Okay, let's break down the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Xiaomi Poco M5s. I'm going to focus on what these specs mean for you, the user, and not just list out numbers.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-13 | 2022-09-06 | The Poco M5s is about 3.5 months newer, so it might have slightly more up-to-date features. |
| Size | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | Axon is taller, Poco is slightly wider, similar thicknesses. |
| Weight | 204g | 178.8g | Poco M5s is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.43" | Axon 40 Ultra's larger screen is great for media consumption, gaming and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 1080x2400 | Axon 40 Ultra's higher resolution offers a slightly sharper image. |
| PPI | 400 | 409 | Both have excellent pixel density; very similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant, high-contrast AMOLED panels. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Axon's 120Hz refresh rate delivers significantly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1100 nits | Axon 40 Ultra is much brighter, offering better visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Helio G95 | Axon 40 Ultra's flagship chipset offers vastly superior speed and power for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 418,627 | Axon 40 Ultra's benchmark score indicates much faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G76 MC4 | Axon's Adreno GPU is more powerful, resulting in smoother gaming and graphics processing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" | 64MP, f/1.9, 1/2" | Axon's main camera has a wider aperture and larger sensor, which translates to better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.4 | Axon 40 Ultra's selfie camera captures slightly more detail and has better low light capability with its wider aperture |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP | None | Axon 40 Ultra offers much higher optical zoom capability. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP | The Poco M5s allows you to capture ultra wide shots. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3MP | None | Axon has a ToF sensor that helps with depth-sensing. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP | The Poco M5s offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP | The Poco M5s offers a dedicated macro sensor for close up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP | None | Axon 40 Ultra has a very powerful wide-angle with macro capability. |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | 4K@30fps | Axon 40 Ultra offers higher-resolution video with more features, including better stabilisation. |
| Features | 8K Video, OIS, PDAF, LAF, Under display camera | Standard | Axon 40 Ultra has more advanced camera features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Axon 40 Ultra charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Poco M5s has a feature to be used as a power bank to other devices |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Android 12 | Both run Android 12, Axon has confirmed 13 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi ac | Axon 40 Ultra supports newer WiFi standard, offering faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Axon 40 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | L1+L5 | Standard | Axon 40 Ultra supports more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB to 1TB | 64GB to 256GB | Axon 40 Ultra offers significantly more storage, which is useful for large media libraries and apps. |
| RAM | 8GB to 18GB | 4GB to 8GB | Axon 40 Ultra's higher RAM provides better multitasking capabilities and overall performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS / DTS X, 3 microphones | Hi-Res Audio | Axon provides more enhanced audio features and better voice capturing. |
| Security | |||
| Security features | Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Poco M5s features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco M5s uses superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Various | Various | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra additionally features Proximity, Gravity and Hall, Xiaomi Poco M5s additionally features Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual |
2. Key Insights
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: This is a performance powerhouse with a flagship chipset, high refresh rate display, and a versatile camera system. It's clearly aimed at users who want the best in terms of processing power, camera quality, and display experience. The inclusion of features like 8K video and a telephoto lens shows a focus on content creation and photography.
- Xiaomi Poco M5s: This is a solid mid-range option, providing a decent display, long battery life, and a capable camera at a more affordable price point. Its strengths lie in its lighter design, reverse charging, and overall cost-effectiveness. The 33W fast charging is still acceptable, though not as impressive as the Axon 40 Ultra's 65W.
Strengths:
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is in a different class compared to the Helio G95.
- Amazing Display: 120Hz refresh rate and 1500 nits brightness are top-tier.
- Camera Versatility: 8K video, telephoto lens, and a high-quality main sensor make it a great choice for photography and video enthusiasts.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging is a significant advantage.
- Xiaomi Poco M5s:
- Lightweight Design: Significantly lighter than the Axon.
- Reverse Charging: You can use it as a power bank.
- Good Value: Offers good performance and features at a lower price point.
- Screen Protection: Includes Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for better durability.
Trade-offs:
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Heavier: Its weight might not be ideal for everyone.
- Pricier: This is definitely a premium-priced device.
- Xiaomi Poco M5s:
- Slower Performance: Its chipset isn't suitable for heavy gaming or intensive tasks.
- Basic Display: 60Hz refresh rate may feel less smooth for some users.
- Basic Camera: Lacks features like telephoto lens, optical zoom and 8K video.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Ideal for: Gamers, content creators, photography enthusiasts, and anyone who wants top-tier performance and display quality without any compromise.
- Use Cases: Gaming, video editing, professional photography, multimedia consumption, and running demanding apps.
- Considerations: This is a premium device that prioritizes performance and features over cost.
- Xiaomi Poco M5s:
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious users, everyday users, students, or anyone who needs a reliable and practical smartphone without the top-end specs.
- Use Cases: Casual gaming, social media, web browsing, streaming videos, and capturing everyday photos.
- Considerations: This device balances cost with usability, it is a great all-rounder for people that want a phone that just works well in most cases.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is top-tier performance to you? If you're a gamer or a power user, the Axon 40 Ultra is a must-have. If you just want to browse the web, watch videos, and do basic tasks the Poco M5s is good enough.
- How important is display quality to you? The Axon 40 Ultra provides a much smoother experience and higher brightness. If you like smoother animations and better visibility under bright sunlight then consider the Axon.
- What is your budget? The Poco M5s is significantly more budget-friendly. If you want to save money then the Poco M5s is your best bet, if money isn't an issue go with the Axon.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (The Power User): You need a phone that can handle anything you throw at it. Recommendation: ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
- Scenario 2 (The Casual User): You need a reliable and affordable phone for everyday tasks. Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M5s.
- Scenario 3 (The Photographer): You want a phone with the most versatile camera capabilities. Recommendation: ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. While I appreciate the lighter design and value proposition of the Poco M5s, my personal preference leans heavily towards top-tier performance and camera capabilities. The combination of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, the 120Hz AMOLED display with higher brightness, the telephoto lens, 8k video and the faster charging makes the Axon 40 Ultra a more appealing phone for me. I prioritize overall speed and I really do take a lot of photos and videos, so the Axon's camera capabilities also make it a much better choice. While it is more expensive, the leap in performance and capabilities is worth the money in my opinion.
