• Nubia Z60 Ultra

    Nubia Z60 Ultra Review: A Spectacular Finale to 2023’s Phones

    Daven Klarsen Posted on

    Nubia has consistently stood out with its innovative designs and unique features. The Nubia Z60 Ultra, touted as the final flexure phone of 2023, enters the scene with promises of exceptional performance, distinctive design, and groundbreaking camera capabilities. As we bid farewell to 2023 and usher in the new year, let’s delve into the details of this smartphone and see if it lives up to the high expectations set by its predecessors.

    Design and Build:

    Nubia phones, particularly the Red Magic series, have gained a reputation for their eye-catching designs. The Z60 Ultra continues this trend with its super-square design, reminiscent of its predecessors like the Z50 Ultra. The Al slider, conveniently positioned below the power button, adds to the ease of use. However, the persistent camera bump remains a drawback.

    The “Starry Night” colorway, inspired by a famous painting, adds a touch of elegance to the device. While the phone maintains its IP68 rating, indicative of water and dust resistance common in 2023’s foldable phones, its size and weight might be a concern for some users. Nevertheless, the impressive battery life compensates for these drawbacks, making it a fair trade-off.

    Display:

    The display of the Nubia Z60 Ultra may not boast groundbreaking specifications, but it earns praise for its straight and complete design. The under-display camera contributes to the impressive full-screen experience, offering a display that stands out among its competitors. While the impact of the screen may not be immediately noticeable, it undoubtedly plays a crucial role in distinguishing Nubia’s flexure phones from others in the market.

    Battery Life and Charging:

    The standout feature of the Nubia Z60 Ultra is undoubtedly its massive 6,000mAh battery, setting a new standard for non-gaming smartphones. During testing, the phone exhibited unparalleled longevity, easily enduring various tasks, including unboxing, gaming, camera usage, and benchmark tests, without requiring a recharge. This exceptional endurance places the Z60 Ultra among the top performers in terms of battery life.

    However, the charging capabilities of the device do not match the grandeur of its battery. With an 80W charging capacity and the absence of wireless charging, Nubia seems to have made a conscious decision to balance the massive battery size. While the charging speed may not be groundbreaking, the extended battery life compensates for this limitation, especially for users who prioritize longevity over quick top-ups.

    Camera System:

    The camera system of the Nubia Z60 Ultra is a mixed bag, offering some remarkable features alongside a few shortcomings. The main camera, featuring a 35mm lens, stands out for its sharpness and shallow depth of field. The absence of a sharpening algorithm enhances the authenticity of the photos, creating a DSLR-like effect. Despite excelling in photography, the main camera’s video performance takes a hit due to cropping during footage stabilization.

    The ultra-wide camera steals the spotlight with its 18mm lens and autofocus capabilities, enabling impressive macro photography. The inclusion of optical image stabilization (OIS) ensures excellent image quality even in low-light conditions. However, the telephoto camera falls short in certain scenarios, particularly in macro photography, where its over 60cm focusing distance limits its functionality. The strong sharpening algorithm further hampers its performance, resulting in a subpar rating.

    Video enthusiasts will appreciate the support for 4K 120FPS recording across all three cameras. However, the inability to switch between cameras during 4K recording may be a drawback for some users.

    Performance and Gaming:

    Nubia, known for its gaming-centric Red Magic series, has infused gaming features into the Z60 Ultra, making it a formidable choice for gaming enthusiasts. Despite not being marketed as a gaming phone, the Z60 Ultra shares several features with its gaming-oriented sibling, the Red Magic 9 Pro. The large, perfectly straight screen enhances the gaming experience, offering a visual feast for users.

    While the CPU throttle test scores may not rival those of the K70 Pro, the Z60 Ultra excels in both maximum and average performance. A closer look at the performance graph reveals a steady and impressive output, even with slightly higher power consumption and temperature levels. The absence of a built-in fan, a signature feature of Red Magic phones, does not diminish the Z60 Ultra’s gaming prowess.

