I didn’t anticipate being impressed by the Nubia Z60 Ultra. It’s a hefty device, loaded with top-tier specs, and comes at a relatively affordable price point from a less mainstream Chinese manufacturer. Typically, with such devices, you expect to compromise on software quality to access cutting-edge hardware without breaking the bank. While Nubia’s MyOS, albeit uncreatively named, doesn’t offer much beyond Android 14, the Z60 Ultra pleasantly surprised me in several aspects.
The absence of unnecessary bloatware is a breath of fresh air with the Nubia Z60 Ultra. Its expansive screen remains uninterrupted by any camera cutout, cleverly hidden under the display. Performance-wise, it’s nearly flawless, thanks to its flagship processor delivering ample power under the hood. However, what truly impressed me was its versatile triple-lens camera setup. While it may exhibit some inconsistency, after spending a week with the phone, I managed to capture some truly stunning photos.
Short Overview:
| Feature | Nubia Z60 Ultra |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.8-inch AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate |
| Design | Unique design with sharp contours and a matte finish |
| Performance | Snapdragon 888 chipset with 12GB of RAM |
| Software | Android 14 with MyOS 14 overlay |
| Camera | 50MP IMX800 sensor with wide-angle and telephoto lenses |
The Evolution of Nubia
Nubia, once under the umbrella of the ZTE brand, embarked on its journey as an independent company in 2015, marking a significant shift in its trajectory. It’s worth noting the emphasis from Nubia’s PR team regarding the clear distinction between the two entities. Over the years, Nubia’s gaming-focused sub-brand, RedMagic, has gained recognition for delivering powerful gaming phones at competitive prices, albeit with a touch of rawness. The recently unveiled Z60 Ultra continues this trend, albeit with its unique characteristics.
Unboxing the nubia Z60 Ultra
Upon sliding the Nubia Z60 Ultra out of its packaging, one immediately notices its substantial weight. Weighing in at 246 grams, it surpasses even Apple’s largest offering, the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The device presents itself as a sleek rectangular slab, available in matte black or silver finishes. The black variant, in particular, sports an aluminum frame with textured glass on the back, housing a prominent camera module. The design is striking, complemented by shiny red metallic accents around the main lens and a textured power button. Conveniently placed above the power button is a volume rocker, while below it sits a sliding switch that doubles as a quick launch for the camera or other shortcuts. The SIM card tray and USB-C port reside on the bottom edge, and the Z60 Ultra’s thickness provides stability when placed on its sides or ends.
Durability and Display
With an IP-68 rating, the Z60 Ultra boasts resilience against rain and even freshwater submersion. Despite its sturdy build, the presence of Gorilla Glass 5 on the front (an older iteration from 2016) and tempered matte glass on the back suggests prudent use of the provided clear case for added protection. The advantages of owning such a sizable device become evident with its 6.8-inch AMOLED screen, featuring a resolution of 2,480 x 1,116 pixels. Supporting a 120-Hz refresh rate and HDR 10+, coupled with a peak brightness of 1,500 nits, the display offers crisp visuals, vibrant colors, and ample brightness for outdoor visibility. Notably, the absence of a notch or cutout is achieved by positioning the front-facing camera beneath the screen.
Camera Capabilities of Nubia Z60 Ultra
The Nubia-Z60 Ultra boasts a triple-lens camera setup, featuring lenses of varying focal lengths for versatile photography. Daytime shots exhibit richness and detail, with accurate color reproduction across lenses. The main and ultrawide lenses offer a commendable depth of field, allowing foreground and background elements to remain in focus. Additionally, the telephoto lens facilitates impressive close-ups from a distance. While nighttime photography captures intricate details with minimal light, occasional oversharpening, and exposure inconsistencies may occur. The camera app offers a plethora of options, ranging from beauty mode to Milky Way Night mode, catering to diverse photography preferences.
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, the Z60 Ultra boasts impressive specifications, including a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor paired with ample RAM and storage options. The device ensures smooth multitasking and efficient storage management, complemented by support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for high-speed connectivity. Equipped with a robust 6,000-mAh battery, the Z60 Ultra delivers enduring usage with minimal battery drain during intensive tasks such as gaming. The inclusion of an 80-watt charger facilitates swift charging, replenishing the battery in a relatively short period.
Software Experience and Considerations
The software experience on the Z60 Ultra is characterized by minimal bloatware, with Nubia’s MyOS offering a lightweight user interface atop Android 14. However, the commitment to providing system updates for only three years raises concerns, especially considering the evolving landscape of software updates and security patches. Additionally, regional considerations should be noted, with the global version of the Z60 Ultra potentially lacking compatibility with certain wireless frequency bands in the US.
Competition and Conclusion
In the realm of flagship smartphones, the Nubia Z60 Ultra faces competition from devices like the OnePlus 12 and Xiaomi 13T Pro, each offering unique propositions to cater to diverse consumer preferences. While the Z60 Ultra excels in performance and display capabilities, its hefty build and limited update support may deter potential buyers, especially in regions with specific network requirements. Ultimately, while the Z60 Ultra stands as a formidable contender in the smartphone arena, it’s essential to weigh its strengths and weaknesses against individual needs and preferences.
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