ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra

Reviewing the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra: A Powerful Statement, If You Can Handle the Heft

I've spent the past couple of weeks putting the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra through its paces, and I have to say, it's a phone that leaves a lasting impression – and not just because of its sheer size. At a price point that sits comfortably in the premium mid-range, it's clearly targeting users who want flagship-level performance and features without necessarily breaking the bank. After some thorough testing across various scenarios, I've got some clear thoughts on who this phone is for, and perhaps more importantly, who it isn't.

Market Context: Standing Out in a Crowded Field

The nubia brand, while perhaps not a household name in the West like Samsung or Apple, has been consistently pushing boundaries with its hardware, often offering unique features and aggressive pricing. The Z60 Ultra feels like a culmination of that ambition. In a market saturated with similar-looking slabs, ZTE has opted for a design that, while undeniably substantial, feels deliberately different. Their strategy seems to be about delivering raw power and cutting-edge camera tech at a price that undercuts some of the established giants. My personal take is that this phone is for the enthusiast – someone who appreciates the intricacies of smartphone hardware and isn't afraid of a little bulk in exchange for serious performance. The price point, while not cheap, feels justified considering the internal specifications.

Design & Hardware: A Tank with a View

Picking up the nubia Z60 Ultra for the first time is… an experience. Let's be frank, this thing has a bit of a heft to it at 246 grams. It's noticeable, especially if you're coming from a lighter device. My initial reaction was similar to the provided human review – a definite "wow, that's heavy." However, like they mentioned, that weight translates to a feeling of undeniable solidity. This doesn't feel like a fragile piece of tech. The materials feel premium, the metal frame is reassuringly rigid, and the overall build quality is excellent. While I wouldn't go throwing it around to test its durability, it certainly inspires confidence in its ability to withstand daily wear and tear. The sheer size, thanks to the expansive 6.8-inch display, means one-handed operation is a near impossibility for me. It's a two-handed device through and through. It’s definitely more function over pure elegance in terms of design language, but that solid, almost industrial feel has a certain appeal.

Display: Immersive and Vibrant

That massive 6.8-inch AMOLED display is undoubtedly one of the Z60 Ultra's highlights. Firing it up, you're immediately greeted with vibrant colors and deep blacks. In my testing, brightness has been excellent, even under direct sunlight, making outdoor visibility a non-issue. Media consumption on this screen is a treat. Watching videos and movies is genuinely immersive, the colors pop, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling buttery smooth. Gaming also benefits significantly from this display; fast-paced action feels fluid and responsive. For daily use, browsing, reading, and general navigation are all a pleasure on this expansive canvas. While the under-display camera is a neat piece of tech, and ZTE's implementation is one of the better ones I've seen, it's still not completely invisible and can sometimes be noticeable on bright backgrounds.

Performance: A True Flagship Experience

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 lives up to the hype. In my real-world testing, the Z60 Ultra absolutely flies through everything you throw at it. Demanding games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile run at maximum settings without a stutter. Long gaming sessions were smooth and enjoyable, with no noticeable frame drops or performance throttling. Multitasking is equally impressive. Switching between a dozen apps, including resource-intensive ones, is seamless and instantaneous. The phone simply doesn't break a sweat. Temperature management is also commendable. While the phone does get warm during extended gaming, it never reaches uncomfortable levels. There are no notable quirks in performance; it simply delivers a top-tier Android experience. It’s clear ZTE prioritized raw power with this device, and it shows.

Camera System: Capturing the Details

The camera system on the nubia Z60 Ultra is a standout feature, and it’s one I was particularly eager to test. The main 50MP camera, with its large sensor, captures incredibly detailed shots with excellent dynamic range. As the user review mentioned, sunset photos come out looking fantastic, preserving the rich colors and subtle gradations in light that many other phones struggle with. The 50MP ultrawide is also impressive, offering a wide field of view without significant distortion at the edges. Having both a capable main and ultrawide lens gives you a lot of creative flexibility. The 64MP periscope telephoto lens is a welcome addition, providing a useful 3x optical zoom for getting closer to your subject without sacrificing too much detail. Video recording capabilities are also top-notch, with support for 8K video, although the file sizes are indeed substantial. 4K recording at 60fps is smooth and detailed, and the electronic image stabilization (EIS) does a decent job of smoothing out handheld footage. Compared to other phones in this price range, the Z60 Ultra holds its own, particularly in daylight photography. The under-display selfie camera, while innovative, is the one area where it falls slightly behind. While good enough for video calls and casual selfies, it lacks the sharpness and detail of traditional front-facing cameras. In real-world usage, the camera system is versatile and capable, making it a strong selling point for this phone.

Battery & Charging: Powering Through the Day

Battery life is an area where the nubia Z60 Ultra truly shines. That massive 6000mAh battery is a powerhouse. In my testing, even with heavy daily usage – including multiple hours of gaming, social media browsing, and video streaming – I consistently made it through a full day with battery to spare. For more moderate users, getting well into a second day on a single charge is entirely achievable. When you do eventually need to top up, the 80W fast charging is a lifesaver. It rapidly replenishes the battery, going from near empty to a significant charge in a remarkably short amount of time. While the lack of wireless charging is a minor omission, the speed of the wired charging more than compensates for it in my experience. The power management seems efficient, contributing to the impressive overall battery endurance.

Software: Clean and Functional

The nubia Z60 Ultra runs on Android 14 with ZTE's MyOS skin on top. My experience with the software has been generally positive. The interface is relatively clean and uncluttered, feeling close to stock Android in many ways, as noted in the user feedback. The pre-installed apps are minimal, avoiding unnecessary bloatware. The features included are generally useful and don't feel tacked on. While ZTE’s update policy promises up to 3 years of updates, the speed and consistency of these updates remain to be seen over the long term. For daily usage, the software is responsive and intuitive, contributing to a smooth user experience.

Value Analysis: A Powerful Proposition

Analyzing the value proposition of the nubia Z60 Ultra requires considering its strengths and weaknesses. The raw performance, impressive display, and versatile camera system are significant positives. The exceptional battery life and fast charging are also major selling points. However, the sheer size and weight might be a drawback for some users. The under-display selfie camera, while technologically interesting, isn't the best in class. For the asking price, you're getting a phone that punches well above its weight in terms of performance and key features. I believe this phone is ideal for power users, mobile gamers, and photography enthusiasts who prioritize performance and camera capabilities over ultra-slim design and the absolute best selfie experience. Those with smaller hands or who prefer a more pocketable device might want to look elsewhere. In a competitive market, the nubia Z60 Ultra offers a compelling alternative to more expensive flagship devices, delivering a lot of bang for your buck.

Conclusion: A Bold Choice for Power Users

The ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is a powerful and capable smartphone that makes a strong statement. It's not afraid to be a bit bulky in its pursuit of performance and features. While it might not be the most elegant or pocket-friendly device, it compensates with a stunning display, top-tier performance, a versatile camera system, and exceptional battery life. My recommendation is clear: if you're a serious phone user who prioritizes raw power, enjoys mobile gaming, or needs a reliable camera system, and you don't mind the substantial size, the nubia Z60 Ultra is definitely worth considering. It offers flagship-level performance and features at a more accessible price point, making it a compelling option in today's smartphone market. Just make sure you've got a good grip!