ZTE nubia Z50S Pro

ZTE nubia Z50S Pro Review: A Powerhouse with Personality

I've spent the last few weeks putting the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro through its paces, and it's certainly a device that leaves an impression. At a price point that puts it firmly in the competitive mid-to-upper tier, this phone aims to deliver flagship performance without the flagship price tag. My testing involved everything from demanding gaming sessions and heavy multitasking to everyday photography and media consumption. My initial impression is that ZTE has packed a serious punch into this phone, though it comes with a few quirks that might not appeal to everyone.

Market Context: Aiming for the Performance Crown

The nubia brand, while not always the first name that comes to mind in the West, has consistently produced phones that prioritize performance and cutting-edge features. With the Z50S Pro, ZTE seems to be doubling down on this strategy, directly targeting users who value raw power and a high-quality visual experience. In a market saturated with options, the Z50S Pro attempts to stand out by offering a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 at a more accessible price than some of its direct competitors. From my perspective, this is a smart move, as there's a definite demand for phones that can handle demanding tasks without breaking the bank. The pricing feels competitive for the internal specifications, but whether it can truly carve out a space for itself will depend on how well the overall package comes together.

Design & Hardware: A Bold Statement, If a Bit Bulky

Picking up the nubia Z50S Pro, the first thing you notice is its size. This is not a small phone. The expansive 6.8-inch display contributes to its overall footprint, and at 228 grams, it definitely has some heft. In my hand, it feels substantial, almost bordering on weighty. While the sleek lines and available color options (I tested the classic black) lend a premium feel, the sheer size can make one-handed operation a bit of a stretch. The build quality feels solid, though I'd always recommend a good case for peace of mind, especially given the glass back. The materials used exude a sense of quality, and the phone feels well-put-together, suggesting good durability for everyday use. However, it's worth noting the lack of official IP rating for water and dust resistance, which is a consideration for some users.

Display: Immersive and Vibrant

The 6.8-inch AMOLED display on the nubia Z50S Pro is undoubtedly one of its standout features. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations incredibly smooth, a noticeable upgrade from standard 60Hz panels. I found the brightness to be more than adequate even under direct sunlight, making outdoor use a breeze. Media consumption on this display is a real treat; the colors are vibrant and punchy, perhaps even a touch oversaturated for some, but undeniably eye-catching. The 1260 x 2800 resolution delivers crisp and clear visuals, making everything from browsing photos to watching high-definition videos a pleasure. Gaming also benefits greatly from this display; fast-paced action looks fluid, and the colors enhance the overall immersive experience. For daily use, the large, high-quality screen makes reading and navigating a comfortable experience.

Performance: A True Powerhouse Unleashed

Under the hood, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro packs a serious punch with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 chipset. My testing confirmed that this phone is a performance beast. Gaming sessions, even with graphically demanding titles, were buttery smooth with no noticeable lag or frame drops. I threw everything from fast-paced shooters to resource-intensive RPGs at it, and the Z50S Pro handled it all with aplomb. Multitasking was equally seamless; switching between numerous apps was instantaneous, and the phone never felt bogged down, even with several demanding applications running in the background. Temperature management is also commendable. While the phone does get warm during intense gaming sessions, it doesn't reach uncomfortable levels, suggesting an efficient cooling system is at play. In my experience, the performance of the Z50S Pro is truly flagship-level, making it a compelling option for power users and gamers.

Camera System: Versatility with a Few Quirks

The camera system on the nubia Z50S Pro is an interesting mix of impressive hardware and sometimes unpredictable software processing. The main 50MP camera, utilizing the Sony IMX800 sensor, consistently produced sharp and vibrant images, especially in well-lit conditions. Details are well-preserved, and the colors are generally accurate, although, as mentioned before, the overall color profile of the phone tends towards vibrancy. The dedicated 8MP telephoto lens, while useful for bringing distant subjects closer, does show some limitations in low-light situations, producing images that can be a bit soft. However, the 50MP ultrawide lens is a strong performer, capturing expansive scenes with good detail and minimal distortion. The inclusion of a 35mm equivalent main lens is a thoughtful touch, offering a more natural perspective for portraits and everyday snapshots, avoiding the warping that can sometimes occur with wider lenses. While I was generally pleased with the image quality, I did encounter instances where the software processing seemed to over-sharpen or apply unexpected color adjustments, leading to some slightly artificial-looking results. Video recording capabilities are robust, with support for up to 8K at 30fps, though I primarily stuck with 4K for practical purposes. Electronic image stabilization (EIS) helps to keep footage relatively smooth. Compared to other phones in this price range, the Z50S Pro’s camera system offers a lot of versatility, but the software could benefit from some refinement.

Battery & Charging: Endurance for the Long Haul

Battery life is a crucial factor for any smartphone, and the nubia Z50S Pro's 5100mAh battery generally delivers solid all-day performance. In my typical usage, which includes browsing, social media, some gaming, and photography, I consistently made it through a full day without needing to reach for the charger. For heavier users, a top-up might be necessary in the evening, but overall, the endurance is commendable. When it comes to charging, the included 80W fast charger is a lifesaver. It can rapidly replenish the battery, getting you back up and running in a relatively short amount of time. However, the omission of wireless charging is a notable absence, especially in this price category, and it’s a feature I personally appreciate. The power management seems efficient, contributing to the phone's overall good battery performance.

Software: Functional but Can Feel Heavy

The nubia Z50S Pro runs on Android 13 with ZTE's custom MyOS skin on top. While it offers a range of features and customization options, I found the interface to occasionally feel a bit cluttered and less refined than some other Android skins. Navigating the UI is generally smooth, but there are moments where the visual design feels a bit overwhelming. The under-display fingerprint sensor is responsive and reliable, which is always a plus for convenience and security. All the standard sensors are present and function as expected. Connectivity is excellent, with support for the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, ensuring fast and stable connections. While the software is functional and provides access to all the standard Android features, it's an area where ZTE could perhaps streamline and refine the user experience.

Value Analysis: Power at a Compelling Price

The ZTE nubia Z50S Pro presents a compelling value proposition for users who prioritize raw performance and a high-quality display. At its price point, it offers specifications that rival more expensive flagship devices. If you're a gamer or a power user who demands top-tier performance without wanting to pay a premium, this phone is definitely worth considering. The excellent display further enhances its appeal for media consumption and gaming. However, those who prefer a more compact device or a cleaner, more minimalist software experience might find the size and the MyOS skin less appealing. Compared to competitors, the Z50S Pro stands out for its performance, but it might lag slightly behind in areas like camera software refinement and overall software polish.

Conclusion: A Powerful Contender with a Few Rough Edges

Overall, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is a seriously powerful phone that delivers on its promise of flagship-level performance. The stunning display, coupled with the potent Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2, makes it a joy to use for demanding tasks and immersive entertainment. While the camera system offers versatility, the software processing could use some refinement. The phone's size and the sometimes-heavy feeling of the custom UI are factors to consider. However, if you're looking for a high-performing device that won't break the bank and you don't mind a larger form factor, the nubia Z50S Pro is definitely worth a look. It's a phone that caters to a specific audience – those who value raw power above all else – and for that audience, it delivers admirably.