Scored using Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartphones Methodology v1.0

ZTE Axon 40 Ultra (16GB + 1TB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£860RAM capacity:16 GBInternal storage:1 TBScreen size:6.8 inchesMain camera megapixels:64 MP & 64 MP & 64 MP

ZTE Axon 40 Ultra (16GB + 1TB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

7.9/10

Overall score

Score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

7.9

Technical score

10%

?

User score

▲Better than 84% of smartphones
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.9

Overall score

30%

6.0

Price

▼Worse than 56%
7.9

Technical score

Technical score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

25%

8.6

Performance & Hardware

18%

8.5

Camera

15%

7.8

Display

15%

6.7

Battery

10%

7.2

Software

10%

7.6

Connectivity

4%

9.1

Audio

3%

6.6

Design

▲Better than 84%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

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Technical Specifications of smartphone ZTE Axon 40 Ultra (16GB + 1TB)

Technical score
Technical score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

25%

8.6

Performance & Hardware

18%

8.5

Camera

15%

7.8

Display

15%

6.7

Battery

10%

7.2

Software

10%

7.6

Connectivity

4%

9.1

Audio

3%

6.6

Design

7.9
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra (16GB + 1TB) has a popularity of 1 point, which is lower than 63.9% of smartphones.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

7.9

Overall score

30%

6.0

Price

7.3
Brand name
ZTE
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
This smartphone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor which is faster than processors in 81.3% of smartphones and equal to processors in 1.3% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 16 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 83.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 12% of smartphones.
Internal storage
1 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 1 TB which is larger than the storage of 94.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 5.6% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 3 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 75.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 3.7% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 12
Android version
Android 12
This smartphone runs Android version Android 12 which is older than that found in 67.1% of smartphones and equal to that in 13.2% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
64 MP & 64 MP & 64 MP
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 64 MP & 64 MP & 64 MP which is higher than that of 87.8% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.6 & f/2.4 & f/3.5
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.6 & f/2.4 & f/3.5 which is wider than that of 93.2% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
41 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 41 mm² which is larger than the main camera sensor area of 54.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 5.9% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
0.8 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 0.8 µm which is larger than in 35.5% of smartphones and equal to the size in 21.9% of smartphones.
1.6 binned
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.8 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.8 inches which is larger than the screens of 84.4% of smartphones and equal to those of 4.6% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1116x 2480 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1116x2480 px which is higher than that of 71.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.4% of smartphones.
Pixel density
400 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 400 ppi which is higher than that of 56.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.4% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 144 Hz which is higher than in 89.9% of smartphones and equal to that in 8.5% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
5,000 mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 5,000 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 28.3% of smartphones and equal to those in 28.8% of smartphones.
Charging speed
80 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 80 W which is faster than in 78.9% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 7.4% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
no
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
This smartphone does not include a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
3
This smartphone includes 3 microphones, which is more than in 77.2% of smartphones and equal to the number in 19.7% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
yes
This smartphone supports aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
163.2 mm
This smartphone has a height of 163.2 mm which is shorter than 55.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.2% of smartphones.
Width
73.5 mm
This smartphone has a width of 73.5 mm which is narrower than 87.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.4% of smartphones.
Thickness
8.4 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 8.4 mm which is thicker than 55.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.6% of smartphones.
Weight
204 g
This smartphone weighs 204 g which is heavier than 64.2% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 1.3% of smartphones.
Device volume
95,192 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 95,192 cm³ which is smaller than 60.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.3% of smartphones.
Show more

