Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the ZTE Blade V60 Design. These phones, while both from ZTE, cater to very different users and priorities. Let's break down what makes each tick.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table breaking down the key specs, with a focus on what they mean for you in real life:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | ZTE Blade V60 Design | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-13 | 2024-06-01 | The Blade V60 is newer by roughly two years, potentially having improved software and features. |
| Dimensions | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 164.2 × 75.3 × 8.6 mm | Axon 40 is a bit more compact while the V60 is slightly wider and thicker which may feel larger in hand. |
| Weight | 204g | 198g | Both are relatively hefty; the Blade V60 is marginally lighter, potentially a minor advantage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | Axon 40 offers a more immersive experience with a slightly larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 720x1612 | Axon 40 has a much sharper screen with significantly more detail. Text, images, and videos will look far better. |
| Pixel Density | 400 ppi | 267 ppi | Axon 40 has a notably clearer and less pixelated display; a big difference for clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Axon 40 has deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and is more power-efficient with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Axon 40 has slightly smoother scrolling and animations; noticeable for gamers and users who appreciate responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Axon 40 is significantly better for outdoor use in bright sunlight due to superior brightness |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Axon 40 offers significantly faster processing speed, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. The V60's processor is more basic. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 240,000 | Axon 40 is leaps and bounds faster; feels significantly more powerful and responsive across all tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Axon 40 has a much more powerful graphics processor; better for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72", Sony IMX787 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Axon 40 has a higher resolution, better low-light performance due to a wider aperture, and a superior sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0, Omnivision | 8MP | Axon 40 has a much higher-resolution selfie camera, resulting in better detail. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2", OV64B | Not Available | Axon 40 has optical zoom capabilities, offering better photos at a distance. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3MP | Not Available | Axon 40 has a depth sensor to improve bokeh effects. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | V60 uses a dedicated sensor for depth sensing to improve portrait photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72", Sony IMX787 | Not Available | Axon 40 offers a wide-angle lens that is great for landscape photos, as well as marco for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Axon 40 can record much higher-quality, more detailed videos (including 8K). |
| Camera Features | Optical Zoom, OIS, LAF, Under-Display, RAW, Night Mode | Triple Camera | Axon 40 offers more advanced features, including OIS, RAW image capture, and a superior optical zoom. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have identical battery capacity; battery life should be similar. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | Axon 40 charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | Blade V60 ships with a newer OS, it might get future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | Axon 40 supports faster and more efficient WiFi, resulting in better wireless speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Axon 40 has a slightly more modern version for better audio and connectivity. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS | Standard GPS | Axon 40 is slightly more accurate and has better connectivity thanks to its dual band support for GPS. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | Up to 1024 GB | 256 GB | Axon 40 is available with a lot more storage for media and apps. |
| RAM | Up to 18 GB | 6 GB | Axon 40 has significantly more RAM, better for multitasking and demanding apps. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, 3 Mics | DTS / DTS X | Axon 40 offers an immersive stereo sound experience, making it excellent for multimedia consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | The Axon has an under-display sensor, while the Blade has a side-mounted sensor |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Axon 40 has a more complete sensor suite |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Strengths: This is a performance beast with a premium display, top-tier camera capabilities, and incredibly fast charging. Its AMOLED screen is a joy to use, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 handles everything you throw at it, and the 8K video recording is unmatched for mobile devices. It's aimed at users who want the very best technology available.
- Competitive Advantages: The Axon 40's primary edge is its high-end components like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, AMOLED display, and 64MP camera with telephoto and wide-angle lenses. The display's brightness and refresh rate provide an incredibly fluid experience. It has faster charging capabilities and more storage options.
- Limitations: This phone is a bit older, meaning it might miss out on some software updates in the future. It's also bulkier.
ZTE Blade V60 Design:
- Strengths: The Blade V60 is a more budget-friendly option, offering a decent screen, a newer version of Android, and 5G connectivity. It's designed for users who need basic smartphone functions and are not interested in high-end features.
- Competitive Advantages: The Blade V60 has a newer software version (Android 13). It's also lighter which might make it more comfortable to handle for some.
- Limitations: This device is designed for value and not high performance. The lack of an AMOLED display, a high-end chipset, and advanced camera features mean it lags significantly in many key categories.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: Best suited for power users, mobile photographers, gamers, and anyone who wants a premium experience. Excellent for content creation (high-quality video and photos). Its display makes it great for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
- ZTE Blade V60 Design: Ideal for users who need a dependable smartphone for basic use (calls, texts, social media), prefer a lighter device, and are budget-conscious. A good fit for those who aren’t demanding performance users.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to consider:
- How important is screen quality? If an immersive, sharp, and vibrant display is a must, the Axon 40 Ultra's AMOLED screen is far superior.
- What are your performance needs? If you require high-end performance for gaming and heavy multitasking, the Axon 40 Ultra, with its flagship chipset and RAM, is the only choice. If basic tasks are sufficient, the Blade V60 can do the job.
- What is your budget? The Axon 40 Ultra is a premium device and will come with a higher price tag. The Blade V60 offers a good balance if you are more budget conscious.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer/Content Creator: Axon 40 Ultra is a clear winner due to superior performance, AMOLED screen, and advanced camera features.
- Scenario 2: Budget User: Blade V60 is the better option due to a lower cost, good enough experience for basic use, and lighter design.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: Axon 40 Ultra offers a more comprehensive camera setup, with better zoom, low-light performance and professional video features.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd go with the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra without hesitation. Despite it being a bit older, its strengths are where I prioritize most as a tech journalist and enthusiast. I love the superior display, the lightning-fast performance provided by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, and the versatility and high quality of its cameras. The faster charging and the sheer amount of storage available are also key for me since I'm always on the go, documenting and creating content.
While the ZTE Blade V60 Design is a decent phone, it simply doesn't provide the level of performance or the multimedia experience that I need. The Axon 40 Ultra excels in almost every area that matters to me, despite being an older model it still beats the Blade V60 on most metrics.
