ZTE Axon 40 Ultra

ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Review

Key Features

• Display: 6.8-inch AMOLED display with 1116 x 2480 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 10-bit color, HDR10+, and 1500 nits peak brightness.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU and Adreno 730 GPU.
• Cameras: Triple 64MP rear camera setup (wide, ultrawide, telephoto) with a 16MP under-display selfie camera.
• Battery: 5000 mAh battery with 65W fast charging.
• Operating System: Android 12, upgradeable to Android 13.
• Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC.
• Build: Premium design with a curved display and glass back.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Immersive Display: The 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a high refresh rate and peak brightness delivers vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling. The under-display camera offers an uninterrupted viewing experience.
• Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset ensures top-tier performance for demanding apps and gaming.
• Versatile Camera System: The triple 64MP rear camera setup offers great flexibility with its wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses, delivering high-quality photos and videos. Features such as OIS, 8K video recording, and multiple video modes are also present.
• Fast Charging: 65W fast charging allows for quick replenishment of the 5000 mAh battery.
• Premium Design: The sleek, curved design and premium materials give the phone a high-end feel.
• Extensive Connectivity Options: Supports the latest 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2 technologies.

Cons:

• Under-Display Camera Visibility: While innovative, the under-display selfie camera may still be slightly noticeable in certain lighting conditions.
• No Wireless Charging: The device lacks wireless charging capabilities, which some users may find inconvenient at this price point.
• Software: While the OS is Android, the specific UI could have its learning curves depending on a user's previous experience with other Android skins.
• Price: Positioned in the high-price range, making it less accessible to budget-conscious consumers.

User Experience

The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers a fluid and responsive user experience, thanks to its high refresh rate display and potent Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. The device handles demanding applications, multitasking, and graphically intensive games with ease. The in-display fingerprint sensor is quick and reliable, and the inclusion of stereo speakers further enhances the multimedia experience. The triple 64MP camera system is a strong performer, capturing detailed and vibrant photos and videos, and is versatile enough to handle many use-cases. The phone's software is generally stable, although it might require some time for users to adjust to the custom UI. The 5000mAh battery provides a solid day of usage for most users, and the 65W fast charging ensures minimal downtime.

Hardware & Design

The Axon 40 Ultra boasts a premium design with a glass back, curved edges, and a sleek, modern aesthetic. The phone has a height of 163.3 mm, width of 73.6 mm and a depth of 8.4 mm, weighing 204g. The 6.8-inch AMOLED display, with its 20:9 aspect ratio and 400 ppi density, dominates the front, and the under-display camera is a key part of its unique design. Internally, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) processor with the Adreno 730 GPU ensures smooth performance. RAM options range from 8GB to 18GB, and storage options range from 128GB to 1TB of UFS 3.1 storage, depending on the specific configuration. The device features a comprehensive suite of sensors, including an under-display fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. The device also features a cooling system which aids in managing heat during prolonged usage periods.

Conclusion

The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a premium smartphone with impressive features, particularly its stunning display, potent processor, and versatile camera system. The under-display camera technology is a novel addition, though it has its limitations in terms of visibility. While the lack of wireless charging and its high price may be drawbacks for some, the phone’s strengths in performance, display quality, and photography make it a strong contender in the high-end smartphone market. It is a well-rounded device that delivers a premium experience for users who are willing to invest in top-tier specifications and innovative features.