With the change of year, ZTE renewed its top-of-the-range mobile phones, keeping the characteristic camera under the screen. And the ZTE Axon Ultra is the most powerful and greedy of all, a mobile that offers cutting-edge features while risking certain design features. We have analyzed it to verify it.
When ZTE released the first mobile phone with a front camera under the screen, the ZTE Axon 20, we did not know if this component would set the trend in the rest of the brands or if, on the contrary, it would remain as something anecdotal.
The design and display are exceptional
The “Ultra” of the last name shows that the mobile poses ways. When we review the features, we expect a well-presented phone with an excellent design. And it far exceeded our expectations: the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a jewel to behold. Noble materials (glass on both sides and aluminum body), lines full of curves (yes, also on the screen), a slightly rough finish on the back and a design for the rear camera modules that not only makes clear the photographic aspirations, it also lends prominent character to the phone.
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is very tall and relatively narrow thanks to the screen’s curves; it grips very well and has the drawback that it is difficult to reach the upper areas of the screen with only one extremity. The finish with a specific “sandpaper effect” on the back has reminded us of the original OnePlus One: it facilitates grip. It leaves no traces (a black mobile without fingerprints, miracle). The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is relatively thin, its cameras protrude (a lot) from the body, and it has physical buttons on the right side, with a somewhat high position to press them comfortably with the thumb.
Screen quality is excellent; with logic, it sticks for those who prefer panels without curves (the cascading edges hinder gestures and worsen the viability in those areas). Leaving aside the physical characteristics, the screen looks perfect, the level of detail is excellent, the saturation and temperature are at a beautiful story (they are customizable), the touch response is equally good, and, in general terms, the viewing experience is exquisite, even outdoors (sufficient brightness even in the sun).
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz: fixed or variable. From our tests, both modes work practically the same: the refresh only drops to 60 Hz in a few applications. The expense with 120 Hz increases, although all the content flows from pearls.
A sound at the level of demanding ears
The Axon usually excels in sound, a detail that our protagonist is no stranger to an effective dual speaker system with hardly any distortion at maximum volume (very, very high), and the quality of the wired audio (USB C, it does not have a 3-pin jack). .5mm) is excellent and offers wireless sound worth listening to, including support for many codecs (SB, AAC, aptX HD/Adaptive/TWS+, LDAC), offering Hi-Res and software enhancements with DTS. In addition, ZTE includes a USB C to headphone jack adapter and its USB C headphones in the box. Having accessories included is so rare these days that this detail deserves some recognition.
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra includes an 80W charger, USB C cable, USB C headphone adapter, a complete set of headphones and a transparent case. complete
Finally, let’s review the fingerprint reader. ZTE takes the opportunity to place an optical sensor under the panel in the lower part, just at the thumb’s height. Its effectiveness is correct and does not imply a significant problem registering a new fingerprint, and the mobile is unlocked instantly without needing a second attempt. In addition, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra includes facial unlocking taking advantage of the front camera. As we usually say, it is not the safest, but the truth is that it is incredibly comfortable: look at the phone to unlock it. Of course, in dark environments, it does not work.
Powerful and warmer than it should be
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
There are no palliatives: our protagonist is a beast of power. Fast in all tasks, short in the daily routine, he is super fluid in any circumstance, and when it comes time to play, no title can resist him. And he rips them at the highest graphic quality available.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
We have used the ZTE Axon Ultra to play the already classic Genshin Impact or PUBG, popular games that also serve as graphic benchmarks. We have not noticed excessive frame drops after hours of playing, although we appreciate a notable temperature rise. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is an SoC which tends to get very hot under extreme usage circumstances. The phone dissipates heat to the entire device until it becomes annoying to hold (after stress tests with 3D Mark, it was impossible to keep for several minutes).
The Axon 40 Ultra is partly updated to Android 12; it includes a vast number of extra options (we miss the double tap to turn the screen on/off), and the bloatware is not excessive (a large part of the ZTE apps can be uninstalled), and it works fluidly. Updates do not characterize the brand, but for now, it has complied: we have received several during the testing period.
The power of the processor, and the 120 Hz at which we kept the screen, made a dent in the autonomy without being able to say that it is small: the ZTE Axon Ultra maintains the type well enough, even with intensive use. A day and a half with moderate use are usual, with a pronounced discharge if the games are abused.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
To stay at 120 Hz, we have not found an added consumption of the panel: at 60 Hz, approximately 10% of the battery should be saved (with a worse fluidity and scrolling experience).