The ZTE Nubia Z70S Ultra is pitched as the ultimate smartphone for photography enthusiasts, with impressive specs and a unique design. But are these promises justified or is it just a marketing gimmick? Is this a pocket-sized camera better than Canon or Nikon?!
In a world of smartphones where each new model seems to bring only minimal improvements, the ZTE Nubia Z70S Ultra stands out with its bold aesthetics and focus on photography. With a 35mm main lens and variable aperture, it aims to win the hearts of mobile photographers. But is that enough?
Design and display
The Z70S Ultra features a unique design reminiscent of retro cameras, with a large lens and a leather back. The 6.85-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1216 x 2688 pixels and a refresh rate of 144 Hz ensures a smooth user experience. Under the display, there is a 16 MP selfie camera that allows for uninterrupted viewing without interruption.
Camera: A photographer's dream phone?
The main attraction is the 50MP 35mm camera with a variable aperture of f/1.6-f/4.0, which allows you to adjust the depth of field. In addition, there is a 64MP periscope telephoto camera and a 50MP ultra-wide camera. While the main camera is impressive, users have expressed disappointment with the quality of the ultra-wide and telephoto cameras compared to the previous model, the Z60 Ultra.
Performance and software
The Z70S Ultra is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, supported by up to 24GB of RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The Android 15 operating system with Nebula AIOS interface offers a clean user experience without unnecessary clutter. 6600 mAh The battery with 80W fast charging ensures long autonomy, although without support for wireless charging.
The ZTE Nubia Z70S Ultra is an impressive smartphone that targets the mobile photography niche. With its unique aesthetics and powerful main camera, it offers something new. However, the compromises on the secondary cameras and the lack of wireless charging may put some users off. If you're looking for something different and value mobile photography, the Z70S Ultra is worth considering.
Specifications: ZTE Nubia Z70S Ultra
- Display: 6.85-inch AMOLED, 1216 x 2688 pixels, 144 Hz
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
- Memory: 12/16/24 GB RAM, 256/512 GB or 1 TB UFS 4.0
- Camera: Main 50 MP (35mm, variable aperture), 64 MP telephoto, 50 MP ultrawide
- Selfie camera: 16 MP under the display
- Battery: 6600 mAh, 80W fast charging
- Operating system: Android 15 with Nebula AIOS(gsmarena.ae, Stuff)
Conclusion: A smartphone that wants to be a camera (and almost succeeds)
The ZTE Nubia Z70S Ultra Photographer Edition isn't just another flagship killer. It's a device with the charisma usually found in retro cameras and designer accessories from Tokyo - with an aesthetic that screams Instagram-ready, and specifications that read like a professional photographer's wishes for a third coffee.
But this charisma comes at a price. The base model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage costs around $630 – and that’s without the professional photography kit, which comes with physical buttons, a handle, and a T-mount adapter for 67mm filters. For that, you’ll add about $123. Total almost $750 – which already smells a little like the territory of a real mirrorless camera. The price in the EU is not yet known. But it will be at least 830 euros for the basic camera.
And yet, for those who rely on their phone as their primary photography tool – or simply want to look like a digital Cartier-Bresson – the Z70S Ultra is something special. The main camera, with its 35mm lens, Omnivision Light Shadow Master sensor and 8K video capabilities, is impressive, although the ultra-wide and telephoto cameras are a bit less brilliant. It's also encouraging that the selfie camera hidden under the screen allows for a clutter-free display, although you'll probably still prefer to reach for the right light source for quality selfies.
The Nubia Z70S Ultra is a phone for those looking for something different. It's not for everyone. But if you want to carry a tool in your pocket that takes photography seriously and still looks like you belong to a secret society of aesthetically enlightened geeks - then you're at home.
For everyone else? There are other smartphones. And more money for lunch.
