10 Best ZTE Smartphones in 2024

ZTE may not be a household name in many countries, but did you know that several of its phones are available globally? Models like the ZTE Blade A72, ZTE Blade A53 Pro, and ZTE Blade A54 have reached various markets. While the Blade series may not be the most well-known, ZTE has a lot more to offer in terms of quality and innovation.

ZTE is actually better known for its network products, but in China, they have several phones that are high in quality. Some of these can even compete with popular brands like Huawei and OPPO.

ZTE also owns a sub-brand called nubia. Nubia phones are produced by Nubia Technology, which ZTE owns 49.9% of, making the two brands closely connected.

In this article, we’ll focus on the best ZTE phones. If you’re interested in nubia phones, check out our other article below:

Now, let’s take a look at the list of the best ZTE phones released in China and around the world.

1. ZTE Axon 60 Ultra

ZTE Axon 60 Ultra is known for its exceptional performance, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, allowing it to handle games with ray tracing effortlessly. It has ultra-fast UFS 4.0 internal storage that goes up to 512 GB. With 12 GB of RAM, multitasking is a breeze, and its sleek, unique design sets it apart from the competition.

Its IP68 rating provides protection against dust and water. On the back, there are two powerful 50 MP cameras, one of which is a telephoto lens designed for long-distance photography.

The phone records 8K video at 30 FPS, which works well for professional-level filming. Its stereo speakers, powered by Snapdragon Sound, produce great audio quality. The large, bright AMOLED display offers an extremely sharp resolution, providing an above-average visual experience.

Its 6,000 mAh battery lasts a long time, and with 80W fast charging, you can recharge it quickly. The phone supports full connectivity, including NFC, infrared, and Wi-Fi 6, and is equipped with a variety of sensors, including dual satellite BDS for emergency SOS services.

On the downside, the ZTE Axon 60 Ultra is only available in one color, black. Its front camera is somewhat limited in features, and it lacks an ultrawide camera, which is unusual for a flagship model.

2. ZTE Axon 50 Ultra

ZTE Axon 50 Ultra delivers high performance with its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, which remains relevant despite being a bit older. Its bright AMOLED display can show 1 billion colors, and the 144 Hz refresh rate makes transitions on the screen smooth and responsive.

The phone features both telephoto and ultrawide cameras that make it versatile for photography in various situations. It also supports 8K video recording at 30 FPS.

The device has IP54 protection, offering dust and splash water resistance. With a 5,000 mAh battery, the Axon 50 Ultra provides decent battery life.

It includes a USB-C 3.1 charging port for fast data transfer and supports 80W fast charging, making it one of the quickest options in its price range. Additionally, the phone can send emergency messages via satellite.

On the downside, while IP54 is useful, it’s not quite what you would expect in a flagship, as IP68 would offer better protection, especially in water depths of up to 1.5 meters.

It also lacks a 3.5 mm audio jack and doesn't support memory expansion with a microSD slot. The front camera doesn’t have autofocus, nor does it record video in 4K or at 60 FPS.

3. ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition

ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition features a ceramic body with an aluminum frame, which adds both durability and style. Its super-bright AMOLED screen reaches 1,500 nits and displays 1 billion colors, perfect for watching videos. The large 6.8-inch display is great for group viewing.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, this phone performs well, despite the chipset being older. It comes with up to 1 TB of internal memory and 18 GB of RAM, providing ample space for apps and games.

The front camera is hidden beneath the screen to keep the display free from distractions. The three 64 MP cameras on the back include telephoto and ultrawide periscope lenses, which offer versatile photography options.

It supports stable video recording up to 8K resolution at 30 FPS. The stereo speakers produce rich sound, and the USB-C 3.1 port ensures fast data transfer. The 5,000 mAh battery lasts all day, with 80W fast charging minimizing downtime.

However, the phone lacks dust and water resistance certification, and there's no wireless charging option. The front camera is limited to 1080p at 30 FPS for video recording.

4. ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G

ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G is built for professional gamers with its 144 Hz refresh rate on an HDR-certified AMOLED display, ideal for viewing dynamic content. The Snapdragon 888 chipset ensures fast performance. The phone’s durable build is supported by a Gorilla Glass 5 back and a metal frame.

It features four functional cameras, including a telephoto periscope with OIS, which allows for excellent long-distance shots. The front camera supports 4K video recording.

The phone includes a USB-C 3.1 port for fast charging and data transfer. Although the 4,600 mAh battery is not the largest, it lasts throughout the day and charges quickly with 65W fast charging.

However, the phone lacks an IP Rating for water resistance, and the front camera doesn't support 60 FPS video recording. The Snapdragon 888, though fast, tends to overheat and doesn’t compete well with newer flagship chips like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

5. ZTE Axon 40 Pro

ZTE Axon 40 Pro shows fast performance with the Snapdragon 870. Its bright AMOLED screen supports 1 billion colors, and the 144 Hz refresh rate provides a smooth experience, especially for gaming.

