Flagship Gaming Device
ZTE Nubia Z60 Ultra Review: A Heavy-Duty Flagship Gaming Device
Chinese telecommunication company ZTE’s subsidiary Nubia Technology is a smartphone manufacturing brand, headquartered in Shenzhen. At the closure of 2023, the Smartphone industry witnessed the unveiling of Nubia's latest marvel, the Z60 Ultra. Drawing attention from mobile enthusiasts, it presents qualities in design, screen, photography, performance, and more that have become a focal point of discussion. Released on December 29, 2023, the ZTE Nubia Z60 Ultra proves itself to be an extraordinary device across the board. Now, let's embark on a thorough exploration of this standout device, known as the "Hexagonal Warrior."
Key Features and Specs of Nubia Z60 Ultra
Display
The Nubia Z60 Ultra flaunts an impressive design, measuring 164 mm by 76.4 mm by 8.8 mm and weighing 246g.
This device supports two SIM cards and boasts IP68 dust and water resistance. The back is crafted from a special glass that repels fingerprints, maintaining a clean and polished appearance.
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The rear camera setup, inspired by the universe, not only provides a visually unique layout but also improves grip during intense gaming sessions. The robust aerospace metal middle frame enhances durability, ensuring the phone can withstand accidental drops.
Departing from conventional camera placements, this phone features a flat wide-angle lens on top and a periscope telephoto lens below, challenging design norms for a distinctive look.
Drawing inspiration from Van Gogh's artistry, the Starry Sky edition showcases a mesmerising 3D-layered finish reminiscent of a captivating night sky. It has other colour options, which are black and silver.
While some may appreciate its mature and boxy aesthetic, it's essential to note its 8.78mm thickness and 246g weight, factors to consider for those who prefer lighter devices.
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Display
The Nubia Z60 Ultra presents a distinct design complemented by its standout 6.8-inch AMOLED True Full Screen. Boasting a resolution of 1116 by 2480 pixels with 400 PPI density and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, the bezel-free display provides a visually immersive experience.
Notably, the front-facing camera is cleverly concealed beneath the screen using the UDC Ultra technology, ensuring an uninterrupted surface. The pixels above the camera are a mere 2.8um in size, enhancing the overall display quality.
While not the brightest or most vibrant, the flat and flawless nature of the screen is impressive. This unique design choice, coupled with features like HDR10+, DC dimming, and 10-bit colour depth, adds to the overall appeal of the Nubia Z60 Ultra, creating a device that stands out in the crowd.
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Cameras
With three rear cameras and one hidden under the screen, the Nubia Z60 Ultra offers versatility. The 50 MP (f/1.6) main camera with a 35mm lens ensures sharp photos with a natural bokeh effect. The ultra-wide 50MP (f/1.8) camera, using an 18mm lens, captures a wider field of view, while the 64 MP (f/ 3.3) telephoto camera features an 85mm lens. It achieves 5x optical zoom and 20x hybrid zoom.
The front-facing under-display 12MP camera facilitates unobstructed selfies and video calls, complemented by AI beautification and HDR modes.
The phone's photography features include night mode, portrait mode, and a special Starry Sky mode for capturing the beauty of the night sky. The Z60 Ultra's unconventional approach to camera focal lengths caters to photography enthusiasts, offering a unique perspective in both design and functionality.
The rear sensors can shoot a maximum of 8K video footage at 30fps. Besides, it can capture 4K and 1080p videos at different capacities. The front sensor can capture only 1080p footage at 30fps.
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10 months ago
Asus ROG Phone 8 Review: 2024’s First Flagship Gaming Device
Known for producing top-notch Android gaming phones under the ROG line-up, Asus has distinguished itself by creating purpose-built devices. In this wave, the Asus ROG Phone 8 made its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 on January 8. Let’s take a look at the new features and upgrades in the latest ROG phone.
Key Features and Specs of ROG Phone 8
Design
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro introduces a more conventional design, weighing 225 grams and measuring 163.8mm by 76.8mm by 8.9 mm. With smaller bezels and a thinner 8.9mm profile, it offers a lighter and sleeker form factor.
Retaining AirTriggers on each shoulder, the phone forgoes motorised vents, gaining an IP68 water and dust resistance rating. Practical features like the 3.5mm headphone jack and side-mounted USB-C charging port remain intact.
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While still gaming-centric, the ROG Phone 8 Pro deviates from the bold aesthetics of its predecessors. The rear panel conceals the LED array when turned off, giving it a more ordinary appearance. Even the camera module adopts a simple, slightly raised square section in the top corner.
However, users may find it less striking compared to previous models. The design, seemingly aimed at broader appeal and usability, may risk alienating hardcore ROG Phone enthusiasts who appreciate the uniqueness of older models.
ROG Phone 8 is available in two colour options: Rebel Grey and Phantom Black.
Display
The Asus ROG Phone 8 boasts a 6.78-inch FHD+ (2400 by 1080 pixels) Samsung Flexible AMOLED display. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. With a vivid colour range, it covers 107.37% DCI-P3, 145.65% sRGB, and 103.16% NTSC colour gamuts. This means sharp and vibrant visuals.
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The brightness is impressive, reaching up to 1,600 nits HBM and a peak brightness of 2,500 nits. HDR10 support enhances the viewing experience, providing richer colours and contrast. The display offers a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, with a maximum of 165Hz for supported games, ensuring smooth visuals.
Noteworthy is the Always-On display feature, displaying essential information with tiny icons, like charging status, due to the absence of a thick top bezel. The 10-point multitouch supports glove touch, adding to user convenience.
While some may miss a QHD resolution, the FHD choice is likely a compromise for better power consumption, especially with the phone's higher refresh rate. Overall, the Asus ROG Phone 8's display promises an immersive and dynamic visual experience.
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Cameras
The Asus ROG Phone 8 comes equipped with a powerful rear camera setup for capturing stunning photos and videos. The main rear camera features a Sony IMX 890 50 MP image sensor with a large 1/1.56” sensor size.
Enhancing stability, the main camera incorporates Gimbal OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and Quad Bayer technology, resulting in a 12.5 MP image with a 2 µm large effective pixel size. The wide F1.9 aperture and a 23.8mm equivalent focal length in a 35mm film camera ensure impressive low-light performance and sharp images.
Complementing the main camera is a 13 MP second rear camera with a 120° ultrawide-angle lens and a Free-form lens, providing diverse shooting perspectives. The equivalent focal length is 12.7mm in a 35mm film camera.
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Adding versatility, the third rear camera is a 32 MP lens with f/2.4 aperture, OIS, and 3X optical zoom. Utilising pixel binning technology, the actual output photo is 8 MP, and the equivalent focal length in a 35mm film camera is 65.3mm.
For selfie enthusiasts, the front camera boasts a 32 MP RGBW sensor with pixel binning for 1.4μm size (actual output photo: 8 MP). The equivalent focal length in a 35mm film camera is 22mm, ensuring clear and vibrant self-portraits. Overall, the camera setup on the Asus ROG Phone 8 promises a versatile and high-quality photography experience.
10 months ago