Nubia Z70S Ultra review
The Nubia Nubia Z70S Ultra ranks as the #21 phones globally, achieving a LibraScore of 83. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #19-ranked performance among 800 phones. Consider the Oppo Find X7 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Build Quality and Design
The Nubia Z70S Ultra boasts a premium build with a sleek, slim profile (8.6mm thickness) and a refined combination of aluminum alloy, glass, and optional leather finishes. Its 6.8" AMOLED display features a seamless under-display camera, eliminating notches for an immersive visual experience. The IP68 rating ensures durability against water and dust, while the 144Hz refresh rate and 10-bit color depth enhance screen clarity and responsiveness. A tactile dual-stage camera button adds a unique, user-friendly design element. Weighing just 228g, the device balances robust construction with portability, offering a luxurious feel and modern aesthetics that stand out in the smartphone landscape. If you’re after a better design, Nubia Air could be the ideal option.
Battery Life
The Nubia Z70S Ultra features a massive 6600mAh battery with 80W fast charging, ensuring all-day endurance and rapid power replenishment. Its Si-Carbon Li-Ion chemistry supports efficient energy storage, though real-world performance may vary under heavy gaming loads, where thermal throttling can impact battery efficiency. The non-removable design prioritizes sleek integration, but users should note that prolonged high-performance tasks may accelerate heat buildup, potentially reducing battery longevity over time. Despite these considerations, the combination of large capacity and rapid charging makes it a standout for users demanding sustained power without frequent recharging. Nubia Z80 Ultra might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded battery.
Display
The Nubia Z70S Ultra’s 6.8" AMOLED display delivers stunning visuals with a 144Hz refresh rate, 10-bit color depth, and a 1216 x 2668 resolution (428 PPI), ensuring sharp, vibrant detail. Its notch-free design relies on an under-display camera (UDC), eliminating screen interruptions while maintaining a 20:9 aspect ratio. The 3D curved glass screen enhances aesthetics and ergonomics, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i for scratch resistance. With SGS certification for eye comfort and support for DCI-P3 color gamut, the display excels in media consumption and gaming. A high usable surface area (91%) and multi-touch responsiveness further elevate the immersive experience, blending cutting-edge technology with seamless, modern design. For an improved display, Nubia Z80 Ultra is worth considering.
Camera
The Nubia Z70S Ultra’s triple-camera system combines a 35mm flagship lens, 50MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto for versatile photography. The main sensor excels in portraits with optical image stabilization (OIS) and 8K video, though the absence of variable aperture limits creative control. The ultrawide, while sharp, struggles with unnatural color processing in low light. The 16MP under-display front camera delivers decent selfies but falters in video due to missing stabilization. Despite advanced features like night mode and 10-bit color depth, software optimization issues—particularly with ultrawide and low-light scenes—highlight a gap between hardware potential and real-world performance. The tactile dual-stage camera button adds a unique, user-friendly touch, reinforcing the device’s focus on innovative design. You might want to check out Xiaomi Mix Fold, featuring an upgraded camera for a superior experience.
Price and Value
Despite its premium build, cutting-edge display, and flagship hardware, the Nubia Z70S Ultra’s value hinges on its overheating and software shortcomings, making it a bold but imperfect choice for design-driven users prioritizing innovation over polish.
Performance
The Nubia Z70S Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset (3nm, 4.3GHz) and up to 24GB RAM deliver flagship performance, with an Antutu score of 2.71 million. However, intense gaming triggers overheating (up to 55°C), causing frame drops to 40fps. While multitasking and media remain smooth, thermal throttling during prolonged high-load use highlights a trade-off between raw power and sustained performance, balancing cutting-edge hardware with heat management limitations. If you're after top-notch performance, consider Nubia Z80 Ultra.
Pros
1. Premium build with IP68 rating, aluminum/glass/leather design, and a sleek 8.6mm profile.
2. Innovative under-display camera (UDC) and tactile dual-stage hardware camera button for a notch-free display.
3. Flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with up to 24GB RAM and 1TB storage for top-tier performance.
4. 6600mAh battery with 80W fast charging for all-day endurance and rapid power-ups.
5. Vibrant 144Hz AMOLED display with 10-bit color depth and 2668 x 1216 resolution for immersive visuals.
Cons
1. Overheating during gaming (reaches 55°C) leading to thermal throttling and frame drops.
2. Under-display camera struggles with video quality due to lack of electronic image stabilization.
3. Ultrawide lens suffers from overprocessing and unnatural low-light performance.
4. Absence of variable aperture in the main camera limits creative control in photography.
5. Premium price may not justify software shortcomings and thermal management trade-offs.
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