OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Smartphones Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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ZTE Nubia Air (8GB + 256GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£150RAM capacity:8 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:6.78 inchesMain camera megapixels:50 MP & 2 MP & 0.08 MP

ZTE Nubia Air (8GB + 256GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

7.2

Overall score

Score
7.2/ 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
▲ Better than 67% of models
Score components

90%

7.2

Technical score

10%

7.5

User score

▲Better than 67% of smartphones
7.2

Technical score

Technical score
7.2/ 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
▲ Better than 68% of models
Score components

25%

6.6

Performance & Hardware

18%

6.7

Camera

15%

8.6

Display

15%

5.9

Battery

10%

8.9

Software

10%

7.8

Connectivity

4%

7.2

Audio

3%

7.9

Design

▲Better than 68% of smartphones
7.5

User score

User score
7.5/ 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
▼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components

70%

8.3

User ratings

30%

5.7

Number of reviews

Based on 78 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
▼Worse than 82% of smartphones
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartphone ZTE Nubia Air (8GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
7.2/ 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
▲ Better than 68% of models
Score components:

25%

6.6

Performance & Hardware

18%

6.7

Camera

15%

8.6

Display

15%

5.9

Battery

10%

8.9

Software

10%

7.8

Connectivity

4%

7.2

Audio

3%

7.9

Design

7.2
User score
User score
7.5/ 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
▼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components

70%

8.3

User ratings

30%

5.7

Number of reviews

Based on 78 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
7.5
Popularity
Popularity
5.7/ 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
▲ Better than 52% of models
Popularity:
ZTE Nubia Air (8GB + 256GB) has a popularity of 5.7 points, which is higher than 51.9% of smartphones.
5.7
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 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
▲ Better than 87% of models
Score components:

60%

7.2

Overall score

40%

9.7

Price

8.0
Brand name
ZTE
Processor model
Unisoc T8300
Processor model
Unisoc T8300
▼ Worse than 66% of models
This smartphone uses the Unisoc T8300 processor model which is slower than processors in 66.5% of smartphones and equal to processors in 0.3% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
8 GB
RAM capacity
8 GB
▼ Worse than 41% of models
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 8 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 28.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 30.4% of smartphones.
Internal storage
256 GB
Internal storage
256 GB
▲ Better than 39% of models
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 256 GB which is larger than the storage of 38.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 38.3% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
2.2 GHz
CPU boost clock speed
2.2 GHz
▼ Worse than 68% of models
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2.2 GHz which is lower than the boost speed of 68.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 14.2% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
Operating system
Android
▲ Better than 1% of models
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 15 (with MyOS 15)
Android version
Android 15
Android version
Android 15
▲ Better than 71% of models
This smartphone runs Android version Android 15 which is newer than that found in 70.6% of smartphones and equal to that in 25.1% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
yes
Direct OS updates
yes
▲ Better than 79% of models
This smartphone receives direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
Open-source OS
yes
▲ Better than 5% of models
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
Dark mode
yes
▲ Better than 4% of models
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
Multi-lens main camera
yes
▲ Better than 6% of models
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
50 MP & 2 MP & 0.08 MP
Main camera megapixels
50 MP & 2 MP & 0.08 MP
▼ Worse than 57% of models
Market range: <10 – >100
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 50 MP & 2 MP & 0.08 MP which is lower than that of 57.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.6 & f/2.0
Main camera aperture
f/1.6 & f/2.0
★ Better than 93% of models
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.6 & f/2.0 which is wider than that of 92.5% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
?
Main camera pixel size
?
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
Number of SIM slots
2
▲ Better than 4% of models
Market range: <1 – >6
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.
2 SIMs
Cellular module
yes
Cellular module
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
5G connectivity
yes
▲ Better than 33% of models
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
LTE support
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.78 inches
Screen size
6.78 inches
▲ Better than 73% of models
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.78 inches which is larger than the screens of 73.5% of smartphones and equal to those of 9.5% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1224x 2720 px
Screen resolution
1224x 2720 px
▲ Better than 80% of models
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1224x2720 px which is higher than that of 79.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.4% of smartphones.
Pixel density
440 ppi
Pixel density
440 ppi
▲ Better than 77% of models
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 440 ppi which is higher than that of 76.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.6% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
▲ Better than 41% of models
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
120 Hz
Refresh rate
120 Hz
▲ Better than 35% of models
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz which is higher than in 34.7% of smartphones and equal to that in 55.2% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
5,000 mAh
Battery capacity
5,000 mAh
▼ Worse than 43% of models
Market range: <4k mAh – >7k 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
33 W
Charging speed
33 W
▼ Worse than 49% of models
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 33 W which is faster than in 38.9% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 12% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
Fast charging
yes
▲ Better than 7% of models
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
no
Wireless charging
no
▼ Worse than 25% of models
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
Stereo speakers
yes
▲ Better than 36% of models
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
▼ Worse than 45% of models
This smartphone does not include a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
2
Number of microphones
2
▼ Worse than 23% of models
Market range: <1 – >3
This smartphone includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 10.5% of smartphones and equal to the number in 66.6% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
FM radio
no
▼ Worse than 34% of models
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
aptX Lossless
no
▼ Worse than 13% of models
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
164.2 mm
Height
164.2 mm
▼ Worse than 60% of models
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 164.2 mm which is taller than 59.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.4% of smartphones.
Width
76.6 mm
Width
76.6 mm
▼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 76.6 mm which is wider than 65.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 2% of smartphones.
Thickness
6.7 mm
Thickness
6.7 mm
★ Better than 98% of models
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 6.7 mm which is thinner than 97.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Weight
172 g
Weight
172 g
★ Better than 92% of models
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 172 g which is lighter than 92.1% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 0.7% of smartphones.
Device volume
74,784 cm³
Device volume
74,784 cm³
★ Better than 96% of models
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 74,784 cm³ which is smaller than 96.3% of smartphones.
Show more

