The Breakdown
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, where the focus often shifts between performance, aesthetics, and durability, finding a device that blends all these elements seamlessly is a challenge. The nubia Z70 Ultra steps up to redefine what it means to be a flagship phone, offering minimalist design, cutting-edge hardware, and extreme durability. With a stunning under-display camera, premium materials, and top-tier performance powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the Z70 Ultra stands out as a modern masterpiece. Let’s take a deep dive into this exceptional smartphone and explore why it deserves attention.
Design: The Minimalist Aesthetic Takes Center Stage
The nubia Z70 Ultra embraces a modern, minimalist design philosophy that reflects simplicity and elegance. Unlike curved-edge devices, this phone opts for flat sides, a flat back, and a completely flat display—a look that aligns with today’s clean and sophisticated design trends. This sharp, symmetrical approach conveys a professional yet sleek appearance, free from visual clutter.
The device’s 7th-generation under-display camera (UDC) further enhances its beauty, removing unsightly notches or punch holes. The edge-to-edge screen dominates the front of the device, delivering an immersive viewing experience. Whether the display is active or turned off, its symmetrical design stands as a testament to modern engineering.
Color options for the Z70 Ultra also highlight its premium positioning. The classic black and gold variants ooze sophistication without being flashy, while the Starry Night Edition elevates the phone to a work of art. Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s iconic painting, this version transforms the device into an artistic statement for users who value creativity and individuality.
However, the rear-camera design may spark debate. Instead of grouping the sensors together like most smartphones, nubia adopts a scattered layout reminiscent of vintage film cameras. While this design choice lends a unique and nostalgic touch, some users may find it less organized compared to traditional setups. Nonetheless, the design remains bold and distinctive.
Display: Immersive Edge-to-Edge Excellence
The nubia Z70 Ultra’s 6.85-inch AMOLED display is nothing short of breathtaking. Featuring a 144Hz refresh rate and 2000 nits peak brightness, it delivers vivid colors, crisp visuals, and buttery-smooth interactions. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or scrolling through content, the display ensures an immersive and enjoyable experience.
What truly sets the Z70 Ultra apart, however, is its under-display camera (UDC). While previous implementations of this technology often resulted in noticeable compromises, nubia’s 7th-generation UDC is nearly invisible. Unless you actively search for it, the camera blends seamlessly into the screen, preserving its uninterrupted beauty.
The display also incorporates 2592Hz PWM dimming, which reduces eye strain during prolonged use. This thoughtful feature makes the Z70 Ultra an excellent choice for users who spend hours staring at their phones, whether for work, entertainment, or social media.
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Sets the Standard
At the heart of the nubia Z70 Ultra lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, one of the most powerful mobile chipsets available. Paired with 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage in the Starry Night Edition, the Z70 Ultra delivers exceptional performance across the board.
From multitasking and gaming to handling demanding AI-driven tasks, the phone performs flawlessly. Whether you’re editing photos, translating calls in real-time, or running graphic-intensive games, the Z70 Ultra handles it all with ease. While it lacks the extreme cooling systems found in dedicated gaming phones, it manages heat efficiently, ensuring a smooth experience without uncomfortable overheating.
The combination of hardware and software optimizations also makes the Z70 Ultra well-suited for AI tasks. Features like real-time call translation, live captions, and AI-enhanced photography demonstrate the device’s capabilities, ensuring it remains future-proof in an AI-driven world.
Camera: A Unique Setup with Impressive Results
Cameras have become one of the defining features of modern smartphones, and the nubia Z70 Ultra doesn’t disappoint. Its 50MP main sensor features a 35mm variable aperture lens that can adjust between f/1.59 and f/4.0 in 9 steps. This biomimetic design mimics the human eye’s iris, allowing for precise light control and natural depth-of-field effects. Whether shooting in bright daylight or low light, the main camera delivers detailed, well-balanced images.
Complementing the main sensor are two additional cameras:
- A 64MP periscope telephoto lens with a 70mm focal length for crisp zoomed-in shots.
- A 50MP ultra-wide lens with a 13mm equivalent focal length for expansive, distortion-free shots.
Together, this trio delivers a versatile and powerful photography experience, capturing stunning images across various scenarios. AI enhancements further optimize shots, adding clarity, dynamic range, and color accuracy.
On the front, the 16MP under-display camera showcases nubia’s commitment to innovation. While early versions of UDC technology struggled with image quality, the Z70 Ultra’s front camera delivers respectable results, proving that invisible cameras are finally ready for mainstream use.
Battery: Long-Lasting Power with Fast Charging
Powering the Z70 Ultra is a massive 6150mAh battery, one of the largest capacities available in a flagship phone. This ensures all-day usage, even for power users who rely on their devices for gaming, streaming, and productivity. Whether you’re traveling or tackling a busy day, the Z70 Ultra’s battery life won’t let you down.
When it’s time to recharge, the phone supports 80W fast charging, allowing you to top up the battery quickly. However, the absence of wireless charging is a notable drawback, especially for a device in this price range. Wireless charging has become a standard feature in flagship phones, and its omission feels like a missed opportunity.
Durability: Built to Withstand the Elements
One of the Z70 Ultra’s standout features is its IP69 certification, a rarity in smartphones. In addition to the standard IP68 dust and water resistance, the phone can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water sprays—up to 80°C and 100 bar. This makes the Z70 Ultra exceptionally durable, capable of surviving harsh environments where most phones would fail.
While nubia doesn’t emphasize sustainability in its material choices, the device’s durability ensures it can withstand years of use, reducing electronic waste in the long run.
Value: A Flagship Experience at a Competitive Price
Starting at €849,00, the nubia Z70 Ultra offers nice value for its premium design, flagship performance, and innovative features. While availability may be limited in certain regions, the phone stands as a compelling alternative to more mainstream brands like Samsung, Apple, and OnePlus.
The Starry Night Edition adds an artistic flair, appealing to users who view their smartphones as creative expressions. For those seeking both beauty and power, the Z70 Ultra delivers an unparalleled experience.
Verdict: A Modern Masterpiece for Discerning Users
The nubia Z70 Ultra is more than just a smartphone—it’s a statement piece. By blending minimalist design, flagship performance, and innovative features like the under-display camera and IP69 durability, nubia has created a device that stands out in a crowded market.
Its edge-to-edge AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and versatile camera setup ensure top-tier performance for users who demand the best. While minor drawbacks like the lack of wireless charging may disappoint some, the Z70 Ultra’s strengths far outweigh its limitations.
For users who appreciate elegance, innovation, and power, the nubia Z70 Ultra is a flagship worth considering. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a creative individual, or someone who values durability and performance, this phone delivers on all fronts.
