quickutilities – The Nubia Z70S Ultra blends a retro camera-inspired design with modern smartphone features. Its black model, especially paired with the optional camera kit, evokes classic German cameras. The build feels premium, although the faux leather back looks cheaper than expected. Still, it provides a pleasant tactile experience. The phone includes a multi-functional slider switch and a two-stage camera button, highlighting its photography focus. It carries IP68 and IP69 ratings, protecting it against water and dust.
Connectivity options are up to date, featuring Wi-Fi 7 with 6GHz support and 5G Sub-6 networks. Dual nano SIM slots are available, but the device lacks eSIM support. Call quality is solid, though noise cancellation struggles in loud environments. Security features include an optical fingerprint sensor under the display and facial recognition via the front camera. However, the facial unlock is unreliable in low light. The vibration motor provides precise haptic feedback. Running on Android, the Z70S Ultra promises three years of software updates. The extent of major Android version upgrades remains unclear. The packaging, unfortunately, uses mostly plastic, lacking eco-friendly materials.
Camera and Display: Standout Features for Photography Enthusiasts
The Nubia Z70S Ultra shines with its camera system. While the under-display front camera remains nearly invisible, its photo quality is weak and often oversharpened. On the rear, the triple camera setup is powerful and versatile. The main camera features a large OmniVision sensor with improved optical image stabilization. It performs well in daylight and low light. The ultra-wide lens offers good images, though edges appear slightly less sharp. Digital zoom works effectively for moderate distances.
Video recording supports 8K at 30fps and 4K up to 120fps. Stabilization works up to 4K60, ensuring steady footage for creators. The phone’s 6.9-inch AMOLED display delivers a peak HDR brightness of 1,869 nits and a smooth 144Hz refresh rate. Although it is not an LTPO panel, it reduces to 60Hz. A high PWM dimming frequency makes the screen flicker-free, beneficial for sensitive users.
Performance and Battery Life: Powerful but with Thermal Limits
Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and 12GB or 16GB of RAM, the Nubia Z70S Ultra handles daily tasks smoothly. However, benchmark scores lag slightly behind competitors due to thermal throttling. During stress tests, surface temperatures rose up to 54 °C.The device’s 6,600mAh battery offers respectable runtime, though it may fall short of expectations given its size. Speakers produce solid sound but tend to sound hollow at higher volumes. Importantly, unlike earlier models, the camera shows no condensation after prolonged use. This improvement adds to the phone’s reliability during extended photo sessions.
Software and Sustainability: Room for Improvement
The phone uses an Android-based interface and guarantees three years of updates, though major OS upgrades remain uncertain. While software performs well overall, it lacks standout features that differentiate it from competitors. Sustainability is not a focus. The packaging is mostly plastic and fully shrink-wrapped, showing no commitment to eco-friendly materials. This contrasts with growing industry trends toward greener practices.
Conclusion: A Niche Choice for Photography Fans
The Nubia Z70S Ultra appeals to users who value a unique retro design and a strong camera setup. It supports the latest wireless standards but lacks eSIM and sustainability efforts. Thermal and performance issues may concern power users, but photographers will appreciate the camera’s capabilities. Its comprehensive feature set and distinctive style make it an exciting option for a select audience. Future updates could improve software longevity and address environmental concerns. For now, the Z70S Ultra stands out as a premium device designed with photography enthusiasts in mind.