The phone comes with a complete camera setup, including a 108 MP main sensor and an 8 MP ultrawide lens, ideal for capturing wide field-of-view shots. It's also well-suited for content creation as it provides 4K recording at 60 FPS. The front camera is capable of recording vlogs in 4K at 30 FPS.

The stereo speakers produce clear and detailed sound to enhance the multimedia experience. With a 5,000 mAh battery, the phone can easily last through a full day of intense use, and the 65W fast charging feature shortens the time needed to recharge. The USB-C 3.1 port supports OTG, adding extra convenience.

However, the phone’s refresh rate adaptivity is not as advanced due to the lack of LTPO AMOLED technology. Additionally, the Snapdragon 870 is not as competitive in the flagship price range. Released with Android 12, the update period may be shorter compared to newer flagship phones.

6. ZTE Axon 30 Pro 5G

ZTE Axon 30 Pro 5G features a premium design with thin bezels around the screen. Its AMOLED display enhances the content viewing experience, while the Gorilla Glass 5 protects the screen from cracks caused by accidental bumps. Powered by the Snapdragon 888, the phone offers top-tier performance.

It comes with dual 64 MP cameras for wide-angle and ultrawide shots, making it versatile for photography. The phone supports 4K video recording at 60 FPS to deliver a great videography experience.

The front camera also records at 4K resolution with 30 FPS. The device includes Wi-Fi 6 and NFC, allowing fast internet access and easy eMoney balance top-ups. A USB-C 3.1 port is available, and 55W fast charging helps recharge the battery quickly.

On the downside, the battery capacity is only 4,200 mAh. The phone lacks a telephoto camera for long-distance shots, doesn’t support wireless charging, and doesn’t come with stereo speakers. The Snapdragon 888 chipset is prone to heating up during heavy use.

7. ZTE Axon 30S

ZTE Axon 30S comes with a large 6.92-inch AMOLED display that's perfect for movie nights. Powered by the Snapdragon 870, the phone provides excellent performance, especially for gaming.

It features a Quad Camera setup with a 64 MP main sensor and an 8 MP ultrawide lens. It can record videos in 4K resolution at 60 FPS and supports Gyro EIS stabilization for smoother footage.

The front camera is hidden under the display, maintaining a clean screen appearance. The phone also includes Wi-Fi 6 and 5G connectivity, ensuring fast and stable internet access.

However, the phone lacks stereo speakers, a 3.5 mm audio port, and a telephoto camera. The front camera doesn’t have autofocus and is limited to 1080p at 30 FPS recording. Additionally, it doesn’t support wireless charging and has no IP rating for water and dust resistance.

8. ZTE Axon 30 5G

ZTE Axon 30 5G offers a large, immersive 6.92-inch display, with the front camera cleverly tucked beneath the screen to provide an uninterrupted viewing experience.

The vibrant AMOLED panel, coupled with a 120 Hz refresh rate, delivers smooth visuals. Equipped with a 64 MP main camera and an ultrawide lens, it’s ready for a range of photography needs, while 4K video recording at 60 FPS ensures high-quality footage.

The sleek design adds a premium touch, and Wi-Fi 6 keeps internet connections fast and stable. The USB-C 3.0 port enables quick data transfers, and the 65W fast charging ensures the battery is topped up in no time.

On the downside, it lacks stereo speakers, and the polycarbonate plastic back doesn’t quite match the premium feel of its design. The 4,200 mAh battery is somewhat limited, and there’s no wireless charging option.

9. ZTE S30 Pro

ZTE S30 Pro offers a smooth gaming experience with its 144 Hz refresh rate. Its AMOLED display delivers vibrant colors, and the Snapdragon 768 5G provides fast performance for a mid-range phone.

The camera setup includes wide-angle and ultrawide sensors, making it versatile for photography. The phone supports 4K video recording at 60 FPS and features stabilization for steady videos.

The 44 MP front camera ensures bright and detailed selfies, and it can also record 4K resolution vlogs. Fast charging at 55 watts reduces downtime when recharging.

However, the phone lacks a 3.5 mm audio port and stereo speakers. The battery capacity is below average, and it doesn’t include an NFC feature.

10. ZTE Axon 20 5G

ZTE Axon 20 5G features a minimalist, aesthetically pleasing rear design. Its super-large 6.92-inch screen is perfect for watching videos with friends. The immersive display, free from front camera cutouts, uses an under-display camera. The OLED panel supports 1 billion colors, providing smooth color gradation.

With 12 GB of RAM, the phone handles multitasking comfortably. It comes with a 64 MP main camera and an ultrawide sensor on the back, and the rear camera can record 4K videos at 60 FPS.

The phone is also equipped with NFC for easy digital transactions, and the Snapdragon 765 5G chipset delivers fast performance for productivity and entertainment.

On the downside, the phone lacks stereo speakers and a 3.5 mm audio port. The 4,220 mAh battery provides only standard battery life, and the 30-watt fast charging falls short compared to other mid-range options. Additionally, it only supports a 90 Hz refresh rate, with no 120 Hz option.