The Breakdown
In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming our digital experiences, smartphones are at the forefront of this evolution. Among the latest contenders in the AI-powered smartphone arena is the Nubia Z60S Pro. This flagship device from Nubia promises not only to deliver high-end performance but also to push the boundaries of mobile photography and user experience through the integration of AI. But does it live up to the hype? In this detailed review, we explore the Nubia Z60S Pro’s design, performance, camera capabilities, AI features, battery life, and overall value to see if it stands out in a saturated market.
nubia Z60S Pro specifications
- 6.8-inch (2800 x 1260 pixels) 1.5K OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, up to 1000Hz instant touch sampling rate, 10-bit color depth and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, up to 1200 nits brightness, DC dimming, 2160Hz PWM dimming, Longxi glass protection
- Octa Core Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 4nm Mobile Platform with up to 1GHz Adreno 740 GPU
- 8GB / 12GB / 16GB LPDDR5X RAM with 256GB / 512GB / 1TB UFS 4.0 storage
- Android 14 with MyOS 14
- Dual SIM
- 50MP 1/1.56″ Sony IMX906 sensor with f/1.59 aperture, OIS, 50MP 120-degree ultra-wide lens with OV50D40 sensor with f/1.8 aperture, 2.5 cm super macro, 8MP Hynix Hi847 telephoto camera, OIS
- 16MP front-facing camera with OmniVision OV16AQ sensor
- In-display fingerprint sensor
- USB Type-C audio, Stereo dual speakers
- 5G NSA /SA, Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 6E 802.11 ax (2.4GHz + 5GHz + 6GHz), Bluetooth 5.3, GPS (L1/L5)+ GLONASS, USB Type-C, NFC
- 5100mAh battery, 80W fast charging
Design and Aesthetics:
The Nubia Z60S Pro is a visually striking device that takes a different approach to smartphone design. The first thing you’ll notice is its “Cosmic Ring Design,” which arranges three smaller circles around a larger central one, mimicking the orbits of planets around the sun. This design element is not just a visual gimmick; it serves to organize the phone’s camera system in a balanced and aesthetically pleasing way. The black variant we reviewed features a bold red ring around the central lens, giving it a distinctive camera-like appearance that sets it apart from the crowd.
Available in Black, Aqua, and White, the Nubia Z60S Pro’s color options cater to different tastes. The Aqua variant, with its minty patterns, offers a strange but impeccable look under the glass panel, although all versions have a glossy finish. The design trend of flat sides with rounded corners continues here, aligning the Z60S Pro with modern smartphone aesthetics. While it’s not the most innovative design we’ve seen, it’s certainly clean, elegant, and well-executed.
Ergonomics:
As is often the case with flagship smartphones, the Nubia Z60S Pro is a large and somewhat hefty device. Its 6.7-inch display demands a larger chassis, which can make one-handed use challenging, especially for those with smaller hands. The glass back, while visually appealing, can be a bit slippery, so a protective case is recommended to prevent accidental drops. Fortunately, the flat edges provide a better grip than some curved alternatives, helping mitigate the risk of slippage.
Despite its size, the Nubia Z60S Pro is comfortable to hold for extended periods, thanks to its balanced weight distribution. The frosted case included in the box not only adds protection but also improves grip without detracting from the phone’s design. For those who prioritize ergonomics, the Z60S Pro may not be the perfect choice, but it’s far from the worst offender in the flagship category.
Nubia Z60S Pro review: Performance
At the heart of the Nubia Z60S Pro is last year’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. While this may seem like a drawback given the availability of the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the difference in real-world performance is negligible for most users. Paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the Z60S Pro handles multitasking, gaming, and media consumption with ease. The 6.7-inch “1.5K” AMOLED display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for everything from streaming videos to playing graphically demanding games.
Benchmark tests place the Nubia Z60S Pro in the upper echelon of smartphone performance, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 devices. In day-to-day use, however, the difference is hard to notice. Apps launch quickly, games run smoothly, and the phone handles intensive tasks like video editing and 3D rendering without breaking a sweat.
