The Nubia Z80 Ultra, developed by ZTE, has officially launched in the global market, following its initial debut in China. This high-performance smartphone is now available across several European markets, offering a blend of cutting-edge technology and artistic design. Available in three colors—black, white, and a “Starry Night” blue inspired by Van Gogh’s masterpiece—the device aims to captivate users worldwide.
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 paired with up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of internal storage, ensuring 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 variant offered 90W wired charging, the global version still provides exceptional charging speeds for its large battery capacity.
Stunning Display and Camera Features
The phone’s display is a standout feature, boasting 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 features a triple-camera setup designed 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 enhance the photography experience, ZTE has introduced the Retro Kit 2.0, an optional camera accessory priced at approximately $160 (€149). This kit includes an aluminum alloy and leather finish, a grip strap for better handling, and physical shutter buttons.
Design and Build Quality
The smartphone’s build combines glass and metal, offering IP68/IP69 certification for dust and water resistance. Out of the box, it runs on Android 16 with Nubia’s MyOS interface, providing a seamless user experience. Connectivity options are comprehensive, 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 include 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.
Technical Specifications and Market Impact
The Nubia Z80 Ultra is a testament to ZTE’s commitment to innovation and quality. Its technical specifications are as follows:
- Dimensions: 164.5 × 77.2 × 8.6 mm
- Weight: 227 g
- Display: 6.85-inch AMOLED, 2K resolution (2688×1216 px), 144 Hz refresh rate, 2,000 nits peak brightness
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Memory (RAM): 12 GB or 16 GB
- Internal Storage: 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB
- Front Camera: 16 MP under-display camera (f/2.0)
- Rear Cameras:
- 50 MP main lens (f/1.7, OIS)
- 50 MP ultrawide lens (f/1.8)
- 64 MP periscope telephoto lens (f/2.4, OIS, 2.7x optical zoom)
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, infrared port
- Water & Dust Resistance: IP68 / IP69 certified
- Battery: 7,200 mAh silicon-carbon battery, 80W wired and 80W wireless charging
- Operating System: Android 16 with MyOS interface
The launch of the Nubia Z80 Ultra represents a significant step for ZTE in the global smartphone market. By offering high-end features and a unique design, the company aims to capture the attention of tech enthusiasts and photography aficionados alike. As the smartphone landscape continues to evolve, the Nubia Z80 Ultra sets a high bar for competitors, emphasizing the importance of innovation and user experience in driving market success.
Looking ahead, industry experts suggest that ZTE’s focus on advanced camera technology and robust performance could position the Nubia Z80 Ultra as a strong contender in the premium smartphone segment. As consumers increasingly demand devices that offer both functionality and style, ZTE’s latest offering is well poised to meet these expectations.
