ZTE nubia Z70 Ultra is a premium smartphone that exemplifies cutting-edge technology and superior design. Released in late 2024, this flagship device offers impressive features, from a brilliant AMOLED display to a powerhouse Snapdragon chipset. Here’s an in-depth review of the ZTE nubia Z70 Ultra to help you decide if it’s worth its 600/634 EUR/US price tag.
Design and Build Quality
The ZTE nubia Z70 Ultra boasts a sleek and robust design. With dimensions of 164.3 x 77.1 x 8.6 mm and a weight of 228 g, the phone feels substantial without being unwieldy. Its glass front, aluminum frame, and glass back exude premium quality, while the IP68/IP69 rating ensures resistance against dust and water, making it durable for everyday use.
Available in Black, Gold, and Starry Night, the aesthetic appeal of the Z70 Ultra is hard to ignore. The inclusion of dual SIM support further enhances its utility, especially for professionals and frequent travelers.
Display: A Feast for the Eyes
The Z70 Ultra features a 6.85-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10 support. Its 1216 x 2688 resolution delivers sharp and vibrant visuals at a pixel density of 431 ppi. With a peak brightness of 2000 nits, the screen performs exceptionally well even under direct sunlight.
Protected by Longxi glass (gen 2), the display is designed to withstand scratches and impacts, ensuring durability. Whether gaming, streaming, or browsing, the Z70 Ultra provides a top-tier visual experience.
Performance: Cutting-Edge Power
Powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) chipset, the Z70 Ultra offers unrivaled performance. Its octa-core CPU with Oryon V2 Phoenix cores ensures seamless multitasking and gaming, while the Adreno 830 GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks effortlessly.
The device achieved impressive benchmark scores:
- AnTuTu: 2,701,464 (v10)
- GeekBench: 9509 (v6)
- 3DMark Wild Life Extreme: 5918
With Android 15 and the custom Nebula AIOS, users get an intuitive and smooth software experience.
Memory and Storage
The Z70 Ultra offers a range of configurations:
- 256GB/12GB RAM
- 512GB/16GB RAM
- 1TB/16GB RAM
- 1TB/24GB RAM
With UFS 4.0 storage, the device ensures fast data transfer and app loading times. However, the lack of a microSD card slot may disappoint users needing expandable storage.
Camera: A Photographer’s Dream
The triple-camera setup on the Z70 Ultra is a standout feature:
- 50 MP (standard): Versatile with a variable aperture of f/1.6–4.0, OIS, and multi-directional PDAF for sharp, detailed shots.
- 64 MP (periscope telephoto): 2.7x optical zoom and advanced focusing for distant subjects.
- 50 MP (ultrawide): A wide 122˚ field of view for landscape and group shots.
Features like Laser AF, Ring-LED flash, and HDR enhance the photography experience. Video recording supports up to 8K at 30fps, with additional options for 4K and 1080p at varying frame rates, complemented by gyro-EIS for stability.
The 16 MP under-display selfie camera provides a clean, bezel-free screen while delivering decent performance for video calls and social media.
Battery and Charging
The Z70 Ultra houses a 6150 mAh Si/C battery that easily supports a full day of intensive use. The 80W wired charging ensures a quick recharge, while compatibility with PD3.0 and QC4 standards adds versatility.
Audio and Connectivity
The Z70 Ultra offers a rich audio experience with stereo speakers and Snapdragon Sound for Hi-Res audio. The absence of a 3.5mm jack is offset by the device’s wireless audio capabilities, including support for aptX HD and aptX Adaptive codecs.
Connectivity is robust with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and an infrared port. The advanced GPS positioning ensures precise navigation, and the USB-C 3.2 port supports fast data transfers and OTG functionality.
Pros:
- Stunning AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset
- Versatile camera system with 8K video recording
- IP68/IP69-certified durability
- Large battery with fast charging
Cons:
- No expandable storage
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
Rating: 9.3/10
ZTE nubia Z70 Ultra Full Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Network | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| Announced | November 21, 2024 |
| Status | Available, Released November 25, 2024 |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 77.1 x 8.6 mm (6.47 x 3.04 x 0.34 in) |
| Weight | 228 g (8.04 oz) |
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, glass back |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Water Resistance | IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Display Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Display Size | 6.85 inches, 113.7 cm² (~89.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1216 x 2688 pixels (~431 ppi density) |
| Display Protection | Longxi glass (gen 2) |
| Operating System | Android 15, Nebula AIOS |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2×4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6×3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M) |
| GPU | Adreno 830 |
| Internal Storage | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM |
| Storage Type | UFS 4.0 |
| Card Slot | No |
| Main Camera | Triple: 50 MP (f/1.6-4.0, standard), 64 MP (f/2.5, periscope telephoto), 50 MP (f/2.0, ultrawide) |
| Camera Features | Laser AF, Ring-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video Recording | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10-bit video |
| Selfie Camera | 16 MP (f/2.5, 24mm, under-display) |
| Selfie Camera Video | 1080p@30fps |
| Loudspeakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm Jack | No |
| Audio | 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio, Snapdragon Sound |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L2+L5), GLONASS (G1+G5), BDS (B1I+B1C+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| NFC | Yes |
| Infrared Port | Yes |
| Radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Under-display, optical |
| Other Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, color spectrum |
| Battery Type | Si/C 6150 mAh, non-removable |
| Charging | 80W wired, PD3.0, QC4 |
| Colors | Black, Gold, Starry Night |
| Models | NX733J, NX736J |
| Price | About 600 EUR, 634 US |
| Performance Scores | AnTuTu: 2,701,464 (v10), GeekBench: 9509 (v6), 3DMark: 5918 (Wild Life Extreme) |
| Display Brightness | 1382 nits max brightness (measured) |
| Loudspeaker Quality | -25.9 LUFS |
Verdict: Is the ZTE nubia Z70 Ultra Worth It?
The ZTE nubia Z70 Ultra is a powerhouse that excels in almost every department. From its vibrant display and stellar performance to its versatile cameras and robust battery life, this smartphone is a solid choice for tech enthusiasts and professionals.
Its price of 600 EUR, 634 DOLLARS makes it competitive in the flagship segment, offering excellent value for money. However, the lack of expandable storage and a headphone jack might deter some users.
For those seeking a premium Android experience with cutting-edge features, the ZTE nubia Z70 Ultra is a top contender.