ZTE Axon 40 Ultra (16GB + 1TB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 8 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (16 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    16 GB vs 8 GB
  • 5.7 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers higher optical zoom than the average smartphone (5.7 x vs 0 x).
    5.7 x vs 0 x
  • 4x more storage
    This smartphone offers more internal storage than the average smartphone (1 TB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone provides 256 GB of internal storage.
    1 TB vs 256 GB
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 2.42x faster charging speed
    This smartphone supports a faster charging speed than the average smartphone (80 W vs 33 W). The average charging speed is 33 W.
    80 W vs 33 W
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 44.20x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    4320x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 3.03x higher 3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    This smartphone scores higher in 3DMark Wild Life than the average smartphone (9,428 vs 3,115). The average smartphone scores 3,115.
    9,428 vs 3,115
  • 32x more L1
    This smartphone has more L1 cache than the average smartphone (1,024 KB vs 32 KB). The average L1 cache is 32 KB.
    1,024 KB vs 32 KB
  • 8 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (16 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    16 GB vs 8 GB
  • 4x more storage
    This smartphone offers more internal storage than the average smartphone (1 TB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone provides 256 GB of internal storage.
    1 TB vs 256 GB
  • 3.03x higher 3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    This smartphone scores higher in 3DMark Wild Life than the average smartphone (9,428 vs 3,115). The average smartphone scores 3,115.
    9,428 vs 3,115
  • 32x more L1
    This smartphone has more L1 cache than the average smartphone (1,024 KB vs 32 KB). The average L1 cache is 32 KB.
    1,024 KB vs 32 KB
  • 33.3% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (4 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    4 nm vs 6 nm
  • 25% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (3 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    3 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 2.5x higher memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has higher memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (64 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
    64 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (1x3 GHz & 3x2.5 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    1x3 GHz & 3x2.5 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 2.59x higher 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited benchmark
    This smartphone scores higher in 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited than the average smartphone (9,892 vs 3,825). The average smartphone scores 3,825.
    9,892 vs 3,825
  • Better processor
    This smartphone features a better processor than the average smartphone (Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • Supports newer OpenGL version
    This smartphone supports a newer OpenGL version than the average smartphone (3.3 vs 3.2). The average version is 3.2.
    3.3 vs 3.2
  • 2.09x higher 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark
    This smartphone performs better in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme than the average smartphone (2,564 vs 1,226). The average smartphone scores 1,226.
    2,564 vs 1,226
  • 50% more L3 cache
    This smartphone has more L3 cache than the average smartphone (6,144 KB vs 4,096 KB). The average L3 cache is 4,096 KB.
    6,144 KB vs 4,096 KB
  • 14.3% higher maximum RAM
    This smartphone supports more maximum RAM than the average smartphone (16 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB RAM.
    16 GB vs 14 GB
  • 16.4% faster memory speed
    This smartphone supports faster memory speed than the average smartphone (3,200 MHz vs 2,750 MHz). The average smartphone supports 2,750 MHz memory speed.
    3,200 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • 5.7 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers higher optical zoom than the average smartphone (5.7 x vs 0 x).
    5.7 x vs 0 x
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 44.20x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    4320x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • Higher-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a higher main camera resolution than the average smartphone (64 MP & 64 MP & 64 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone main camera has 50 MP & 8 MP megapixels.
    64 MP & 64 MP & 64 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40.5% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • Has an under-display front camera
    This smartphone has an under-display front camera, the average smartphone does not. 1.4% of smartphones feature this technology.
  • Has a multi-lens front camera
    This smartphone features a multi-lens front camera, the average smartphone does not. 18% of smartphones have multiple front lenses.
  • Wider main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.6 & f/2.4 & f/3.5 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.6 & f/2.4 & f/3.5 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • Supports laser autofocus
    This smartphone features laser autofocus, the average smartphone does not. 21.4% of smartphones include laser AF.
  • 1 more flash LEDs
    This smartphone has more flash LEDs than the average smartphone (2 vs 1). The average smartphone has 1 flash LEDs.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports HDR10 video recording
    This smartphone supports HDR10 video recording, the average smartphone does not. 35.9% of smartphones support HDR10.
  • Has a dual-tone LED flash
    This smartphone features a dual-tone LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 41.4% of smartphones include dual-tone flash.
  • 28.1% larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (41 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    41 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • Newer USB version
    This smartphone supports a newer USB version than the average smartphone (3.1 vs 2). The average version is USB 2.
    3.1 vs 2
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This smartphone supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average smartphone (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)). The average smartphone uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • 0.13 inches inch larger screen size
    This smartphone has a larger screen size than the average smartphone (6.8 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone screen is 6.67 inches.
    6.8 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 20% higher refresh rate
    This smartphone has a higher refresh rate than the average smartphone (144 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone refresh rate is 120 Hz.
    144 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • 50% higher touch sampling rate
    This smartphone has a higher touch sampling rate than the average smartphone (360 Hz vs 240 Hz). The average touch sampling rate is 240 Hz.
    360 Hz vs 240 Hz
  • Has an always-on display
    This smartphone features an always-on display, the average smartphone does not. 49.2% of smartphones offer always-on functionality.
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1116x2480 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1116x2480 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • Has a curved display
    This smartphone features a curved display, the average smartphone does not. 24.5% of smartphones have curved screens.
  • 1.3% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (400 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    400 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • 2.42x faster charging speed
    This smartphone supports a faster charging speed than the average smartphone (80 W vs 33 W). The average charging speed is 33 W.
    80 W vs 33 W
  • Higher GSMArena battery life endurance score
    This smartphone has a higher GSMArena battery life endurance score than the average smartphone (104 vs 99.5). The average endurance score is 99.5.
    104 vs 99.5
  • Supports aptX Adaptive
    This smartphone supports aptX Adaptive, the average smartphone does not. 34.5% of smartphones include aptX Adaptive support.
  • Supports aptX Lossless
    This smartphone supports aptX Lossless, the average smartphone does not. 12.9% of smartphones include aptX Lossless support.
  • 1 more microphone/s
    This smartphone has more microphones than the average smartphone (3 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 microphones.
    3 vs 2
  • Supports aptX
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 50% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • 2.5 mm narrower
    This smartphone is narrower than the average smartphone (73.5 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone width is 76 mm.
    73.5 mm vs 76 mm
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Lacks app tracking protection
    This smartphone does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.2% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
  • 13.7% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (820 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    820 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 12 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 12 vs Android 14
  • 3.31x more expensive
    ZTE Axon 40 Ultra (16GB + 1TB) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£860 vs £260).
    £860 vs £260
  • 5.44x less popular
    ZTE Axon 40 Ultra (16GB + 1TB) is less popular than the average smartphone (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • 8.7% lower PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in PCMark Work 3.0 than the average smartphone (9,845 vs 10,783). The average smartphone scores 10,783 in PCMark Work 3.0.
    9,845 vs 10,783
  • 3.31x more expensive
    ZTE Axon 40 Ultra (16GB + 1TB) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£860 vs £260).
    £860 vs £260
  • 5.44x less popular
    ZTE Axon 40 Ultra (16GB + 1TB) is less popular than the average smartphone (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • 13.7% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (820 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    820 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • 8.7% lower PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in PCMark Work 3.0 than the average smartphone (9,845 vs 10,783). The average smartphone scores 10,783 in PCMark Work 3.0.
    9,845 vs 10,783
  • 2.3% less L2 cache
    This smartphone has a smaller L2 cache than the average smartphone (1,000 KB vs 1,024 KB). The average smartphone has an L2 cache of 1,024 KB.
    1,000 KB vs 1,024 KB
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • Lacks app tracking protection
    This smartphone does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.2% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 12 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 12 vs Android 14
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • 2 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2022 vs 2024). 2.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    May 2022
    2022 vs 2024
  • 4% heavier
    This smartphone is heavier than the average smartphone (204 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    204 g vs 196.2 g