ZTE Nubia Air (8GB + 256GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 3,500 nits higher peak brightness
    Peak brightness
    4,500 nits
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <480 nits – >3.6k nits
    This smartphone has a higher peak brightness than the average smartphone (4500 nits vs 1000 nits). The average peak brightness is 1000 nits.
    4,500 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • Direct OS updates
    Direct OS updates
    yes
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    This smartphone supports direct OS updates, the average smartphone does not. 20.6% of smartphones support this feature.
  • 35.2% higher PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    14,576
    ▲ Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <7.1k – >15.9k
    This smartphone has a higher PCMark Work 3.0 performance score than the average smartphone (14,576 vs 10,783). The average score is 10,783.
    14,576 vs 10,783
  • Higher screen resolution
    Screen resolution
    1224 x 2720 px
    ▲ Better than 80% of models
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1224x2720 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1224x2720 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • Supports HDR10 support
    HDR10 support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • Higher on-device AI tier
    On-device AI level
    productivity
    ▲ Better than 55% of models
    This smartphone runs on the productivity AI tier, while the average smartphone runs on fundamental, enabling stronger on-device AI features.
    AI Real-time Translate, AI Conversation Translate, AI Magic Photos/Eraser, AI Sport Snapshot, AI Performance Engine
    productivity vs fundamental
  • 11.4% higher pixel density
    Pixel density
    440 ppi
    ▲ Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (440 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    440 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • 0.11 inches inch larger screen size
    Screen size
    6.78 inches
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
    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.
    6.78 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 9% better value for money
    ZTE Nubia Air (8GB + 256GB) has better value for money than the average smartphone (7.99 vs 7.3).
    7.99 vs 7.34
  • 73.3% cheaper
    ZTE Nubia Air (8GB + 256GB) is cheaper than the average smartphone (£150 vs £260).
    £150 vs £260
  • 35.2% higher PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    14,576
    ▲ Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <7.1k – >15.9k
    This smartphone has a higher PCMark Work 3.0 performance score than the average smartphone (14,576 vs 10,783). The average score is 10,783.
    14,576 vs 10,783
  • Direct OS updates
    Direct OS updates
    yes
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    This smartphone supports direct OS updates, the average smartphone does not. 20.6% of smartphones support this feature.
  • Higher on-device AI tier
    On-device AI level
    productivity
    ▲ Better than 55% of models
    This smartphone runs on the productivity AI tier, while the average smartphone runs on fundamental, enabling stronger on-device AI features.
    AI Real-time Translate, AI Conversation Translate, AI Magic Photos/Eraser, AI Sport Snapshot, AI Performance Engine
    productivity vs fundamental
  • Includes cross-site tracking protection
    Cross-site tracking protection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 68% of models
    This smartphone supports cross-site tracking prevention, the average smartphone does not. 32.2% of smartphones include this feature.
  • Supports fast boot
    Fast boot
    yes
    ▲ Better than 77% of models
    This smartphone supports fast boot, the average smartphone does not. 22.6% of smartphones include fast boot capabilities.
  • Newer Android version
    Android version
    Android 15
    ▲ Better than 71% of models
    This smartphone features a newer Android version than the average smartphone (Android 15 vs Android 14). The average version is Android 14.
    Android 15 vs Android 14
  • Wider main camera aperture
    Main camera aperture
    f/1.6 & f/2.0
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This smartphone has a wider main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.6 & f/2 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/2.0 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • Allows manual shutter speed
    Manual shutter speed
    yes
    ▲ Better than 70% of models
    This smartphone allows manual shutter speed control, the average smartphone does not. 29.8% of smartphones include this.
  • Higher front camera megapixels
    Front camera megapixels
    20 MP
    ▲ Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <5 – >40
    This smartphone has more front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (20 MP vs 16 MP). The average front camera has 16 MP megapixels.
