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The smartphone market is saturated with devices that seem to mirror each other, making it challenging for brands to stand out. However, Nubia has carved a niche for itself by offering something truly different year after year. The Nubia Z70 Ultra, the brand’s latest flagship, continues this tradition by delivering a bold design, innovative features, and a focus on photography—all at a competitive price.
Let’s dive deep into what makes the Z70 Ultra one of the most exciting devices of 2024.
Unboxing the Nubia Z70 Ultra
Nubia’s unboxing experience reflects the same attention to detail seen in its devices. The Starry Night Edition of the Z70 Ultra is particularly captivating. While it lacks some of the holographic designs and Starry-themed extras seen in last year’s model, the unboxing remains premium.
What’s in the box?
- Nubia Z70 Ultra smartphone.
- Two cases:
- A smoky TPU case that provides grip while showcasing the phone’s design.
- A hatched case with a pixelated version of the phone’s back design.
- An 80W fast charger and USB-C to USB-C cable.
While the package is generous compared to many competitors that omit chargers altogether, fans may miss last year’s dual charging cables and accessories. Despite this, Nubia’s offering still feels premium and thoughtful.
Design: Aesthetic Meets Functionality
The Nubia Z70 Ultra is a head-turner, blending art and engineering seamlessly. Its frosted matte glass back resists fingerprints while offering a unique oil painting-like refractive effect. The color-matched metal frame further enhances its premium feel.
At 6150mAh, the phone remains hefty, but Nubia has rounded the edges for improved comfort. Despite being slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, the Z70 Ultra maintains its signature boxy build.
Key Design Highlights:
- IP68 and IP69 certification for water and dust resistance.
- Two-stage shutter key, a feature rarely seen outside Sony smartphones.
- Ergonomically placed fingerprint scanner for quick access.
- IR blaster to control household appliances.
Available in Starry Night, black, and gold, the Z70 Ultra offers a design that appeals to both art lovers and minimalists.
Display: Truly Immersive
The 6.85-inch AMOLED display is one of the standout features of the Nubia Z70 Ultra. Co-developed with BOE, the screen offers a 95.3% screen-to-body ratio, thanks to its seventh-generation under-display camera. This design ensures an uninterrupted, immersive experience for gaming, streaming, and everyday use.
Display Features:
- 1.5K resolution with 431 PPI for sharp visuals.
- 144Hz refresh rate, delivering ultra-smooth animations and scrolling.
- Peak brightness of 1300 nits, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility.
The under-display camera is nearly invisible, enhancing the display’s aesthetic appeal while maintaining functionality.
Camera System: Photography at Its Best
Photography has always been a focus for Nubia, and the Nubia Z70 Ultra takes it to the next level. The addition of a two-stage shutter key brings a DSLR-like experience to smartphone photography. This key allows users to launch the camera, focus, and capture shots with ease, making it perfect for enthusiasts.
Camera Specifications:
- Primary Sensor:
- Sony IMX 906 (50MP).
- Variable aperture (f/1.59 to f/4) for versatile shooting conditions.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for crisp images.
- Ultra-wide Camera:
- 50MP sensor with a 122° field of view.
- Lacks OIS, resulting in a downgrade from last year’s model.
- Telephoto Lens:
- 64MP sensor with a 70mm equivalent lens.
- Improved aperture for better low-light performance.
The primary camera excels in low-light photography, capturing stunning details and natural-looking colors. The variable aperture ensures beautiful depth of field effects, while the 35mm equivalent lens provides a unique perspective compared to traditional flagships.
Video Capabilities
Video recording on the Nubia Z70 Ultra is a mixed bag. While the primary and telephoto lenses support 4K at 120fps, stabilization issues make 8K recording less practical. However, the 4K 60fps footage is stable and vibrant.
Video Features:
- Ability to switch lenses up to 4K 30fps.
- Improved under-display selfie camera for casual video calls.
Although the under-display selfie camera has come a long way, it still falls short of matching traditional front-facing cameras, especially in low-light scenarios.
Performance: Power Meets Stability
The Nubia Z70 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, paired with LPDDR5X RAM (12GB/16GB) and UFS 4.0 storage (up to 1TB). This combination delivers top-tier performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
Gaming and Performance:
- Handles graphically demanding games at 144Hz refresh rate without stuttering.
- Conservative tuning ensures thermal stability, although stress testing can make the phone uncomfortably hot.
Despite lacking active cooling features seen in Nubia’s gaming-focused Red Magic series, the Nubia Z70 Ultra maintains stable performance during extended gaming sessions.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is another strong point for the Z70 Ultra. Equipped with a 6150mAh battery, the phone easily lasts through a day of heavy usage. The included 80W fast charger offers a 50% charge in just 15 minutes and a full charge in under 40 minutes.
However, the absence of wireless charging might disappoint some users.
Unique Features and Software
The Z70 Ultra packs several features that set it apart from competitors. One such feature is the customizable toggle switch, which can be programmed to launch apps, control the flashlight, or even activate satellite messaging (limited to specific regions).
Software Experience:
- Runs on Nubia UI based on Android 15.
- Global versions maintain a stock-like experience, while Chinese editions include unique features and some untranslated elements.
While the UI is user-friendly, occasional quirks in translation can be mildly frustrating.
Pricing and Availability
The Nubia Z70 Ultra is priced competitively, making it an attractive option for those seeking a flagship experience without breaking the bank.
Given its features, the Z70 Ultra offers excellent value for money compared to mainstream competitors.
Verdict: A Standout Flagship
The Nubia Z70 Ultra is a device that dares to be different. From its two-stage shutter key to its uninterrupted display and competitive pricing, it stands out in a crowded market. While it has its drawbacks—like heating issues during stress and the lack of wireless charging—it’s a unique flagship that photography enthusiasts and tech lovers will appreciate.
Pros:
- Stunning AMOLED display with an under-display camera.
- Innovative two-stage shutter key for enhanced photography.
- Excellent performance and battery life.
Cons:
- Lack of wireless charging.
- Heating issues during intensive tasks.
- Downgrade in ultra-wide camera quality.
If you’re looking for a flagship that breaks the mold, the Nubia Z70 Ultra is worth considering.
What’s Your Take?
What do you think of the Nubia Z70 Ultra? Is it the flagship phone you’ve been waiting for, or do its quirks outweigh its innovations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