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
TechLine
≈ estimated
13/10/2022
Hands-on review · display, cameras, performance and battery tests
Verdict
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a flagship that costs less than the competition, though its under-display selfie camera is not yet fully mature.
8.0
Shane Starnes
≈ estimated
15/06/2022
Hands-on review · display, performance, camera and battery
Verdict
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a very good performer with a clean design, though the selfie camera, missing IP rating and wireless charging hold it back.
8.0
GSMArena Official
≈ estimated
14/06/2022
Full review · lab tests and camera comparisons
Verdict
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is reasonably priced for a flagship, with a unique camera setup, but it trails rivals on display and waterproofing.
6.0
MobileTechReview
≈ estimated
10/06/2022
Hands-on review · display, camera, battery and value
Verdict
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a strong display and speed, but offers weak value for its premium price, with no water resistance or wireless charging.
8.0
91Tech
≈ estimated
09/06/2022
Hands-on review · camera, display and hardware
Verdict
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a good phone overall, though the camera is only okay and the selfie camera is weak.
8.0
Soldier Knows Best
≈ estimated
08/06/2022
Hands-on review · camera, design and software tests
Verdict
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a solid phone with a hidden front camera, but its selfie quality clearly trails rivals.
8.0
C4ETech English
≈ estimated
01/06/2022
Unboxing and hands-on · selfie and camera comparisons
Verdict
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is excellent overall and very competitively priced, but the under-display selfie camera is still not good enough.
Not graded
Not graded
Not graded
Brand video
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

