The Nubia Z80 Ultra, crafted by ZTE, has officially launched on the global stage, following its initial introduction in China. The smartphone retains nearly all the specifications of its Chinese counterpart, offering high-performance capabilities, a focus on photography, and a unique design to users worldwide. It is now available in several European markets, offered in three colors—black, white, and a “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, coupled with up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of internal storage. These specifications are designed to deliver robust performance for demanding applications, multitasking, and gaming. The device is powered by a 7,200 mAh silicon-carbon battery supporting 80W fast charging, both wired and wireless, although the Chinese version offered 90W wired charging. This slight reduction in power delivery still ensures exceptional charging speeds for its large battery capacity.
Display and Design Innovations
The phone’s display remains 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. Notably, the screen is uninterrupted by camera cutouts—the 16 MP front camera is ingeniously placed under the display, preserving a full-screen experience. The fingerprint sensor is ultrasonic and located beneath the screen, maintaining the phone’s sleek design.
On the rear, the Nubia Z80 Ultra features a triple-camera setup tailored for photography enthusiasts. It includes a 50 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 50 MP ultrawide lens, and a 64 MP periscope telephoto camera, also equipped with OIS and offering up to 2.7x optical zoom. To enhance this, ZTE has introduced the Retro Kit 2.0, an optional camera accessory crafted from aluminum alloy with a leather finish, grip strap for better handling, and physical shutter buttons for photography. The kit is available for approximately $160 (€149).
Technical Specifications and Pricing
The smartphone’s build is a combination of glass and metal, offering IP68/IP69 certification for dust and water resistance. Out of the box, it runs Android 16 with Nubia’s MyOS interface. Connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and an infrared port.
- 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 come with 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 introduction of the Nubia Z80 Ultra to global markets represents ZTE’s strategic push to capture a larger share of the high-end smartphone segment. The device’s advanced features and competitive pricing are expected to appeal to tech enthusiasts and photography aficionados alike.
According to industry analysts, the global smartphone market is becoming increasingly competitive, with manufacturers striving to differentiate their offerings through innovative features and design. The Nubia Z80 Ultra’s under-display camera and high-refresh-rate display could set new benchmarks for future smartphone designs.
As the global rollout continues, it will be interesting to observe how the Nubia Z80 Ultra performs in various markets and whether it can challenge established brands in the premium smartphone category. The device’s success could pave the way for more innovative products from ZTE and further solidify its position in the global tech landscape.
In conclusion, the Nubia Z80 Ultra’s global launch is a significant milestone for ZTE, showcasing the company’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries and delivering cutting-edge devices to consumers worldwide. As the smartphone enters new markets, its reception will likely influence future developments in the industry.
