset. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@120fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Axon 40 Ultra has better fps for 4k video recording. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Mobile 140 | S23 Ultra is objectively better than the Axon 40 Ultra based on DxOMark testing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both offer similar battery capacities. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 45W fast charging | Axon 40 Ultra charges faster, getting you back up and running quicker. |
| Bypass Charging | No | Yes | S23 Ultra allows usage without directly charging the battery, ideal for gaming. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12, Max 13 | Android 13, Max 17 | S23 Ultra has a more up-to-date OS with longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support similar Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S23 Ultra has slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5) | S23 Ultra has more robust GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby + eSIM | S23 Ultra offers eSIM support in addition to the dual SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | 256GB/512GB/1TB | Both phones offer the same 1TB maximum storage capacity. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB/16GB/18GB | 8GB/12GB | Axon 40 Ultra has a bigger capacity of RAM for demanding tasks. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offer expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both phones offer stereo speakers but with different audio profiles. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have similar fingerprint sensors. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S23 Ultra has additional environmental sensors. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Strengths: The Axon 40 Ultra boasts a lighter design, significantly faster charging, a higher-resolution telephoto lens, wider aperture on multiple lenses, and more RAM options. Its under-display camera is also a unique feature for those who want a distraction-free display. The higher 4k recording fps is also something to consider for those making videos.
- Competitive Advantage: The faster charging speed and the under-display camera set the Axon 40 Ultra apart. The amount of RAM that comes with the Axon 40 Ultra is also something to consider.
- Trade-offs: The phone is less powerful, has a lower-resolution screen, and the camera system, though versatile, doesn't match the image quality of the S23 Ultra in terms of image processing, sharpness, and overall quality, as shown by the DxOMark test.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- Strengths: The S23 Ultra shines with a higher-resolution and brighter display, superior processing power, a more mature camera system with better image quality (DxOMark score of 140), and a more up-to-date operating system with longer support. The additional environmental sensors are also useful for a variety of tasks.
- Competitive Advantage: The combination of display quality, processing power, and camera excellence is what makes the S23 Ultra a standout. The bypass charging is also useful for prolongued gaming sessions and more robust GPS makes it ideal for hiking.
- Trade-offs: It's heavier, charges slower, and is more expensive. It also does not have an under display camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is best suited for:
- Users who prioritize a lightweight design and fast charging: If you value portability and want the quickest power-up, the Axon 40 Ultra excels.
- Users who prefer a "clean" screen: If you find camera cutouts bothersome, the under-display camera is a unique selling point.
- Users who need a high amount of RAM: If multitasking is key then this phone will do the trick.
- Budget-conscious users: Typically more affordable, the Axon 40 Ultra offers a lot of bang for the buck.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is best suited for:
- Power users and content creators: The powerful processor and premium camera system make this ideal for demanding tasks and high-quality media creation.
- Users who prioritize screen quality: The crisper, brighter display is perfect for those who consume a lot of visual content.
- Users who require the best image quality: If the best camera is a must, the S23 Ultra delivers superior results.
- Users who need the best performance: If gaming or multitasking is your focus, then the S23 Ultra will do the trick.
- Users who are always on the go: If a great GPS and bypass charging are must haves then this phone will do the trick.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to ask yourself:
- What do you prioritize more: fastest charging or superior image quality? If fast charging and a lightweight design are key, the Axon 40 Ultra is a strong contender. If image quality and overall performance are more important, the S23 Ultra is the better pick.
- How much do you value display quality? The S23 Ultra’s higher resolution and brightness will be noticeably better for those sensitive to display nuances, but the Axon 40 Ultra display is no slouch either.
- Do you need the best software experience and future updates? The S23 Ultra provides a more up-to-date software experience and will get much longer software support.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the photography enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra wins with its higher-quality camera system and superior image processing.
- For the gamer: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is better with its stronger processor, newer GPU, and bypass charging.
- For the everyday user on the go: If you need a fast charge and lighter design then the Axon 40 Ultra is the better fit.
- For the content creator: Both phones offer excellent video capabilities with 8k video, but the S23 Ultra offers better image processing and an additional portrait lens, whereas the Axon 40 Ultra offers better 4k video capabilities.
- For the budget-conscious buyer: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers excellent value for its price.
Personal Choice
Personally, if I were choosing between these two phones, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
While the Axon 40 Ultra’s fast charging, light weight, and RAM options are appealing, the S23 Ultra provides a more complete package. The combination of its superior display, more powerful performance, enhanced camera system, and greater longevity make it the winner for me. I'm always looking for top-tier performance for running demanding apps and games and the S23 Ultra is the better pick for that. The image quality that the S23 Ultra provides is also something I value when it comes to smartphones. While it's heavier and charges slightly slower, these trade-offs are worth it for the overall experience. It's more of an investment for the future.