    20 MP vs 16 MP
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.4
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    This smartphone supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.4 vs 5.2). The average version is Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.4 vs 5.2
  • Has an infrared sensor
    Infrared sensor
    yes
    ▲ Better than 67% of models
    This smartphone includes an infrared sensor, the average smartphone does not. 33.3% of smartphones feature an IR blaster.
  • 3,500 nits higher peak brightness
    Peak brightness
    4,500 nits
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <480 nits – >3.6k nits
    This smartphone has a higher peak brightness than the average smartphone (4500 nits vs 1000 nits). The average peak brightness is 1000 nits.
    4,500 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • Higher screen resolution
    Screen resolution
    1224 x 2720 px
    ▲ Better than 80% of models
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1224x2720 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1224x2720 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • Supports HDR10 support
    HDR10 support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • 0.11 inches inch larger screen size
    Screen size
    6.78 inches
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
    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.
    6.78 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 11.4% higher pixel density
    Pixel density
    440 ppi
    ▲ Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (440 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    440 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Has an always-on display
    Always-on display
    yes
    ▲ Better than 51% of models
    This smartphone features an always-on display, the average smartphone does not. 49.2% of smartphones offer always-on functionality.
  • Higher contrast ratio
    Contrast ratio
    2000000:1
    ▲ Better than 63% of models
    This smartphone has a higher contrast ratio than the average smartphone (2000000:1 vs 1000000:1). The average smartphone contrast ratio is 1000000:1.
    2,000,000:1 vs 1,000,000:1
  • Better display glass type
    Display glass type
    Corning Gorilla Glass 7i
    ▲ Better than 69% of models
    This smartphone features a better display glass type than the average smartphone (Corning Gorilla Glass 7i vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5). The average smartphone uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 7i vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • Supports aptX Adaptive
    aptX Adaptive
    yes
    ▲ Better than 65% of models
    This smartphone supports aptX Adaptive, the average smartphone does not. 34.5% of smartphones include aptX Adaptive support.
  • Better IP rating
    IP rating
    IP68/IP69K
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This smartphone has a better IP rating than the average smartphone (IP68/IP69K vs IP67). The average IP rating is IP67.
    IP68/IP69K vs IP67
  • 1.5 m deeper water resistance
    Waterproof depth rating
    1.5 m
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    Market range: <0 m – >2 m
    This smartphone has a deeper water resistance rating than the average smartphone (1.5 m vs 0 m). The average depth rating is 0 m.
    1.5 m vs 0 m
  • 12.3% lighter
    Weight
    172 g
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <175 g – >256 g
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (172 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    172 g vs 196.2 g
  • 1.6 mm thinner
    Thickness
    6.7 mm
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
    This smartphone is thinner than the average smartphone (6.7 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone thickness is 8.3 mm.
    6.7 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • 1 year/s newer release date
    Release date
    2025
    ▲ Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartphone has a newer release date than the average smartphone (2025 vs 2024). 1.00% of smartphones are released annually.
    September 2025
    2025 vs 2024
  • 23.5% smaller volume
    Device volume
    74,784 cm³
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
    This smartphone has a smaller device volume than the average smartphone (74784 cm³ vs 97800 cm³). The average smartphone volume is 97800 cm³.
    74,784 cm³ vs 97,800 cm³
  • Worse processor
    Processor model
    Unisoc T8300
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (Unisoc T8300 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Unisoc T8300 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • Worse main camera video quality
    Main camera video
    1080 x 30 fps
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 11.80x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    1080x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • No live text recognition
    Live text recognition
    no
