Okay, let's break down the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S24, focusing on what these specs mean for real-world use. I’ll put my tech journalist hat on and explain it as if we’re chatting over coffee, but with all the technical depth you'd expect from a good deep dive.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 147 × 70.6 × 7.6 mm | Axon 40 Ultra is noticeably larger, which can be great for media consumption, but less convenient for one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 204g | 167g | S24 feels lighter and more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. The Axon feels more substantial but will be more noticeable |
| Build | Unknown screen protection | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24 offers better drop and scratch protection, with its Victus 2 glass. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.2" | Axon 40 Ultra has a more immersive viewing experience for video and gaming. S24 is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 1080x2340 | Axon 40 Ultra has a slightly sharper image, especially noticeable in detailed content, although very similar in practice. |
| PPI | 400 | 416 | Both offer very sharp displays, with little visible difference in pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent color, contrast, and deep blacks; it's not specified if the S24 also has an OLED display but given that it's a Samsung, it most likely is an AMOLED screen as well |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth scrolling experience and fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2600 nits | S24 is far superior in bright sunlight, with much better visibility outdoors. The Axon 40 is still fine indoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | S24 offers significantly faster CPU and GPU performance for gaming, app loading and multitasking; The newer chip offers improved battery efficiency as well. |
| Antutu Score | 1,061,300 | 1,639,695 | S24 is noticeably faster, providing a smoother user experience, especially with demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 | S24 is again far superior for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | Axon 40 Ultra has a larger battery, suggesting longer usage between charges. However, software optimization plays a big part in battery life. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Axon 40 Ultra charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly; both are non-removable. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable | S24 can charge other devices, with bypass charging also available; Axon 40 has a basic setup without these features. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Axon 40 Ultra takes slightly more detailed pictures, but megapixel count isn’t everything; both have good main cameras. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.8 | Axon 40 Ultra should perform better in low light, with a slightly wider aperture. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.72" | 1/1.57" | S24 has a larger sensor, capturing more light per pixel. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.70 µm pixel size | 1.00 µm pixel size | S24's larger pixels should deliver better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 12MP | Axon 40 Ultra has more detailed selfies, but again, this isn't the only important factor. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.2 | Axon 40 Ultra should perform better in low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Resolution | 64MP | 10MP | Axon 40 Ultra has a massively higher resolution telephoto lens |
| Telephoto Aperture | f/3.5 | f/2.4 | S24's telephoto lens captures more light, resulting in brighter images even though it has less resolution |
| Telephoto Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/3.9" | Axon 40 Ultra has a larger sensor here |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 12.2MP | S24 has dedicated ultra-wide-angle shots, something the Axon lacks. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | No | Axon 40 has an additional depth sensor that should enhance the bokeh effect on portrait shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Yes | No | Axon 40 Ultra can take both wide-angle and macro shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@120fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Axon 40 Ultra can record higher framerate video. Both offer excellent video quality overall. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | S24 offers the latest Android features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24 has a newer Wi-Fi standard, offering better speed and lower latency on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S24 has a newer version with more capabilities and potentially lower energy consumption. |
| GPS | Dual-Band | Dual-Band+ | S24 supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy, a noticeable difference in complex environments. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano/eSIM | S24 offers more flexibility with eSIM support, a good addition when traveling. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | Up to 1024GB | Up to 512GB | Axon 40 Ultra provides a larger storage option for users who need plenty of space. Both phones have sufficient options available for general use |
| RAM | Up to 18GB | Up to 12GB | Axon 40 Ultra could handle heavy multitasking and demanding games slightly better, but both offer enough RAM for most users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, make sure you select the right option for your storage needs. |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers, DTS, 3 microphones | Stereo Speakers, Noise cancelling microphone | Axon 40 Ultra may have slightly better audio quality, while S24 offers noise cancellation for improved call clarity. |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both use basic fingerprint scanners |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Gravity | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S24 has a barometer for measuring pressure, and the Axon 40 has a basic fingerprint scanner. |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: This phone is all about maximizing screen real estate and raw battery life. It has a unique under-display camera and a higher res telephoto lens. It's designed for users who prioritize multimedia consumption and long battery life and has enough grunt for most demanding tasks.
- Samsung Galaxy S24: The S24 shines with a more refined, smaller form factor, a brighter and more sunlight readable display, a superior processor and better connectivity options. It's the clear choice for those seeking the best blend of power, convenience, and camera performance in a compact package. It's the more modern smartphone in this comparison.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: Ideal for:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who watch a lot of videos or play games on their phones will appreciate the large, immersive display and high resolution.
- Power Users: Those who need longer battery life and don't mind a larger phone can get this.
- Samsung Galaxy S24: Ideal for:
- Everyday Users: People who want a powerful phone in a comfortable size, with a reliable camera and great screen.
- Mobile Photographers: Those who want great photos with good low-light performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is portability? The S24 is more compact and pocketable. The Axon 40 Ultra is larger.
- What's your primary use? If media consumption and battery life are key, the Axon 40 is better. For daily tasks and camera capabilities, the S24 is a better choice.
- How important is sunlight visibility? The S24 has a brighter display for better outdoor use, which can make a big difference if you are constantly out and about.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- You’re a gamer who loves long gaming sessions: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra will give you a large screen, long battery life, but the S24 will provide better performance overall and also has good battery life.
- You take lots of photos, especially in low light: The Samsung Galaxy S24 will provide better image quality overall.
- You just want a reliable, do-it-all phone that fits in your pocket: The Samsung Galaxy S24 is the better pick in this situation.
Personal Choice
If I had to pick one, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy S24. Here’s why:
While the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is an intriguing phone with its large screen and high resolution telephoto lens, the Galaxy S24 strikes a better balance of overall performance, refinement, and practicality for my needs. I need something portable and easy to use and given my need to be outside, a screen with better sunlight visibility is a huge benefit. The more powerful processor and more recent operating system and connectivity features mean I'm getting a more modern and future-proofed experience, something I value when recommending technology.
