Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G. I'll aim to bridge the technical specs with real-world usability to help you make an informed decision.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specifications, structured for clarity and with an emphasis on real-world implications:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-13 | 2022-10-07 | The Poco M4 5G is newer by about 4.5 months. |
| Dimensions | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 164 × 76.1 × 8.9 mm | The Poco M4 5G is slightly wider and thicker, but height is nearly identical. |
| Weight | 204g | 200g | Both phones have a similar weight, feel comparable in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.58" | Axon 40 Ultra has a larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 1080x2408 | Axon 40 Ultra has slightly higher resolution, sharper display. |
| PPI | 400 | 401 | Similar pixel density, both appear sharp to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Axon 40 Ultra offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colors. Better for dark themes and power saving. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Axon 40 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Axon 40 Ultra is vastly superior in outdoor visibility; M4 5G is likely very hard to see in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Dimensity 700 (7nm) | Axon 40 Ultra offers significantly higher processing power; Faster app loading, better multitasking, smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 381,300 | Axon 40 Ultra is substantially faster, indicating far superior performance across the board. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Axon 40 Ultra's GPU is significantly better for gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have identical capacity; Expect similar battery life with average usage. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Axon 40 Ultra charges significantly faster, getting you back in action much quicker. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Poco M4 5G has the added benefit of reverse charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72", 0.7µm | 13MP, f/2.2 | Axon 40 Ultra excels with a higher resolution and wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0, 1.22µm | 5MP, f/2.2 | Axon 40 Ultra has vastly superior resolution and aperture for clearer and better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5 | None | Axon 40 Ultra provides optical zoom capabilities, missing on Poco M4 5G. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3MP | None | Axon 40 Ultra has depth sensing capabilities for 3D models and advanced depth effects. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Poco M4 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, which is missing from Axon 40 Ultra |
| Wide Angle/Macro | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72", 0.7µm | None | Axon 40 Ultra includes an ultrawide and macro lens, offering more shooting versatility. |
| Video Recording | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | 1080p@30fps | Axon 40 Ultra supports far higher video resolution and framerates, including HDR, and EIS. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, OIS, LAF, Under Display Camera, Continuous shooting, RAW | 4K Video, Digital Stabilization | Axon 40 Ultra is a much more capable camera system with advanced stabilization, focus features, RAW, and more. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Both ship with Android 12, but the Axon 40 Ultra has a confirmed upgrade to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Axon 40 Ultra supports a newer, faster Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 LE | Axon 40 Ultra has a slightly more recent Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | Dual-Band GPS (L1+L5) | Standard GPS | Axon 40 Ultra has more precise GPS positioning with dual-band support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer dual SIM capabilities |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB - 1024GB | 64GB / 128GB | Axon 40 Ultra provides significantly more storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB - 18GB | 4GB / 6GB | Axon 40 Ultra offers significantly more RAM, better for demanding apps and multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | Axon 40 Ultra has premium audio with stereo speakers, a significant advantage for media. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Poco M4 5G has a more convenient side-mounted sensor; both offer biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco M4 5G offers superior protection from scratches and minor drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Gravity, Hall, Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Axon 40 Ultra has Gravity and Hall sensors while the Poco M4 has a compass. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and 1500 nits brightness is a major advantage, especially for media and outdoor usage.
- Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 provides flagship-level performance for demanding games and apps.
- Advanced Camera System: The multi-lens setup with high-resolution sensors, optical zoom, and 8K video recording capabilities make it a powerhouse for photography enthusiasts.
- Fast Charging: 65W charging means less time plugged in and more time using the phone.
- Premium Audio: DTS / DTS X stereo speakers offer a superior audio experience for media consumption.
- Larger RAM and Storage: Offers generous options for both RAM and storage.
- More precise GPS: Dual-band GPS provides more accurate location tracking.
- Upgraded Android OS: Has a confirmed upgrade to Android 13.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G Strengths:
- Good Value: This phone is likely positioned as a budget-friendly option and may offer a more compelling price for a 5G-enabled device.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank, a useful feature in a pinch.
- Decent Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery should provide reliable all-day battery life.
- Gorilla Glass Protection: Offers some basic protection against scratches and drops.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient location than under-display fingerprint sensors.
Trade-offs:
- Axon 40 Ultra: Lacks expandable storage and may have a higher price point.
- Poco M4 5G: Suffers from a significantly weaker display, inferior camera system, and much lower performance.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is Best For:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who demand top-tier performance and the latest features.
- Photography Lovers: Users who need a versatile camera system with excellent photo and video capabilities.
- Mobile Gamers: Players who want a smooth and responsive experience, and would benefit from a superior GPU.
- Media Consumers: People who value a high-quality display and immersive audio.
- Power Users: Individuals who require lots of storage and RAM.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G is Best For:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for an affordable 5G device with reliable performance for everyday tasks.
- Basic Users: People who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and calls.
- Users who prioritize battery life: The 5000 mAh battery will last most users a full day of usage.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- How important is top-tier performance to you?
- If you frequently use demanding apps or play graphics-intensive games, the Axon 40 Ultra is a clear choice.
- If your usage is more casual, the Poco M4 5G may be sufficient.
- What are your priorities for the camera?
- If you care about professional photography, the Axon 40 Ultra offers a vastly superior camera system with advanced features.
- If you just need basic snapshots, the Poco M4 5G will do the job, albeit with much less detail and versatility.
- How much does display quality matter?
- If you watch videos or use your phone outdoors frequently, the superior AMOLED display on the Axon 40 Ultra will be worth the investment.
- If display quality is not a top priority, the IPS LCD on the Poco M4 5G is sufficient.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Photography - Axon 40 Ultra: Superior camera system and 8K recording capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Heavy Gaming - Axon 40 Ultra: Top-tier chipset and GPU, 120Hz display, and ample RAM.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User - Poco M4 5G: A very good phone at a more budget-friendly price with core features for everyday use.
- Scenario 4: Long Battery Life Users - Both phones are sufficient, with the Poco M4 5G having the added capability of reverse charging.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely go with the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. Here's why:
While both devices offer 5G and a similar battery capacity, the Axon 40 Ultra provides a superior experience across the board. For me, the vastly superior display, top-tier processing power, and the incredible camera system are worth the extra investment. As a tech journalist and someone who loves mobile photography, I need a device that is up for the job. The Axon 40 Ultra is a device that caters to my needs and wants, and offers a cutting-edge user experience that the Poco M4 5G simply cannot provide. Even though it lacks Gorilla Glass, which the Poco M4 has, I'd still prefer a screen that is brighter, more vibrant, and with a higher refresh rate.
I hope this comprehensive comparison helps you make an informed decision. Let me know if you have any other questions.