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    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
    Memory card slot
    no
    ▼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • 42.9% lower maximum RAM capacity
    Maximum RAM
    8 GB
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <8 GB – >16 GB
    This smartphone supports less maximum RAM than the average smartphone (8 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB of RAM.
    8 GB vs 14 GB
  • No reverse wired charging
    Reverse wired charging
    no
    ▼ Worse than 61% of models
    This smartphone does not support reverse wired charging, the average smartphone does. 60.8% of smartphones support reverse wired charging.
  • 76.8% lower 3DMark Steel Nomad benchmark
    3DMark Steel Nomad benchmark
    141
    ▼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <133 – >2.4k
    This smartphone performs worse in 3DMark Steel Nomad than the average smartphone (141 vs 608). The average smartphone scores 608.
    141 vs 608
  • 87.5% fewer shader units
    N. of shading units
    32
    ▼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <32 – >1.5k
    This smartphone includes fewer shader units than the average smartphone (32 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    32 vs 256
  • 6.2% lower user score
    User score
    7.5/ 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
    ZTE Nubia Air
    the average smartphone
    ZTE Nubia Air (8GB + 256GB) has a lower user score than the average smartphone (7.53 vs 8.000).
    7.53 vs 8
  • Worse processor
    Processor model
    Unisoc T8300
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (Unisoc T8300 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Unisoc T8300 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 42.9% lower maximum RAM capacity
    Maximum RAM
    8 GB
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <8 GB – >16 GB
    This smartphone supports less maximum RAM than the average smartphone (8 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB of RAM.
    8 GB vs 14 GB
  • 76.8% lower 3DMark Steel Nomad benchmark
    3DMark Steel Nomad benchmark
    141
    ▼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <133 – >2.4k
    This smartphone performs worse in 3DMark Steel Nomad than the average smartphone (141 vs 608). The average smartphone scores 608.
    141 vs 608
  • 87.5% fewer shader units
    N. of shading units
    32
    ▼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <32 – >1.5k
    This smartphone includes fewer shader units than the average smartphone (32 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    32 vs 256
  • 8.3% lower CPU boost clock speed
    CPU boost clock speed
    2.2 GHz
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
    This smartphone has a lower CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 22.4% slower memory speed
    Memory speed
    2,133 MHz
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1.8k MHz – >4.8k MHz
    This smartphone has a lower memory speed than the average smartphone (2133 MHz vs 2750 MHz). The average smartphone has a memory speed of 2750 MHz.
    2,133 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • No live text recognition
    Live text recognition
    no
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • Worse main camera video quality
    Main camera video
    1080 x 30 fps
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 11.80x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    1080x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • No manual focus mode
    Manual focus
    no
    ▼ Worse than 91% of models
    This smartphone does not have a manual focus mode, the average smartphone does. 91.2% of smartphones offer manual focus.
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    Main camera megapixels
    50 MP & 2 MP & 0.08 MP
    ▼ Worse than 57% of models
    Market range: <10 – >100
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (50 MP & 2 MP & 0.08 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    50 MP & 2 MP & 0.08 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • No memory card slot
    Memory card slot
    no
    ▼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • No reverse wired charging
    Reverse wired charging
    no
    ▼ Worse than 61% of models
    This smartphone does not support reverse wired charging, the average smartphone does. 60.8% of smartphones support reverse wired charging.
  • 0.6 mm wider
    Width
    76.6 mm
    ▼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
    This smartphone is wider than the average smartphone (76.6 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone has a width of 76 mm.
    76.6 mm vs 76 mm
  • 0.6 mm taller
    Height
    164.2 mm
    ▼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
    This smartphone is taller than the average smartphone (164.2 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone has a height of 163.6 mm.
    164.2 mm vs 163.6 mm

