The Nubia Z80 Ultra, developed by ZTE, has officially launched on the global stage, following its initial release in China. This smartphone, known for its high-end performance and innovative design, is now available in several European markets. It comes in three distinctive colors—black, white, and a unique “Starry Night” blue, inspired by Van Gogh’s iconic artwork.
At the heart of the Nubia Z80 Ultra is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, one of Qualcomm’s most advanced chips. Paired with up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of internal storage, the device is built to handle demanding applications, multitasking, and gaming with ease. Powering the smartphone is a robust 7,200 mAh silicon-carbon battery, supporting 80W fast charging both wired and wirelessly. While the Chinese variant offered 90W wired charging, the global version maintains impressive charging speeds, ensuring users can quickly power up the large battery.
Display and Design: A Visual Masterpiece
The Nubia Z80 Ultra’s display is a standout feature. It boasts a 6.85-inch AMOLED panel with 2K resolution, a 144 Hz refresh rate, and up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness. The screen is uninterrupted by camera cutouts, as the 16 MP front camera is ingeniously placed under the display, offering a seamless full-screen experience. Additionally, the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is embedded beneath the screen, enhancing the device’s sleek aesthetic.
On the rear, the Nubia Z80 Ultra is equipped with a triple-camera setup tailored for photography enthusiasts. This includes a 50 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 50 MP ultrawide lens, and a 64 MP periscope telephoto camera, also featuring OIS and providing up to 2.7x optical zoom. To enhance the photography experience, ZTE has introduced the Retro Kit 2.0, an optional accessory featuring an aluminum alloy and leather finish, grip strap, and physical shutter buttons, priced at approximately $160 (€149).
Technical Specifications and Performance
The Nubia Z80 Ultra combines glass and metal in its construction, offering IP68/IP69 certification for dust and water resistance. It operates on Android 16 with Nubia’s MyOS interface, providing a user-friendly experience. Connectivity options are extensive, including 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and an infrared port.
In Europe, the Nubia Z80 Ultra is available in four variants:
- 12 GB + 256 GB – ~$700 (€649)
- 16 GB + 512 GB – ~$860 (€799)
- 16 GB + 512 GB (Starry Night blue) – ~$895 (€829)
- 16 GB + 1 TB – ~$970 (€899)
Preorders offer a ~$22 (€20) discount. Global pricing in USD remains equivalent to euro values, making it slightly more cost-effective for non-European buyers due to exchange rates.
Market Impact and Future Prospects
The launch of the Nubia Z80 Ultra globally represents a significant move by ZTE to capture a larger share of the high-end smartphone market. The device’s advanced features and competitive pricing position it as a strong contender against other flagship smartphones. According to industry analysts, the inclusion of cutting-edge technology like the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and under-display camera technology could set new standards in smartphone design and performance.
Looking forward, the success of the Nubia Z80 Ultra in international markets could influence future smartphone designs and innovations. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, manufacturers like ZTE are likely to push the boundaries of what is possible, integrating even more sophisticated features into their devices.
With its global debut, the Nubia Z80 Ultra not only highlights ZTE’s commitment to innovation but also sets a new benchmark for what consumers can expect from a premium smartphone experience.
