Alright, let’s talk about the Nubia Z70 Ultra. If you’re hunting for a phone that delivers premium vibes without draining your wallet, this one’s worth a look. Launched in November 2024, the Z70 Ultra is ZTE’s latest attempt to shake up the smartphone game, and it’s got some serious tricks up its sleeve. From a camera that mimics pro-grade optics to a battery that just won’t quit, this phone is making waves for all the right reasons. Here’s why it’s catching everyone’s attention.
Nubia Z70 Ultra Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.85-inch AMOLED, 1.5K (1216 x 2688), 144Hz refresh rate, 2000 nits peak brightness |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) |
| RAM | 12GB, 16GB, or 24GB (LPDDR5x) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB (UFS 4.0, non-expandable) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main (35mm, f/1.59-f/4.0, OIS), 50MP ultra-wide (13mm, 122°, f/2.0, macro), 64MP telephoto (70mm, f/2.48, OIS) |
| Front Camera | 16MP (under-display) |
| Battery | 6150mAh, 80W fast charging (no wireless charging) |
| Operating System | Android 15 with Nebula AIOS |
| Dimensions & Weight | 164.3 x 77.1 x 8.6mm, 228g |
| Build | IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance, Longxi Glass (Gen 2) |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7 (dual-band), Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Additional Features | Dual-stage camera shutter button, customizable slider switch, IR blaster |
| Colors | Black, Yellow, Starry Night |
| Price | $729 (12GB/256GB), $829 (16GB/512GB), $949 (24GB/1TB) |
A Camera That Steals the Show
The star of the Nubia Z70 Ultra is its camera system, and wow, does it deliver. It’s rocking a 50MP main camera with a 35mm lens and a variable aperture (f/1.59 to f/4.0), which is a fancy way of saying you can tweak the light intake for crisp, vibrant shots in any setting. Whether you’re snapping a sunset or a dimly lit dinner, this thing adapts like a pro. The 50MP ultra-wide lens with a 122° field of view is perfect for landscapes or group shots, and it doubles as a macro lens for those up-close details. Rounding it out is a 64MP telephoto lens with a 70mm focal length for some solid zoom action.
What’s cool is the dedicated two-step shutter button on the side—half-press to focus, full press to snap. It’s like using a real camera, and it makes you feel like a legit photographer. The only downside? Some reviews say the camera app can be a bit clunky, and the software processing doesn’t always match the hardware’s potential. Still, for a phone starting at $729, the camera setup is a standout.
Power and Performance That Keep Up
Under the hood, the Z70 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, built on a 3nm process. Translation: it’s fast, efficient, and ready to handle anything from gaming to multitasking without breaking a sweat. Paired with up to 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, this phone is a powerhouse. Whether you’re crushing it in Call of Duty Mobile or juggling a dozen apps, it doesn’t stutter.
The 6.85-inch AMOLED display is another highlight, with a 1.5K resolution (1216 x 2688 pixels) and a 144Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth scrolling. At 2000 nits peak brightness, it’s plenty visible even in direct sunlight. Plus, the under-display selfie camera means no notch or hole-punch to mess with your view. It’s not perfect, though—the selfie cam (16MP) can look a bit soft if you zoom in too much.
Battery Life That Goes the Distance
Let’s talk about that 6150mAh battery. It’s one of the biggest in any flagship right now, and it easily lasts a full day of heavy use—think streaming, gaming, and scrolling through X all at once. With 80W fast charging, you can juice it up from 0 to 75% in about 30 minutes, and the charger comes in the box (take that, Apple and Samsung). No wireless charging, though, which is a bummer for some.
Design That’s Bold, Not Boring
The Z70 Ultra isn’t trying to blend in. Its blocky design, with a massive camera module and a red-ringed main lens, screams confidence. It comes in three flavors: sleek Black, vibrant Yellow, and a Starry Night edition with Van Gogh-inspired swirls. At 228g and 8.6mm thick, it’s hefty but feels solid, with IP68 and IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance. You could probably drop it in a pool and it’d be fine (don’t test that without a warranty, though).
There’s also a customizable slider switch on the side, which you can set to toggle sound modes, open the camera, or even fire up the flashlight. It’s a small touch, but it adds a lot of personality.
Software: Clean but Could Use Polish
Running Android 15 with Nubia’s Nebula AIOS, the Z70 Ultra keeps things pretty close to stock Android, which is great if you hate bloatware. It’s got some neat AI tricks, like live call translation and signal optimization, but the software isn’t as polished as, say, a Pixel or Samsung. Some users have griped about limited update support—Nubia’s not known for long-term software commitment, so don’t expect years of major Android upgrades.
The Catch?
No phone is perfect, and the Z70 Ultra has a few quirks. The stereo speakers are just okay, with some distortion at high volumes. The lack of wireless charging stings at this price point, and the camera software needs a bit more love to really shine. Plus, if you’re not a fan of big phones, this one might feel like carrying a small tablet.
Why It’s Worth Considering
Starting at $729 for the 12GB/256GB model and topping out at $949 for the 24GB/1TB version, the Nubia Z70 Ultra undercuts most flagships while delivering top-tier specs. It’s not flawless, but it’s a bold choice for anyone who wants a phone that’s a little different. If you’re into photography, gaming, or just want a device that doesn’t look like every other slab out there, this one’s a contender.
Final Thoughts
The Nubia Z70 Ultra is like that cool, slightly quirky friend who always surprises you with their talents. It’s not perfect, but it’s got character, power, and a price tag that makes you do a double-take. If you’re tired of the same old iPhones and Galaxies, this phone’s unique design and camera chops might just win you over. Grab it from Nubia’s website or Amazon, and let me know on X what you think—deal or no deal?