Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. I'm approaching this as if I'm explaining it to a friend, making sure to highlight not just the specs but also what they mean for you, the user, in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key specs, presented in a table to make it easy to digest:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Flip4 offers unique pocketability; Axon 40 Ultra is a typical slab phone. |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm | Z Flip4 is taller but narrower and significantly thinner when unfolded; Axon 40 Ultra has larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 204g | 187g | Z Flip4 is lighter, which is better for extended use, while the Axon 40 Ultra is heavier but still manageable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Minimal difference; both offer immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 1080x2640 | Both are very similar, with minor differences. |
| Pixel Density | 400 PPI | 426 PPI | Z Flip4 has slightly sharper image, but not by much. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Not specified | Axon 40 Ultra has the superior technology, better colors, blacks and battery efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1200 nits | Axon 40 Ultra is much brighter; it's noticeably better outdoors in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Z Flip4 has the newer, slightly more efficient chipset with a minor performance edge. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 1,050,371 | Performance is nearly identical; both are very fast. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Both devices share the same GPU. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.6 | 12.2MP f/1.8 | Axon 40 Ultra has higher resolution, larger sensor, wider aperture (better low-light performance) |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 10MP f/2.4 | Axon 40 Ultra has higher resolution and wider aperture; slightly better selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP f/3.5 | Not available | Axon 40 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto camera for optical zoom; a significant advantage. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not available | 13MP | Z Flip4 has a dedicated ultra-wide lens. |
| Other Lenses | ToF 3D, Wide Angle + Macro | Not Available | Axon 40 Ultra has a versatile setup, including a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | 4K@60fps, 1080@240fps | Axon 40 Ultra can record up to 8K, and 4k up to 120fps; more options for professional video. |
| DxoMark | Not tested | 112 (Mobile) | Z Flip4 has a tested and validated good camera |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3700mAh | Axon 40 Ultra has a substantially larger battery; expect better endurance. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charge | 25W Fast Charge | Axon 40 Ultra charges much faster. |
| Wireless Charging | Not specified | 15W Fast Charge | Z Flip4 includes Wireless and Reverse Charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12/13 | Android 12/14 | Z Flip4 will have a slightly newer operating system (Android 14) |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both offer similar Wi-Fi performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | Axon 40 Ultra has a newer version with better efficiency |
| GPS | L1 + L5 | L1 + L5 | Z Flip4 has better support for Satellite Systems |
| SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Z Flip4 has eSIM for digital carrier switching |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB - 1024GB | 128GB - 512GB | Axon 40 Ultra offers larger storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB - 18GB | 8GB | Axon 40 Ultra offers much larger RAM options, better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Stereo Speakers | Axon 40 Ultra has a better audio system. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 has superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 includes additional environmental sensors |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: The Powerhouse
- Strengths: The Axon 40 Ultra is a spec monster, excelling in several areas. It boasts a superior AMOLED display with higher brightness, a versatile quad-camera system, a much larger battery with faster charging, and more RAM for heavy multitasking. The higher resolution and variety of its camera lenses are noteworthy for anyone looking for imaging flexibility.
- Competitive Advantages: The 8K video recording capabilities and higher RAM configurations make this a device aimed at power users and content creators. The display brightness also makes it great for those who spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Trade-Offs: It's a bigger and heavier device with a design that is more mainstream. It lacks the foldability that the Z Flip4 offers.
- Limitations: The Axon 40 Ultra screen protection is unknown, making it prone to scratches and damages.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4: The Foldable Pioneer
- Strengths: The Z Flip4 offers a unique foldable design, making it highly portable and stylish. It features a modern chipset with good performance, and despite having a smaller battery, it comes with wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities. The compact form when folded is a big plus for pocketability.
- Competitive Advantages: The Z Flip4's foldable form factor is its main attraction. It is significantly lighter, more compact when folded, and also has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior screen protection.
- Trade-Offs: The camera system is less flexible and the battery life is significantly shorter than the Axon 40 Ultra. The charging speed is slower, and the display technology is not as advanced.
- Limitations: The lack of a telephoto lens and much shorter battery life are key shortcomings for power users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
- Ideal User: Power users, content creators, and photography enthusiasts. Those who prioritize display quality, battery life, and camera versatility.
- Use Cases: Heavy multitasking, gaming, professional video recording, and outdoor use in bright environments.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for the raw performance and features offered if you don't need foldability.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
- Ideal User: Fashion-conscious individuals who value portability and a unique form factor. Those who want a phone that's stylish and can fit comfortably in a pocket.
- Use Cases: Social media, casual photography, and everyday tasks. Perfect for users who prioritize style and portability.
- Price-to-Value: Pricier due to the folding mechanism, but if form factor is key, this delivers.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself when deciding between these two phones:
- Do you need foldability? If having a phone that can fold down into a compact size is a must-have, then the Z Flip4 is your choice. If you don't care about foldability, then the Axon 40 Ultra provides more of what you're looking for.
- What's more important: battery life or unique design? If battery life and camera versatility are your priorities, the Axon 40 Ultra is the winner. If a unique, pocketable design is more important, go for the Z Flip4.
- How much performance do you need? Both phones offer flagship-level performance, but if you plan on heavy multitasking or using power-intensive apps, the Axon 40 Ultra is your bet with its larger RAM configurations.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For the Photographer: The Axon 40 Ultra’s superior camera system and 8K video recording capabilities make it a much better option.
- For the Commuter: The Z Flip4 wins with its foldable design and pocketability, but battery life could be a problem.
- For the Gamer: The Axon 40 Ultra with 18GB of RAM is the better choice for smooth gameplay.
- For the Everyday User: It depends on your priorities. If you value a unique design and don't mind the shorter battery life, the Z Flip4 is a good choice. If you prioritize performance and a great camera system, then the Axon 40 Ultra is the better option.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing, I'd go with the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. Here’s why:
As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I value performance, versatility, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. While the Z Flip4 is an impressive piece of technology, its foldable design doesn't really fit my needs as well as the other phone.
The Axon 40 Ultra's superior display, more versatile camera system, longer battery life, and higher RAM configurations make it the better fit for how I use a smartphone. Its 8K video capability is a game-changer, and it offers more creative options for photography with all its lenses.
While the Z Flip4's foldable design is innovative, it is not as important to me compared to the overall performance, image quality and battery life of the other device. I'm willing to sacrifice the pocketability for a device that is a beast at doing what smartphones do best.
