The Nubia Z80 Ultra, crafted by ZTE, has officially launched on the global stage following its initial introduction in China. This smartphone retains nearly all the features of its Chinese counterpart, offering high-end performance, a focus on photography, and a unique design to users worldwide. It is now available in several European markets in three distinct colors—black, white, and “Starry Night” blue, the latter 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. It is coupled with up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of internal storage, designed to deliver robust performance for demanding applications, multitasking, and gaming. The device is powered by a 7,200 mAh silicon-carbon battery that supports 80W fast charging, both wired and wireless. Although the Chinese variant offered 90W wired charging, the global version’s slightly reduced power delivery still provides exceptional charging speeds for its large battery capacity.
Display and Design: A Visual Feast
The phone’s display remains one of its standout features. 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 has no visible camera cutouts, as the 16 MP front camera is placed under the display, preserving a full-screen experience. The fingerprint sensor is also ultrasonic and located beneath the screen, maintaining the sleek design.
On the back, the Nubia Z80 Ultra is equipped with 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 with OIS and offering up to 2.7x optical zoom. To complement this, ZTE has introduced the Retro Kit 2.0, an optional camera accessory made of aluminum alloy with a leather finish, a grip strap for better handling, and physical shutter buttons for photography. The kit is priced at approximately $160 (around €149).
Technical Specifications and Variants
The Nubia Z80 Ultra’s construction combines glass and metal, offering IP68/IP69 certification for dust and water resistance. It runs Android 16 with Nubia’s MyOS interface out of the box. Connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and an infrared port.
In Europe, the Nubia Z80 Ultra is available in four different 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 include a discount of approximately $22 (€20). Global pricing in USD remains equivalent to euro values, making it slightly more cost-effective for non-European buyers due to exchange rates.
Expert Opinions and Market Position
According to industry experts, the Nubia Z80 Ultra represents a significant step forward in smartphone technology, particularly in terms of display innovation and camera capabilities. The under-display camera technology is seen as a major advancement, offering a seamless viewing experience without compromising on selfie quality.
Analysts suggest that the device’s competitive pricing and high-end specifications could make it a strong contender in the premium smartphone market. The inclusion of features like the Retro Kit 2.0 also highlights ZTE’s focus on catering to photography enthusiasts, potentially attracting a niche market segment.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the Nubia Z80 Ultra comes at a time when the global smartphone market is increasingly competitive, with manufacturers striving to differentiate their products through innovative features and design. As ZTE expands its presence in international markets, the success of the Nubia Z80 Ultra could pave the way for future models that continue to push the boundaries of smartphone technology.
As consumers begin to explore the capabilities of the Nubia Z80 Ultra, the coming months will reveal how well it performs in diverse markets and whether it can capture the attention of tech enthusiasts worldwide.