laptopmag.com
26/06/2022
Hands-on review · Display and cameras
Verdict
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a strong flagship with a vivid display and sharp rear cameras, best for people who rarely take selfies.
androidpolice.com
30/07/2022
Long-term review · Software and value
Verdict
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a sturdy, affordable flagship with a bright display and very fast charging, but its cluttered software and poor selfie camera hold it back.
techradar.com
07/07/2022
Hands-on test · Design and cameras
Verdict
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra looks almost like a Galaxy S22 Ultra and offers strong value, but its poor selfie camera and occasional software glitches let it down.
techadvisor.com
21/06/2022
Hands-on review · Display and selfies
Verdict
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has an almost invisible front camera and strong performance, but its selfies are poor and it lacks wireless charging.
tomsguide.com
08/06/2022
Hands-on review · Camera comparison
Verdict
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a compact flagship with strong rear cameras and fast charging, but its under-display selfie camera is soft and blown out.
xda-developers.com
11/06/2022
Hands-on review · Under-display camera
Verdict
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a strong all-round flagship with a hidden selfie camera, so skip it if you take selfies often.
trustedreviews.com
23/06/2022
Full review · Benchmark testing
Verdict
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a good phone with an excellent screen and strong battery life, but its under-screen selfie camera is poor.
smartzone.de
27/06/2022
Full review · Display and camera
Verdict
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a notch-free screen and a fast chip, but it heats up under load and its 35mm main lens suits close, street-style shots.
chip.de
04/08/2022
Lab test · Performance and battery
Verdict
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has top performance and a long-lasting battery, but no water or dust protection and no wireless charging make it feel under-equipped.
connect.de
29/08/2022
Hands-on test · Value for money
Verdict
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has an excellent screen and two-day battery, but no water protection and a weak update record hold it back.
C
china-gadgets.de
09/05/2022
Summary of the review
journaldugeek.com
31/08/2022
Hands-on test · Everyday use
Verdict
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a pleasant surprise, with a fast 120Hz screen, a hidden selfie camera and a battery lasting two days in light use.
lesmobiles.com
29/07/2022
Full review · Design and sound
Verdict
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a large phone with a clean, hole-free screen, understated design and strong performance, but it has some compromises.
A
andro4all.com
14/06/2022
Summary of the review
andreagaleazzi.com
11/06/2022
Full review · Hidden selfie camera
Verdict
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has strong performance and a nearly invisible selfie camera, but average cameras and software glitches feel weak at this price.
tomshw.it
21/06/2022
Hands-on review · Design and cameras
Verdict
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a stylish phone with an almost invisible front camera, but it overheats under sustained load and is not for everyone.
H
heyupnow.com
2022
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ZTE Axon 40 Ultra (16GB + 1TB)

  • Stunning, uninterrupted 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED display due to the well-hidden under-display camera (UDC) technology.
  • Premium design and build quality, with a sleek, curved glass and aluminum frame that feels good in hand.
  • Excellent day-to-day performance powered by the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset.
  • Good battery life from the large 5,000mAh capacity, often lasting a full day even with heavy use.
  • Very fast 65W wired charging that tops up the phone in around 40-50 minutes, with the charger included in the box.
  • Versatile rear camera system featuring three 64MP sensors that offer consistent quality and color profiles across lenses in good lighting.
  • Near-stock Android experience (MyOS 12) with minimal bloatware and good customization options.
  • Responsive in-display optical fingerprint scanner.
  • Good value proposition compared to other, more expensive flagship phones with similar core specs.

What customers don't like about ZTE Axon 40 Ultra (16GB + 1TB)

  • The under-display selfie camera produces very poor quality photos that are soft, hazy, and struggle with bright light sources.
  • Lack of an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, a common feature on competing flagships.
  • No wireless charging support, despite the glass back.
  • Rear cameras can be inconsistent, with some issues in low light photography and noticeable chromatic aberrations in high-contrast scenes.
  • Software experience has some bugs, such as occasional notification delays and the UI not always feeling polished.
  • The phone can be prone to overheating during intensive tasks like prolonged gaming.
  • The curved 'waterfall' display can lead to accidental touches and may be more vulnerable to damage.
  • Uncertainty regarding long-term software updates and support from ZTE.
  • Mediocre speaker quality, with a lack of strong bass compared to some competitors.

Verdict

The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra (16GB + 1TB) is a flagship smartphone focused on delivering a truly uninterrupted 6.8-inch AMOLED 120Hz screen, made possible by a hidden under-display 16MP selfie camera. It offers powerful performance thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and a triple 64MP rear camera system, including a wide-angle, telephoto, and ultra-wide lens, all supporting 8K video recording. The device also boasts a large 5,000mAh battery with 65W fast charging, along with a premium glass and aluminum build. However, the innovative front-facing camera produces notoriously poor-quality selfies, and the phone lacks wireless charging, an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, and a headphone jack.

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