ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 16 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date December 29, 2023 September 20, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 110.26 cm³ 82.43 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 2.76 "/g 3.59 "/g
Weight 246 g 170 g
Height 164 mm 147.6 mm
Width 76.4 mm 71.6 mm
Thickness 8.8 mm 7.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Silver
  • Black
  • Photographer Edition
  • Black
  • White
  • Pink
  • Teal
  • Ultramarine

Display

Screen Size 6.8 " 6.1 "
Resolution 1116 x 2480 1179 x 2556
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.1 % 86.4 %
Pixel Density 400 PPI 460 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A 1000 nits
HBM Brightness N/A 2000 nits
Peak Brightness 1500 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 129.76 mAh/in² 95.70 mAh/in²
Battery Density 54.42 mAh/cm³ 43.2 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 6000 mAh 3561 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) Apple A18 (3 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520) Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz)
GPU Adreno 750 Apple GPU (5-core graphics)

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort

Software

Operating System Android iOS
Initial OS Version 14 18
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureZTE nubia Z60 UltraApple iPhone 16Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions164 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mmiPhone 16 is significantly smaller and more pocketable. Nubia Z60 Ultra is larger, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use.
Weight246g170giPhone 16 is noticeably lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
Build MaterialsNot specifiedNot specifiedCannot compare build quality and durability without material information.
Display
Size6.8"6.1"Nubia offers a larger screen for more immersive content consumption but reduced one-handed usability.
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120HzSuper Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby VisionBoth are high-quality displays. Nubia boasts more colors, potentially offering smoother gradients. Dolby Vision on iPhone 16 may provide better HDR performance.
Resolution1116 x 24801179 x 2556iPhone 16 has a slightly sharper display due to higher pixel density (460 ppi vs 400 ppi).
Refresh Rate120HzNot specified120Hz on Nubia provides smoother scrolling and animations. Unknown refresh rate on iPhone 16 limits comparison.
Peak Brightness1500 nitsNot specified (typical 1000 nits, HBM 2000 nits)Nubia has higher typical peak brightness, potentially improving outdoor visibility. iPhone's peak brightness under High Brightness Mode (HBM) is unclear in typical usage scenarios.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 3Apple A18Both are flagship chipsets, expected to deliver top-tier performance. Cross-platform comparisons are difficult without benchmarks.
CPUOcta-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz)Core configuration differences are less relevant than real-world performance, which requires benchmarks.
GPUAdreno 750Apple GPU (5-core graphics)GPU performance is best compared with benchmarks and gaming tests.
RAM12GB8GBNubia has more RAM, potentially enabling better multitasking and app retention.
Battery
Capacity6000 mAh3561 mAhNubia has significantly larger battery capacity, likely resulting in longer battery life. Real-world usage will vary.
Camera
Video Capabilities8K@30fps, 4K up to 120fps4K up to 60fps, 1080p up to 240fpsNubia offers higher resolution video recording (8K). iPhone offers higher frame rate slow-motion at 1080p. Specific sensor and image quality details are missing, limiting comparison.

2. Key Differences Analysis

ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Advantages:

  • Larger display for immersive content
  • Higher resolution video recording (8K)
  • Larger battery capacity for extended use
  • More RAM for smoother multitasking
  • Higher refresh rate for smoother visuals
  • Higher typical peak brightness

Apple iPhone 16 Advantages:

  • More compact and lightweight design
  • Potentially sharper display (higher ppi)
  • Higher slow-motion video frame rates
  • Potentially better HDR performance with Dolby Vision
  • Generally stronger ecosystem and software support

Trade-offs:

  • Nubia's larger size and weight may reduce portability and one-handed usability.
  • iPhone's smaller battery may require more frequent charging.
  • Unknown refresh rate on the iPhone 16 makes a direct comparison difficult.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra: Users who prioritize large screen size for media consumption, mobile gaming, and multitasking, and value long battery life.

Apple iPhone 16: Users who prefer a compact and lightweight phone, prioritize portability and one-handed use, value a strong app ecosystem, and prioritize software updates.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. What screen size do you prefer? Large screen for immersive experiences or smaller screen for portability?
  2. How important is battery life? Longer battery life or frequent charging acceptable?
  3. What operating system do you prefer? Android or iOS ecosystem?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Heavy media consumer: Nubia Z60 Ultra for its larger display and battery.
  • One-handed user: iPhone 16 for its smaller size and weight.
  • Gamer: Nubia Z60 Ultra for its larger display, higher refresh rate, and larger RAM.

My Choice: Apple iPhone 16

While the Nubia Z60 Ultra boasts impressive specifications on paper, particularly in battery and display size, I would choose the Apple iPhone 16. My reasoning is based on a combination of factors:

  • Form Factor: I prioritize a phone that's comfortable to hold and use one-handed, making the iPhone 16's smaller size and lighter weight a significant advantage.
  • Software and Ecosystem: I value the iOS ecosystem for its app quality, privacy features, and long-term software support, which are crucial for a smooth and secure user experience. While the Nubia may offer more raw power in some areas, consistent software updates and a robust app ecosystem are paramount to me.
  • Confidence in Apple's Chipset: While direct comparisons are difficult without benchmarks, historically, Apple's A-series chips have demonstrated excellent performance and efficiency. I have confidence in the A18 delivering a smooth and responsive user experience.
  • Dolby Vision: As a consumer of HDR content, Dolby Vision support on the iPhone 16 is a significant draw.

Finally, while the Nubia's larger battery is appealing, advancements in charging technology and power efficiency in iOS make the iPhone's smaller battery less of a concern for me personally. Ultimately, my decision prioritizes user experience, software ecosystem, and long-term value over purely specifications on paper.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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