Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Xiaomi Poco C65. We've got a bit of a David and Goliath situation here, so let's break down what each phone brings to the table.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 168 × 78 × 8.1 mm | Axon 40 Ultra is slightly more compact in hand. C65 is taller and wider, potentially less comfortable for single-handed use. |
| Weight | 204g | 192g | C65 is a bit lighter, which may be noticeable during long usage sessions. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.74" | Very similar screen size, negligible difference in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 720x1600 | Axon 40 Ultra's display will be much sharper with significantly more details and text clarity. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 400 | 260 | Axon 40 Ultra's higher PPI translates to crisper images and text, especially noticeable on smaller text and high-resolution graphics. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Axon 40 Ultra will offer superior color accuracy, deeper blacks, better contrast, and more efficient power usage. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Axon 40 Ultra will have slightly smoother scrolling and animations. It will feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Axon 40 Ultra screen will be easily viewable in bright daylight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Helio G85 | Axon 40 Ultra has a much more powerful processor for demanding apps and games. Will handle intense tasks with ease. C65 is suitable for basic tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 237,768 | Axon 40 Ultra will provide a significantly faster user experience, smoother multitasking and gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Axon 40 Ultra will offer higher graphics performance, meaning better gaming and faster rendering speeds. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Axon 40 Ultra captures more light and has higher resolution, leading to more detailed and better low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Axon 40 Ultra has a higher resolution and wider aperture selfie camera resulting in better looking photos. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | None | Axon 40 Ultra allows for optical zoom, useful for capturing distant subjects. C65 relies on digital zoom which produces lower quality photos. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3MP | None | Axon 40 Ultra will offer better depth information, useful for portrait mode. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | C65 offers dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | C65 offers dedicated macro lens for detailed close up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72" | None | Axon 40 Ultra offers a high-resolution wide-angle lens for more versatile photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K | 1080p@30fps | Axon 40 Ultra offers professional-grade video recording with higher resolution, HDR, and stabilization options. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones will likely provide similar battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Axon 40 Ultra recharges significantly faster. Less time plugged in, more time on the go. |
| Reverse Charging | No | Yes | C65 can be used as a power bank. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | C65 comes with the newer operating system. Axon 40 Ultra can be updated to Android 13 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi ac | Axon 40 Ultra supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, meaning faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | C65 uses newer Bluetooth standard. Both phones support low energy and A2DP. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Axon 40 Ultra has enhanced GPS location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512/1024 GB | 128/256 GB | Axon 40 Ultra has higher storage options, and may be more suited for people who need large amounts of data. |
| RAM | 8/12/16/18 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Axon 40 Ultra allows for better multitasking and handling of multiple apps at once. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither of the phones allow external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Basic audio features | Axon 40 Ultra delivers richer audio for a more enjoyable experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | C65 offers a more seamless and natural security experience. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Axon 40 Ultra and C65 have robust sensor suites for a wide array of functions. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Strengths:
- Display King: The AMOLED display with higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness is a significant advantage, offering a far superior visual experience.
- Performance Beast: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a flagship chipset that delivers top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Camera Versatility: The Axon's camera system includes multiple high-resolution lenses, impressive optical zoom, and professional-grade video capabilities.
- Fast Charging: 65W fast charging means you'll spend less time plugged in and more time on the go.
- Enhanced Audio: The inclusion of stereo speakers with DTS/DTS X provides better overall sound quality.
- Advanced Connectivity: The inclusion of Wifi 6 and Enhanced GPS adds extra levels of performance.
Xiaomi Poco C65 Strengths:
- Affordability: The C65 is designed to be budget-friendly, making it accessible to a wider range of consumers.
- Lightweight: At 192g, it's slightly lighter than the Axon, which can be more comfortable for long-term use.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to act as a power bank is a useful feature for emergencies.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13 out of the box.
- Slightly Newer Bluetooth: Offers slightly improved audio and range.
Trade-offs:
- The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's higher cost might make it less appealing to budget-conscious consumers. It is also thicker.
- The Xiaomi Poco C65 sacrifices significantly in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities to achieve its lower price point.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is best for:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and productivity.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality and versatility for photos and videos.
- Multimedia Lovers: People who value a premium display experience for watching movies, videos, and content creation.
- Users seeking a no compromise experience: Those who do not mind paying extra for the best specifications.
Xiaomi Poco C65 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an affordable smartphone for basic daily tasks.
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phones for browsing, social media, and basic communication.
- Users Who Value Battery life: For those who may not want to charge often, a lower spec phone would suit them best.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To decide between these phones, consider these questions:
- What is my budget? If you are on a very strict budget, the C65 is the obvious choice.
- How important is display quality and performance? If these are critical, the Axon 40 Ultra is clearly superior.
- What are my primary use cases? If you only use your phone for basic tasks, the C65 will suffice. If you need power for gaming or photography, the Axon is the better pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Constrained User: Choose the Xiaomi Poco C65 for basic functionality and affordability.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Oriented User: Select the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra for high-end gaming and demanding applications.
- Scenario 3: Camera Focused User: Go for the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra for its versatile camera system and high quality outputs.
- Scenario 4: Multimedia Lover: Choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra to have a superior viewing experience.
Final Thoughts and Personal Choice
Personally, I would choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. As someone who values a high-quality display, top-tier performance, and excellent camera capabilities, the Axon 40 Ultra is the clear winner, it offers a vastly superior user experience across the board. While the price may be higher, the improvements in performance, camera capabilities and display quality alone are worth the premium. It's a no-compromise device that truly excels.
The Xiaomi Poco C65 is a decent budget phone, but it is a basic device aimed at very light usage. It makes too many sacrifices in areas where I prioritise and therefore I would not personally consider it.