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Camera Capabilities:
The camera system is where the Nubia Z60S Pro truly shines. The centerpiece is a 50MP Sony IMX906 sensor with a 35mm equivalent lens. This setup is designed to produce natural-looking photos that closely mimic what the human eye sees. The main sensor is complemented by a 50MP ultra-wide camera with a 125-degree field of view and a dedicated 8MP telephoto camera. While the lack of a macro lens might disappoint some, the overall versatility of the camera system is impressive.
AI plays a significant role in enhancing the Z60S Pro’s photographic capabilities. The AI-driven image processing ensures that photos are sharp, well-exposed, and free of noise, even in challenging lighting conditions. The camera’s night mode, in particular, benefits from AI, producing bright and detailed images in low light without the need for a tripod. Whether you’re capturing landscapes, portraits, or cityscapes, the Nubia Z60S Pro delivers excellent results with minimal effort.
AI Features:
Artificial intelligence is the defining feature of the Nubia Z60S Pro. From system-level optimizations that improve battery life and performance to advanced camera features that enhance your photos, AI is woven into every aspect of the user experience. The Z60S Pro’s AI capabilities extend beyond photography, with features like voice recognition, real-time translation, and smart notifications that adapt to your usage patterns.
One standout feature is the AI-enhanced portrait mode, which intelligently blurs the background to create a professional-looking bokeh effect. The AI also detects multiple faces in group shots and ensures that everyone is in focus. Additionally, the AI-driven scene recognition automatically adjusts camera settings based on the subject, whether it’s a sunset, a plate of food, or a fast-moving pet.
Nubia Z60S Pro review: Battery Life
The Nubia Z60S Pro is equipped with a large 5,100mAh battery, which is essential given its power-hungry display and processor. In real-world use, the battery easily lasts a full day with heavy usage, including gaming, video streaming, and social media browsing. For lighter users, the battery can stretch to a day and a half or more.
Charging speeds are adequate but not groundbreaking, with support for 80W fast charging. While some competitors offer 100W or even 120W charging, the Z60S Pro’s 80W charger still gets the job done quickly, taking the battery from 0 to 100% in just under an hour. Wireless charging is notably absent, which may be a dealbreaker for some, but it’s a trade-off that helps keep the price in check.
Software and Updates:
The Nubia Z60S Pro runs on Android 14 with Nubia’s custom skin on top. The user interface is clean and responsive, with a few thoughtful additions that enhance the overall experience. However, Nubia’s track record with software updates has been inconsistent, which is a concern for those who prioritize long-term support. The company has not yet committed to a clear update schedule, leaving users uncertain about how many years of updates they can expect.
Value for Money:
Priced at $569, the Nubia Z60S Pro offers strong value for its features. It competes directly with other AI-powered flagships that often come with a much higher price tag. The combination of high-end specs, a versatile camera system, and AI enhancements makes it a compelling option for those looking for a premium smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
However, the competition in this price range is fierce, and the Z60S Pro faces stiff challenges from both established brands and Nubia’s own lineup. The lack of wireless charging and the use of last year’s processor may give some buyers pause, but for those who prioritize camera performance and AI features, the Z60S Pro is a solid choice.
Nubia Z60S Pro review: Conclusion
The Nubia Z60S Pro is a well-rounded smartphone that leverages AI to deliver a superior user experience. Its design is attractive, its performance is robust, and its camera system is versatile enough to handle a wide range of shooting scenarios. While it doesn’t break new ground in terms of hardware, it makes up for it with thoughtful AI-driven features that enhance everyday use.
In a crowded market, the Nubia Z60S Pro manages to stand out, particularly for users who value AI-enhanced photography and a sleek design. It’s not without its flaws, but its strengths make it a worthy contender in the mid-to-high-end smartphone segment. It is currently available for 669€ at nubia’s official store.