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

E
en.techreviewer.de
16/11/2025
Summary of the review
nubia Air review: The slightly different “Air” - techreviewer(www.galaxus.at) | November 04, 2025 | Nubia Air tested: thin and affordable smartphone -...
M
mb.com.ph
19/11/2025
Summary of the review
nubia Air review: Something new but hilariously familiar
G
galaxus.at
04/11/2025
Summary of the review
Nubia Air tested: thin and affordable smartphone - Galaxus
G
gizguide.com
14/01/2026
Summary of the review
nubia Air Review - Thin and affordable, but at what cost?
Y
yugatech.com
22/11/2025
Summary of the review
nubia Air Review - YugaTech
G
galaxus.de
04/11/2025
Summary of the review
Cheap isn't enough: the slim Nubia Air in review
(Translated)Show original
T
techreviewer.de
16/11/2025
Summary of the review
nubia Air Review: A Different Kind of 'Air'
(Translated)Show original
R
revista-gadget.es
20/12/2025
Summary of the review
ZTE Nubia Air: The Art of Being Ultra-Thin Without Losing That Premium Feel
(Translated)Show original
I
it.techreviewer.de
16/11/2025
Summary of the review
nubia Air Review: A Slightly Different Kind of 'Air'
(Translated)Show original
G
galaxus.it
04/11/2025
Summary of the review
Affordable but not enough: putting the slim Nubia Air to the test
(Translated)Show original
I
igizmo.it
17/12/2025
Summary of the review
Nubia Air Review: Slim, Durable, and Affordably Priced
(Translated)Show original
S
smartworld.it
14/10/2025
Summary of the review
Nubia Air Review: It's called Air but costs 5 times less
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 78 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about ZTE Nubia Air (8GB + 256GB)

  • Ultra-slim and lightweight design, measuring only 5.9mm thin and weighing 172g
  • Exceptionally bright 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a peak brightness of up to 4,500 nits
  • Rare IP68 and IP69K ratings for superior dust and water resistance in its price range
  • Responsive performance for everyday tasks like messaging and browsing
  • Solid and premium build quality featuring Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection
  • Good daylight photography from the 50MP main camera with vibrant colors

What we don't like about ZTE Nubia Air (8GB + 256GB)

  • Weak single mono speaker that sounds tinny, muffled, or distorted at high volumes
  • Unisoc T8300 chipset limits gaming performance, causing stuttering in demanding 3D titles
  • Significant amount of pre-installed bloatware that requires manual cleanup
  • Battery life is only average despite the 5,000mAh capacity, often requiring a daily charge
  • Camera quality drops significantly in low light and suffers from lack of detail on closer inspection
  • Slow and sometimes unreliable biometrics, specifically the face unlock and fingerprint sensor

Verdict

The ZTE Nubia Air (8GB + 256GB variant) is an ultra-slim, lightweight 5G smartphone running Android 15, featuring a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED 120Hz display, a 50MP main camera system, and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging. Its main pros include the exceptionally slim and durable design (just 6.7mm thick), a vibrant and bright 1.5K AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass 7i protection, and top-tier IP68/IP69/IP69K water and dust resistance, which are rare for its budget price point. The main cons are the underperforming Unisoc T8300 processor, which results in slow performance for demanding tasks and gaming, poor camera detail in certain conditions, a sub-par mono speaker, and the lack of a microSD card slot for storage expansion.

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