    Pros:

    • Exceptional Battery Life: The standout feature of the Z60 Ultra is its massive 6,000mAh battery, providing unparalleled longevity. It outshines competitors and ensures prolonged usage without the need for frequent recharging.
    • Unique Design: Nubia’s signature super-square design, coupled with the Al slider conveniently placed below the power button, gives the Z60 Ultra a distinctive and stylish appearance. The “Starry Night” colorway adds a touch of elegance.
    • Innovative Camera System: The 35mm main camera delivers incredibly sharp photos with a DSLR-like shallow depth of field. The ultra-wide camera with autofocus stands out, enabling impressive macro photography. The inclusion of OIS ensures excellent image quality in various lighting conditions.
    • Gaming Features: Despite not being marketed as a gaming phone, the Z60 Ultra shares gaming features with its Red Magic counterparts. The large, perfectly straight screen enhances the gaming experience, making it a great choice for gaming enthusiasts.
    • Full Straight Screen: The under-display camera contributes to a full straight screen design, providing an immersive and impressive display. The design choice distinguishes the Z60 Ultra from other foldable phones in the market.
    • Competitive Pricing: Considering its unique features, the Nubia Z60 Ultra offers good value for money. Its pricing makes it an attractive option for users looking for a device with extended battery life, innovative design, and gaming capabilities.

    Cons:

    • Size and Weight: The Z60 Ultra’s large size and weight might be a drawback for users seeking a more compact device. This could impact the phone’s portability and appeal to those who prefer smaller form factors.
    • Camera Bump: The persistent camera bump remains a downside, affecting the phone’s aesthetics and potentially causing inconvenience when placed on flat surfaces.
    • Limited Telephoto Camera Functionality: The telephoto camera’s over 60cm focusing distance limits its functionality, especially in macro photography. The strong sharpening algorithm further hampers its performance, resulting in a subpar rating.
    • Charging Capabilities: While the Z60 Ultra boasts a massive battery, its charging capabilities might not match the expectations of users seeking fast charging. With an 80W capacity and the absence of wireless charging, charging speeds may seem relatively slower.
    • Video Performance Limitations: Despite excelling in photography, the Z60 Ultra’s main camera struggles with video recording due to cropping during footage stabilization. Users who prioritize video recording might find this limitation noteworthy.
    • Lack of Wireless Charging: The absence of wireless charging, a feature commonly found in many smartphones, might disappoint users who have grown accustomed to the convenience of cable-free charging.

    Reasons to Buy Nubia Z60 Ultra:

    Extended Battery Life: If battery life is a top priority, the Z60 Ultra’s massive 6,000mAh battery makes it an ideal choice, providing long-lasting usage without frequent recharging.

    Innovative Camera System: Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the unique features of the camera system, including the 35mm main camera and the ultra-wide camera with autofocus for impressive macro photography.

    Gaming Experience: The Z60 Ultra offers a robust gaming experience with features borrowed from the Red Magic series, making it a suitable choice for gaming enthusiasts.

    Distinctive Design: The super-square design, Al slider, and the “Starry Night” colorway contribute to a stylish and distinctive appearance, setting the Z60 Ultra apart from other smartphones.

    Competitive Pricing: With its unique features and capabilities, the Z60 Ultra provides good value for money, making it an attractive option for users looking for a well-rounded device without breaking the bank.

    Immersive Display: The full straight screen, coupled with the under-display camera, enhances the immersive display experience, providing users with a visually appealing and modern design.

     

    Conclusion:

    The Nubia Z60 Ultra emerges as a strong contender in the competitive landscape of foldable phones. Its unique combination of features, including a 35mm main camera, a full straight screen, and a massive 6,000mAh battery, sets it apart from the crowd. For those who prioritize battery life, photography, and gaming, the Z60 Ultra offers a compelling package.

    However, the phone is not without its drawbacks. Its size and weight may deter users seeking a more compact device, and the absence of wireless charging might disappoint those accustomed to the convenience of cable-free power-ups. The camera system, while impressive in certain aspects, has its limitations, especially with the telephoto camera.

    In conclusion, the Nubia Z60 Ultra caters to a specific audience – one that values longevity, innovative design, and a robust gaming experience. For users who can overlook its minor shortcomings, the Z60 Ultra stands as a testament to Nubia’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology. As we bid farewell to 2023, the Nubia Z60 Ultra marks a captivating curtain call for flexure phones, leaving us eagerly anticipating what innovations the future holds in the ever-evolving world of smartphones.

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    Daven Klarsen
    Daven Klarsen is a technology writer and researcher. He's also an avid sports fan, especially when it comes to the LAL. When not working, you can usually find him tweaking his Android devices or watching soccer news.
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