Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and provide practical insights to help you choose the right device.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table focusing on the practical implications of each specification:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Flip5: Unique, pocketable design; Axon 40 Ultra: Traditional, larger size. |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm | Z Flip5: Slimmer and narrower (when unfolded), more pocketable but taller; Axon 40 Ultra: Wider, thicker. |
| Weight | 204g | 187g | Z Flip5: Lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Similar viewing area, Axon 40 Ultra: Slightly larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1116 x 2480 | 1080 x 2640 | Very similar sharpness, minor difference not noticeable to most users |
| PPI | 400 | 425 | Z Flip5: Slightly sharper display, but difference is negligible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | - | Axon 40 Ultra: Richer colors, deeper blacks, better contrast due to AMOLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1750 nits | Z Flip5: Better visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Z Flip5: Significantly faster performance, more efficient for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 1,531,700 | Z Flip5: Noticeably faster overall performance and snappier experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 740 | Z Flip5: Superior graphics performance for gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3700mAh | Axon 40 Ultra: Likely much longer battery life, especially with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | Axon 40 Ultra: Significantly faster wired charging; Z Flip5: Wireless charging convenience with reverse charging capability. |
| Features | Non-Removable | Bypass, Reverse, Wireless, Fast | Z Flip5: Wider array of charging options with a slight disadvantage in fast wired charging |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.6 | 12MP, f/1.8 | Axon 40 Ultra: Higher resolution sensor with wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 10MP, f/2.4 | Axon 40 Ultra: Higher resolution selfie camera with wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5 | None | Axon 40 Ultra: Enhanced optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2 | Z Flip5: Wider field of view for group shots and landscapes. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3MP | None | Axon 40 Ultra: Depth mapping for enhanced portrait mode. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP, f/2.3 | None | Axon 40 Ultra: Versatile ultra-wide angle and close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K @ 30fps | Up to 4K @ 60fps | Axon 40 Ultra: Higher video resolution and frame rate for advanced video capture. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | 127 (Mobile) | Z Flip5: Indicates high-quality camera performance. |
| Camera Features | Quad, Laser AF, OIS | Dual, Tracking AF, OIS, AI | Axon 40 Ultra: More advanced camera capabilities with under display camera for a full display experience, Z Flip5: Modern AI processing and tracking autofocus |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 13 (up to 14) | Z Flip5: Newer Android OS with more up-to-date features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Similar wireless internet speeds on both devices. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | Z Flip5: Slightly better audio connectivity and energy efficiency. |
| GPS | L1+L5 | L1+L5, BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Z Flip5: More accurate location tracking via support for more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Z Flip5: eSIM support for digital carrier flexibility, Axon 40 Ultra: Dual SIM for two physical SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1024GB | 256GB, 512GB | Axon 40 Ultra: Option for more internal storage, caters to users with extensive media and apps. |
| RAM | 8GB, 12GB, 16GB, 18GB | 8GB | Axon 40 Ultra: Higher RAM options for smoother multitasking and running demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | No option for external memory on either device |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo, 3 mics | Stereo | Axon 40 Ultra: Superior audio experience with DTS/X, enhanced voice capture for calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Side Mounted Fingerprint | Z Flip5: More advanced fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Z Flip5: Superior screen protection |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Z Flip5: Additional environmental sensors like Barometer for more features. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Strengths:
- Larger battery capacity, offering significantly longer battery life.
- Faster charging speed with 65W fast charging.
- Higher resolution main camera, telephoto, and selfie cameras.
- More versatile camera system including a dedicated 64MP wide angle + macro lens
- Option for much higher internal storage (up to 1 TB).
- Better audio experience with DTS / DTS X and 3 microphones for calls.
- Higher RAM options for enhanced multitasking.
- Under-display camera for a full screen viewing experience.
- Competitive Advantages: A powerhouse for those prioritizing battery life, versatile camera capabilities, and large storage capacity, all at a potentially lower price point.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5:
- Strengths:
- Unique foldable design that is more compact and pocketable.
- Lighter and slimmer, easier to handle for extended periods.
- Significantly faster chipset (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2) with better benchmark scores and general performance.
- Brighter display with Gorilla Glass protection.
- Superior Bluetooth version with additional audio support.
- Wireless charging with reverse charging option.
- eSIM support for digital carrier switching.
- Higher DxOMark camera rating, showcasing superior camera image processing.
- Better satellite support with added BeiDou and Galileo for location tracking.
- Up-to-date Android software and side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Modern AI and tracking autofocus capabilities.
- Additional sensors like a Barometer that are useful for added feature support.
- Competitive Advantages: Ideal for users seeking cutting-edge features, faster performance, modern AI enhanced camera and a unique foldable design.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Lacks the modern AI-assisted camera processing found in the Z Flip5.
- No wireless charging or eSIM support.
- Older Android OS version
- Standard form factor may not appeal to everyone
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5:
- Lower battery capacity compared to the Axon 40 Ultra.
- Slower wired charging speeds.
- Less versatile camera system compared to the Axon 40 Ultra, with no dedicated telephoto lens.
- May come with a higher price tag.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Power Users: Users who prioritize battery life and need a large internal storage for media, files, and documents.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate a versatile camera system with higher resolution sensors, macro capabilities, and optical zoom.
- Gamers: Benefit from larger battery capacity, higher RAM options and larger screen.
- Budget-Conscious Tech Lovers: Those seeking powerful features at a more accessible price point, without compromising too much on performance.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5:
- Trendsetters & Design Lovers: Users who appreciate the unique foldable design and value a compact form factor that is easy to carry around.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest features, superior processing speed, wireless charging and a modern operating system.
- Social Media Creators: Benefit from the compact form factor, great video recording quality and versatility of the folding mechanism when shooting.
- On-the-Go Professionals: Those who need a slim, lightweight device with fast performance and eSIM support for efficient communication and productivity.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To decide between these two phones, consider the following questions:
What is your primary focus: battery life and versatile camera, or unique design and cutting-edge features?
- If battery life and a versatile camera system are more important, go for the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
- If a unique, compact design, enhanced performance, and advanced connectivity are priorities, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is the better fit.
How important is the form factor of the phone?
- If you want a more traditional smartphone form factor, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the better fit.
- If you want a unique foldable device, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is the best option.
How crucial is having the latest software version and ecosystem benefits?
- If you prefer up-to-date software and the latest features, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is the better choice.
- If you are okay with an older Android version, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a great choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Travel Vlogger: Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 for its portability, high-quality video, unique recording angles, and ability to use it as a tripod when it is partly folded.
- Heavy Gamer: Pick the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra for a larger screen, larger battery capacity, higher RAM and great performance, all at potentially lower price.
- Business Professional: Opt for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 for its fast performance, compact design, eSIM support, and wireless charging convenience.
- Photography Lover: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the better option with its versatile quadruple camera setup with high megapixel counts, macro capabilities, and optical zoom.
- Budget Conscious User: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the recommended option for offering great performance, camera and battery, all at a competitive price.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. While I appreciate the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's impressive battery life and versatile camera system, the Z Flip5's unique foldable design, significantly faster performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, modern software, and convenient wireless charging are more appealing to me. As a tech journalist and analyst who is constantly exploring the latest innovations, the Z Flip5's cutting-edge features and form factor make it an exciting daily driver. The added convenience of the folding design, the smaller size, eSIM and wireless charging are more useful in my daily life, outweighing the benefits of the larger battery offered by the Axon 40 Ultra.
