ZTE Axon 40 Pro InDepth Review Pricing and Features

Overview and Design

The ZTE Axon 40 Pro stands as a testament to ZTE's commitment to delivering high-quality smartphones packed with robust features. Released on May 31, 2022, the device showcases a sleek design with dimensions of 162.9 x 72.9 x 8.7 mm and weighs 199 grams. The handset supports dual SIM usage through Nano-SIM cards and operates on a dual standby mode. Available in Dream Black, Crystal Blue, and Gold colors, the Axon 40 Pro boasts an elegant aesthetic suitable for various consumer preferences.

Display Specifications

One of the standout features of the ZTE Axon 40 Pro is its vibrant 6.67-inch AMOLED display. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 90.4%, users are treated to a more immersive viewing experience suitable for both productivity and entertainment. The display supports an impressive 1 billion colors and offers a peak brightness of 1000 nits, enhancing visibility in direct sunlight. Moreover, the 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations, significantly improving the user interface experience.

Performance and Hardware

At the heart of the Axon 40 Pro is the Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G chipset built on a 7nm process. This chipset is power efficient and delivers robust performance with its Octa-core CPU configuration, comprising a single Kryo 585 core operating at 3.2 GHz for intensive tasks, three Kryo 585 cores at 2.42 GHz, and four Kryo 585 cores at 1.80 GHz for power efficiency. The Adreno 650 GPU further complements this setup by providing excellent graphics performance, perfect for gaming and media consumption.

Memory and Storage

The ZTE Axon 40 Pro comes in several configurations to meet various user needs. It offers internal storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM. However, the absence of a card slot means that users cannot expand storage beyond what is internally provided. This necessitates careful planning regarding storage requirements when initially purchasing the device.

Camera System

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Axon 40 Pro's versatile camera setup. The quad-camera system on the back includes a 108 MP primary camera with an f/1.9 aperture and PDAF support, ensuring high-resolution images with great detail. Complementing this, an 8 MP ultrawide camera, a 2 MP macro camera, and a 2 MP depth sensor provide a variety of shooting options. The camera system is enhanced by features like dual-LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode. For video recording, the device supports 4K resolution at both 30fps and 60fps, along with 1080p at 30fps, equipped with gyro-EIS and HDR10 capabilities for stable and vibrant footage.

Front Camera

The front camera is a single 16 MP sensor that supports HDR, ensuring clear and detailed selfies. It also captures video at 4K@30fps and 1080p@30fps, making it suitable for video calls and creating content.

Battery and Charging

The ZTE Axon 40 Pro is powered by a non-removable 5000 mAh Li-Po battery. This large battery capacity is well-suited for the demands of 5G connectivity and high-refresh-rate display. Charging is made convenient with a 65W wired charging capability, supporting Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge 4 (QC4) standards, enabling quick recharging to get users back on the go significantly faster than traditional charging technologies.

Operating System and User Interface

Running on Android 12 with ZTE's custom MyOS 12 skin, the Axon 40 Pro's software promises a balance between the latest Android features and bespoke additions from ZTE, aimed at enhancing productivity and customization while maintaining smooth performance.

Connectivity

The device supports a full spectrum of connectivity options. It includes GSM, CDMA, HSPA, LTE, and 5G technologies, making it a global contender in terms of network compatibility. Bluetooth 5.2 is on board for low-power and robust wireless connectivity to peripheral devices. Wi-Fi 6 support ensures fast and stable internet connectivity, and the device also includes NFC for contactless transactions and file sharing. It further supports GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS for versatile geographic location services. A USB Type-C 3.1 port with OTG support rounds out the connectivity offering, although the absence of a 3.5mm audio jack might be a downside for some users who prefer wired audio connections.

Sound and Multimedia

For audio, the Axon 40 Pro is equipped with stereo speakers, delivering a rich and immersive sound experience for media playback. The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack means users will need to rely on wireless solutions or adapters for their audio input and output needs.

Sensors and Other Features

The phone includes a suite of sensors, such as an under-display optical fingerprint sensor for secure and fast unlocking. Additional sensors include an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, all of which contribute to enhanced usability across various applications and features.

Price and Market Position

With an approximate price tag of 410 EUR, the ZTE Axon 40 Pro positions itself as a mid-to-high-end offering within the smartphone market. It aims to appeal to users looking for a device that balances top-tier specifications with a reasonable price, without compromising on quality or performance.