Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Xiaomi Poco F5. Buckle up, because we're about to break down these spec sheets into real-world performance.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key specs, presented in a way that bridges the technical details with the practical impacts on your daily life.
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 161.1 × 75 × 7.9 mm | Axon 40 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker; Poco F5 is wider and thinner. |
| Weight | 204g | 181g | Poco F5 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | Axon 40 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1116 x 2480 | 1080 x 2400 | Axon 40 Ultra has a slightly sharper image due to more pixels. |
| Pixel Density | 400 PPI | 395 PPI | Practically identical clarity on both screens. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Axon 40 Ultra is significantly brighter for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 | Poco F5's chipset is newer, offering similar performance, while the Axon 40 Ultra's chipset is older generation high tier, offering high performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 1,134,558 | Poco F5 has a slightly higher benchmark score, suggesting marginally better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 725 | Different GPUs; both capable of high-end graphics, with the 730 having better performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | Axon 40 Ultra has a wider aperture and larger sensor for better low-light performance and bokeh. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Axon 40 Ultra's wider aperture should capture slightly better selfies in low light. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/3.5 | N/A | Axon 40 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, absent in the Poco F5. |
| Wide Angle | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2 | Poco F5 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens; the Axon 40 Ultra uses its ultrawide/macro lens for wide shots. |
| Macro | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Poco F5 has a dedicated macro lens for closeup shots; the Axon 40 Ultra has a wide angle + macro lens that could perform better. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3 MP | N/A | Axon 40 Ultra has a ToF 3D Sensor |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72" | N/A | Axon 40 Ultra has a very high resolution sensor for macro/wide angle shots |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | 4K@30fps | Axon 40 Ultra supports higher video resolution; both feature EIS and slow-motion. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Poco F5 offers slightly faster charging speeds. |
| Software & Other | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Poco F5 runs a newer Android version out of the box, with further update possibilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Poco F5 has a more advanced Bluetooth version with more codecs. |
| Storage | 256/512/1024/128GB | 256GB | Axon 40 Ultra offers multiple storage options; Poco F5 comes in 256GB configuration. |
| RAM | 8/12/16/18GB | 8/12GB | Axon 40 Ultra offers more RAM variants. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Poco F5 has a more user-friendly fingerprint sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Poco F5 has better screen protection than Axon 40 Ultra. |
| Audio Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Poco F5 has more advanced audio technologies such as Dolby Atmos and High-Res audio |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Strengths:
- Superior Display Brightness: The 1500 nits brightness is a game-changer for outdoor use, ensuring visibility even in bright sunlight.
- Advanced Camera System: The combination of a large sensor, wide aperture main lens, dedicated telephoto, high resolution wide angle + macro and 8K video recording capabilities is impressive for photography enthusiasts.
- Potent Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 still packs a punch for gaming and multitasking, with up to 18GB RAM for heavy users.
- Multiple Storage options: Options to choose from 128GB to 1TB.
- Under Display Camera: The selfie camera is placed under the display to give the phone a clean look and unobstructed viewing experience
Xiaomi Poco F5 Strengths:
- Lighter and More Comfortable: Its lower weight makes it more comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.
- Newer Chipset: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 offers excellent performance with a more modern architecture, resulting in great battery efficiency.
- Better Software Experience: Runs on Android 13 (upgradable to 14), promising a better overall experience
- Better Bluetooth codecs: With bluetooth 5.3 and supporting codecs such as APT-x, LDAC, SBC and AAC, the audio experience is better.
- Better Audio Quality: With technologies such as Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and a noise cancellation microphone.
- Better Screen Protection: Comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection, providing better protection.
- Better Biometric Authentication: Comes with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: Its larger size and weight may not appeal to everyone, and it lacks a dedicated wide-angle lens. Its chipset is from 2022, and thus less optimized compared to Poco's chipset.
- Xiaomi Poco F5: It lacks the high brightness of the Axon 40 Ultra, and its camera system is not as versatile, especially if you prefer having telephoto capabilities.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Ideal For: Photography enthusiasts, content creators, gamers, and power users who need top-tier performance, multiple storage and RAM options, and a very capable camera system.
- Use Cases: Capturing professional-grade video (8K), low-light photography, detailed zoom shots, multitasking with heavy applications, and enjoying a large, immersive display.
- Pros: Higher resolution and brighter display; more versatile cameras including telephoto lens, 8K video recording.
- Cons: Heavier, slightly larger size, older chipset and Android.
Xiaomi Poco F5:
- Ideal For: Everyday users, gamers on a budget, and those who prefer a comfortable, lightweight device with a focus on balance and price-to-performance.
- Use Cases: Casual gaming, social media, media consumption, day-to-day photography, video conferencing, and smooth overall usage with a lightweight feel.
- Pros: More comfortable to hold; newer chipset, Android OS, Better audio capabilities, better screen protection.
- Cons: Less versatile cameras, especially lacking a telephoto lens, less vibrant display under sunlight, limited storage options.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to ask yourself before deciding between these two phones:
- Outdoor Visibility: How important is a bright display for outdoor use? (ZTE Axon 40 Ultra wins here)
- Camera Versatility: Do you prioritize a versatile camera system with telephoto and 8K recording capabilities? (ZTE Axon 40 Ultra wins here)
- Comfort and Balance: Is a lightweight, comfortable device with a newer chipset more important for your daily usage? (Xiaomi Poco F5 wins here)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Photographer: Choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra for its superior camera system and 8K video capabilities.
- The Casual User: The Xiaomi Poco F5 offers a balanced experience with its comfortable design and great performance, and is an excellent choice for the average user.
- The On-the-Go Professional: If you need a reliable, comfortable device that can withstand extended use, the Xiaomi Poco F5 will be a better fit.
Personal Recommendation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally pick the Xiaomi Poco F5. Here's why:
Even though the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has the better camera system, I appreciate the balance that the Xiaomi Poco F5 offers. As someone who uses my smartphone for a mix of everyday tasks and occasional gaming, the lighter design, newer chipset and OS, better audio features, and better screen protection of the Poco F5 make it more appealing for my daily use. The lack of a dedicated telephoto lens does sting a little, but the overall user experience, coupled with better battery life and the comfort of a lighter phone, wins me over in the end.
