Key Takeaways
1. Unique Design and Build: Features a vintage aesthetic inspired by classic cameras, with a luxurious feel but a somewhat cheap faux leather back. Offers water and dust resistance (IP68 and IP69).
2. Advanced Connectivity: Supports modern connectivity options like Wi-Fi 7 and 5G Sub-6, with dual nano SIM slots but lacks eSIM support. Call quality is good, though noise cancellation struggles in loud environments.
3. Camera Performance: Strong rear triple camera setup with a new larger OmniVision sensor, excellent in various lighting conditions; front camera performance is less impressive.
4. Display and Performance: 6.9-inch AMOLED display with high peak brightness and 144Hz refresh rate, powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite chip with good everyday performance but high temperatures during stress tests.
5. Battery and Audio: 6,600mAh battery offers satisfactory runtimes, while the audio quality from the speakers is decent but can sound hollow at higher volumes.
The Nubia Z70S Ultra is a premium smartphone that captures attention with its vintage aesthetic and impressive camera features. It draws inspiration from classic cameras, especially the black version paired with an optional camera kit, which may remind some users of renowned German camera brands.
Build and Design
The quality of the construction feels luxurious, although the faux leather design on the back gives a somewhat cheap impression, yet it feels nice when handled. Its focus on photography is highlighted by a multi-functional slider switch (like for camera use or muting) and a two-stage camera button. Moreover, the device boasts water and dust resistance with IP68 and IP69 ratings.
Connectivity and Security
When it comes to connectivity, the Nubia Z70S Ultra is quite modern. It supports Wi-Fi 7 and 6GHz, providing excellent transfer speeds. Mobile connectivity is impressive as well, featuring 5G Sub-6, extensive frequency support, and dual nano SIM slots. However, it does not support eSIM. Call quality is reliable, although the noise cancellation struggles in loud settings.
Security features include a fast optical under-display fingerprint sensor. There’s also facial recognition through the under-display front camera, but it doesn’t function well in low-light scenarios. The vibration motor offers precise and satisfying feedback.
Software and Packaging
The Nubia Z70S Ultra operates on an Android-based interface, with the manufacturer promising three years of updates. It remains uncertain if this covers major Android upgrades. Unfortunately, the packaging lacks eco-friendly materials, as it mainly consists of plastic and is fully shrink-wrapped.
Camera Performance
The camera technology is one of the standout aspects of the Z70S Ultra. The front camera, which is hidden under the display, tends to produce underwhelming images, often appearing oversharpened and faded. Conversely, the rear triple camera setup is of high quality.
The new, larger OmniVision main sensor with enhanced optical image stabilization performs admirably in both bright and dim lighting. The digital zoom is acceptable, and the ultrawide lens captures mostly excellent images, although the edges may lack sharpness.
Video Capabilities
Video recording capabilities include 8K at 30 frames per second or 4K at up to 120 frames per second. Image stabilization is available up to 4K60, ensuring smooth video footage.
Display and Performance
The 6.9-inch AMOLED display achieves a peak HDR brightness of 1,869 nits and supports a refresh rate of 144Hz. However, it is not an LTPO panel, meaning the rate can only be lowered to 60Hz. Thanks to a high PWM dimming frequency of up to 2160 Hz, the screen largely avoids flickering, making it suitable for sensitive users.
The Nubia phone is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, with options for 12GB or 16GB of RAM. In everyday use, its performance is good, but the Nubia Z70S Ultra falls short in benchmark tests, likely due to high temperatures. During stress tests, we recorded surface temperatures reaching 54 °C. On the bright side, there was no condensation in the camera, unlike earlier models.
Battery Life and Audio
The robust 6,600mAh battery delivers satisfactory runtimes, but we anticipated slightly better performance given its size. The speakers offer decent audio quality, though they can sound a bit hollow at higher volumes.
Conclusion
The Nubia Z70S Ultra appeals to those who appreciate a unique design, solid camera performance, and modern connectivity options. However, the smartphone does have some drawbacks concerning thermal management and performance. It also does not support eSIM and lacks visible sustainability efforts. Still, for photography lovers, it remains an intriguing device with a wide range of features.
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