SwagTab · 03/07/2022
Hands-on review · camera, performance, heat and updates
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is worth considering as a flagship alternative, though it has a few clear limits.
Likes- Versatile camera system
- Premium design, performance and battery life
- Good value for the hardware it packs in
Dislikes- Front camera image quality is mostly unusable
- Significant heat build-up under full load
- Display could be brighter and sharper, and update promises are unclear
NerdsHeaven Tech · 14/06/2022
Hands-on test · selfie camera, video and design
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a very attractive design and display, but the selfie camera, video stabilisation and missing features hold it back.
Likes- Attractive design that stands out
- Very slim front with a near-invisible selfie camera
- High-quality display and good build
- Good daylight photos
Dislikes- Selfie camera image quality is poor
- Video stabilisation is weak at 60 frames per second
- No wireless charging and no memory card slot
- Back is slippery and could use more grip
Technikfaultier · 23/06/2022
First look · unboxing and first impressions
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra makes a positive first impression: smooth to use and solid value, though the front camera is only modest.
Likes- Smooth operation and pleasant haptic feedback
- Good storage space and bright display
- Comfortable to hold
Dislikes- Front camera records video only in 1080p
- Back is slightly slippery
Fenix 🐦🔥 · 26/07/2023
Camera review · modes, zoom and front camera tests
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has impressive rear cameras that compete with flagships, but the under-display selfie camera is the weak point.
Likes- Strong rear cameras with good detail and dynamic range
- Night mode clearly improves low-light shots
- Wide range of camera modes and tools
- Zoom is useful outdoors
Dislikes- Under-display selfie camera results are weak and artificially enhanced
- Front camera is unusable in low light and for video
Fenix 🐦🔥 · 14/07/2023
Long-term review · almost a month of use
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is fast and well built, but its weak front camera, tight battery and heat during gaming hold it back.
Likes- Premium glass and metal build
- Rear cameras take excellent daytime and night photos
- Very fast performance
- Fast charging
Dislikes- Under-display front camera gives poor selfies and video
- Battery is tight for heavy use
- Gets very hot during Genshin Impact
- Software updates still pending
Isa Marcial · 03/05/2023
Pros and cons review · gaming heat, video limits and software
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a pleasant design and hole-free display, but heavy heating, weak video limits and old software make it hard to recommend.
Likes- Pleasant design with a hidden under-display camera
- Clean, uninterrupted display for games and videos
- High-resolution rear cameras
Dislikes- Snapdragon chip heats up noticeably during gaming
- No lens switching while recording 4K, slow motion only in HD
- Android 12 with no clear update policy
- No NFC and weak microphones
VAXNET / Luis Caba · 25/04/2023
Hands-on review · battery, charging and camera tests
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a very good phone overall, with strong battery life and performance, but the under-display selfie camera still lags.
Likes- Battery lasts a long day with heavy use
- Charges from zero to full in about 41 minutes
- Fingerprint sensor is quick and reliable
- Smooth 120 Hz screen and strong overall performance
Dislikes- Under-display selfie camera results are weak
- Fingerprint sensor sits too high on the screen
- Face unlock struggles in poor light
Tecno Cat · 20/03/2023
Performance tests · gaming, battery and heat checks
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is well balanced, with strong battery life and smooth performance, but heat and camera gaps hold it back.
Likes- Battery life is one of its strongest points
- Smooth gameplay with no lag or dropped frames
- Fast 120 Hz display with strong brightness
- Good everyday performance
Dislikes- Heating during demanding gaming at high settings
- Camera performance still needs work in some areas
Tecno Cat · 03/03/2023
Unboxing and first impressions · fingerprint and face unlock check
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a very good high-end phone, smooth and well optimised, though a full review will follow.
Likes- Smooth, well-optimised system for everyday multitasking
- Fingerprint unlock is fast and works well
- Face unlock works well even with the screen off
- Dual speakers deliver good sound
Dislikes- Face unlock not tested in depth; camera sits high on the screen
- Full real-world experience to be covered in a later video
Miky Ancona · 20/03/2023
Hands-on review · cameras, display and software
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a very good all-round flagship with excellent rear cameras, held back by its under-display selfie camera and missing wireless charging.
Likes- Excellent rear camera system
- Premium build and clean design
- Bright, sharp AMOLED display
- Smooth performance without lag or glitches
Dislikes- Under-display selfie camera is only average
- No wireless charging
- Software still on Android 12
Techprincess - Fjona Cakalli · 25/07/2022
Hands-on review · under-display camera, design and daily use
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a very good phone, especially for buyers who want an uninterrupted display and premium looks.
Likes- Front camera is nearly invisible under the display
- Excellent build quality and bright, sharp display
- Smooth performance that does not overheat
- Fast charging and solid battery life
Dislikes- No IP water resistance rating
- No wireless charging
- Selfie quality still behind top flagships
- Back is slightly slippery without the included case
andreagaleazzi · 11/06/2022
Quick hands-on review · battery, calls and camera tests
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra performs well but is otherwise middling, mainly suited to people who dislike notches.
Likes- Performance is good
- Hidden front camera gives a clean display
- Stereo speakerphone and audio output
- Optical zoom works well
Dislikes- Front camera photos look poor
- Camera app crashes when recording 4K with telephoto
- Rear photos are mid-range and weak in low light
- No wireless charging
TuttoAndroid · 08/06/2022
Hands-on review · two weeks of daily use
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a true flagship that competes well, with a strong price advantage and a distinctive design.
Likes- Very fast, smooth performance in daily use
- Good temperature control under load
- Distinctive design that feels light for its size
- Strong price for a flagship
Dislikes- Under-display selfie camera quality is poor
- Unclear whether it will officially reach Europe